Tennesia Malcolm, Gleaner Writer

Daviesh Mills

IT WAS an Ocho Rios Primary showdown at the St Ann parish finals of The Gleaner's Children's Own Spelling Bee at the St Ann Parish Church on Wednesday.

Daviesh Mills and Sajaey Harrison survived the rounds to take first and second place, respectively.

It was the school's 10th victory at that level.

Commenting on the one-two sweep, winning coach Valerie Bailey-Wishart had this to say: "I am elated. This is not my first time, but I am elated this afternoon."

Bailey-Wishart said that, despite the school's win record, there was no elaborate programme.

"Work hard; we work very hard," Bailey-Wishart shared. And with this being the 19th parish win for her, this is no doubt a successful strategy. One fully utilised by 11-year-old Daviesh to a good end.

"I practise a lot," said Daviesh, who expressed thanks for the support she received.

"I feel happy and I thank the Lord and my parents for encouraging me; and my teacher for helping me practice," she revealed.

"I am going to do exceptionally well (at the national finals)," the first-time competitor concluded.

Quick information

Overall champion/champion girl: Daviesh Mills, Ocho Rios Primary

Champion boy: Sajaey Hsarrison (second), Ocho Rios Primary

Winning word: I-N-S-T-A-N-T-A-N-E-O-U-S

Other top-five spellers: Denique Dennis (third), St Hilda's Diocesan High; Oshane Jones (fourth), York Castle High;

Kemari Simpson (fifth), Golden Grove All-Age

Number of schools: 27

Number of spellers: 51