LEF Bee Buzzed into Cary Hall November 6

The thirteenth annual Lexington Education Foundation (LEF) Trivia Bee was held in Lexington’s Cary Hall on Thursday, November 6, 2008, at 7:30 pm.  The event brings the community together in celebration of public education and raises funds for programs benefiting the Lexington Public Schools.  Residents look forward to the Bee each year, with children rooting for their teachers, schools, parents, and other town residents who compete in the event, and the teams battling for the title of “Masters of Minutia.” Forty-two three-person teams participated, with six teams competing in each of seven rounds, or “swarms,” and the winning team of each swarm joining a final championship round.

The winning team was the Twelve O’clock Scholars, consisting of School Committee members Tom Diaz, Helen Cohen, and Margaret Coppe.  The winning question was "Which rock group is named after the inventor of the seed drill?” and the correct answer was “Jethro Tull.”  This is the second time that the Twelve O’clock Scholars have won the LEF Trivia Bee. 

Lexington Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Paul Ash, introduced the evening’s officials. Master of Ceremonies was Lexington High School Principal, Natalie Cohen; the official timekeeper was Diamond Middle School Principal Joanne Hennessy; and judges were Hastings Elementary School principal Louise Lipsitz and two members of the Questions Committee, Betty Gau and Doug Cohen.  Dance instructor Thelma Goldberg served as the official “Bee,” knocking over the teams’ placards as they missed questions and were knocked out of the competition.

Local businesses, organizations, and individuals sponsored the event by providing each team’s entry fee of $375.  The event raised $16,000, which will help fund grant programs in Lexington Public Schools.  LEF funds programs based on proposals that come directly from educators and are awarded based on merit as determined by a rigorous review process.   Grants range from class-specific programs to system-wide initiatives.

LEF is an independent, 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to enhancing educational excellence for the children of Lexington Public Schools.  Since 1991, LEF has awarded more than $2.7 million to Lexington educators through a competitive grants program.  The initiatives LEF funds are outside the school operating budget and make a difference in enriching math skills, improving literacy, promoting 21st century technology, providing professional development for teachers, supporting the arts, and enhancing social competency.  LEF is directed by a non-salaried board of community members and supported by contributions from residents and area businesses. 

To compete in next year’s LEF Trivia Bee, please contact Carol Colman at 781-372-3288, or lexed@att.net.