Story and Photography by Eric Lusk

The 18th Annual Read to Succeed Spelling Bee recently took place pitting local “celebrities” against each other and helping promote literacy. The competition included 11 Rutherford County celebrities: Jami K. Averwater, Dr. David Beaird, Derek Blake, Connie Casha, Veronica M. Clark, Dr. Takisha Ferguson, Darren Gore, Hans Malebranche, Mike Panesi, Ladawna Parham and Dr. Cathy Pressnell.

The Celebrity Spelling Bee serves as Read to Succeed’s largest fundraiser of the year, bringing in thousands of donations and sponsorships for the Murfreesboro-based nonprofit. These funds are used to provide literacy programming and promote literacy for both children and adults throughout Rutherford County.

For information, please visit www.readtosucceed.org.