Andrene Hutchinson of Lucea Primary made it two wins consecutively in the Hanover parish finals of The Gleaner's Children's Own Spelling Bee competition yesterday.

Andrene fought off the challenge of a competitive Rochelle Dawson from Bethel Primary and Junior High to retain the title with cool, calculated spelling. She was not totally confident of victory, however.

"Yesterday (Thursday) I was crying because I was nervous, but I felt better today," she said.

Third went to Andrene's schoolmate and Champion Boy Kirkley James; fourth to Rusheen Chin of Esher Primary, and fifth to Alfredo McLawrence of Bethel Primary and Junior High.

In Westmoreland, Tiffany Robinson of Frome Preparatory made it 12 wins consecutively for her school and principal Cherila Maddan. Tiffany spelled m-I-s-c-h-I-e-v-o-u-s to defeat the challenge of Champion Boy Curtis Jackson of Enfield Primary and Infant. A soft-spoken Tiffany was delighted afterwards.

feels really good

"It feels really good to be the winner. To have my family here actually calmed me down," she said. Her mother, Lesa Robinson, ironically was the representative from Victoria Mutual Building Society who presented to the Champion Girl - her own daughter. Canute Simpson of Jamaica National Building Society made a presentation to Mrs. Maddan for being Champion Teacher. The top five was completed by Sherese Campbell of St. Paul's Primary in third, fourth to Sabrina Bucknor of New Road All-Age, and fifth to Karina Ambersley of Mount Airy All-Age.

On Monday, spellers from St. Andrew will compete at The Gleaner's North Street offices.