Nineteen top spellers in second and third grades representing public, private and parochial schools, were praised as “winners” for participating in the annual St. Thomas-St. John District Primary Spelling Bee hosted by the Virgin Islands Department of Education at the Bertha C. Boshulte Middle School auditorium on Thursday, April 7, 2016.
During remarks before the competition began, Insular Superintendent Dionne Wells-Hedrington offered encouraging words to the young participants. “You are brave, determined, and super achievers,” she began, adding, “You are all winners and we are proud of you.”
With that, the competition got underway, eventually lasting for 10 rounds. Round 9 met So’akim Arnold of E. Benjamin Oliver Elementary going head-to-head with Dax Chouiniere of Gifft Hill School. In the end, Dax won the round with the correct spelling of “shrimp,” but So’akim did not advance after stumbling on the spelling of “oasis.” Dax advanced to Round 10, becoming the Primary Bee champ with the correct spelling of “sprain.”
When asked how he felt about being the district’s Primary Bee champ, Dax said, “I feel amazed,” holding up his shiny, gold trophy. The second grader said he studied for the Bee at home and any words he spelled wrong would be used in school as his spelling words for further practice. This was the first year Dax participated in the districtwide competition, but it won’t be his last. He plans to participate again next year when he is in the third grade.
Of his efforts, So’akim said he felt “good,” while flashing a bright smile.
Elementary Programs Coordinator Kalamis Maduro expressed her satisfaction with the students’ overall performance. “The students did a spectacular job,” she said. “Activities like the Spelling Bee help students become better learners and build self-confidence.” However, Ms. Maduro also had some advice for youngsters participating in next year’s competition.
“Remember to exhaust all of your options no matter what,” she said. This was in reference to the fact that spellers can request words be repeated, definitions be read aloud, sentence usage, identification of the part of speech, identification of the language of origin, and have the option of an alternate pronunciation.
In her closing remarks, Racquel Berry-Benjamin, deputy superintendent, also praised the students and encouraged parents to ensure their children are spelling words correctly, even when sending text messages.
Primary Bee participants received a Webster’s Dictionary, a Spelling Bee study guide, a trophy, pencils and other educational items as part of their prize package. In addition to those items, Dax received a Kindle.
