ABOVE: Dr. Vicky Dunn (Former Superintendent of Girls and Boys Preparatory Academy), Robert Garner, Founder, AANSBC, Mary Bello (1st Place), Jacqueline Terrell, Executive Director, AANSBC and Mary’s father, Mr. Bello
The winners of the 1st annual African American National Spelling Bee Championships (AANSBC) have graduated high school and are on their way to college. Back in 2011, the competition was heated and three winners emerged from the competition held at Jack Yates High School. Winners were Mary Bello (1st place – $1,500); Ashley Williams (2nd place – $1,000) and Niaha Dyson (3rd place – $500.00). Amazingly, all three winners that year attended the same middle school (Girls and Boys Preparatory Academy). Dr. Vicky Dunn watched as the girls claimed their scholarship funds. She believed in the power of training her students in spelling and supported their participation in the spelling bee.
Mary has graduated from Harmony Science Academy and is on her way to University of Houston to major in Education. Ashley Williams has graduated from Alief Hastings High School and is on her way to Texas Southern University to major in Pre-Pharmacy. Niaha has decided to allow her scholarship funds to continue to earn interest and will claim her funds at a later date.
“This is what it’s all about—educating our children and helping them with their higher education goals,” said Robert Garner, founder of the AANSBC. The AANSBC thanks its sponsors for their continued support in educating the students in our communities: Houston Community College, Houston Forward Times, Power Finance Texas, Comerica Bank, Big Star Ford, Ameriprise Financial, Silverlake Community Church, Digital Broadcasting Network, 1,000 Men Empowerment Group, Cherry’s Cracklin’ Kitchen, Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce,
For more information on the 2017 spelling bee and how to become a sponsor, visit www.bee-aboutit.org or email info@bee-aboutit.org.
Robert Garner, Dr. Vicky Dunn, Ashley Williams (2nd Place) and Jacqueline Terrell