IT WAS a battle to the end. Phylicia Ramdial and Janice Daley were determined to take home the cup and plaque in the 43rd renewal of the Gleaner's Children's Own-sponsored Spelling Bee competition. In the end, Phylicia and B-R-A-I-L-L-E emerged Parish Champion for Clarendon.
Forty-eight students from schools across the parish turned out yesterday to compete for the opportunity to represent their parish at the national level come February 2001, and Scripps Howard in the USA in May 2002. The 25 girls and 23 boys were a little hesitant initially but soon warmed up and the real competition began.
After two rounds, 14 students eight girls and six boys remained and the battle for supremacy took a serious turn.
Lone boy in the final five line-up, Dwayne White of Smithville Primary, fought valiantly, but was no match for the girls and had to settle for fourth place and the Champion Boy trophy. Janice Bailey of May Pen Primary yielded her bid for the trophy on the word B-A-G-A-T-E-L-L-E to the parish champion.
Shanice Gabriel of Cross Primary and Alicia Newell of Sanguinetti Primary were placed third and fifth, respectively.
For Phylicia Ramdial of Monymusk Prep, the hard work paid off. Phylicia, who is preparing for GSAT in March 2002, alternates between Spelling Bee and exam preparations. The parish champion has her sights on Glenmuir High School and feels that the loss of TV time is well worth the championship.
"Yes!" shouted Spelling Bee Champion of Kingston, Keron Baxter, as he flashed his fist in a victory move after he spelt the final word, A-B-D-O-M-I-N-I-O-U-S. The Mavisville Preparatory student copped the top prizes after an exciting rivalry with runner-up, Kevaughn Tobias, of Vaz Preparatory School. It was a very emotional time for them both, each crying as they hugged.
After a long pause, Kevaughn was unable to spell the word A-B-B-E-Y which Keron spelt correctly. He was awarded with rousing applause and his coach, Reverend Glen Archer, lifted and hugged him.
From the beginning, Keron showed much self-confidence as he spelt each word slowly and deliberately. The contestants were well prepared for the contest and there was much competition. The top four were: Jo-Marie Malcolm and Kevaughn Tobias from Vaz Prep; Nicoy Downie and Renee Williams from Jessie Ripoll Primary.
Keron told The Gleaner that his tears were tears of joy, and though he seemed confident, he was nervous in the middle of the contest. It was the first win for Mavisville Prep in the Parish finals and Keron is hoping to cop the national title.
Representatives from NCB and Jamaica National made presentations to the Champion Boy and Champion teachers at both parishes.
The competition continues this morning at nine as spellers in St Catherine get their chance to vie for the coveted prizes.
