Claudine Housen, Staff Reporter
Champion Speller for the parish of St. James, Karee Parkinson, in discussion with her grade six teacher, Carlis Reid, during English class at Hemmingay Preparatory School, in Montego Bay, recently. - Photo by Claudine Housen/Staff Photographer
WESTERN BUREAU:
One of perhaps a handful of students, who are so dedicated to their education that they do their homework at school, Karee Parkinson says she wants to be the next Jody Ann Maxwell, and with her current work ethic, she may very well be.
Young Parkinson topped her peers with the word 'haemoglobin' to emerge The Gleaner's Children's Own Spelling Bee parish champion for St. James in 2006.
A first-time entrant, Karee said that she entered the competition because she wanted to make a contribution to her school, Hemmingay Preparatory, and expand her vocabulary.
"I wanted to take up the challenge to see if I could spell a lot of words and I wanted to contribute to my school in a very positive way," she explained, adding, "I did not know I was going to win but I had faith in God and I was prepared."
A budding poet who aspires to be a paediatrician, Karee has already distinguished herself as a model student worthy of emulation.
"She is an alert, participative, attentive, eager student," said grade six teacher, Carlis Reid.
"She shows in all of her endeavours that she wants to excel, and not just excel but excel to the highest level. She puts in a lot of work at school and at home. When I see some others playing around or waiting for parents to come and pick them up in the evening, she is out there with her books doing homework or studying ... I know she will do her best at nationals."
Very organised for an 11-year-old, Karee says she draws strength from her parents who help her to study for both Spelling Bee and her upcoming Grade Six Achievement Test. She also credited champion speller Jody Ann Maxwell for her role as mentor.
"She balances her schoolwork and she still went ahead and won," she said. "It motivates to me to think that I can do it too."
