Can you spell v-i-c-t-o-r-y?
Published: Tuesday | March 31, 2009
The Gleaner's Children's Own National Spelling Bee Champion Shari-Jo Miller in practice with coach Reverend Glen Archer as they prepare for the Scripps National Spelling Bee competition in Washington, DC, May 26-28. - photo by Andrew Wildes
Petite, soft-spoken and very unassuming, one can easily feel sympathy as large words are hurled at her like boulders - but don't be fooled, when it comes to spelling, Shari-Jo Miller is lethal.
The Gleaner recently sat in on one of Shari-Jo's training sessions with expert coach Glen Archer at Ardenne High and observed the promising champion as she prepares for her greatest encounter yet. It is clear that diligence and strong support are key ingredients in Shari-Jo's winning formula.
Shari-Jo is The Gleaner's Children's Own National Spelling Bee champion, and now her sights are set on the Scripps National Spelling Bee competition.
Less than a month away
The Scripps National Spelling Bee competition in Washington, DC, is less than 30 days away and Jamaica is itching for another champion. Come May 26-28, some 280-plus champion spellers, aged 10 to 15, will convene in the US capital to battle for the enviable title. The Scripps competition has been the largest and longest-running educational programme in US history and, as such, it is a very prestigious - not to mention arduous contest.
In 1998, a 12-year-old Jamaican girl became the first black student and the first contestant from outside the United States to win in the history of the competition. To date, no other contestant outside the US has been able to triumph like Jody-Anne Maxwell did.
For sure, one word Shari-Jo knows how to spell is d-i-l-l-i-g-e-n-c-e.
Just imagine. It's midday Saturday - outside popular music is pounding with the excited voices of youngsters enjoying themselves. Inside a plain, dreary classroom, however, Shari-Jo must ignore everything and concentrate on spelling the word m-e-p-h-i-t-i-s.
Practice started at 11 a.m. and until way past 1 p.m., there was nothing but spelling.
It's about learning
Swaby
"Don't be afraid to get them wrong, sweetheart," coach Archer whispered to her gently as she hesitantly approached a few new and complex words.
"Please remember the object of why we're here is not to get as many words right as possible, it's to learn, to be exposed. As a matter fact, the more words you get wrong and learn from, the better," Archer said reassuringly.
Around 12:30 p.m. after a light round, it seems it occurred to coach Archer that Shari-Jo might be hungry.
"She must be hungry - you're hungry, sweetheart?"
"Yes," she whispered so softly it was almost inaudible.
Lavonne Miller, Shari-Jo's mother, who was right by her side, quickly handed her a plate of salt fish and fried bammies to eat as they continued working. There would be, however, no break.
Shari-Jo in that moment was a picture of concentration; with one hand on her bammy and the other hand holding her pen, the spelling champ pressed on.
It was evident from the session that there is more to Shari-Jo's success than a big brain and a resolute will. Very strong moral support is integral to Shari-Jo's success as well. On her left was her father Stephen and on her right, her mother Lavonne. Sitting beside her mother was her coach, Primrose Swaby. Everybody was involved in the spelling.
Rigorous schedule
Every day from Monday to Wednesday Shari-Jo must be brought to coach Swaby for training, and every weekend they must drive from Manchester to Kingston. It's a rigorous schedule. What is even more noteworthy is that the family has been working at 11-year-old Shari's spelling career since she was seven.
andrew.wildes@gleanerjm.com
