Grade 5 students from every corner of Saint Lucia battled to the finish on Wednesday, as the 2012 National Primary Schools Spelling Bee Finals were held at the St Mary’s College auditorium. After nearly four gruelling hours, Xanther Donnelly came away as the island’s top speller. The Roseau Combined student secured the title for District 4 after fending off a stiff challenge from Desary Desir of Dame Pearlette Louisy Primary, representing District 1. The two contenders received a standing ovation after going at it for over half an hour.
For her gallant showing Xanther was rewarded with a trophy as well as a Lenovo S10 IdeaPad Netbook and free internet service for 12 months from LIME. She also got a voucher from Subway, whilst the company also gave her school a cheque for $800. Xanther’s gifts were presented by Her Excellency, Governor General Dame Pearlette Lousiy, under whose distinguished patronage the event is in its sixth year.
Desary also made her school and district proud. She received a FLIPtop computer and 6 months free Internet service courtesy of LIME, and a voucher from Subway, who also gave her school $700. Kernel Desir of Methodist Primary and District 2 also put up a brave stand and placed third. He won a Nokia C3 handset and free credit from LIME, and a Subway voucher, whilst his school got a cheque for $600.
A total of 16 students, two representing each of the eight educational districts, made it to the finals. The young scholars, who hailed from 13 primary schools, each got a bag and water bottle from LIME, as well as a keyring and pencil from Subway. Subway also provided refreshments for all of the participants and the dozens of spectators including students and teachers from the various schools who came to cheer their champions on.
“It’s exciting to be a part of the National Primary Schools Spelling Bee and we’re very proud to be a sponsor,” said LIME Head of Marketing & Communications, Laurencia Cadette. “We want to congratulate the organisers, the Curriculum and Materials Development Unit, as well as the winners and all the other participants for their excellent performance. Just making it to this stage is a feat, and we wish them continued success with their schooling.”
