Rhonoya takes top honours in Portland

Port Antonio, Portland

Name: Rhonoya Anderson
Age: 8
School: Norwich Primary
Coach: Ms Joy Thompson (teacher)
Winning word: Technician

Top 5
1. Rhonoya Anderson, Norwich Primary
2. Diginea Smith, Port Antonio Primary
3.Jelani Passley, Boundbrook Primary
4.Vasean Valentine, Buff Bay Primary
5.Daynia Deans, Nonsuch Primary

Quote: “I feel very excited and happy. My heart was beating so fast at the end.”

Preparation: “It took about seven months to prepare for the Bee. When preparing, if I got any word wrong, I would write it down ten times and study (the word) over and over until I got it.

For Nationals: “I plan to work very hard and pray to God, because I’m going to be the Spelling Bee Champion.”

To the other parish champions: “Congratulations, but I’m coming for you.” - Rhonoya Anderson

Rhonoya's coach, Joy Thompson: “I am elated that Rhonoya won, I knew she had the ability to take it.

"We work on the premise of the three Ds - Discipline, dedication and determine. That is second nature to our school. If you are a dedicated, disciplined, determined person you will succeed."

*This is Rhonoya’s first time entering the Bee.