BISH Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter
It's been 10 years since Jamaica first sent a representative to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C., which is widely seen as the epitome of spelling achievement.
Since then, we have won the title once in 1998, placed third in 2003 and 11th in 2005. This year, Regina Bish, a Campion College student, will represent Jamaica, and try to top them all in the 80th edition of the grand spelling contest. The spellers will be competing on Wednesday and Thursday. Jamaicans can follow Regina's progress on CVM television on Thursday starting at 9:00 a.m. And speaking of Regina, she is expressing her usual quiet confidence ahead of what, so far, will be the biggest stage she will perform on.
"We have the bases covered. Rev. Archer has all the material. I'm not really excited, but I feel confident," she said. She said that former Scripps National participants have helped her preparation. For her, a top five finish is her aspiration.
Unique place in history
For her coach Rev. Glen Archer, Regina's victory further cemented his unique place in history as she is his 20th national champion. In the decade since we first dared to take on the vaunted competition, he thinks Jamaica's spellers have become better, but the odds are still against us.
"Our product has improved but if we had more time to prepare and if we could take the top two spellers from our competition instead of just one, oh my, we could do so much," he said.
Apart from Regina and Rev. Archer, The Gleaner's Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager Karin Cooper as well as Regina's mother Janice Manning made the trip to Washington D.C. The group left the island on Saturday for the U.S. capital and arrived safely that night. Manning expressed confidence that Regina would do splendidly.
"The whole experience will be good for her. Representing Jamaica will be a plus because only a few get to represent their country," she reasoned.
Last year's champion, Rosanna Pike of Ardenne High finished in the fourth round. Her achievements were especially hailed as she comes from the sometimes volatile community of Waterhouse. A motorcade was planned in her honour to celebrate her win at the national level.
