Ryan's Quest: Scripps National Bee!

Hi, my name is Ryan Raether, and I am an eighth grade student at Thorp Middle School, WI.  I recently competed at the Badger State Spelling Bee  and placed 8th of 50 where the top 3 spellers go to nationals.  I have qualified for the state bee for 3 years in 5th, 7th, and 8th grade.  Last year I placed 4th--one spot away from going to nationals.  This week we received an email from Scripps National Spelling Bee letting us know that I was invited to compete at the national bee in National Harbor, Maryland, the week of May 27-June 1.  It is through a program this year to make qualifying for the national bee more fair and equal between states.  Right now Ohio sends 18 students, but Wisconsin just started sending 3 a few years ago while Georgia sends only 1 student, all depending on the number of sponsors in each state.    

I have worked hard over the past four years to be able to represent my school at the state bees.  I know I would have to spend a lot of extra time during the rest of the school year to continue to prepare for the Scripps National Spelling Bee.  I know it is a very challenging and difficult competition, but I think this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me, and I'd really like the chance to go. 

The expenses for this opportunity are not covered.  However, I know that if we give up my invitation, my spot would go on to the next person on the list. There is a $750 registration fee that is due on Monday, April 2.  There will also be the expenses of traveling, hotels, meals, etc... for the week.  While there are many expenses, I am hopeful that instead of having just one sponsor, I can have many sponsors through this page.  

Thank you for helping me on my quest to get to the Scripps National Spelling Bee.  I am really grateful for this unexpected opportunity, and I would truly appreciate any contributions so much.  

Thank you,
Ryan