Hmoob Spelling Bee

St. Paul, Minn. (May 21, 2011) – Organizers are celebrating the 2011 Hmoob Spelling Bee that was held Saturday at Concordia University – St. Paul.

A total of nine schools participated in this fourth event that was co-chaired by Dao Lor and Leng Vang, in conjunction with a group of local school district educators and Concordia University personnel.

“This was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the Hmong program at your school,” said Nao Thao. “Your students practiced the spelling and meaning of words.”

The Minnesota Hmong Spelling Bee Association exists to promote and to preserve the Hmong Culture and Language. Its goals are to focus on Hmong literacy by recognizing the strength of being bilingual; promote the visibility of students’ achievement in Hmong; increase the number of participants; provide an opportunity for students to showcase their knowledge; and create community engagement.

The winners were announced in four age group categories in the competition.

In the 2nd and 3rd grade group, Chue Yee Yang of Jackson Prep Magnet won first place, followed by Hue Chee Lee of Jackson Elementary, and Snow Vang of Jackson Elementary.

In the 4th and 5th grade group, Gao Zong Xiong of Jackson Elementary won first place, followed by Gao Chia Lee of Community School of Excellence, and Maiv Yim Leej Vaj of Phalen Lake Hmong Magnet School.

In the 6th to 8th grade group, Nee Yang of Noble Academy won first place, followed by Ka Youa Yang of New Millennium Academy, and George Vang of Noble Academy.

In the 9th to 12th grade group, Xis Lis of Long Tieng Academy won first place, followed by Kimberly Lor of Hmong College Prep Academy, and Zeej Koob Yang of Hmong College Prep Academy.