Port Maria, St Mary:

It was an open field as the champion for the year before did not turn up to defend his/her title.

Among 63 spellers, Greg Campbell of Castleton Primary and Junior High emerged the parish champion for St Mary in The Gleaner's Children's Own Spelling Bee finals for St Mary. This was Greg's third appearance and his first time winning the competition.

"I feel very happy," he said while covering his face.

He is described as shy by his coach, Narda Bhulai, but whenever Greg approached the microphone, he was confident with his delivery.

When asked how she felt about her speller coming out on top, Bhulai said: "I am happy for him! Initially, we were hoping for top five, but when I saw him standing in the top two, at this time, I was just praying and hoping."

She continued: "He is a highly motivated student with a good memory."

The 10-year-old lauded his mother and teacher as his biggest supporters. "My mother is always telling me to study."

This, the ninth spelldown in the parish championships, was held at the Port Maria Baptist Church.

Top five

Greg Campbell - Castleton Primary and Junior High

Steven Burke - Guy's Hill High

Tashae Barrett - Port Maria Primary

Greeco Neish - Epsom Primary

Dejanae Marshall - Clonmel Primary

Top Girl

Tashae Barrett - Port Maria Primary

Winning Word

G-A-Z-E-B-O