Housing Authority’s Spelling Bee Contest Gets Youth Excited about Reading 

April 8, 2009 – Thirty youth from grades 1 through 5 put forth their best effort during the 14th Annual Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles’ (HACLA) Spelling Bee final at the Universal Cinemas at Universal City.

The event was made possible through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding allowing youth from public housing developments to participate in the citywide Annual Spelling Bee.  This program provides youth from low-income families a learning opportunity to increase literacy. The HACLA is excited to help enrich the lives of participating youth and promote educational values.

The program was initiated fourteen years ago and spearheaded by Consuelo Telfair of San Fernando Gardens Community Service Center. Throughout the year, HACLA staff and volunteers encourage and support youth in their educational goals, promotes literacy and emphasizes the importance of staying in school. Students have been preparing by taking part in weekly study sessions to broaden their vocabulary. 

This year's winners are:
Category 1:

Photo: Spelling Bee winners pose for photo with judges. HACLA'S Chief Operating Officer, Ken Simmons, HACLA Human Resources Administrative Analyst, Clara Rosalez-Sarco, and Retired School Teacher, Barbara Shaw.