The organizers of the first statewide Grammar Bowl in the country announced Wednesday the bowl will return for a second year of competition. The egumpp Grammar Bowl is an academic contest for 8th and 9th graders in Arizona, testing their grammar skills and offering big prizes for competitors. Students register online and take 20 lessons to master their writing and oral communication skills. It the student scores 90% or better, he or she advances into a regional competition. The top 24 qualify for the finals in April at Grand Canyon University. The founder of egumpp, Bob Safran, is the force behind the Grammar Bowl. “This is a win for everyone. Students improve their grammar skills and win prizes. Teachers learn a new, effective way to help their

students improve grammar skills. Arizona proves itself to be an innovative leader in improving the standard and quality of education throughout the state,” said Safran. The 2011 champion, Mercedes Larios, was on hand for the announcement. “This was a life-changing event. It improved so greatly my grammar skills,” said Mercedes, a 15 year old from the Arizona School for the Arts. Mercedes Larios speaks about her win

Senate Education Chair Rich Crandall of Mesa is a strong proponent of the Grammar Bowl. “Arizona is the only state in the nation to have a statewide Grammar Bowl. It was a big success last year and will be even bigger this year,” said Senator Crandall.

The announcement was made at the State Capitol. Senator Crandall was joined by State Schools Superintendent John Huppenthal.

Registration for students opens up October 3. To register, participants need to go to www.grammarbowl.com