Rasheed hard at work. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Rasheed Reittie, the Spelling Bee parish champion for St. Thomas, is a mixture of emotions as the national finals approach.

"I feel that I have a chance to win. But I'm very nervous because there are more experienced spellers than I am."

Lunch time is for Spelling Bee study and dictation, which is the toughest part of the preparation for him. The written spelling is also a challenge. He spends about two hours after school studying, but even then it becomes difficult as he has to attend GSAT class.

"It's very difficult. Sometimes I go in and out of class and sometimes I don't get to see what Mrs. Beckford is teaching them when I'm gone," he said. He still thinks he'll do well in his lessons though. He loves mathematics but can't stand social studies.

Rasheed is part of the 4-H club - something he really enjoys.

"It teaches you how to make things with your hands; teaches you how to cook, to take care of the environment and arts and crafts," he related.

The youngster wants to become either a doctor or a pilot. He doesn't really play a lot of sports, but likes tennis. Venus Williams is his favourite player.

His cousin, Renee Reynolds (past parish champ, also for St. Thomas), felt he could win and that's why he entered. He plans on doing well in his GSAT as he wants to attend Campion College.