Top young spellers emerge from 'war of words'

The final nine contestants took to the stage at the Ruth Seaton James Centre to contest their spelling skills and grasp of vocabulary.

Nasir Simmons of St. George’s Preparatory School triumphed, with MacKenzie Paul of Somersfield Academy finishing second and Brendon Jones of Warwick Academy placing third.

But, as Education Minister Dame Jennifer Smith told the contestants, every child was a ‘winner’.

“Young people, let me say that you are wonderful, you are exceptional,” Dame Jennifer told them.

“You have done a lot of hard work, you are all fantastic spellers. And I know that you will be the leaders of the future.”

Twenty-three students battled it out this year to become Bermuda’s top speller.

They each represented a public or private school and were whittled down to the final nine through  a series of regional heats.

The competition — now in its sixth year — aims to increase literacy in children aged nine to 11.

This year’s top prize, won by Nasir, was a family trip to Washington DC, paid for by Bermuda College and the Ministry of Education.

The second place prize — won by MacKenzie — was a Think Pad donated by Computer City.

And in third place, Butterfield Bank donated a $500 savings certificate — awarded to Brendon.

Families, teachers and friends of the contestants packed the auditorium at CedarBridge Academy on Saturday night.

Premier Paula Cox was also in attendance.

As the contest reached its final stages, students were asked to spell out complicated, unfamiliar words such as vinaigrette, indicted, meticulous and dissonance.

They not only faced a literary challenge but also a time limit and having to conquer their nerves on stage in front of crowds of people.

Congratulating the winners afterwards, Dame Jennifer said: “People who are a little jaded by listening to the talk shows might want to visit the schools and get their spiritual vibes.

“Because I was totally invigorated watching and listening to these young people.”

She told the contestants: “Not being a winner does not mean you have failed. I am sure you have learned that if you do not try at something you will not succeed.

“It took me 17 years and six attempts to win my (Constituency) seat.”

Dame Jennifer added that perhaps the rules of this year’s contest could have been made clearer.

She said: “I was — and the people sitting behind me were — confused by the rules, so perhaps that was not made clear to us.”

But she added: “Parents, you have done a great job and I know that part of these children being here tonight is because of your work.

“Organizers, we have to expect great things from our young people and by exposing them to this type of competition you are teaching them valuable life lessons.

“Congratulations to everyone, but special congratulations to all our three winners.”

Afterwards winner Nasir, 10, told the Bermuda Sun: “I was confident but it was hard, the competition was very stiff.”

He added he was looking forward to watching a Washington Wizards game — his favourite basketball team.

Mom Sherri Simmons said: “We are very proud. He has worked very hard and spent a lot of time studying the dictionary.

“He is an avid reader anyway. That’s the great thing about this competition, all the kids tend to be great readers which helps with the vocabulary and spelling.”

Runner-up MacKenzie, 10, said: “It was very competitive. I’m just really happy to get this far.”