Spelling bee raised 'about $14,500'

GAINESVILLE - This year's Gainesville/Hall County Alliance for Literacy Spelling Bee raised about $14,500 for the agency.

Executive Director Dorothy Shinafelt said Wednesday morning "All of our numbers are not in, but I expect that the event will raise about $14,500. That is down about $1,500 from last year. One more team would have brought us in on budget."

The First United Methodist Church team (the "Circuit Riders) was the winner. Team members were Shelia McCleary, Pat Harrell and Ruth Bruner (left to right in the accompanying photo). The Lanier Tech team (the "Word Nerds") was runner-up. Team members were Debbie Killip, Jessica Palmer and Brittnee Shandor (left to right in the accompanying photo).

The 22nd annual spelling be was held Tuesday night at Brenau University's Pearce Auditorium.