Tbilisi. Thirty-four students from across Georgia met at the National Youth and Children’s Palace in Tbilisi on March 30, 2013, and competed for the title of National English Spelling Competition Champion. This event brought together finalists from both local and regional-level spelling competitions. Beginning in October 2012, more than 2,400 students from 126 schools participated in local level competitions across Georgia. Roughly 1,000 of the top scorers advanced to regional level competitions held in December, where they competed against each other to see who would earn an opportunity to travel to Tbilisi for the national competition. The competition was held in two sessions with finalists from grade 8 and 9 competing first followed by finalists in grades 10 through 12. Each finalist was recognized in an award ceremony at the end of the competition. Prizes were provided by the U.S. Embassy, Education & Training International (ETI), and British Council. Following the competition, a special reception for the students, teachers, judges, sponsors and volunteers was held at U.S. Ambassador Richard Norland’s residence. The National English Spelling Competition (NESC) was established in 2012 by Peace Corps Volunteers. The event is administered by the NESC Committee, which is comprised of a group of volunteers throughout Georgia who strive to improve the English language learning experience and increase the motivation to learn.

Source: facebook.com/tbilisi.usembassy