Custos of St. Andrew Rev. Dr. Carmen Stewart (left), presents Regina Bish of Campion College with the Parish Champion trophy at the St. Andrew Spelling Bee Parish Final held yesterday at the Gleaner Company's North Street offices. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Regina Bish of Campion College was yesterday crowned the new St. Andrew Champion in what was the longest parish final of the 2006/07 Gleaner Children's Own Spelling Bee competition.

Regina, who won the St. Catherine title last year, triumphed after approximately five hours of spelling.

"I thought it would be harder to compete in St. Andrew. But I feel great because this time I broke the Ardenne streak," she laughed. Her winning word was r-o-s-i-c-r-u-c-i-a-n-i-s-m. Among its meanings is 'the theological doctrine that venerates the rose and the Cross as symbols of Christ's Resurrection and Redemption'.

Last five spellers

Sixty-seven spellers turned up at the Gleaner's office to spell for the title. When a lunch break was taken at approximately 12:30 p.m., 13 spellers were left. Hearts went out to Moshesa Adams of Hope Valley Experimental, who competed despite being confined to a wheelchair.

The majority of the applause would be reserved for the last five spellers though. They ensured that the contest got to the unseen words list as the Spelling Bee book was no match for their prowess. Fifth went to Danielle Francis of Hagley Park Primary; fourth to Ammoy Phoenix of Golden Spring Primary; third to Oren Thomas of Kingsway Preparatory and second to Keenan Falconer of Ardenne High who finished as Champion Boy for the second consecutive year.

So after eight days of competition, 11 girls and three boys will compete in the National Finals in February.