Robert Lalah, Staff Reporter
STACEY-ANN Pearson is the 2005 Gleaner Children's Own National Spelling Bee Champion. The 13-year-old second form student of Ardenne High School in St. Andrew, walked away with the top prize during yesterday's 46th staging of the National Spelling Bee finals at the Hilton Hotel, New Kingston.
FLAWLESS VICTORY
The cool young woman emerged victorious from a group of 14 of the best young spellers from across the island. Her victory was flawless. For just short of eight hours, Stacey-Ann participated in the competition without misspelling a single word. The youngster showed absolutely no emotion as she continuously marched to and from the microphone, correctly spelling each word with an outstanding display of
confidence.
In the end, she would be called upon to spell the word 'cypripedium', which would be her crowning moment. Upon completing the word, the otherwise composed Stacey-Ann burst into tears.
"I am really happy and proud. We trained extremely hard and I would like to thank God, my mother and father and my coach Reverend Glen Archer."
HIGH PRAISES FOR COACH
Yes indeed, the good Reverend has done it again. Stacey-Ann's victory yesterday, brought to 18, the number of Spelling Bee champions Reverend Archer has produced. But he did not stop there. The second place winner at yesterday's finals was also a protégé of Reverend Archer.
Champion Boy Kevaughn Newland, a 13-year-old student of Camperdown High, also had high praises for his coach. "I would really like to especially thank Reverend Archer. He is the one who taught us how to do it and without him and God, we could not have done it," he said.
Lowre Johnson, of Manchester placed third in the competition and also received a special prize for being the highest placed rural speller.
Stacey-Ann, a resident of Spanish Town, St. Catherine, now has her sight set on the upcoming Scripps Howard Spelling competition in Washington D.C.
"I intend to perform well in Washington. With continued training and the help of God, I know I will," she said.
