Manchester champ coached by her Dad

Mandeville, Manchester:

Wilson first entered the Spelling Bee competition four years ago at six years old and finished in the top 10, and her performance over the years has been consistent. Now, the 10-year-old fifth-grader, coached by her father Barrington, is the parish champion. She has been studying intensely in preparing of the parish finals, up to six hours per day. Drizel's hobbies are reading and watching documentaries. The most recent documentary she's watched is one on tigers.

Barrington Wilson is not new to being a coach of a parish champion, but this time around is one of his proudest moments. Wilson is also coach of the top five spellers in this spelldown.

Drizel on winning: "I feel really great and I know I am going to win the nationals."

Barrington Wilson, father and coach: "I am elated, especially because she is my daughter. I was really looking forward to her winning."

1. Drizel Wilson, Mandeville Primary and Junior High

2. Hayley Ebanks, El Instituto de Mandeville

3. Darrell Douglas, Knox Junior School

4. Ian White, El Instituto de Mandeville

5. Trevaughn Robinson, DeCarteret College

Top Boy: Darrell Douglas, Knox Junior School

Top Girl: Drizel Wilson, Mandeville Primary and Junior High

Winning word: B-E-A-T-I-F-I-C-A-T-I-O-N

Coach: Barrington Wilson

Number of spellers: 25