Kerry-Ann Hepburn, Gleaner Writer

Falmouth, Trelawny:

Despite an overcast sky, 40 students turned out at the William Knibb Memorial Church's Education Centre for The Gleaner's Children's Own Spelling Bee parish final.

The morning saw Rosheen Dempsteer of Wakefield Primary lining up against last year's champion Lariecia Harvey, formerly of Granville Primary, who now attends Westwood High. The spelldown progressed with the numbers dwindling as early as the first round.

By mid-morning, the top 10 were identified and it was clear who the favourites among the contenders were. The top five proved that only the strongest spellers would survive this competition and the final two was swiftly decided as Javaun Clarke of William Knibb Memorial High School dropped out as top boy.

It was an emotional five minutes for Rosheen as she broke down in tears after spellmistress Marlene Stephenson-Dalley announced the top two. Rosheen and Lariecia are no strangers to being the last at the microphone and for the first few minutes, the audience held their breaths as both finalists stood side by side ready to take the title. But it was the cool, confident defending champion who pulled through with the winning word, C-R-U-C-I-F-I-X-I-O-N.

When asked how she felt about the win and nationals, Lariecia beamed and said, "I'm glad I came in first! And as for nationals, I'm coming bigger and better."

The parish championship trophy for Trelawny will retire with the Bellevue Primary and Junior High. representatives from the school have won the parish championships the most times since 2004.

Top five

Lariecia Harvey - Westwood High School

Rosheen Dempsteer - Wakefield Primary

Javaun Clarke - William Knibb Memorial High

Velisha Powell - Granville Primary

Nago Morrison - Granville Primary

Top Boy

Javaun Clarke - William Knibb Memorial High