NEWS RELEASE

( Jackson , Miss.) - Watch Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) television as the state's best spellers square off LIVE in the 2007 State Spelling Bee on Tuesday, March 20 at 7:00 p.m. from the MPB auditorium.

 

According to MPB Executive Director Marie Antoon, “Mississippi Public Broadcasting is committed to utilizing its resources to enhance the educational experience for students, while also extending the value of educational television into the communities of Mississippi . The participants of the State Spelling Bee exemplify a deep commitment to learning that is to be commended and encouraged.”

 

Gene Edwards, MPB Deputy Director of Content, adds, “The competition has been broadcast live for the past two years to homes and classrooms across the state during the midday period of our programming day. Placing the State Spelling Bee in such a prominent time slot is a great opportunity to showcase the hard work and dedication these young kids put into preparing for the competition.”

 

Sponsoring the event is Jackson-based newspaper The Clarion-Ledger . The newspaper will provide the winner with $1,200 toward expenses to compete in the 80 th Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington , D.C. , along with a trophy and the ability to claim the title of best speller in the state for a year.

 

Pam Cleveland, The Clarion-Ledger newspaper in education coordinator, says, “We are eagerly anticipating the third live broadcast of the State Spelling Bee on MPB. Airing the 2007 competition in the evening will give more people of the state the opportunity to view the intensity and excitement of the state's top spellers competing for the state title.

It's so amazing to watch these students compete. We appreciate the commitment of MPB, through our partnership, to broadcast the event on its statewide network.”

 

For more information regarding MPB, visit www.mpbonline.org .