St.Leonard

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Artist Rendering of the Wellness Center

Team Intellectual Wellness: Campus-Wide Spelling Bee

St. Leonard's 1st Annual Campus-Wide Spelling Bee, which took place on March 24, 2011, was a real success story! It was a success because of the efforts of the spellers as well as the involvement of so many. Community spirit and support were so evident with the entire St. Leonard Community being involved: transportation, kitchen staff, administration and in-house TV, wellness/activities and nursing staffs, environmental and marketing staffs, volunteers, photographer, families, friends, neighbors of the spellers and the spellers themselves. All added to the success of the Bee. Sister Christine Doerger, spelling moderator, initiated a Spelling Club a year ago with the purpose of having fun with words while keeping the minds of the residents alert. Working with each resident's inherent capabilities and giving clues and different examples of ways to remember how to spell difficult words and getting the entire St. Leonard Community involved were her goals. The goals seem to have been accomplished. The excitement and feelings of self-esteem during and after the Spelling Bee were so evident. For example, when given a certificate for participation one resident enthusiastically said, "I'm a winner! Another echoed: "I'm a winner, too!" with pride in their accomplishment. Everyone, spellers and spectators, truly enjoyed this first time special event!