FHS Indoor Track Results from MIAA D1 Meet - 2/14/19

MIAA Div 1 Indoor Track & Field Championships - 2/14/2019          

Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center 

The full set of performances for the D1 meet                 

http://www.mstca.org/Winter_Season/Winter%202019/Results%20MIAA%20D%201%20Complete%20Results.htm

The Franklin performances are found in the PDF embedded below:

or you can download from here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kSkpFE99MIaeaooh9K4bkYcGE4iySdSU/view?usp=sharing

FHS Panthers

Tri-County Regional Wrestling Coach Named MIWCA Division 3 Central Coach of the Year

It’s been quite the wrestling season for Tri-County Coach Steven LaPlante. Not only did the Tri-County Wrestling team win its first ever sectional title, but Coach LaPlante has been named the Massachusetts Interscholastic Wrestling Coaches Association (MIWCA) Division 3 Central Coach of the Year.

During this 2018-2019 wrestling season, Coach LaPlante also earned his 200th dual meet victory. “The accomplishment is representative of our program and the consistency we have built and sustained over time,” said Coach LaPlante. “The credit really goes to my assistant coaches and all the wrestlers who have worked together and competed so fiercely for the betterment of our team. Every year we strive to get better.”

“I think I have some of the best assistant coaches in the state,” says Coach LaPlante. Assistant coach, Drew Stowik, has been coaching with LaPlante from the beginning and Matt Hogan, an elite former Tri-County wrestler, has been coaching for the past 8 years. “Drew and Matt are a huge reason so many of our guys improve so much during their time wrestling for us,” said LaPlante.

This year, the team’s regular season record is 19-1 and they have claimed 5 tournament championships along with the Mayflower League title. The team also won the Small Division State Vocational Championship. “This team is arguably one of the most successful in the history of our program,” declared LaPlante. “The wrestlers’ willingness to personally invest in the program and work hard every day has driven our success.” 

Tri-County Coach Steven LaPlante

Senior Captain, Kevin Carlucci of Franklin has enjoyed the benefits of the daily grind. This season, Carlucci broke the school’s career wins record. He will enter into D3 States with 140 career victories under his belt. Senior Captain, Harley Blanchette of Attleboro also reached a milestone this season, eclipsing 100 career victories back in December. Patrick Griffin, a Junior Captain of Franklin, has also put together a stellar season, by putting up a 39-4 record, and earning a sectional championship at 132 lbs. Dominic Parrella, a Senior Captain of Medway, joined his co-captains by claiming an individual state vocational championship at 220 lbs.

Coach LaPlante started out wrestling for Cumberland High School, under Hall of Fame Coach Steve Gordon. During his wrestling career, LaPlante was a 2-time state finalist and 3-time New England qualifier. He placed 4th in New England as a senior. His love of the sport led him to start coaching in 2005 and he has been coaching ever since.

In LaPlante’s first 3 years of coaching at Tri-County, the victories did not come easily. The team compiled an overall record of 20-34. Since 2008, however, the wrestling team has put together a dominant record of 195-30. During that time, the Cougars have accumulated a league record of 69-4, won 15 tournament titles, and claimed 8 Mayflower League Championships along the way.

Despite the Cougars’ aggressive, hard-nosed style of wrestling, LaPlante’s coaching style is driven more by caring and compassion. LaPlante emphasizes his coaching staff prioritizes each wrestlers’ personal development over wins. Above all, wrestling builds character, and LaPlante stresses that subscribing to this philosophy leads to greater success on and off the mat. 

When students sign up to be a part of Tri-County wrestling, they know they’re not just signing up to be a member of the team, but rather to become a part of a family that will make sacrifices for, and rely on, each other. “It’s larger than just being a member of a team,” added LaPlante. “It’s about being part of something greater than yourself.”

LaPlante further states, “There are many contributing factors to this season’s success. We’ve been fueled by dedicated wrestlers, meticulous team managers, a passionate coaching staff, and truly supportive families-especially my own.”

Coach LaPlante and the Tri-County Cougars are looking forward to divisional states this weekend in Wakefield, MA.

