By Daviot Kelly, Staff ReporterPORT MARIA, St. Mary:
PORTLAND PROVIDED the shortest spelldown in this year's Gleaner Children's Own Spelling Bee competition on Monday, as it took only 45 minutes to find a champion.
Kenneisha Campbell of Fellowship Primary and Junior High won the contest ahead of Jahavine Reid of Belle Castle Primary. The duel lasted longer than it could have as both girls missed the word 'F-O-R-M-I-C-A'.
FINALLY TRIUMPHED
Kenneisha finally triumphed, correctly spelling 'G-H-E-T-T-O' after Jahavine missed out on 'G-L-0-S-S-I-E-R'.
"I was nervous when I saw that it was just two of us left, but I knew I could win," a delighted Kenneisha said after the final. The top five was dominated by girls, as Sasheen Wilson of Manchioneal All-Age was third, Michelle Morris of Boundbrook Primary was fourth and fifth went to Ramone Bradshaw of Norwich Primary, who was also champion boy. Kenneisha is the second girl to win a parish final of the six students who have won this year.
Earlier in St. Thomas, Theodore Wynter of Airy Castle Primary became the fourth boy to become parish champion as he triumphed over 39 other spellers. He won the title after spelling 'Q-U-E-U-E' after champion girl and runner-up Vanessa Carr of Middleton Primary missed 'P-Y-J-A-M-A-S' that Theodore spelt correctly. A cool Theodore, who was entering for the third year described his joy.
"I feel great. This was my third year and I felt that I would win at last," he said. His teacher was less calm than he was as when it came to the final two, she could barely watch.
TOP FIVE
The top five was completed by Brian McKoy of Middleton Primary placing fifth; Mario Eunick of St. Thomas Kinder Prep, who finished fourth and Celia Ewen of Airy Castle, who placed third.
Spellers were given drinks courtesy of Bigga, biscuits from Kraft and books from Sangster's.
The champion boy and girl from each parish will receive cheques from National Commercial Bank and Victoria Mutual Building Society respectively. Champion teachers will receive cheques from Jamaica National Building Society. The Gleaner team will stop in St. Mary and St. Ann today for those parish finals.
