Rosanna Pike of Ardenne High is St. Andrew Parish Champion of the Gleaner's Children's Own Spelling Bee. She won the title yesterday at the Gleaner's Sports Club, North Street, central Kingston. - JUNIOR DOWIE/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
IN THE largest and most physically draining competition so far, 63 spellers packed into the Gleaner's Sports Club, central Kingston, yesterday to battle for the St. Andrew Parish Championship of the 2005/06 Gleaner's Children's Own Spelling Bee.
After the nearly eight hours of spelling, Rosanna Pike of Ardenne High triumphed in a memorable contest with Keenan Falconer of Ardenne Preparatory School, who finished as Champion Boy, in second place. Spellmistress Ivin Logan had to go into the Unseen Words list, as the spellers exhausted the Spelling Bee book.
SIMPLY OUTSTANDING
Indeed, the final five spellers were simply outstanding. When the sixth speller fell out, it was 4:15 p.m., yet a winner wasn't found until over two hours later. A tired Rosanna was understandably elated.
"This was my last chance so victory feels sweet," she said, able to crack a smile despite the fatigue. The gallant top five was completed by Adrian Flanigan of Ardenne High in third; Anika Boyd of Stella Maris Preparatory School in fourth, and Stacy-Ann Walker of Ardenne Prep in fifth. Rosanna's win makes it eight girls to four boys of the 12 parish finalists to be decided so far.
The spellers, students, teachers and parents who attended were provided with refreshments by representatives of Bigga, while lunch was catered for by Tastee.
Today, the rescheduled St. Catherine Parish Finals take place at the Gleaner's Sports Club, starting at 10:00 a.m.