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

Hal Blenkhorn Promoted to General Manager of Tegra Medical’s Franklin Location

Tegra Medical, an end-to-end contract manufacturer of medical devices, is pleased to announce that Hal Blenkhorn has accepted the position of General Manager at the company’s Franklin, MA location. Blenkhorn will report to President/CEO J. Mark King and will be responsible for the local management team and plant operations.

Blenkhorn joined Tegra Medical in 2006 as Manufacturing Engineer and was promoted to his most recent role of Manufacturing Engineering Director in 2011.
“We are extremely excited Hal accepted this position and believe he is the ideal person to lead the Franklin facility,” said J. Mark King. “His years of excellence, hard work and dedication are an inspiration to us all. Hal’s reputation throughout the entire organization as well as with our customers and vendors sets him apart from all others.”

Blenkhorn previously worked at Cybex International and Waters Corporation in roles including lean manufacturing cell leader, production engineering technician and CNC machinist.

A Six Sigma Black Belt, Blenkhorn graduated from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston where he earned a BS degree in Mechanical Design Technology. He is currently participating in the SFS International Leadership Development Program (ILDP).

About Tegra Medical

Known as the company that brings medical devices to life, Tegra Medical is focused exclusively on the medical device industry, providing end-to-end solutions from prototyping to full production, and from complex components to finished medical devices. Offering a wide range of manufacturing technologies, the company creates devices used in cutting-edge procedures for leading surgical, interventional and orthopaedic companies. 

Tegra Medical has four manufacturing locations in the U.S. and Costa Rica (ISO 13485 and FDA registered, QSR compliant) with additional sales offices in the U.S. and Europe. Tegra Medical is a member of SFS.   https://www.tegramedical.com/

Tegra Medical "where medical devices come to life"

“Our lives aren’t just the moments we live, they’re the stories we tell” - Ron DiBona

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

FHS 40% Club hosts luncheon for Seniors

"Hundreds of yellow and pink pin-on ribbons littered a table at the Franklin High School cafeteria on Thursday, as students met residents from the Atria Senior Living for a Valentine’s Day luncheon. 

The yellow ribbons stand for happiness, while pink ribbons were for Valentine’s Day, said Brianna Ritchie, a nursing assistant at Atria. She said students have been more than accommodating for these types of events. 

“This is the happiest crew I’ve ever seen,” Ritchie laughed. “They haven’t stopped smiling since we’ve been here. They love it. This generation, I can’t even put into words. They’re just phenomenal.” 

Ritchie said at least 200 students made the effort during their lunch period to talk to senior citizens."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190215/franklin-high-students-senior-citizens-meet-for-lunch

Franklin High students, senior citizens meet for lunch (@CountryGazette photo)

Commemorative News: Encore Music Academy is Expanding!

ENCORE MUSIC ACADEMY IS EXPANDING  February 13, 2019 Dear Valued Encore Families and Friends: On this, the seventh anniversary of the day we opened our doors for the very first time, we are beyond excited to announce that a new era has arrived at Encore! A long time in the planning, the acquisition of the entire upper floor of our 3 Bent Street facility in Franklin is complete. As of Wednesday, May 1, 2019, Encore will occupy the entire building, relocating all Encore operations, lessons, classes, and ensembles to Franklin on a permanent basis! With over 7,000 square feet of operational space at our disposal, this acquisition increases Encore's footprint, allowing us to offer more lessons and classes on a daily basis, with room to grow. We are thrilled that our entire faculty and staff will, at last, be under one roof, allowing for a more streamlined customer service experience for you, our Encore family. If you currently take lessons or classes at our Millis facility, as of May 1, your lessons and classes will take place in Franklin, just a four-minute ride (2 miles) from the Millis location. We have included a diagram here for your reference. Encore Music Academy is Expanding The Millis location will officially close as of April 30, although we may cease lessons and classes there on April 26 in order to facilitate the move. We will attempt to make this transition as seamless as possible; however, as we sort out spaces and schedules, we ask for your patience, flexibility, and cooperation. We expect there will be a settling-in period as we organize rooms and schedules, but will do our very best to create a comfortable experience for everyone at Encore. And here's the good news: We've done a full analysis and can confirm that 100% of ALL lessons and classes will retain the same day and time slots! If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to either Lisa or Pat. As always, we thank you for, and very much appreciate, your support. With warmest regards, Lisa Ostrow and Patrick Dreier Co-Owners, Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios Copyright © 2019 Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios 3 Bent St Franklin, MA 02038

Blues Legend James Montgomery Returns to THE BLACK BOX - Feb 16

THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s theater, music, and event venue, will present the renowned James Montgomery Band on Saturday, February 16 at 8 p.m.

