Spelling Bee | Tiffany happy to win for the second time

Morant Bay, St Thomas:

1. Tiffany DeCambre, Airy Castle Primary

2. Nyameke Bennett, Providence Preparatory

3. Dessania Mathews, White Horses Primary

4. Jaheim Simpson, Middleton Primary

5. Shamoya Brown, Providence Preparatory

Top Boy: Nyameke Bennett, Providence Preparatory School

Top Girl: Tiffany DeCambre, Airy Castle Primary School

Winning word: V-E-R-T-E-B-R-A-E

Coach: Violet Solomon, teacher at Airy Castle Primary School.

Coach on winning:

"I'm happy and I'm excited! At one point when she [DeCambre] slowed down on the words, I started to get nervous, but I prayed, and we have become successful. I'm giving God all the thanks and all the glory."

The coach stated that preparations were less intense because of Tiffany's knowledge of the book, and she did some the work on her own, as she has become more independent and developed a self-discipline that allowed her to work on her own.

Tiffany on winning:

"I am very proud and happy."

Tiffany is 11 years old and she is in grade six. This is her second time entering the competition and her second win. She is still a part of the Spelling Club, as well as part of Brownies and the dance group. She admits that preparing for this round of spelling was different from last year, as she studied more.

Tiffany is the second of four girls and admits that her sisters aren't spellers, but they read a lot and she helps them.

She will be part of the first cohort to sit the Primary Exit Profile and she says that though she is nervous, the new textbooks are helping in her preparation. She dreams of attending Immaculate Conception High School or Campion College.

Debbie Thomas (mother): "I'm happy and excited that she is the parish champion again. Last year, it was good, but this year is greater. I expected her to do well."

"Her father (Steve) plays a vital role in her success, as he would help her with the words when he can."

Fun Fact:

Violet is the mother of former Spelling Bee champion and former coach of Bee Spellers coaching Programme, Hanif Brown.