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Source: Blend Images – JGI/Jamie Grill / Getty

The African American National Spelling Bee Championships, Inc. (“AABSBC”) was held at HCC Central Campus, The Heinen Theater, on Saturday, February 27, at 11:00 a.m. Students competed until the best speller was chosen. The winning word was “misogynist,” spelled by Isaiah Samuels, a 7th grader of Northeast Christian Academy. Isaiah walked away with the 1st place prize, a $1,000 scholarship. The second place winner was Michael Minix, an 8th grader at KIPP Polaris Academy for Boys, who received a $500.00 scholarship, and the 3rd place scholarship of $250.00 went to Rylan Carroll, a 6th grader at Frank Black Middle School. Mickey McGill, with Ameriprise Financial, will guide the parents in creating their 529 college plans with the winning scholarship funds. Students from middle-schools in Harris, Brazoria, Fort Bend and Galveston counties competed for scholarships and prizes.

Chauncy Glover, ABC-13 anchor/reporter was the Master of Ceremonies for the exciting competition. The pronouncer was Mary Benton, former KRPC Channel 2 reporter. The judges were Judge Elaine Palmer, Judge Hazel Jones and attorney Michael R. Harris.

The AANSBC is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2010 by Houston businessman Robert Garner. Jacqueline Terrell is Executive Director. The mission of the organization is to train students in grades 6-8 in decoding and spelling techniques to enable them to expand their literacy skills and knowledge, improve language development and increase reading and writing levels. To learn more about The Bee, visit their website at http://www.bee-aboutit.org.

Sponsors of the 2016 annual competition included Houston Forward Times, Power Finance Texas, Comerica Bank, Ameriprise Financial, Greater Houston Black Chamber, 100 Black Men Metropolitan Houston, Big Star Ford, National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, Galena Park Striders, The Harris Law

MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS WIN SCHOLARSHIPS AFTER COMPETING IN

THE AFRICAN AMERICAN NATIONAL SPELLING BEE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Firm, The Hadi Law Firm, 1,000 Men Empowerment Group, LLC, Put it in a Book Foundation, World Youth Foundation, Houston Branch NAACP, Houston Area Urban League, and EVisions Events.