Christian Peterson
reporter@riverbendnews.org
In 2020, Evangeline McKenna was just two years old when she was diagnosed with stage 3, intermediate-risk, Rhabdomyosarcoma. What followed has been a seven-year battle against cancer.
Throughout that time, Evangeline has amassed an army of supporters who have followed her journey and rallied around her and her family.
One way “Evangeline’s Army” continues to support her is through the Spell for Evangeline event. The contest is a homeschool spelling bee and fundraising event designed for the homeschool community throughout Suwannee County and the surrounding area. All funds raised go toward supporting Evangeline as she continues her fight against cancer.
The first spelling bee, held in 2025, raised more than $2,000. Now, the contest is coming back around in 2026 for its second run. This year’s contest will be held on Saturday, May 4, at 4 p.m. at the Live Oak Music Studio and Enrichment Center, located at 897 Pinewood Dr. S.W.
All participants must be between the ages of 5 and 16 as of Thursday, April 30, and must be homeschooled. Competitors will be split into three age groups: 5 to 7, 8 to 11 and 12 to 16. A donation gives access to the word list for the participant’s age group.
The deadline to register for the spelling bee is Thursday, April 30. To register or learn more about the event, visitspellforevangeline.my.canva.site.