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Organizers of an inaugural statewide Kupuna Spelling Bee invite Hawaii residents 60 years and older to register to participate in one of many spelling bee events to be held in June and July 2022.  The top two winners from each preliminary competition will advance to compete for prizes in the 2022 Statewide Kupuna Spelling Bee on Saturday, July 23, 2022 on Oahu.

The purpose of the inaugural statewide Kupuna Spelling Bee is to encourage older men and women (60 years and older) to stay mentally sharp by learning and practicing the use and spelling of words and to help strengthen memory.  Research shows that those who view themselves as “lifelong learners” often have a cognitive edge.

There will be 3 age categories open to Hawaii residents:

    Category 1:    Seniors 60 to 69 years of age 

    Category 2:    Seniors 70 to 79 years of age 

    Category 3:    Seniors 80 years of age and older

The statewide competition is organized by Riley Regan, 16, a junior at ‘Iolani School.  A spelling bee winner when he was in the 5th grade at Pu’u Kukui Elementary School on Maui, the Eagle Scout thought it would be fun to coordinate such a competition and to help raises funds for the Alzheimer’s Association, in conjunction with “The Longest Day” event.

To register, click here.  The registration fee to participate in the Spelling Bee is $10 per person. Contestants must be registered for a preliminary spelling no later on or before Tuesday, July 5th, 2022. 

“We are excited and grateful to Riley and his parents, Lynn Araki-Regan and Keith Regan, who have worked so hard to organize this first-time event for Hawaii.  We encourage senior living facilities, churches, schools, companies, and clubs on all islands to support Riley and the Alzheimer’s Association by organizing a preliminary contest and helping to recruit seniors to participate,” said Justin George, Director of Development for The Alzheimer’s Association - Hawaii.

Having an extremely close bond with his grandparents, Riley is deeply interested in issues facing older adults.  Besides coordinating a variety show (click here to visit channel) dedicated to Hawaii’s kupuna on the 3rd Sunday of each month, Regan plans to continue serving the community through the Alzheimer’s Association and other nonprofits, and hopes to eventually pursue geriatrics as a profession. 

For more information, including sponsorship opportunities and to donate prizes, email Regan at yoshio.regan@gmail.com.