The 2nd Annual Smartypants Adult Spelling Bee is coming up on Monday, June 23rd at Mayne Stage. Between now and then, we’ll be highlighting some of the competitors hoping to destroy the competition. Today, we meet Polly Bruno.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
A: I hail from Hyde Park on the south side. All hail Hyde Park! I have also lived on the north side, in Evanston and in Glenview.
My favorite hobbies are reading, writing, dancing and cooking. I published a novel, Western Motel, in 1985 (as Polly Gross), and I am currently at work on a suspense novel.
For my day job, I manage the meetings and events departments for a large retail pharmacy company. Previously, I managed a technical writing department, and I have been an English and Writing instructor at the University of California at Irvine.
Q: How many Spelling competitions have you taken part in? Any specific experience(s) you’d like to share?
A: I took part in my last spelling competition when I was in second grade. I was unfairly deprived of the win because I spelled Christmas “c-h-r-i-s-t-m-a-s” and did not say “Capital C-h-r-i-s-t-m-a-s.” Although this policy had not been communicated in advance, and though my opponent had gone on to spell the word incorrectly, Miss Andrews declared a tie.
In short, I am seeking redemption!
Q: What gives you an edge over the other contestants in this year’s Smartypants Spelling Bee?
A: I have true grit and the will to win. Also, I spell really, really well.
Q: Anything else about yourself that you’d like to share with the world?
A: My personal motto is “Fortunas audentes iuvat,” or “Fortune favors the brave.”