New York University

New York University

The Office of Public Affairs

Thursday, May 14, 2009

N-461, 2008-09

MEDIA ALERT / PHOTO OP

Eighty Spanish-speaking students from across New York City and State, most of them recent immigrants or children of immigrants, will demonstrate their mastery of their native Spanish language by competing in the 2009 New York State Spanish Spelling Bee. The 80 competing students have reached this competition after competing at their schools and in their school districts.

“We are very proud to support these bright, young Spanish speakers and learners as they demonstrate their academic skills,” says Nellie Mulkay, director of the New York State Spanish Bilingual Education Technical Assistance Center (BETAC) at New York University. “Research shows that strengthening skills in the students’ native language improves academic achievement in English,” she notes.

This competition is sponsored by NYS Education Department Office of Bilingual Education and Foreign Language Services in collaboration with New York State public schools, districts and BOCES and Lectorum/Scholastic, Inc. and the Consulate of Spain.

• What: 2009 New York State Spanish Spelling Bee
• Who: Eighty 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders from New York City and State public schools
• Where: Scholastic Auditorium; 557 Broadway (between Spring and Prince Streets, SoHo)
• When: Friday, May 29, 2009; Introductions begins at 9:00 a.m.; Spelling Bee begins at approximately 10:00 a.m.