1. Introduction to Akeelah and Her Struggles Akeelah and the Bee tells the inspiring story of Akeelah Anderson, an 11-year-old girl living in South Los Angeles. She's highly intelligent and has a special gift for spelling, but she's also facing many challenges: her father has passed away, her mother is overworked and skeptical of Akeelah's ambitions, and her school is under-resourced. Akeelah tries to hide her talent to avoid being teased, but her principal encourages her to enter a spelling bee, setting her on a path that will challenge and transform her.
2. Discovering Purpose Through Service and Mentorship As Akeelah advances in spelling competitions, she begins to work with Dr. Larabee, a former UCLA professor who volunteers his time to coach her. Through their partnership, Akeelah learns discipline, confidence, and the value of hard work. At the same time, Dr. Larabee finds healing from his own grief by investing in Akeelah. Their relationship is a mutual act of good will, illustrating how mentoring and selfless support can uplift not just individuals, but whole communities.
3. Akeelah’s Growth and Service to Others By the time Akeelah reaches the national spelling bee, she realizes that her journey isn't just about personal success. She begins to involve her community in her preparation, gathering support from neighbors, classmates, and even local gang members. Her achievement becomes a shared goal, instilling hope and pride in those around her. Akeelah’s growth shows how one person’s dedication and humility can bring people together for a greater good.
4. A Story of Hope, Community, and Using Gifts for Good Ultimately, Akeelah and the Bee is about the transformative power of believing in oneself and others. Akeelah's story reflects the essence of good works—not only in her use of her academic gifts to honor her family and uplift her community, but in the way others choose to support her along the way. The film shows how acts of encouragement, mentorship, and perseverance can ripple outward, creating positive change in unexpected ways.
Journal and reflect on the following
Akeelah had a special talent for spelling. What is a gift or talent you have, and how might you use it to help or inspire others?
Dr. Larabee chose to help Akeelah even though he was grieving. How can supporting others also help us heal or grow personally?
At first, Akeelah tried to hide her intelligence. Why do you think some people hold back their gifts, and how can we create a community where people feel safe to shine?
Akeelah’s journey became a community effort. What are some ways that your school or neighborhood could work together for a common good?
The people around Akeelah—family, friends, teachers—each played a role in her success. Who has supported you in your life, and how can you show gratitude or “pay it forward”?
How does Akeelah’s story show that acts of kindness, mentoring, and encouragement can be powerful forms of “good works”?
In what ways does Akeelah and the Bee remind us that success is not just about winning, but about the impact we have on others along the way?
Discuss
Song – Be a Light
Final Prayer Loving God, Thank You for the inspiring story of Akeelah and the Bee, which reminds us that each of us has been given unique gifts meant to bless others. Just as Akeelah discovered her purpose through courage, community, and the support of those who believed in her, help us to recognize the gifts You’ve placed within us and use them not for our own glory, but in service of others. May we be open to mentors, generous in encouragement, and bold in standing up for what is good and right. Teach us, Lord, to live lives of purpose, kindness, and compassion—shining our light to build up our communities and bring hope to the world. Amen.
