The following is shared on behalf of Communities in Schools of Michigan
Dearborn, MI – The excitement was palpable at Fordson High School as middle school students from Dearborn Public Schools took the stage for the second night of the Communities In Schools (CIS) of Michigan’s District-Wide Spelling Bee. Families, district staff, and CIS Student Support Coordinators filled the audience, eagerly watching as each competitor approached to tackle their word.
In the auditorium, there is a pause after the student competitor finishes spelling her word. You can hear the ding of a bell break the silence as a judge says, “I am sorry, that is incorrect. The correct spelling of ‘eliminate’ is e-l-i-m-i-n-a-t-e.”
The next student comes forward and asks for an example of their word in a sentence. One of the judges recites, “I work hard to achieve my goals”. The student writes the word out on her hands as she says, “Achieve, a-c-h-i-e-v-e.” A judge replies, “Congratulations, that is correct”.
A Tradition of Academic Excellence and Community
The Dearborn District-Wide Spelling Bee has become one of the most cherished events of the school year. Starting in the fall, students in grades three through eight compete in classroom-level spelling bees, leading to district-wide finals in late February. Since its launch in 2018 by CIS staff members Amal Qayed and Gina Mroczka, the event has grown to include all elementary and middle schools, with support from sponsors such as the Amity Foundation, State Farm, and local businesses.
More than just a competition, the spelling bee has become a unifying force, fostering a culture of literacy, perseverance, and academic achievement. In a district where 45% of students are English Language Learners and 80% come from low-income households, this event provides an invaluable platform for students to build confidence, strengthen public speaking skills, and celebrate their hard work. For students, the spelling bee has ignited a passion for language and learning. It boosts confidence, public speaking skills, and resilience. It has provided a platform for young scholars to shine, celebrate their hard work, and experience the joy of academic success.
Rachel Meier, CIS of Michigan Program Director, said “The Dearborn District-Wide Spelling Bee is more than a competition; it is a testament to the power of education to bring people together, inspire growth, and create lasting bonds. It has solidified a shared commitment to student success—an impact that will continue to resonate for years to come.”
Steven Rios, a CIS Student Support Coordinator, shared how the spelling bee creates a lot of excitement at McCollough-Unis with almost the whole school participating. This year they even held a junior spelling bee for 2nd graders to help them prepare for next year. He explained, “Even the students that didn’t make it to the district spelling bee said they are eager to start practicing at home for next year’s spelling bee.”
The event also serves as a bridge between schools and families, creating an experience that extends beyond the competition. It has been so ingrained in the school culture at McCollough-Unis that the district makes sure families can watch their students complete even if they can’t come into the school building by making it available online.
Gina Mroczka, Senior Regional Director for CIS of Michigan, and one of the original organizers shared, “In a district as large as ours, it’s rare to have all our schools under one roof, but this event unites us. No matter which school a student comes from, we’re all here for the same reason—to encourage them to strive for their best, to have fun, and to remind them that learning is a journey we take together.”
Congratulations to the 2025 winners
3rd Grade
1st Place: Mahdi – Haigh Elementary School
2nd Place: Adam – DuVall Elementary School
3rd Place: Abas – McCollough-Unis
4th Grade
1st Place: Hassan – Howard Elementary School
2nd Place: Batoul – Maples Elementary School
3rd Place: Khaled – Henry Ford Elementary School
5th Grade
1st Place: Layth – Lowrey Elementary School
2nd Place: Evelyn – DuVall Elementary School
3rd Place: Mariam – Virtual K-12
6th Grade
1st Place: Reem – Bryant Middle School
2nd Place: Sahana – Stout Middle School
3rd Place: Mohamed – Salina Intermediate School
7th Grade
1st Place: Nuha – Stout Middle School
2nd Place: Maram – McCollough-Unis
3rd Place: Haya – Virtual K-12
8th Grade
1st Place: Rayna – Bryant Middle School
2nd Place: Dina – Woodworth Middle School
3rd Place: Inaya – Stout Middle School
A special thank you to Amal Qayed for all her work organizing this year’s event, and to our sponsors Amity Foundation and State Farm. If you are interested in sponsoring next year’s Dearborn Spelling Bee, please reach out to Kevin Carlino at kevincarlino@cismichigan.org.
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About Communities In Schools of Michigan: Communities In Schools of Michigan is part of the national network of Communities In Schools that ensures every student, regardless of who they are, their ability, zip code or socioeconomic background, has what they need to realize their potential in school and beyond. Communities in Schools of Michigan’s mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.
About State Farm®: For 100 years, the mission of State Farm has been, and continues to be, to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of auto and home insurance in the United States. Its more than 19,400 agents and approximately 53,400 employees serve over 87 million policies and accounts – which include auto, fire, life, health, commercial policies, and financial services accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats, and motorcycles, is available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 39 on the 2021 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com.About The Amity Foundation: The Amity Foundation is a nonprofit public service organization that provides community service for social and educational benefit, including food and clothing assistance. The Amity Foundation’s mission is to develop leadership skills through active community service, empowering them to be catalysts of positive change in their neighborhoods.