Ten bright young minds battled it out for the coveted championship in a thrilling finale at the recently held Kiwanis Club of New Kingston’s Little Bee Spelling Competition.

After 17 nail-biting rounds testing their vocabulary and poise, Azuri Stanberry from Liguanea Prep took home the top prize, demonstrating exceptional spelling prowess. Stanberry also earned the title of Top Girl.

Following behind in second place was Jevaughn Ferguson from Citizen’s Advice Bureau/RJR Basic School, claiming the Top Boy title. Rounding out the top three was St. Theresa Prep’s Nathan Stephen.

“We at GraceKennedy Money Services (GKMS)/Western Union are incredibly proud to sponsor the Little Bee Spelling Competition,” said Margaret Campbell, chief operating officer, GKMS. “Witnessing the dedication and talent of these young minds is truly inspiring. We are committed to supporting initiatives that build strong literacy skills and empower the next generation of Jamaicans.”

“The Kiwanis Club of New Kingston is thrilled with the success of this year’s competition,” expressed Audrey Brown, Lieutenant Governor Elect of the Kiwanis Club of New Kingston. “Every participant displayed remarkable courage and determination. The Little Bee Spelling Competition is a celebration of learning, and we are honoured to play a role in nurturing a love for language in our young scholars.”

Winners and prizes:

1st Place: Azuri Stanberry (Liguanea Prep) – Trophy, Tablet, $10,000 Cash Prize

2nd Place: Jevaughn Ferguson (Citizen’s Advice Bureau/RJR Basic School) – Trophy, Tablet, $8,000 Cash Sponsorship (Remax)

3rd Place: Nathan Stephen (St. Theresa Prep) – Trophy, Tablet, $5,000 Cash Sponsorship (JN Foundation)

All 10 finalists received certificates of participation, school bags with school supplies from GraceKennedy Money Services and Western Union, lunch kits from Grace Foods, goodie baskets from World Brands, and school and lunch bags from Answers for Children. Teachers also received goodie baskets from GraceKennedy Money Services.