Students spell their way to the top
(From right) First, second and third place secondary school winners Toni-Ann Daley, Jelani Hanson and Deirdre Edwards
(CNS Local Life): John Gray High School student Toni-Ann Daley has been crowned champion of the 33rd annual Lion’s Club of Grand Cayman Secondary Spelling Bee Competition. Christon Asa Ferguson from Creek & Spot Bay Primary School in Cayman Brac took top honours in the RBC Royal Bank 19th annual Primary Spelling Bee Competition.
Toni-Ann’s schoolmate, Jelani Hanson, who was joint winner in last year’s primary competition, took second place among secondary students. Deirdre Edwards of Clifton Hunter High School, who finished behind Hanson at the primary level in 2015, garnered third place.
Christon defeated Deiondre Williams from Bodden Town Primary School, who claimed second place. Tanis Cortens, who is home schooled, took third place.
The events were held on 7 (secondary) and 8 (primary) December at Red Bay Holiness Church on Selkirk Drive.
(L-R, front row) Primary school winners Deiondre Williams (second), Tanis Cortens (third) and Christon Asa Ferguson (first); (L-R, back row) Mitzie Bailey, Omari Corbin and Rolan Heerarlal of sponsor RBC
In addition to students from John Gray and Clifton Hunter, the senior competition included pupils from Layman E. Scott High School on Cayman Brac, Triple C School and St Ignatius Catholic School.
The competitions, which are staged by the Department of Education Services (DES) in conjunction with the sponsors, are not just about learning to spell long and complicated words. They also study etymology and learn roots, pronunciations, and multiple definitions, leading to better reading comprehension, increased literacy and greater enjoyment of reading, literature and language.
Nicki Samuels, senior customer service officer with the Department of Education Services DES and organiser of the competition, said the secondary schools competition was “adrenaline-pumping with students from across the islands vying for the top spot”, adding, “We have come to expect a high standard from our students and this year was no exception.”
Category: High School, Primary School
Brilliant! Way to go Toni-Ann and Christon!