Students take part in the Communities In Schools of Michigan’s District-Wide Spelling Bee.
DEARBORN — The excitement was palpable at Fordson High School as middle school students from Dearborn Public Schools took the stage for the second night of the Communities In Schools of Michigan’s District-Wide Spelling Bee.
Families, district staff, and CIS student support coordinators filled the audience, eagerly watching as each competitor approached to tackle their word.
In the auditorium, there is a pause after the student competitor finishes spelling her word. You can hear the ding of a bell break the silence as a judge says, “I am sorry, that is incorrect. The correct spelling of ‘eliminate’ is e-l-i-m-i-n-a-t-e.”
The next student comes forward and asks for an example of her word in a sentence. One of the judges recites, “I work hard to achieve my goals.” The student writes the word out on her hands as she says, “Achieve, a-c-h-i-e-v-e.” A judge replies, “Congratulations, that is correct.”
The Dearborn District-Wide Spelling Bee has become one of the most cherished events of the school year. Starting in the fall, students in grades 3 through 8 compete in classroom-level spelling bees, leading to district-wide finals in late February.
Since its launch in 2018 by CIS staff members Amal Qayed and Gina Mroczka, the event has grown to include all elementary and middle schools, with support from sponsors such as the Amity Foundation, State Farm, and local businesses.
More than just a competition, the spelling bee has become a unifying force, fostering a culture of literacy, perseverance, and academic achievement. In a district where 45 percent of students are English Language Learners and 80 percent come from low-income households, this event provides an invaluable platform for students to build confidence, strengthen public speaking skills, and celebrate their hard work.
For students, the spelling bee has ignited a passion for language and learning. It boosts confidence, public speaking skills, and resilience. It has provided a platform for young scholars to shine, celebrate their hard work, and experience the joy of academic success.
“The Dearborn District-Wide Spelling Bee is more than a competition,” said Rachel Meier, CIS program director. “It is a testament to the power of education to bring people together, inspire growth, and create lasting bonds. It has solidified a shared commitment to student success — an impact that will continue to resonate for years to come.”
Steven Rios, a CIS student support coordinator, shared how the spelling bee creates a lot of excitement at McCollough-Unis with almost the whole school participating. This year they even held a junior spelling bee for second-graders to help them prepare for next year.
“Even the students that didn’t make it to the district spelling bee said they are eager to start practicing at home for next year’s spelling bee,” he said.
The event also serves as a bridge between schools and families, creating an experience that extends beyond the competition. It has been so ingrained in the school culture at McCollough-Unis that the district makes sure families can watch their students complete even if they can’t come into the school building by making it available online.
“In a district as large as ours, it’s rare to have all our schools under one roof, but this event unites us,” Mroczka said. “No matter which school a student comes from, we’re all here for the same reason — to encourage them to strive for their best, to have fun, and to remind them that learning is a journey we take together.”