Jan 7, 2008 By Patty Yauger 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – Three organizations have joined together in an effort that challenges students to learn to spell. The Connellsville Moose Lodge 16 and the Connellsville Lions Club have agreed to join the Connellsville Area Falcon Foundation to sponsor the 2008 Fay-West Spelling Bee that will take place later this year.

“We’re very grateful to the Moose and Lions clubs to provide the finances for the endeavor,” said Bob McLuckey, Falcon Foundation vice-president.

Prior financial sponsors of the Fayette and Westmoreland county event decided to no longer participate, which prompted the Connellsville groups to join forces.

“Technology has become so very important in the lives of these young people, but the basics, including how to spell, should also continue to be an educational priority,” said McLuckey.

The contest will be open to elementary and junior high students with each school producing one winner. The next level will gather all winners for the spelling bee that will be held in the spring at a yet to be decided location.

Falcon Foundation member Paul Harshman said that the Moose Lodge and Lions Club are to be congratulated for their interest in the project and their willingness to financially support the initiative.

“We would not have been able to do this without their help,” he said.

The nonprofit organization was established in 2006 and through contributions from various groups and fund-raising initiatives sponsored by the foundation. Connellsville district schools receive a variety of materials and equipment to enhance classroom instruction.

Last year the funds allowed for the purchase of an accelerated reading computer program supplemental books for Zachariah Connell Elementary School; science and language student workbooks for Connellsville Township and Springfield Township elementary schools; science experiment supplies for Clifford N. Pritts Elementary School; two security cameras, physical education equipment, digital camera and supplies, 20 computer headphones and trade books for South Side Elementary School; nine classroom televisions for Junior High West and a digital camera for Junior High East.

The foundation also sold a pewter Christmas ornament with the Falcon emblem during the holiday season to raise funds.

All projects, said Harshman, are done in conjunction with the foundation’s mission of promoting a partnership of school personnel, students, families and communities to celebrate educational excellence by providing a nurturing safe environment in which students can acquire the knowledge and skills to become lifelong learners and positively contribute to a global society.

The foundation accepts cash gifts, stocks and securities, paid life insurance policies, bequests and memorial gifts.

Tax-deductible contributions can be made to the Falcon Foundation, P.O. Box 400, Connellsville, Pa. 15425 or for more information call 724-626-4073 or email at begin Ffoundation@casdfalcons.org Ffoundation@casdfalcons.org end