Miller

An ecstatic Stephen Miller ran across the floor of the Mandeville Parish Church hall and lifted his daughter, Shari-Jo, high as she was declared Manchester winner in The Gleaner's Children's Own Spelling Bee parish finals yesterday.

"We actually expected the victory; we work hard. First of all, let me say that we didn't take it for granted that because she won last year, she was going to win this year," Miller was quick to point out. "We knew she was going to win because of the preparation that was put in place."

The Bishop Gibson High School first-former, who was fourth in the national finals last year, is no stranger to the competition as this is her fourth attempt and second parish win.

Shari-Jo's success comes from a family effort, as mother Lavonne is also an active participant in her daughter's training.

"Every night, my mother and I practise," Shari-Jo said.

The 10-year-old, whose winning word was P-E-N-A-N-C-E, went on to explain her father's role. "(My father) helps by giving me encouragement and he keeps telling me to press on. Even when I told him that I was tired in the night, he told me that I was tired for a good thing."

Not to be left out are the coaches who helped Shari-Jo to victory.

It is perhaps this strong support system that gives Shari-Jo such confidence to face the 13 other contestants at the national finals come next February.

"I am not nervous at all. I have been there before and I know what it is like and I know what to expect."

Quick information

Winning word: P-E-N-A-N-C-E

Champion girl/overall winner: Shari-Jo Miller, Bishop Gibson High

Champion boy: Kerette Adams, Mandeville Primary and Junior High

Other top five spellers: Doneille Mullings (third)

Crystal Mason (fourth)

John Hamilton (fifth)

Number of schools: 23

Number of spellers: 45