Carolina Panthers bolster community engagement efforts, host regional youth Spelling Bee

Since purchasing the team in 2018, Carolina Panthers team owner David Tepper has been committed to raising the level of input the organization contributes to the youth of the Carolinas. From its contributions from the Kicks for Kids program that donates to Levine Children's Hospital to the Third and Goal literacy program which is designed to encourage a love of reading for students in K-3 to the most recent development, the team is finding new ways to engage the next generation of Panthers fans.

The most recent event, an inaugural Carolina Panthers Spelling Bee regional championships was held March 20-21, 2021 at the Atrium Health Dome on the Bank of America Stadium campus. Student from more than 100 counties in North and South Carolina participated in the Bee. “The Carolina Panthers are pleased to recognize these top finishers in the team’s inaugural Carolina Panthers Spelling Bee regional championship,” said Riley Fields, Carolina Panthers director of community relations.

“While the competition was intense, the event provided the opportunity to celebrate top student spellers in our region with a unique Bee experience.”

The competition produced four winners to advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee tournament which begins June 12, 2021.

If successful, the Charlotte winners can go on to participate in the Scripps National Spelling Bee Championship July 8, 2021 in Orlando, FL.

CHARLOTTE REGIONAL WINNERS:

2021 Carolina Panthers North Carolina Champion:

Brianna Jimison

8th grade

West Alexander Middle School

Taylorsville, NC

2021 Carolina Panthers South Carolina Champion:

Logan Edwards

5th grade

Upstate Homeschool Co-op

Greer, SC

Rishidharan Jayakumar

6th grade

Brawley School

Davidson, NC

Sreethan Gajula

8th grade

Marvin Ridge Middle School

Waxhaw, NC