Dominic tops St Elizabeth spelldown

Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth:

Top five

1. Dominic Wynter, Munro College

2. Melanie Loney, Cransbrook Primary

3. Jordane Atkinson, Burnt Savannah Primary

4. Nassine Richards, Balaclava Primary

5. Kimberly Rhoden, Sydney Pagon Primary

Top Boy: Dominic Wynter, Munro College

Top Girl: Melanie Loney, Cransbrook Primary

Winning word: C-A-R-T-O-G-R-A-P-H-Y

Coach: Barrington Wilson

Number of spellers: 42

This is Dominic’s second time entering the competition and his first win.

He said that even though he placed second last year, he didn’t expect the day to turn out the way it did, but he admits that he did put in more effort.

Dominic’s preparation started after leaving the parish finals in 2018 with a consolation prize.

The 14-year-old, who is in grade eight at Munro College, enjoys playing video games, listening to music, and reading. His current favourite game is Mindcraft.

He was briefly part of the Cadet Corps as an extra-curricular activity, but later found that it was not for him, as he would rather stand out than conform. He is now part of his school’s choir.

Another thing under his ‘green-stripped’ belt is tae kwon do.

Dominic on winning: “Last year, I lost, so when this year’s victory came, I was surprised. I am quite glad, and I thank God for this win.”

Coach on winning: “I am elated about Dominic’s win. He challenged me. He said, ‘I am going to win, Coach. I’m going to win this competition.’ I told him to prove me wrong, and he did.”

Wilson admits that it was a challenge preparing Dominic for the parish finals, but once he was settled, he knew he would do it. He added that Dominic is a brilliant boy who is at the top of his class.

Coach on preparing for the national finals: “Given Dominic’s temperament, I have to allow him to work at his own pace. I am going to work hard to ensure that he works hard, but at the same time, I won’t pressure him. He is a natural speller and he will do well.”