MURFREESBORO, TN - While tornado warnings flashed and thunder rattled the windows of The View at Fountains, inside 1500 Medical Center Parkway, Murfreesboro, the only storm that mattered was the one brewing between ten brilliant minds and a dictionary. The 19th Annual Read to Succeed Celebrity Spelling Bee was in full swing, and not even Mother Nature could compete with the electric energy in the room.

Carl Montgomery’s Auction Magic: Dollars in the Air!

Before the first “ding” of the spelling bell, auctioneer Carl Montgomery warmed up the crowd with his signature flair—pulling bids out of thin air and coaxing generous hands skyward. The room, packed with supporters and community leaders, buzzed with laughter, hors d’oeuvres, and high-stakes generosity.

From Chicken Line to Literacy Legacy

Read to Succeed’s Executive Director Jolene Radnoti took the mic to honor the nonprofit’s roots—founded by Ronni Shaw, carried forward by Lisa Mitchell, and now thriving under Jolene’s leadership. Meanwhile, Board Chair Phillip Barnett stepped away from serving chicken to serve up heartfelt words about the power of literacy and community.

Ten Titans of Spelling Take the Stage

The competition featured a dazzling lineup: educators, bankers, realtors, and community champions. Each took their turn under the spotlight, spelling through rounds that stretched longer than the thunder outside. The super-stars included: Kaitlyn Benavides, Kara Carpenter, Ashley Carter, Dr. Jeremy Lewis, Eric Murry, Tim Tipps, Jen Tooley, Katie Turner, Shannon Wheeler, and Robert White.

Judges Michael Joseph, Francela Salas, Meredith Thomas, and Michael Linn White kept score, while Rev. Martha Touchton of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church served as the “pronouncer” as each syllable flowed with grace and precision.

Final Showdown: Turner vs. Lewis

As the storm outside roared, the final face-off inside was just as fierce. Dr. Jeremy Lewis, principal of Bradley Academy, and Katie Turner from the Rutherford County Library System stood toe-to-toe. Lewis stumbled on his second word, opening the door for Turner. She nailed “hydraulics.” The crowd held its breath. Her next word: “fuselage.” A pause. Then—“ding!” The bell rang, and the room exploded. Cheers, claps, and joyful shouts crowned Katie Turner the 2025 Read to Succeed Spelling Bee Champion!

A Night of Words, Weather, and Wonder

Through lightning strikes and spelling blunders, the event raised awareness and funds for Read to Succeed’s mission: free literacy programs for all ages across Rutherford County. From ESL classes to youth reading clubs, this nonprofit proves that words—spoken, spelled, and shared—can change lives.

For more information about Read to Succeed, visit their website: https://readtosucceed.org/ or phone (615) 738-READ (7323). Get with them and discover how you can help others.