SugarBee Apple sponsors the 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee

SugarBee Apple will sponsor the 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee, a weeklong televised event that celebrates both students and their educators.

Over 200 student finalists from across the nation will take the stage May 28 in the Washington, D.C., area to experience Bee Week and compete for the title of National Spelling Bee Champion. By inspiring the exploration of words, the Scripps National Spelling Bee illuminates pathways to lifelong curiosity, celebrates academic achievement and enriches communities, according to a news release.

SugarBee apple growers are supporting The Bee’s mission to help every child unlock their potential and honoring the commitment of more than 70,000 educators who continue to champion the Scripps National Spelling Bee program, the release said.

“To all of the families and students who work hard each year to compete in local, state, and national competitions, we are proud of your continued drive to excel,” orchardist Cass Gebbers, one of the growers of the SugarBee apple, said in the release.

“We believe in the power of words and the importance of literacy,” Gebbers added. “We are proud to support the Bee’s educators and their devotion to inspiring every child to unlock their potential and strive to reach incredible goals.”

SugarBee Apple will also present the Scripps Educator of the Year award. The honor recognizes teachers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their students and have made a significant impact on their education and personal development, according to the release. The recipient is chosen based on their outstanding contributions to the field of education and their ability to inspire students to achieve academic excellence.

The 2023 Educator of the Year is Gina Calhoun, an eighth-grade language arts and social studies teacher at Ashe County Middle School in Warrensville, N.C. Calhoun is passionate about going above and beyond to celebrate her students’ success, according to the release.

“We are honored to present the Scripps Educator of the Year award to Mrs. Calhoun,” SugarBee Apple Marketing Director Julie DeJarnatt said in the release. “Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the minds and futures of our children, and we want to recognize and celebrate their exceptional efforts in creating a positive learning environment. SugarBee Apple growers proudly support the Bee’s educators and their devotion to inspiring every child to discover their potential to innovate and create something magical.”