In an exciting celebration of African American history and literacy, Texas Avenue School hosted a Black History-themed spelling bee that brought students together in a spirited competition. Sponsored by CHORUS and Caesars Entertainment, the event aimed to honor civil rights and Black history by challenging participants to spell words tied to these powerful themes.
The competition started with 14 eager contestants, each facing off on words such as “peace,” “march,” and “hope.” As the rounds progressed, the words became increasingly challenging, pushing the students’ spelling abilities to the limit. By round five, only four students remained standing: Nazifah Afra, Jeremy Mondragon, Aleena Anwar, and Naimul Islam. Afra triumphed in the final round, correctly spelling "demonstration" to secure her victory.
As a reward for her hard work and determination, Afra was treated to a special movie night at the IMAX theater at Tropicana Atlantic City, where she and her family enjoyed the inspiring film Akeelah and the Bee.
Principal Lina Gil praised the students for their dedication, emphasizing the event's importance in both educational and cultural contexts. The event also highlighted the ongoing partnership between CHORUS and Texas Avenue School, further strengthening community ties.
In addition to the spelling bee, CHORUS is hosting a Black History Month Film Series to inspire students by showcasing the resilience and achievements of African Americans. With its focus on perseverance, the series encourages students to face challenges head-on and strive for greatness.