The Spelling Bee finals had parents, teachers and other students on the edge of their seats as they completed the spelling book. The top five students were an interesting mix as there were two visually impaired students, as well as two sisters who kept each other on their toes.

Published Wednesday, March 24, 1993

Visually impaired spellers take top places in spelldown

by CHRIS MEDHURST: Children’s Own Editor

TWO VISUALLY IMPAIRED spellers from the Salvation Army School placed in the top five from a field of 104 spellers who competed in the St Andrew Spelling Bee Parish Final yesterday at the Oceana Hotel.

The Champion Girl, Symone Thomas, 11, placed second and her schoolmate, Vivian Blake, 13, took the fifth position.

Yvonne Kerr-Douglas, manager of NCB Manor Park, was so pleased with the courage and endurance of the blind spellers that she presented them with surprise cash gifts of $1,000 each.

However, the courageous performance of the visually impaired pair did not eclipse the victory of Charles Deans, 13, of Ardenne High, who stood his ground with confidence when seven spellers completed the set spelling book and then turned to challenge unseen words to gain the parish title.

There was a small family feud between the third-place speller, Shama Campbell, 10, from Pembroke Hall Primary; and the fourth place speller, Kelita Campbell, 12, from Ardenne High both sisters who studied together and made their mother very proud.

Pat Burke, Century National Bank business development officer, presented Rev Glen Archer of Ardenne High with a cheque for $1,500 as the teacher who tutored the champion, “Dedication is the way to get champions,” she said before presenting the prize.

NBC manager Yvonne Kerr-Douglas also presented a $500 cheque to Charles Deans, who is Boy Champion.

Today, the Kingston Parish Championship will be held at The Gleaner’s offices.

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