Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer

The Gleaner's Children's Own Spelling Bee Championship for 2013, in association with Jamaica National Building Society, will be held on Wednesday, February 6, 2013, at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, starting at 9 a.m. Below are features on two of the parish champions.

RUSHAWN STEWART'S preparation for the Gleaner's Children's Own Spelling Bee championship has been hampered by a number of factors, but he still has high hopes that he will do well in the final spelldown.

Coach Chase Roberts has revealed that they have not been able to fulfil Rushawn's true potential as they are unable to put in the number of hours required. He, however, pointed out that the student would be re-entering familiar territory, which could work to his advantage.

"Rushawn is a promising speller. We are banking on his experience, which could work to our advantage. We are trying to capitalise on the preliminaries, including comprehension, dictation, and the 25 written spelling.

"His knowledge and experience will be a valuable asset, and he should be able to manage the pressures of a national finals. Once he is relaxed, I know he will give an improved performance," said Roberts, who was the 2000-2001 Spelling Bee champion for Portland while attending Norwich Primary School, the same school that Rushawn attended when he won last year's competition at the parish level.

Rushawn will be vying for the coveted national trophy for the second time around, having represented Portland in the 2011-2012 competition, where he finished in the top seven.

But for 13-year-old Rushawn, who made it clear that he was anxious for the final to begin, his aim is to not only give an improved performance, but to win the national spelling bee final this time around.

"I can't wait for it to begin. I am studying real hard for this competition, and I have put aside my leisure activities just to remain focused on this spelling bee final. This is the second time around for me, and I intend to put in a better performance. I am better prepared than ever, and I am totally focusing on the task head. I am a better speller today, and thanks to my coach, I will pose a serious challenge this time around, which could see me winning the competition."

rural@gleanerjm.com