THEY NERVOUSLY clutch at their uniforms, wipe the sweat from their brows and slowly raise their heads to hear the word from the spell mistress. This is a scene that has played itself out among children since 1960 when The Gleaner's Children's Own held the first Spelling Bee competition. We may never be sure whether the organisers thought that 43 years later, the Bee would have become one of the most anticipated events of the calendar school year, but it has, and in a big way.
Each year, hundreds of children spend an equal number of hours studying, learning and preparing for the chance to be All-Island Spelling Bee champion, and by extension, further glory in the Scripps Howard Spelling Bee Championships in the United States. Last year, after two days of intense and nerve-wracking competition, Trudy McLeary of Ardenne High walked away with the coveted title. She proceeded to represent her country admirably, finishing third in a field of 251 spellers at the Scripps Howard championships. A royal welcome was only fitting on her return.
But a new name will emerge this year. Over 700 children have confirmed their participation in the parish finals set to begin on Wednesday, with a winner from each parish booking his/her place at the national finals in February 2004.
