The Gleaner's Children's Own Spelling Bee | Jaavon has no time for second place

Port Maria, St Mary

“I’ve only ever come in second once,” said Jaavon Roberts, of Enfield Primary, and The Gleaner’s Children’s Own Spelling Bee champion for St Mary.

Jaavon recounts a time he was in grade one and was runner up for the top spot for his class, “After that I decided I was always going to be first.”

That was the mindset of the 11-year-old when he turned up at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Port Maria yesterday. Forty-three spellers cued before spell mistress Marline Stephenson Dalley, and after rounds of spelling it was Jaavon who took the title with the word G-U-A-R-A-N-T-E-E-D.

“I feel awesome about winning and I thank my coach, my teachers, my mother, my family, and all the people who make Spelling Bee possible.”

The grade-six student shared how he prepared for the spelldown, “I stated training at the beginning of summer. I would go to my coach’s house twice a week and we get between 20 and 30 words to spell.”

“I am elated,” his coach Kerrian Green said when asked about the win. “There were a lot of challenges, but I’m glad we got through alright. His mother played an integral part in the preparation as well.”

Green only has praises for Jaavon. “He is dedicated, and focused.”

It is Jaavon’s wish to be successful in his upcoming PEP exam, so he could attend his school of choice St Mary High. His ambition is to be a geologist or a biologist.

In his free time he enjoys playing football, spelling and learning games, reading as well as being an active member of Arts and Crafts Club, Spelling Club, and Agriculture Club which he says he enjoys because he gets to plant things and take care of their two rabbits.

He also enjoys reading and watching television.

Top 5

1. Jaavon Roberts, Enfield Primary

2. Kvol Anderson, Rock River Primary

3. Tia-Anne Fairweather, St Mary High

4. Shadayne Seewll, Gospel Chapel Preparatory

5. Sherene Ramdon, Rock River Primary