Murfreesboro, TN - After sixteen thrilling rounds of competition, Dr. Cathy Pressnell, reading coordinator at Murfreesboro City Schools, came in first place at the 2024 Celebrity Spelling Bee which was held at The View at Fountains on Friday, November 8th. She was crowned champion after the correct spelling of “harmonious.”
It was a tight race to the top between Dr. Pressnell and runner up Darren Gore, city manager of Murfreesboro. Other participants were highlighted throughout the evening. Jami Averwater was recognized for raising the most money, and Veronica Clark was honored for securing the most donors for the Bee.
The event also featured a riveting online auction by 32 Auctions. Winners scored items that included a weeklong stay in Park City, UT; an interactive cooking class at Tasty Table; and 4 tickets to a Tennessee Titans vs. Houston Texans game. Hundreds of guests filled the venue during the literacy under the stars celebration and 18th annual fundraiser. $60,000 was raised for the local non-profit in support of literacy. Food and beverages were offered by The Sweet Addiction, Julie’s Bartending, and Cedar Glade Brews. In addition, the organization revealed their signature One Book for 2025, Infectious Generosity, by Chris Anderson.
“We are grateful to our brave celebrity spellers, who not only raised awareness of our mission but also helped us reach our fundraising goal,” said Jolene Radnoti, Executive Director of Read To Succeed. “Their enthusiasm showed just how fun and engaging spelling and literacy can be!”
The other spellers included Dr. David Beaird, general surgeon at Murfreesboro Medical Clinic; Derek Blake, executive director at Smyrna YMCA; Connie Casha, early learning programs director at MTSU College of Education; Dr. Takisha Ferguson, principal at Smyrna Middle School; Hans Malebranche, associate athletic director and chief development officer at MTSU Athletics; Mike Panesi, vice president and Tennessee market executive at Redstone Federal Credit Union; and Ladawna Parham, executive director at ACBL Educational Foundation. The night’s
pronouncer was Rev. Martha Touchton. Matthew Joseph, Francela Salas, Meredith Thomas, and Michael Linn White served as judges.
One hundred percent of the funds received from the Celebrity Spelling Bee will stay in Rutherford County and support Read To Succeed’s adult literacy program, youth and family literacy programs, ESL/ELL classes, and dozens of other events in the community aimed at promoting literacy.
The fundraising goal was met through the support of many individuals, businesses, and organizations. “We have such an amazing community and couldn't do what we do without the generosity of the sponsors and donors for our only fundraising event,” Radnoti said.
The evening’s sponsors and donors were Atmos Energy, Nissan North America Inc., Ingram Content Group, Don & Melanie Clayton, Brian D. Coleman, CFP – Edward Jones, Middle Tennessee Electric, Jennings & Rebecca Jones Foundation, Redstone Federal Credit Union, Smile Doctors, Bridgestone, Ernest & Peggy Burgess, Dr. James & Beverly Calder, Larry & Carter Owens, U.S. Cold Storage, Ascend Federal Credit Union, Auto Collection of Murfreesboro/Auto Pro of Nashville, First Community Mortgage - FCM Cares, Imagination Travel and Tips, Murfreesboro Medical Clinic, Phillip Barnett, State Farm Insurance, Wilson Bank and Trust, Jeff & Kristina Brown, Firebirds, Retta Gardner, Go USA, Eric & Charity Gray, Tamara Gwyn, Amy Jennings - Nails By Amy, Lisa Mitchell, Julie O’Donnell, David Officer, Karen Patel - CNG Wine & Spirits, David & Jolene Radnoti, Tina Roper, Sanders Bros. Coffee, Marla St. Clair - St. Clair Skin Care, Tasty Table, The Alley on Main, Wand and Willow Day Spa, Jessica Warner - Keller Williams Realty, and Tony Welch - Outpost Armory.
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