Amanda Ferguson of Layman E. Scott High School in Cayman Brac is the Islands’ new secondary spelling champion.

The year eight student recently took home the trophy in the Lions’ Club Annual Spelling Bee, following a lengthy 62 word battle with Aaron Fernandez of John Gray High School on Wednesday 4 December, 2013.

Regular competition drew to a close with the two students in a tie for first place. The spell-off to determine the winner ended when Aaron missed the 61st word which was quadriplegia. Amanda went on to spell this correctly, before clinching the championship by spelling xanthochroid.

Aaron, who is in year nine, collected the second place trophy and led the John Gray High School team that collected the prize for best overall performance by a school.

Third-place finisher Tiona Miller is a year nine student from Clifton Hunter High School. The remaining four finalists in no particular order were: Ethan Watler of Clifton Hunter, Gabriella Ritch of Layman Scott, as well as Jabari Walrond and Alec Harding from John Gray.

A total of 18 students aged 11-15 years, from six public and private high schools, took part in this year’s competition.

For their efforts, Amanda received a tablet computer and Aaron a smartphone. LIME donated both prizes. Other sponsors include BAF Insurance Company, Sunset House, Economy Cars, Advantage Graphic Design and Fosters Food Fair.

Councillor Winston Connolly represented the Ministry of Education at the event.

Over the past 30 years the national secondary spelling bee has been organised by the Education Department in partnership with the Lions’ Club of Grand Cayman.  Preliminary rounds begin in October with the finals held in early December. (GIS)

Photo caption Photos by GIS

1.         Aaron Fernandez of John Gray High School placed second in the spelling bee. He is shown here with Tiona Miller who placed third.

2.         Amanda Ferguson collects her first place trophy from Lion Winston Hayle

3.         Aaron Fernandez is shown during the regular competition.

4.         The judges at the end of regular competition

5.         The final seven with their trophies. Also shown Lion’s Club President Winston Hayle and Vicky Forero from BAF Insurance Company, a main competition sponsor.