It's a Tie! Attorneys, Musicians Share Top Bee Honors

Reaching Heights has supported teachers by funding innovation, collaboration, and student achievement through the School Team Grant program since 1992. The 19th edition of the Reaching Heights Adult Community Spelling Bee, the main fund-raising event for the program, took place April 21 at Cleveland Heights High School. Executive director Patrick Mullen, center, holds the Coveted Plastic Bee Trophy, flanked by this year's co-champions. Barratarous Orthographers, made up of Squire, Sanders, & Dempsey attorneys Bonnie Bealer, John Lazzaretti, and Becky Bynum (L to R, left side of photo), tied with Cleveland Orchestra musicians Beth Woodside, Carolyn Warner, and Lisa Boyko (L to R, right side of photo), of O.O.P.S.A.L.A. (Orchestral Orthographers Publicly Support Annoyingly Lengthy Acronyms).

In the 8th round with the hour growing late, the barristers correctly spelled zeugma and were matched by the musicians, spelling bouquiniste, to bring the competition to a close.

This friendly yet serious competition among more than 20 teams representing school-related groups, colleges and universities, merchants, law firms, churches, the orchestra, and others, raised more than $13,000 this year. 

Thanks to this year’s Bee judges: Cleveland Heights Municipal Judge A. Deane Buchanan, Heights Library Director Nancy Levin, CH-UH Schools Superintendent Doug Heuer, and Rev. John Lentz, pastor of Forest Hill Church. Big Fun impresario Steve Presser served as master of ceremonies, Notre Dame College professor Tony Zupancic pronounced the words, and, for the 19th straight year, Steve Titchenal served as word projectionist. Thanks to all participants!