THE INTERMITTENT rain and overcast skies on Tuesday did not dampen the spirits of the spellers from St. Ann, the Garden Parish, and neighbouring St. Mary. The 90 spellers were all determined to take home the coveted title Parish Champion and trophies and plaques.
The spellers from St. Mary spent close to two hours competing against each other and proved to be worthy adversaries. The boys were no match for the girls who grabbed the top five positions; and Champion Boy Horatio Francis of Annotto Bay High School had to settle for sixth place.
Champion Girl and Parish Champion, Anastacia Bennett of Oracabessa Primary was overjoyed. The 10-year-old said, though nervous, she was determined to take home the Cup. The long hours of studying and lack of lunch hour paid off and she looks forward to the national finals. Mother, Ann-Marie Bennett, beamed with pride.
The other top five positions went to Porsche Wilson of Retreat Primary, who yielded the title to Bennett on the word W-E-I-R-D; Gaynelle Menzies, Marymount High; Donette Masters, Clonmell Primary & Junior High and Petrone Howell of May River Primary School.
Representatives from Jamaica National and National Commercial Bank (NCB) made presentations to the Champion Teacher and Champion Boy.
The spellers from St. Ann were even more determined to take home the prize. The boys fought neck and neck with the girls and it was a victory for Adrian Kelly of Ocho Rios Primary.
Many parents and teachers packed a small church in St. Ann's Bay. The spellers, like 'Energiser Bunnies', spelled well into the afternoon. The tears of disappointment flowed, especially from the boys.
Ocho Rios Primary also copped the Champion Girl Trophy as it was a final between Kelly and Krislee Nelson. Third place winner, Paul McFarlane, proved an excellent opponent and was inconsolable in defeat. Coleen Campbell of Clarksonville All-Age and Stann-Omar Jones of Discovery Bay Prep. were placed fourth and fifth, respectively.