While growing up in Detroit, blues legend James Montgomery learned firsthand from the masters - James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, and Jr. Wells - at the legendary “Chessmate.” Over the years, Montgomery has carried on in the tradition and continues to be a vital presence in Blues as one of the most dynamic performers on the scene.

He formed the James Montgomery Band in 1970 while attending Boston University. Montgomery’s inimitable harmonica playing, combined with his energetic live shows, led to the band’s quick ascension on the New England music scene. Within two years, the James Montgomery Band was among the hottest acts in Boston, along with J. Geils and Aerosmith, and they were quickly signed to a multi-album deal with Capricorn records.

Blues Legend James Montgomery Returns to THE BLACK BOX - Feb 16

Since that time, Montgomery has recorded six albums. His first, First Time Out, has been re-mastered and re-released by MRG/Capricorn. Others include James Montgomery Band on Island Records, which was number nine on Billboard’s national playlist; Duck Fever, with members of the David Letterman Band; Live Trax, with the Uptown Horns (the Rolling Stones’ horn section); and his release on Tone-Cool, The Oven Is On.

Montgomery has toured with major artists including Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, the Allman Brothers, Steve Miller and others. He has jammed on stage with B.B. King, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Jr. Wells, James Cotton, Charlie Daniels, Bonnie Raitt, Gregg Allman, Laverne Baker, Patti LaBelle, and Peter Wolf, among others, including an impromptu session with Mick Jagger at New York’s “Trax.”

Over the years, Montgomery’s band has been a springboard for many musicians, with members having included Billy Squire, Wayne Kramer (MC-5), Jeff Golub (Rod Stewart), Jim McCarty (Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels), Jeff Pevar (Ray Charles Orchestra and Crosby, Stills & Nash), Bobby Chouinard (drummer with Ted Nugent, Squire, and Robert Gordon), Jeff Levine (Joe Cocker), Aerosmith’s Tom Gambel, and many others.

Local guitarist/singer-songwriter Baxter Hall will open the show. From Millis, MA, Hall is the lead guitarist with Dwayne Haggins, whose debut album 'Heavenly Rose' was released in October of 2018. When Hall was fourteen years old, he was invited to play at BB King’s club in New York City. Baxter Hall's official debut album is set to be released sometime in late 2019. This album is being produced by Grammy nominated guitarist and producer Duke Robillard.

THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central St. A cash bar is available. For tickets and more information, visit www.theblackboxonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370.

Fellswater, Celtic Concert, at OCC Coffeehouse Saturday, March 2

OCC COFFEEHOUSE

Original Congregational Church

1 East Street, Wrentham, MA 02093

Phone: 508-384-3110

OCC Coffeehouse Website

FELLSWATER

BOSTON'S CELTIC MUSIC ENSEMBLE

at OCC Coffeehouse

Saturday, March 2, 7:30 PM

Fellswater is Boston's dynamic Celtic music ensemble. They are back by popular demand after selling out last year, so get your tickets early. They play a wide range of music from traditional to modern compositions that draws from the heritage of all the Celtic nations, especially Scotland, Ireland, Brittany and Canada. Their instrumentation changes depending on the musical selection and includes vocals, whistle, Irish flute, guitar, octave mandolin, violin, Scottish smallpipes, border pipes, acoustic bass guitar and percussion. See videos of some of their performances here  https://www.fellswater.com/watch/.

Formed in late 2008, Fellswater has performed for audiences ranging from 20 to 8,000. The ensemble has delighted audiences at New Hampshire Highland Games, Maine Highland Games, Blackstone River Theatre, Boston Celtic Music Fest, Colonial Williamsburg, notloB concert series, the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, and at the prestigious Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo last August.

