By MICHELLE WILLARD, Post Staff Writer

L-I-T-E-R-A-C-Y. Literacy is the ability to read and write at a competent level, according to Webster’s Dictionary.

Literacy is what 44 percent of Rutherford County adults lack, according to a recent census report. The report, cited by Read to Succeed, found these adults read at third-grade level or below.

Literacy is what Read to Succeed will promote at the 2007 Rebecca Jones Celebrity Spelling Bee Tuesday, Nov. 27 at the Patterson Park Community Center.

Read to Succeed has invited local celebrities to help raise funds for the organization, which promotes reading with a focus on family literacy.

“All our Celebrity Spellers have been really good natured about the invitation to spell,” said Ronnie Shaw, Read to Succeed executive director. “A few have asked if their spouses could spell for them or if they could bring spell-check. Of course, the answer was they could not.”

Shaw has recruited good-humored local celebrities from all walks of life in Rutherford County.

Social service agencies, civic groups and local businesses have joined Read to Succeed to encourage young readers, even Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy Bragg volunteered to spell.

“We are really encouraged by the work of Read To Succeed in our community,” Bragg said. “The partnerships that this group has been able to put together give them the ability to reach a lot of folks who might otherwise be left without their important services.”

“I’m a bit nervous about spelling, but it’s definitely for a good cause,” Bragg added.

Chris Young, the 2006 ACM Nominee for Top New Male Vocalist and product of Murfreesboro City and Rutherford County educational systems, is also among the chosen few to take time out of his schedule to promote literacy.

“I struggled with reading as a kid so know how very important it is that we have lots of support for learners,” Young said.

Shaw credited all the partners and volunteers for bring the Celebrity Spelling Bee to town.

“My favorite part though is the ‘Comforters.’ Don O. Henry and Ron Washington will be there to help those who spell incorrectly back to their seats with the offer of a broad shoulder and a hankie,” Shaw said.

But most of all, she’s glad the celebrities have volunteered their valuable time to help promote literacy.

“I think the message is getting out to folks that literacy must be important,” said Leslie Akins, board chair of the Primary Care and Hope Clinic and celebrity speller, “and I hope people will realize they just have to send a few dollars to Read To Succeed to support literacy.”

Donations in honor of any of the Celebrity Spellers are welcomed at PO Box 12161, Murfreesboro, TN, 37129 or donate online at www.readtosucceed.org. Tickets to the 2007 Rebecca Jones Celebrity Spelling Bee may also be purchased for $75 online at the Read to Succeed website.

Michelle Willard can be contacted at 869-0816 or mwillard@murfreesboropost