After an intense battle, Cameron Todman of Alexandrina Maduro Primary emerged the winner of the 2024 National Spelling Bee Primary Competition held at the New Testament Church of God International Worship Centre on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. Photo: GIS

Ahmaya John of Francis Lettsome Primary School placed second in the 2024 National Spelling Bee Primary Competition. Photo: Facebook

Ka’Ori Augustine of St Georges Primary 2024 National Spelling Bee Primary Competition. Photo: Facebook

The competition started with 30 students representing 16 primary schools in the preliminary round.

12 students advanced to the final. They were Layla Zoe Saniana of Ebenezer Thomas Primary School, Khymarri Davis of Francis Lettsome Primary School, Christopher Lyew of Ciboney Centre for Excellence, Shawn Connor of Leonora Delville Primary School, Isaiah Smith of First Impressions, Ahmaya John of Francis Lettsome Primary School, Lucan Anton Finley of Joyce Samuel Primary School, Eliana Reid of Leonora Delville Primary School, Ka’Ori Augustine of St Georges Primary School, Amauri Jefferson of Ebenezer Thomas Primary School, Cameron Todman of Alexendrina Maduro Primary School, and Ajaii Malone of Enis Adams Primary School.

Ahmaya John of Francis Lettsome Primary School placed second while third was Ka’Ori Augustine of St Georges Primary School.

Tiebreaker after 3 rounds

After three rounds in the final, a tie-breaker was required since 5 students were tied on 45 points. Layla Zoe Saniana then spelt ‘deceived’ incorrectly and Amauri Jefferson spelt ‘apostrophe’ incorrectly to be eliminated.

After another three rounds and with the prepared list long exhausted, Augustine spelled ‘fluorescent’ incorrectly, leaving John and Todman to slug it out.

After 5 rounds, John spelled ‘reminiscence’ incorrectly.

Todman then had to spell deductible, which he did to emerge the winner.

According to chairperson Theodore John, the aim of the competition is to promote students’ knowledge of proper word usage and pronunciation, expand students' vocabulary, and encourage reading, encourage students to strive for excellence in spelling skills, and provide an opportunity for students to meet and compete with their peers in an atmosphere of fun and friendship.

The judges were Dr June M. Samuel and Mr Ryan R.E. Geluk and the pronouncer was Christopher Varlack.

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL) and Acting Chief Education Officer Orlandette R. Crabbe assisted in the presentation of prizes.