IN JAMAICA: 9-Y-O Natahlia Miller Crowned Trelawny Spelling Bee Champion

Kerry-Ann Hepburn, Children's Own Coordinator Published: Saturday | October 4, 2014

Falmouth, Trelawny:

WHILE TOURISTS explored the 187-year-old William Knibb Memorial Baptist Church in Falmouth, Trelawny, 23 of the parish's top spellers lined up for spellmistress Marlene Stephenson Dalley at the church hall just a stone's throw away. With no defending champion, the race for the title of parish champion was wide open with a fresh cohort.

Spelling Bee champion for Trelawny, Natahlia Miller
of Hague Primary School.-Ian Allen/photographer

After a few rounds, the numbers had dwindled, leaving the final 10 to battle. With each round, the competition got harder to predict as it seemed that everyone was in it for the long haul.

The top five were decided after Theondra Hamilton of Clark's Town Primary dropped out. That's when the real battle started. Four rounds down and then there were three, and the champion boy, Jordan Nugent of Granville Primary, was announced, but sadly, left the competition soon after.

Toni-Ann Watson of Granville Primary and Natahlia Miller of Hague Primary were the Bees remaining. In the end, Natahlia, with quiet confidence, came through, when she spelt the word N-A-U-T-I-C-A-L.

In a true show of sportsmanship, the first thing Natahlia did was hug Toni-Ann, who was disappointed at not winning the title.

When asked about her win, nine-year-old Natahlia paused, then replied: "Words can't describe how I feel."

The precocious speller says she wasn't worried about winning going into the competition.

"I did my part and trusted that the Lord would do the rest," she told The Gleaner.

First-time coach Latoya Basco was pleased with the results.

"We started at the beginning of September, and I've asked for all their spare time, and Natahlia gave me that. She is always ready and willing to work," said Coach Basco. more