Cayman Islands Secondary School Spelling Bee Champions

John Gray High School student Toni-Ann Daley is champion of the 33rd Annual Lion’s Club of Grand Cayman Secondary Spelling Bee Competition.

Second place was secured by Jelani Hanson, also of John Gray High School, who was joint winner in last year’s primary competition when he was in his final year at George Town Primary School. Third place was taken by Deirdre Edwards of Clifton Hunter High School, third place winner of last year’s primary competition when she was also a student at Bodden Town Primary School.

The event was held at Red Bay Holiness Church on Selkirk Drive today (Wednesday, 7 December).

Competing for the coveted champion title were pupils from Layman E. Scott Snr. High School on Cayman Brac, John Gray High School, Clifton Hunter High School, Triple C School and St. Ignatius Catholic School.

The 19th Annual RBC Royal Bank Primary Spelling Bee Competition takes place tomorrow (Thursday, 8 December), starting at 10 a.m. and is open to the public.

The competitions, which are staged by the Department of Education Services (DES) in conjunction with the sponsors, are not just about learning to spell long and complicated words. They also study etymology and learn roots, pronunciations, and multiple definitions, leading to better reading comprehension, increased literacy and greater enjoyment of reading, literature and language.

“Today’s secondary schools competition was adrenaline-pumping with students from across the islands vying for the top spot.” said Nicki Samuels, Senior Customer Service Officer with DES and organiser of the competition. “We have come to expect a high standard from our students and this year was no exception,”

Photo captions:
Photo 26: Spelling Bee competitors, Lion’s Club members and teachers.
Photo 35 L-r: Third place winner, Deirdre Edwards; second place winner Jelani Hanson; first place winner Toni-Ann Daley.
Photo 15: L-r: Lyneth Monteith, Acting Chief Education Officer, first place winner Toni-Ann Daley, Tannya Montimer, President of the Lions Club of Grand Cayman.
Photo 18: Secondary school competitors at the 33rd Annual Lion’s Club of Grand Cayman Secondary Spelling Bee Competition. Seated (l-r) are third place winner, Deirdre Edwards. first place winner Toni-Ann Daley, second place winner Jelani Hanson.