Innova Preparatory School, a specialized learning institution for gifted students with learning differences, will be hosting a unique event to raise awareness and funds. This fundraiser will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 29 and will bring together the notable personalities of Hattiesburg, from bankers to college presidents, for an unforgettable evening at the Saenger Theater.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between Innova Prep and Kinda Gritty, a locally renowned event planning business. Rhonda Hayden, the owner of Kinda Gritty, said the Adult Spelling Bee is designed to provide a glimpse into the daily experiences of the students at Innova. "Bankers, lawyers, CFOs, college professors, and college presidents will undergo the same feelings of anxiety, discomfort, and self-doubt that our students might face in their learning environments," said Hayden.
Innova Prep has gained the attention and admiration of the community, including Dr. Ben Burnett, President of William Carey University. As the title sponsor of the event, Dr. Burnett has been vocal about the unique role the school plays. "Innova Prep is a very unique school that can meet the needs of students overcoming certain learning challenges," said Burnett.
The Innova Prep Adult Spelling Bee is not just about competition. It's about empathizing with students who face daily learning challenges and creating a broader understanding of their experiences. This mission aligns with Innova Prep's commitment to providing a nurturing environment where students with concurrent talents, gifts, and learning differences can thrive.
This fundraiser is a testament to the power of community support, and the belief that every student deserves the chance to succeed. The event promises to be an evening of laughter, learning, and community-building, and all are invited to join and support the cause.
Those competing include Joe Paul, USM President; a representative from William Carey University; Ben Hester, CFO of Forrest General; Terri Bell, Forrest County Supervisor, District 5.; Katie Dixon, chef/entrepreneur; Father Tommy, founding pastor at St. Fabian’s; Shawn Harris, Vice President and Commercial Banker at Hancock Whitney Bank; Michael Marks, CEO at Stage, Style & Study; Sheriff Charles Sims, Forrest County Sherriff; Richard Conville, Retired USM professor of Communications; Scotty Piland, USM professor in the School of Kinesiology; Joe O’Connell, Lawyer at Bryan Nelson P.A. Attorneys at Law; Chae Carter, owner of Carter Jewelers; Jamie Arrington, comedian; Mary Ryan Brown, comedian; Gareth Bonner, PCS Secondary Campus Assistant Director; Kathy Chase Young, Director of Children’s Ministry at Presbyterian Church Hattiesburg; Abbigale Nguyễn, Masters student at USM in Social Work; Mallorie Pittman, Director of Marketing at JR Forty LLC (Front Street Eats); and Denetria Gamble, Team Leader at KW Elite Keller Williams Realty.
Judges include Dr. Cena Holifield, Director of The 3 D School; Dr. Yeager, Executive Director/CEO at TEAAM Autism, Coordinator of Special Education and Legislative Liaison; and Missy Schraeder, Director of Dubard School. Drew Wooten will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
Tickets for the Innova Prep Adult Spelling Bee are available for purchase at
https://bit.ly/innovaspellingbee. Come and experience an evening that promises to be as educational as it is entertaining and support a worthy cause in the process.
