Teams are being sought for the corporate/community spelling bee sponsored by the Certified Literate Community Program next week.

The 12th annual bee will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 22 in the Callaway Center on the campus of West Georgia Technical College at 220 Fort Drive in LaGrange.

Teams of three spellers, sponsored by companies and individuals from across the community, will compete.

Debbie Burdette, executive director of Troup CLCP, encouraged residents to turn out for an evening of fun, saying, “You don’t have to ‘bee’ on a team to have a great time at the spelling bee.”

Jack Morman and Renae Willis will serve as emcee and pronouncer respectively. Educator and entertainer Carol Cain returns in her role as bouncer bee, serenading each team as it leaves the stage following its elimination.

New for audience members this year is the CLCP word find. Those who complete the puzzle and submit their entry will be eligible for a special door prize at the conclusion of the evening’s activities.

“Troup CLCP is continuing to make a difference in our community and education is becoming a priority for everyone.” Burdette said. “Your support of the bee will allow us to continue emphasizing the importance of education to everyone across Troup County, from new mothers to senior citizens. Come out and cheer for your favorite team but more importantly demonstrate your support for our efforts to eliminate illiteracy in our community.”

For more information on sponsoring a team or donating door prizes, contact Burdette at (706) 756-4645 or Debbie.burdette@ westgatech.edu.

Troup County CLCP is a collaborative among local business, education, government and community groups. To accomplish its goal of a certified literate community, CLCP encourages a love of reading as a foundation for lifelong learning and supports programs with similar goals.