N.Y. Xi Holds Annual Spelling Bee – For more than a decade NY Xi has continued a yearly tradition of hosting the 19th Ward Spelling Bee, during which middle school students from the local Rochester community, grades 3-8, are invited to participate in the competition. 

In preparation for the event, since January, brothers have conducted in-person practices with public school students on Saturday mornings at the Arnett Library.

Those who win the spelling bee rounds in their respective grade group receive a $500 scholarship to a college of their choice upon graduation of high school. The funding for this comes from the Rochester Area Community Foundation.

Brother and VP Programming Peter Kochek (‘27) was responsible for coordinating today’s event. In an interview with the Democrat and Chronicle, Kochek explained: “[Participating in the Bee] helps dispel the notion that frat brothers are on their own, having fun or whatever, but there’s also things that we do well in the community,” he said. “It feels good to help people. I think being able to do that and have a tangible impact on the larger Rochester area is very good.”