'A tedious competition, but I liked it' - Jadaque

Ocho Rios, St Ann:

Parish champion: Jadaqae Johnson

Age: 10

School: Tomlinson's Christian Academy

Coach: Meleithia Green

Winning word: A-n-o-n-y-m-o-u-s

Top 5

1. Jadaqae Johnson, Tomlinson's Christian Academy

2. Jordan Hewitt, United Learning Centre Prep

3. Tai-Rique Ellis, Tomlinson's Christian Academy

4. Roshae Williams, Golden Grove All-Age

5. Jhadae Masters, Turnberry Primary

Quote: "I'm really happy because I studied to show myself approved, as the Bible says, and I know that hard work pays success. It was a tedious competition, but I liked it."

About almost losing the competition: "Well, I was really sad because I thought he (Jordan) was going to get it right and win, and I thought I would be the champion girl, still. But when he got the word wrong, I knew I would be the champion girl and I would go to Kingston to [represent] my parish."

To the other parish finalists: "You guys need to watch out for me because I'm going to be a lot difficult [to beat], so study hard. I'm coming to win!"

Jadaqae's coach, Meleithia Green: "It's a happy win. A

co-worker called this the trinity, since it's our third-straight win. Hard work does bring success. It was tedious at times - long days, long nights, weekends - but study to show thyself approved, and that's what my spellers did, and she came out on top."

Green on preparation for nationals: "I am really thankful to The Gleaner for having seminars to get the coaches well prepared, because at first, I felt like

fish out of water, but now I am prepared. I know what to do."