Israel reigns another year as Kingston Bee

Kingston:

Top 5

1. Israel Burnett, St George’s College

2. Jonathan Bailey, Mavisville Preparatory

3. Kadiyah Knight, Convent of Mercy (Alpha)

4. Michael Hinds, St Andrew Primary

5. Shanece Swack, Windward Road Primary and Junior High

n Top boy: Israel Burnett, St George’s College

n Top girl: Kadiyah Knight, Convent of Mercy (Alpha)

n Winning word: T-E-N-E-S-M-U-S

n Coach: Errol Campbell

n Number of spellers: 13

Israel on winning: “I feel pretty good because I know this what I worked for and I have now achieved it.”

This is Israel’s fifth time entering the competition and his third win. In 2015, he was the parish champion for St Catherine as a student of McCauley Primary. The 13-year-old has now retained his title as The Gleaner’s Children’s Own Spelling Bee parish champion for Kingston.

As a mature speller, Israel has his own methods of preparing for the competition outside of coaching.

“I love to read, and so anything that I see, I’ll read. Like on the toothpaste label, I’ll read it, write down the words, and research them,” he shared.

His encouragement for the other parish finalists is to always do their best, study hard, and put God first.

Israel on Nationals: “I’m just going to study harder, be more obedient, and pray more.”

Coach on winning: “I’m elated, really elated, because Israel decided to return one more year to give it his all.”

Coach Campbell states that this time around, he has employed a new strategy with Israel, and it’s working. Without giving anything away, he said, “Well, it is more fun. It’s all about practical thinking.”

Coach on Nationals: “The new way is the way forward [for Nationals]. I’ll tweak it now and then, but I’ve seen this strategy as an effective one. ”