Spelling Bee | I used everything I learnt to spell those words, says Murray

Spanish Town, St Catherine:

Church of the Open Bible -

Twickenham Park:

1. Peter-John Murray, Hydel High School

2. Amir Stewart, Marlie Mount Primary School

3. Kimloy Perch, St Jago High School

4. Chrishawn Green, Naggo Head Primary School

5. Jana Tomlinson, Linstead Primary and Junior High School

Top boy: Peter-John Murray, Hydel High School

Top girl: Kimloy Perch, St Jago High School

Winning word: S-P-O-N-T-A-N-E-O-U-S

Coach: Roger Allen, Bee Spellers' Programme

Number of spellers: 68

Peter-John on winning:

"I feel great! I'm just trying to keep my composure right now, even though I was very nervous. But thanks be to God, here I am now, holding this big trophy."

His strategy during the competition was to focus.

"If I got a word and didn't remember the word, I'd write it on my hand with my finger and then spell it. I did that even to the words that I knew. I used everything I learnt to spell those words."

Preparations for nationals:

"I'm going to be studying more words and meanings and etymologies."

Word to other spellers:

"Winning is not easy, and everything you do isn't going to be easy, but hard work brings success."

This is Peter-John's second time entering the competition and his first win. Last year, he placed third. The 13-year-old, grade eight student will go on to represent St Catherine at the national finals in February of next year.

Coach on winning:

"Happy, ecstatic, relieved. My cup runneth over."

It takes a village: "I have to give thanks to the Lord, first and foremost. Secondly, I have to give thanks to my wife and the team assisted by former national champion Sara-Beth McPherson, the 2015 champion."

Patrice Murray (mom) on winning:

"Words can't even express what I'm feeling now. To God be the glory, great things he has done. I just have to give God thanks."