Bees swarm for final spelldown
published: Wednesday | February 8, 2006

Thirteen of The Gleaner's Children's Own Spelling Bee finalists at the Jamaica Pegasus yesterday. They are (from left, front row) Adrian Raymond, St. Thomas; Dexter Anderson, Trelawny; Jody-Ann Allen, St. Elizabeth; Andrene Hutchinson, Hanover; Janielle Richards, St. Ann; Oshane Williams, Clarendon; Daniele McPherson, Portland. In the back row are (from left) Lawre Johnson, Manchester; Regina Bish, St. Catherine; Rosanna Pike, St. Andrew; Khandae Wright, Kingston; Javier Brown, St. Mary; and Shari Rowe, Westmoreland. Missing is Vinessa McPherson of St James. - RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

THE DREAMS of another child will come true later this afternoon when The Gleaner's Children's Own Spelling Bee finals conclude.

The 14 parish champions might not have slept well last night knowing the magnitude of the prize for which they are competing.

One by one they arrived yesterday, coaches and chaperones in tow. Perhaps they were a little nervous or maybe a little sleepy- eyed from rising early for the trip into the capital. But they were all ready to represent their schools and parishes.

The written components of the competition began yesterday in the Belisario Suite of the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. The Grand Jamaica Suite is the venue for today's finals.

But before the students were tested with dictation, comprehension and a 25-word written spelling test, they had the opportunity to soak up the ambience of the hotel and mingle with each other.

Today, all spellers will get words in the morning session. The errors from the written tests and this morning's spelling session will determine the final seven left to battle for the crown.