Fellswater consists of Kyle Forsthoff, a diverse percussion performer, Betsy Ketudat playing violin and fife, Jim MacConduibh playing acoustic bass guitar, Irish bouzouki and guitar, Sarah MacConduibh playing whistle, Irish flute and fife, Andrew McIntosh on Scottish smallpipes and border pipes, Chris Myers playing guitars and octave mandolin, and as one of the vocalists, and Diane Myers as the second vocalist. All the band members are from the Massachusetts and Rhode Island area.

Tickets for the concert are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, available at the church office, 508-384-3110, or at www.musicatocc.org. The event will be in Fellowship Hall at the back of the church with entry from the parking lot behind the church. Parking is available behind the church and in the lot across the street.

OCC Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with the Original Congregational Church in Wrentham. Doors open 30 minutes before the concert. Please call 508-384-8084, email occmusic99@gmail.com, or visit https://www.musicatocc.org for more information.

UPCOMING SHOWS

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AT OCC COFFEEHOUSE (Tickets now available for all shows on website. All shows are general admission seating, so arrive early for good seats.):
Friday, April 5, 2019, Tom Rush, folk music icon, with Matt Nakoa.
Saturday, April 27, 2019, Bill & Kate Isles, an acoustic singer/soungwriter duo based in Duluth, Minnesota. Audiences feel they are listening to stories of the own lives, told by two of their best friends.

---

See website for complete OCC Coffeehouse season schedule, more details, and for ordering tickets.

FHS boys and girls basketball teams, girls hockey team post wins; Brigham reaches 1,000 points

Via HockomockSports, we share the results of the FHS sports action on Wednesday, Feb 13, 2019

Boys Basketball = Oliver Ames, 50 @ Franklin, 58 – Final
– Franklin scored 20 points in the final quarter to pull away from Oliver Ames to earn the win. The Tigers kept pace with the Panthers through the first three quarters, knotted at 14-14 after eight minutes and trailing by just three at half (25-22) and after three quarters (38-35). Franklin junior Chris Edgehill scored nine of his game-high 19 points in the fourth quarter, Jalen Samuels netted a third of his 15 points in the fourth, and Jack Rudolph (10 points) went 4-for-4 from the line to help the Panther secure the win. OA sophomore Amari Brown had a team-high 12 points while senior Jake Erlich added 11 points and senior Ethan Eckstrom finished with 10 points.

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 1 vs. St. John’s (Shrewsbury), 6 – Final

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 2 @ King Philip, 1 – Final
– Cassi Ronan and Regan Paterson each scored for the Panthers to earn the road win. Paterson and Amanda Lewandowski each had an assist for the Panthers.

Girls Basketball = Franklin, 53 @ Oliver Ames, 51 – Final
Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:

"Midway through the third quarter of Wednesday night’s game at the Nixon Gym, Franklin junior center Ali Brigham was sent to the line with a chance to reach the 1,000-point milestone. She missed the first, but drilled the second one to become the first Franklin player to hit that mark since Kelley Meredith in 2008 (Kyle Gibson reached 1,000 points in 2011 for the Franklin boys).

After head coach John Leighton called a quick timeout, Brigham, who finished with a game-high 20 points and 12 rebounds, was mobbed by her teammates on the court.

There were plenty of hugs and smiles at that stage of the game, with the Franklin ahead 33-32, but Oliver Ames nearly put an early end to the celebrations when it took a seven-point lead in the fourth quarter. With three minutes to play, the Tigers led by four and it looked like Franklin’s unbeaten run through the league was about to end.

The Panthers rallied with a 13-4 run to close out the game, including 10-2 over the final three minutes, to pull out a 53-51 victory and allow Brigham the chance to savor her moment as well."

Continue reading the recap
https://hockomocksports.com/brigham-hits-milestone-and-franklin-girls-basketball-rally-to-win-at-oa/

For a Photo Gallery from this game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2018-2019/Winter-2018-2019/Oliver-Ames-Franklin-Girls-Basketball-2-13-19/

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-02-13-19/

Franklin junior center Ali Brigham is mobbed by her teammates after scoring her 1,000th career point on a third quarter free throw at Oliver Ames. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Franklin Art Association March 6, 2019 Meeting

The Franklin Art Association will meet on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 from 6:30 to 9:00 PM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street in Franklin.

