By Daviot Kelly, Staff ReporterIT WAS a return to glory for Middleton Primary as they finished first and second in the St. Thomas parish finals of The Gleaner Children's Own Spelling Bee Competition.
Eleven-year-old Renee Reynolds took the champion's spot with schoolmate Jason McPherson second. Third went to Sasheka Urkuhart of Airy Castle Primary, fourth to Monique Adams of Port Morant Primary and Junior High and fifth to Theodore Wynter of Airy Castle Primary.
"I told you we would do it," was all Mrs. Myrnell Anderson, Renee's teacher could say, having predicted victory two weeks before. Renee was so elated she could barely speak. She kept her cool as many spellers got words wrong because they were going too fast.
Presentations were made to the champion boy and girl by National Commercial Bank and Victoria Mutual Building Society respectively.
IN PORTLAND
Meanwhile in Portland, it took just one-and-a-half hours to decide a champion. Cherice Dunbar of Bradford Prep outspelled 26 other spellers to lift the crowd. The final spell down between her and second
place Kaydiese Thompson of Titchfield High brought an exciting end to the contest. "I feel very proud to be champion of Portland. My teacher and I went over the book a number of times," she said.
The top five was completed by champion boy Sheldon Hill of Bradford Prep, fourth to Dale Geohagan of Norwich Primary and fifth to Donhaye Walters of Buff Bay Primary.
Six champions have been decided so far - four girls and two boys. The boys will try to even the score when the parishes of St. Mary and St. Ann choose their champions today.
