March 26 is the deadline to enter or sponsor a team in the Great Plains Literacy Council’s 2012 “Grate” Altus Spelling Bee on Saturday, March 31. To be a part of this “Grate” event scheduled at the WOSC Band Room at 9 a.m., on March 31, just gather up friends and co-workers from your company, organization, club or neighborhood and register at the Altus Public Library, 421 N. Hudson, before 6 pm on Monday. It will cost $100 for a team of 2 to 3 adults. The literacy council encourages people to get a team together and register at the Altus Library as study booklets and rules are available.”

Veteran speller Jim Parrish remarked, “I have been involved in the ’Grate’ Altus Spelling Bee for several years, because it is for a good cause. Our team members are too busy to study the spelling book, so we go for the excitement and teamwork in spelling.”

This function will give prizes to the top two spelling teams and the best team name. For those who want to have costumes, there will be special prizes for that category. There is a “traveling award” for the top placing team from the base. Another competition with prizes will involve the youth and adults in the audience with a written spelling test. For $5, youth of the audience may purchase an entry form, and adults can participate for $10 in the audience contest. Door prizes and refreshments will be included during the morning event. There will be no charge for folks wanting to come and watch the entertaining and educational event.

The Great Plains Literacy Council is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to helping area residents improve reading, writing, and speaking English.

For more information or questions about the “Grate” Altus Spelling Bee, please give them a “buzz” at 477-2890.