Refreshments and social time will begin at 6:30 PM, followed by a short business meeting and a figure drawing demonstration by Charles Guay, an artist whose paintings and sculptures can be found in many private collections across the country and in Europe. 

A featured artist for a variety of workshops and demonstrations in the local area, Mr. Guay has taught at the Danforth Art Museum in Framingham and The Next Door Gallery in Mansfield, Massachusetts.

FAA meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month, September through May, and are free and open to the public. For more information log on to www.franklinart.org

Franklin Art Association March 6, 2019 Meeting

Watch "An Interview with FHS's new School Resource Officer" on YouTube

Watch "An Interview with FHS's new School Resource Officer" on YouTube
https://youtu.be/J5kVheTEOQo

In the News: opioid deaths down 4% in MA; another solar system in planning for Franklin

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

Opioid deaths down 4% from prior year

"Deaths from opioid-related overdoses declined in 2018 for the second consecutive year, according to state figures released Wednesday that officials said showed signs of progress in the fight against an epidemic that took nearly 2,000 lives last year. 

Total confirmed and estimated opioid-related deaths dropped from 2,056 in 2017 to 1,974 in 2018, or about 4 percent. From 2016 to 2017, the figure decreased 2 percent. 

The death rate is still significantly higher than it was before it began climbing rapidly at the start of the decade, but state officials said two straight years of decreases should be seen as evidence that efforts to support treatment programs, to improve access to the overdose-reversing drug naloxone, or Narcan, and to raise awareness about the risks of addiction are working. 

“When you look from 2016 to now, we are making progress,” Department of Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel said Wednesday after a meeting of the Public Health Council. “We are making progress and fighting this devastating opioid epidemic. We’ve seen a 6 percent decrease, we know the efforts we have in place are beginning to work, and importantly, to me, from a public health point of view, we have to continue our sustained work to bring those deaths down further.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190213/mass-opioid-deaths-total-nearly-2000-in-18

SAFE Coalition - local support for substance abuse

Another solar system in planning for Franklin

"A California company is proposing a 2-megawatt, ground-mounted solar array that would occupy 15 acres off Summer Street. 

A public hearing to discuss the proposal from Santa Monica, California-based Cypress Creek Renewables is planned for 7:20 p.m. on Feb. 25 at the Franklin Municipal Building’s Town Council Chambers. 

The town has teo existing arrays - on Union Street and at Tri-County Regional Vocational High School - and three others in the proposal stage. 

Nicolas Galletout, project developer at the company, doing business as Simi Solar, LLC, is continuing to expand to the East Coast, with specific attention to Massachusetts."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190214/another-solar-array-proposed-for-franklin

the solar farm at Mount St Mary's Abbey as it was being installed in Aug 2013

Franklin Public Schools will open on time - Feb 13

Wednesday February 13, 2019

We want to make the community aware that there is a snapped pole on Oak Street that is impacting traffic in both directions in front of FHS and ECDC/Oak/HMMS. Franklin Police Department officers are on detail and will be assisting with traffic.

Franklin Public Schools will still open on time. We will be lenient with tardies this morning if this impacts arrival for your child or children. We also encourage drivers to use Panther Way as an alternative route.

Sincerely,

The Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools will open on time - Feb 13

Register NOW for Community Arts Advocacy Day 2019!

Join us for a FREE day of grassroots advocacy and arts management workshops for creative organizations.

