Intergenerational Spelling Bee Article
Intergenerational Spelling Bee Celebrates its 25th Year
at Upper Merion Area Middle School
In 1985, sixth grade teacher, Lois Nichols, had a vision of hosting an Intergenerational Spelling Bee. Associated with the 59ers senior group from her local church, Mrs. Nichols invited five of them to participate in a spelling bee in her classroom. The day was such a huge success that it quickly caught on with her team teachers Ellen Brown and Ken Hales and became an annual team event. The number of 59ers participants has grown annually. The team added a luncheon, and thus started the official Spelling Bee Team competition. The Spelling Bee is now officially called “The Lois K. Nichols Memorial Spelling Bee”.
Dr. Karen Geller, Lower House Principal, welcomed the senior guests thanking them for attending the 25th Year Celebration of the interactive Spelling Bee. She praised the seniors, parents, students and teachers for continuing the tradition in memory of treasured 6th grade teacher Lois Nichols. Dr, Geller stated that “Our spelling Bee is an exceptional example of our middle school’s partnership with seniors who bring so much positive energy, modeling and support to our students” She then added “bon appétit” and the celebration began.
The day begins with a luncheon and an intergenerational interview session where the children and seniors sit in cozy circles and students ask their new found friends about their life, their school years, about family, hobbies, jobs and experiences? This jovial dialogue continues throughout the luncheon. Afterwards the seniors and sixth graders, officially known as the “The Sixers” move to the auditorium for a friendly competitive Spelling Bee. In twenty-five years the senior have always come out on top!
Twenty-five years later Mrs. Brown and new teachers Jennifer Kelly, Shannon Shulenberger and Allison Andreyko continue this great event. It is their hope that this wonderful tradition will continue for many, many more years to come.
Senior comments:
“These students are so wonderful, I now have renewed faith in the next generation”
“We want to let your students know that just because we are older, doesn’t mean we can’t have fun & still do school-related activities”
“I look forward to this event every year – one of my favorite activities is to participate in the spelling bee”
“These students are so well-mannered and caring – such delights!”
Student comments:
“My senior citizen rocks – we now text each other”
“It was fun hanging out with you – you spell better than I do!”
“It was interesting to me to learn how different your childhood was from mine”
“I enjoyed hearing about all of your great inventions (Styrofoam was one of them) & funny jokes”
“I had a wonderful time, full of several bewildering stories. You’ve been a great role model for me and I thank you for it”
“I hope to follow in your footsteps for my future”