Spelling Bee | Kesean happy to win, but sad for spellmate

Falmouth, Trelawny:

William Knibb Memorial Baptist Church

1. Kesean Ottey, Hague Primary

2. Dontae Whyne, Warsop Primary

3. Omario Barnett, Spring Garden Primary

4. Akelia Duhaney, Granville Primary

5. Alicia Fairclough, Spring Garden Primary

Top Boy: Kesean Ottey, Hague Primary

Top Girl: Akelia Duhaney, Granville Primary

Winning word: I-N-T-E-R-R-U-P-T-I-O-N

Coach: Karen Pottinger

Number of spellers: 22

Kesean is 10 years old and is in grade five. This is his second win in the parish. He says that his grandmother, Pamela Smythe, was an integral part of his preparation. When she spoke to The Gleaner, she said she was very proud of him. His training started in the summer.

Kesean on winning:

"I feel happy and sad. I'm happy for myself, but I am sad for my spellmate."

He enjoys playing video games, track and field, and he is a part of the sign language club and the choir. Kesean was also proud of the fact that his school won a jingle competition on energy conservation put on by the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica.

Annisha Ferguson (mother):

"I am very happy that he won. I was very nervous at first, but now, I am free from that. Going to nationals, there is not much worry because once you win the parish. There is a chance to win at nationals."

Pamela Smythe (grandmother):

"I feel so happy! To know that he wanted to win and he came through. I am proud."

Smythe has always worked with Kesean. She has been his number-one coach and supporter.

"I am coach number one. I was the one who trained him when he won last year, and I trained him in this win."