Register now for CAAD2019! Action & IMPACT: Community Arts Advocacy Day 2019 is a multi-town event bringing together artists, art advocates, cultural organizations, and local businesses to participate in a day of grassroots activism and free arts management workshops. Agenda:  8:00 - 9:00          Registration, Breakfast & Networking 8:30 - 9:00          Meet and mingle with legislators 9:00 - 9:15           Welcome Address by Senate President Karen E. Spilka 9:15 - 10:00         Legislative panel: The Value of Arts, Creativity & Culture in the Commonwealth 10:00 - 10:15       Community Stories: Impact of the Arts, Arts Funding and Cultural Initiatives 10:25 - 11:25        Educational Workshop Session 1 11:35 - 12:15         Creative Break to Advocate…grassroots advocacy activities 12:15 - 1:15           Lunch 1:25 - 2:25            Educational Workshop Session 2 2:25 - 2:30           Wrap Up Workshops: The "How To's" of Arts Advocacy, with MA Representative Jeff Roy Fundraising Strategies for Small Shops Getting to the HeART of Public Art Funding through Sponsorships & Grants Shoestring Marketing for Arts Organizations Thinking Out of the Box for Opportunity Register here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/action-impact-community-arts-advocacy-day-2019-tickets-55811106522 Copyright © 2019 Franklin Cultural Council, All rights reserved. Received this from a friend? Subscribe to our email list. Our mailing address is: 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Questions? Contact FCC Chair Stacey David at franklinculturalcouncil02038 [at] gmail.com

Iwo Jima Day Observation at State House - Feb 19

Iwo Jima Day Observation at State House

February 19, 2019

Iwo Jima Day Observation at State House - Feb 19

For info on the Battle of Iwo Jima  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Iwo_Jima

My father was fortunate to walk off Iwo Jima as a 19 year old when the battle ended in 1945. Some of his memories were recorded before he passed away on Feb 19, 2012. 

https://jerrysherlockstory.blogspot.com/2013/02/1st-anniversary.html

School Start Times Parent/Guardian Education Night - Feb 13 - 7:00 PM

Dear Families,

The School Start Times Parent/Guardian Education Night has been rescheduled for Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at 7:00 PM. 

Please see the attached flyer and RSVP for planning purposes.

Franklin Public Schools


RSVP for planning purposes
https://goo.gl/forms/d0QjjcAW3dTNmXg23

Download flyer here or below
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczWllHR2hFQUxtYVlwV1VFaE5hSFBQQnZJeUtv/view?usp=sharing

School Start Times Parent/Guardian Education Night - Feb 13

Franklin Library: Hamilton Throwdown! Feb 13

Join the library and the Franklin High School Library as we celebrate one of our favorite fandoms with an epic night of trivia, lyric challenges, and General Hamilton appreciation! 

Grab your team (or come meet new friends!) and join us for tea and scones, then battle it out to prove your Hamilton-love, followed by an epic sing-along with the High School Chamber Chorus!

When: from 5:30 to 7:30 PM on Wednesday Feb 13

Franklin Library: Hamilton Throwdown! Feb 13

This was shared from the Library page
https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/hamilton-throwdown

10th Annual Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Spelling Bee

Last week the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School held our 10th Annual Spelling Bee.

The purpose of the National Spelling Bee program is "to help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabularies, learn concepts, and develop correct English usage that will help them all their lives." In offering this opportunity to BFCCPS students, we aim to provide an educational and fun opportunity for students looking for an academic challenge.

Fifty four students participated in the first round of the competition on Tuesday, February 6th.  That round of competition resulted in sixteen students in Grades Four through Eight qualifying for the finals.

10th Annual Spelling Bee

On Wednesday, February 7th sixteen students in grades four through eight participated in the Spelling Bee finals in front of an audience of 250 students.  After four rounds of competition two finalists emerged: Lily E Grade 8 and Saipragnesh K from Grade Six.  Throughout the competition, BFCCPS students' instruction of both French and Latin benefited the participants in the proper spelling of words such as "galette," "flambeau" and "auf wiedersehen"

Lily E Grade 8 and Saipragnesh K from Grade Six

"I was so impressed with the poise, grace, and confidence these young men and women showed. They were focused, patient, and even said thank you after they finished spelling their words. Our champion showed amazing fortitude and perseverance when she waited and took the time she needed to be confident she had spelled the word correctly!" – Executive Director, Heather Zolnowski

Congratulations to Lily E this year's BFCCPS Spelling Bee Champion. Lily has participated in the BFCCPS Spelling Bee since Grade Four and qualified for the finals in Grades Five, Seven and Eight.

Lily and all other school winners in our region will take a written test on March 1. The top 50 students from the written test will then participate in a regional bee in Lynn, MA. Congratulations and best wishes to Lily! 

BFCCPS Spelling Bee Champion