Parents participate as spellers during St. Croix District Spelling Bee reception held February 22 at the Curriculum Center on St. Croix.
As St. Croix’s top student spellers are set to face off at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, February 24, 2017 at the John H. Woodson Jr. High auditorium for the School District’s 44th Annual Spelling Bee Championship, the Virgin Islands Department of Education, Division of Curriculum and Instruction hosted a reception for the spellers.
The in-school spelling bee winners were accompanied by their family and coaches on Wednesday, February, 22 at the St. Croix Curriculum Center where longtime chief spelling bee judge Maureen Moorehead outlined the rules of the spelling bee in a fun and pragmatic way. Her presentation culminated in an adult spelling bee contest, where parents were the spellers and the in-school spelling bee champions served as pronouncers and judges.
Seasoned speller and the 2016 Territorial Spelling Bee Champion 13-year-old Makayla Todman, took to the podium to give the final words of encouragement to her fellow competitors. Todman, competing as the John H. Woodson Jr. High 2016 Spelling Bee champion, told her peers that she has been in spelling bees for over two years and that her experience has been nothing but good memories and the development of important skills.
“Over my spelling bee career, I’ve come to realize that spellers tend to be similar, particularly in the sense that they are hardworking and appreciate a good academic challenge—a trait that is present within all the spellers in front of me right now. Continue to challenge yourselves academically and strive for success,” Todman said. “Win, lose or draw, take great pride in knowing that you’ve not only made it this far, but that you’ve learned important skills to last you a long time.” Todman also captured the 2015 Territorial Spelling Bee Championship while competing as a sixth grader at Lew Muckle Elementary School.
District Language Arts Coordinator Carla A. Bastian, Ed. D., organized the Spelling Bee. She was assisted by St. Croix District Elementary Programs Coordinator Jeselle Cruse-Peter and Maria Encarnacion, the director of the District’s Division of Curriculum and Instruction.
St. Croix District Deputy Superintendent Faith Dane George-Boone gave remarks on behalf of the school district, while Assistant Commissioner of Education Charmaine Hobson represented Commissioner of Education Sharon Ann McCollum, Ph.D.
