Gleaner celebrates GSAT high achievers

On a day when the world celebrated Nelson Mandela International Day under the theme 'Take Action, Inspire Change', The Gleaner took time out to honour four of the country's young scholars.

As laughter and tears of joy flowed throughout The Gleaner's Children's Own Spelling Bee Awards luncheon yesterday, four outstanding performers in this year's Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) were lauded with accolades and cash prizes.

Three of the winners, who were outstanding participants in The Gleaner's Children's Own Spelling Bee Competition, received awards and scholarships for being the top performers in their counties.

Cornwall's top performer was Joanna Turner from Hanover Pre and Preparatory; Middlesex's outstanding student was Ashley Ricketts from Knox Junior School; and Shanae Graham from Middleton Primary was Surrey's recipient.

Barrieanne Foster was named the Editor's Scholar for 2013.

During the awards luncheon at The Gleaner's North Street offices in Kingston, Joanna shared her experience of how she prepared and competed in the national Spelling Bee finals and successfully managed to score a 97 per cent average in GSAT.

She said her teachers, who sold ice cream so she could travel to Kingston weekly for training with top Spelling Bee coach Glen Archer, were instrumental to her success.

"I couldn't have done so well in GSAT and Spelling Bee without the dedication of my mother and teachers," Joanna said.

Shanae said she was particularly pleased with the awards given to her as they would help to offset many expenses.

"This gives me a feeling of reassurance that I am doing something right. I am sure the scholarship will help throughout my high-school life," she said.

The other recipient of the GSAT County Scholarship, Ashley, said the award would aid in opening up new avenues and opportunities for her as she embarks on her high-school journey.

WILL NOT DISAPPOINT

Barrieanne said she was elated to be the Editor-in-Chief Garfield Grandison's pick for a scholarship. She made it clear she would not disappoint The Gleaner.

"This encourages me to keep up the hard work and continue to make my parents proud and I will be coming to The Gleaner again for another scholarship sometime in the near future," she said.

The recipients all received cheques, plaques and trophies from The Gleaner.

The scholarships are for one year and are intended to benefit new entrants to high schools each year.

The recipients were also presented with grants from two of the Spelling Bee competition's main sponsors, National Commercial Bank and Sangster's Bookstores Limited.