Gentlemen & Scholars Inc. hosts 'Spelling Bee Explosion'

In South Bend Sunday, Gentlemen & Scholars Inc. hosted their third annual city-wide Spelling Bee Explosion at the Century Center.

Contestants from local schools tried spelling their way through the competition, and most of them did.

400 words were reportedly spelled correctly by high school students.

The Spelling Bee Explosion focuses on giving students a platform to not only improve spelling skills, but public speaking skills as well.

"We like the fact that they have an opportunity to practice their public speaking and these kids were so poised today," said South Bend superintendent Ken Spells.

"One thing that I say about the platform of public speaking is it's an opportunity for a child to express themselves," said Cory Braizer, director of Gentlemen & Scholars Inc.

NewsCenter 16's Joshua Short was the emcee of the event.