On Friday May 24, Saint Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC) renewed its partnership with the Annual Dental Spelling Bee competition hosted by the Dental Division of the Ministry of Health.
The Final of the primary school contest was held at the conference room of the Mental Wellness Centre. The competitors were eight spelling champions, winners in district contests held from May 10 – 17, 2013.
LUCELEC funded transportation for each finalist and their school representatives. The company also paid transportation costs during the district level of competition, contributing a total of $2,500 towards transportation.
Dental Assistant Cheryl St Cyr says the Dental Division is quite pleased LUCELEC agreed to continue its association with them. LUCELEC has sponsored the Annual Dental Spelling Bee since its inception in 2010.
St Cyr says getting the company to pay for transporting competitors was the easiest phone call made by organizers. It followed a television news report about the company’s longstanding support for educational activities.
LUCELEC Corporate Communications Manager Roger Joseph says LUCELEC considers it a privilege to contribute positively to youth development.
According to Joseph: “If young people have talent, and don’t get the opportunity to find out and practice using those talents, get opportunities to develop these talents to excel then that talent remains latent. We see ourselves as having the resources and the responsibility – shared responsibility – in helping to provide these opportunities for young people.”
St Cyr says the Annual Spelling Bee creates awareness and keeps “dental on the mind.” Ahead of the competition where the best spellers are rewarded with cash and prizes, the Dental Health Division also hands out fliers and lectures students on the need for good oral hygiene. The third Annual Dental Spelling Bee was won by Aquil Mechchoir of the Augier Combined School. He was followed in second place by Andrez Daniel from the St Aloysius RC Boys School. Gabriella Anthony from the Dame Pearlette Louisy Primary School was third.
