From left, University of Cincinnati Clermont College students Serge Kikonda, Emily Ogle and Derrick Fenger pose with their first place awards from the 24th annual Adult Spelling Bee. The spelling bee, which supports the Literacy Council of Clermont and Brown Counties, was held on June 10, 2016 at the Miami Township Civic Center.

From left, University of Cincinnati Clermont College students Serge Kikonda, Emily Ogle and Derrick Fenger pose with their first place awards from the 24th annual Adult Spelling Bee. The spelling bee, which supports the Literacy Council of Clermont and Brown Counties, was held on June 10, 2016 at the Miami Township Civic Center.
By Lauren Fisher
Sun intern

Members from across the community came together on June 10 to participate in the 24th Annual Adult Spelling Bee, presented at the Miami Township Civic Center in support of the Literacy Council of Clermont and Brown Counties.

Eight teams participated in this year’s competition, many of them dressed to fit themes such as “The Hip Bees” and “The Inkredibles” while battling it out for titles including “Best Spirit” and “Best Costume” and vying for the first place trophy for spelling. A raffle, split the pot and silent auction were also held during breaks in the action.

Proceeds from the event, which totaled $11,000, go to support the Literacy Council’s mission “to offer adults basic listening, speaking, reading and writing skills to enrich quality of life,” according to Literacy Council board president Rose Tepe.

Though a small portion of the organization’s funding is provided through United Way, as well as an annual appeals campaign, the Literacy Council’s most substantial source of income is the annual spelling bee.

Susan Vilardo, executive director of the Literacy Council, first became involved with the cause 13 years ago, and said she “just became smitten” with the opportunity to help those who go through life without the written word.

In her opening remarks, Vilardo shared the story of a man she had met through the program, who, though he had graduated high school and held a job laying carpet for 25 years, said he had been faking the ability to read throughout his entire life. When his job fell through, he came to the Literacy Council, where Vilardo found that he struggled to complete the alphabet.

“This big, strong, burly man, who every single day could lay carpet, had tears running down his face,” Vilardo said. “Thirteen years, and it still gets to me. What you’re about to do today helps keep our little agency perking along, and being there for individuals who want to make a change in their lives.”

According to Vilardo, it is estimated that one in five individuals suffer from some form of low literacy ability in Clermont and Brown Counties.

“It is really more widespread than individuals realize,” Vilardo said, ”And it’s because the adult hides it.”

Oftentimes, Vilardo explained, individuals are successful in hiding their disability from family, friends and even employers.

“They find a skill that they’re good at, and that’s what they feel they’re going to be able to do for the rest of their lives,” Vilardo said. “Many of the adults who come to us have a job that’s usually something in labor that really doesn’t involve a lot of reading.”

The Literacy Council’s one-on-one tutoring program pairs community volunteers with members of the community who find themselves in need of assistance.

“Most individuals find this because someone else has told them about it,” Vilardo said. “The best, best way is to call us.”

The Literacy Council can be reached by phone at 513-831-7323.

Taking home first place at this year’s spelling bee was UC Clermont College’s “Clermont Cougars,” with the Tepe & Eichert Families’ “The Inkredibles” coming in second, followed by Total Quality Logistics’ “Spellt Bread.”

Eric Oldiges, a member of the TQL team, explained that service and charity are part of TQL’s company culture, and that as a prominent vendor in Cincinnati, they try to take part in events such as the spelling bee as often as they can.

“TQL is always involved in charity events in the community,” TQL team member Russell Wickham said. “We’re a local employer with a lot of local ties, and we always feel it’s important that TQL is represented at local charity drives.”

Tutoring sessions with the Literacy Council are free of cost. However, if an individual is unable to afford the necessary books, the Literacy Council will provide them for free as well.

Donations are accepted via the Literacy Council’s website, clermontbrownliteracy.org, and checks can be mailed to The Literacy Council of Clermont & Brown Counties, 745 Center Street, Suite 300 Milford, OH 45150.