Haley Christian of John Gray High School spelled her way to the top by nailing the word ‘echelon’ in the final round of the Lions Club of Grand Cayman 41st Annual Secondary National Spelling Bee on Wednesday.
Christian,12, edged out Cayman Prep and High School’s Angeline Ewers and Cayman Academy’s Nickela Davy, who took second and third place, respectively.
Christian told the Compass she was extremely happy to win, considering she has competed twice before without placing. “It was kinda difficult having to go through a lot of words in a day because I was really trying to get as much of the book in my head before the competition.”
The Year 8 student said she felt more confident going into the final round. “I was getting more calm on the stage because when it was just the three of us, I knew I would at least be placed in the top three.”
She said she entered the competition for fun, to see if she could win and “to expand my knowledge, and encourage other students to get involved. You need to be confident to be able to participate. It’s mainly your confidence that’s going to bring you through the competition itself.”
This year’s spelling bee comprised 37 students from 11 secondary schools across the Cayman Islands. Winners received trophies and iPads, with all students presented with a participatory medal.
Related Videos
