MECHS wins bee
By JOAN CROTHERS Towns Sentinel Editor

'Sometimes Y'- Dewayne Thomas, Sandra Brock and Tammy Thomas.

It was a close one, between the last two teams out of eleven, standing in the T.U.L.I.P. Spelling Bee. The "Sometimes Y" team of Mountain Education Center High School won the T.U.L.I.P. Spelling Bee Trophy over the "Rotary Rooters" of Union County Rotary.

A fun evening was had by all at the Blairsville Civic Center on March 22, 2007 and many in the audience walked away with door prizes from generous area businesses. Tom Murphy, Executive Director, U.C. Development Authority, added to the evening's enjoyment by playing well-known tunes on his keyboard during intermissions.

This was the sixth annual spelling bee sponsored by T.U.L.I.P., Charlie Sowers, Director. T.U.L.I.P. stands for Towns Union Literacy Instills Pride, with the goal of helping citizens become informed and involved in literacy activities. Renva Acree was the beginning force and the backbone of this group until her death in 2006. Her husband, Troy Acree, was presented a picture of Renva that will be displayed in the Shirley Miller Lifelong Learning Center. Renva also received many award for her work and dedication to literacy.

Many thanks go to those contributing door prizes: Ingles, Hiawassee & Blairsville stores; Blue Ridge Mountain EMC; Brasstown Resort; Butternut Creek Golf;

The Book Nook, Home Depot; Video

Unlimited; Pat's Hallmark; Carriage House; Alexanders; Pete Kissee; Skip Belton; United Community Bank.