The Ivan Dawson Primary School on Thursday, December 5, 2024, received a $1000.00 donation from the Adult Spell-Off organisers and the Public Service Week Committee. Photo: Facebook

Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2), a former student of Ivan Dawson Primary, reminisced on his own heartfelt memories of his tenure at the school on December 5, 2024. Photo: Facebook

Adult Spell-Off co-producers Darryl E. F. Flanders (right) and Mandisa Frett (left) said the event's mission is to promote literacy and community involvement. Photo: Facebook

The exuberance in the atmosphere was electrifying as students engaged with their visitors, showcasing the spirit and enthusiasm synonymous with youth as the event marked the culmination of months of effort aimed at promoting literacy while supporting local schools.

Deputy Governor Archer in a short presentation to those gathered expressed pride in the initiative, emphasizing its role in uniting the community and fostering a culture of continuous learning.

"This is what education is about," said Hon Turnbull said, adding "It's not just for school, but for life. It's about creating pathways for success while instilling the importance of giving back."

Turnbull, himself a former student of Ivan Dawson Primary, used the occasion to reminisce on his own heartfelt memories of his tenure at the school, underscoring the significance of such partnerships in shaping future leaders.

Adult Spell-Off promotes literacy & community involvement

Flanders and Frett, co-organizers of the Virgin Islands Adult Spell-Off, used the opportunity to also highlight the event's mission—to promote literacy and community involvement.

As Frett explained, "Our goal is simple: to encourage adults to engage with literacy in a fun and meaningful way, while raising funds to support the education of our youth."

The Adult Spell-Off, held annually in the Territory challenges participants with spelling words that range from common terms like "unnecessary" to those rooted in the Virgin Islands dialect, such as "banhe" and "mele."

This year, the competition expanded to include public service acronyms, a new category introduced during Public Service Week.

Funds raised from entry fees are donated to a randomly selected school, aligning with the initiative's ethos of inclusivity and support for education. Ivan Dawson Primary was this year’s fortunate recipient, joining the ranks of other beneficiaries such as Elmore Stoutt High School, which received $2,500 from the 2024 summer competition.

Virgin Gorda resident Tanieka A.T. Gludd, winner of the 2024 summer competition, emphatically pronounced, "The opportunity to give back while having fun is what makes this event so special."