THE EDITOR, Sir:
PLEASE ALLOW me to express my appreciation to all the persons who have contributed in making my trip to this prestigious competition, Scripps National Spelling Bee, a memorable occasion.
To the Gleaner Company for their continued belief in the young people of this country by being the sponsors of the National Children's Own Spelling Bee Competition and the Scripps National Spelling Bee Competition for the past 40-odd and six years respectively. This exposure to the world of words has done a tremendous job in opening the young minds at a tender age to the etymology, definition, parts of speech, and the linking of words by sound or other relations. The knowledge gained will be an asset for my future development and will assist in my mastery of the English Language and other languages such as French and Spanish. To the Gleaner Company, I say continue believing in our young people.
TOWER OF STRENGTH
To my parents who have been a tower of strength in supporting me over the last three years to attain a goal that was set. For all the sacrifices made in providing me with the financial, moral and physical support, in assisting me to maintain the course, in picking me up when disappointments crossed my path and believing in me. To my parents Wentworth and Floret Pearson, I love you and I will be eternally mindful of the way you stood by me.
To the teachers and principals of my preparatory school - Hydel - and Ardenne High, I express gratitude for helping and directing me to achieve. My preparatory teacher and principal, Mrs. Kelly and Mrs. Coote, thank you for working assiduously during those early days.
To Miss Muna Issa from SuperClubs and Mr. Simon Roberts from GraceKennedy Group who supported the spelling programme unselfishly with no public recognition of your deeds, I say keep supporting the programme as you have boosted the confidence and self-esteem of all the persons in the programme who have benefited from your unselfish deeds.
COACH AND MENTOR
To my beloved coach and mentor, the Reverend Glen O.J. Archer, B.TH (Hons), O.D., many, many thanks for the successful programme you have developed for the benefit of us spellers and for your dedication to this children's ministry. I have benefited tremendously in my fixity of purpose to a goal set, the discipline, the commitment and the focus gained from participating in your programme for the past three years, and the habit of working assiduously, I am sure, will serve me well into the future. You have brought out the very best in me and I pray for your continued strength and success.
Also special thanks to the All Island Champion Boy for 2005, Kevaughn Newland and the 2004 National Spelling Bee Champion, Cornel Grey, for your time and devotion in helping me to achieve this success.
Last, but by no means least, my spiritual mentors, my God, the Father and the Church. It is he who has blessed me with this wonderful talent and it is he who helped me to soar and gave me the strength during my memorable journey and more so during the time when I was without my coach, due to illness. My church family has taught me to pray and to believe that all things are possible with God.
In closing, I know that my experience in the Spelling Bee journey all the way to Scripps Howard has helped me to be a better person and I will be eternally grateful to all the persons who made it possible.
I am, etc.,
STACEY ANN PEARSON
21 New Haven Drive
Golden Acres
Spanish Town
