Burrell Boom student is district spelling champ
There is something about the sound of small children spelling large words that inspires confidence in our educational system. News 5’s Jose Sanchez was on hand as Parish Hall reverberated with the letters of the alphabet.
Jose Sanchez, Reporting
The seventh national Coca Cola Spelling Bee contest is underway and today a large crowd of students gathered at the Holy Redeemer Parish Hall for the Belize District finals.
The competition was tough, but by 5:00 p.m. Ray Meyers of Burrell Boom Methodist School emerged on top. He says the secret of his success was hard work and sacrifice.
Ray Meyers, 1st Place Burrell Boom Methodist
“During this week and over the months we had several trips. And I was stopped from going on the trips and on the days I stayed and studied.”
Jose Sanchez
“So you feel good about moving on to the next round.”
Ray Meyers
“Yes. Well I studied from my list and browse through the dictionary to see some words. If they looked difficult I would study them.”
Jose Sanchez
“So you think you’ll go on to win the computer.”
Ray Meyers
“Surely.”
Meyers not the only one feeling excited about the competition, Jessica Chee of Belize Elementary School won second place and is also moving on to the nationals.
Jose Sanchez
“How does it feel to win second place?”
Jessica Chee, 2nd Place, Belize Elementary School
“I’m amazed. I never thought I’d get this far. And I’m just thankful to God for that.”
Jose Sanchez
“What was the hardest word to spell?”
Jessica Chee
“The last word, braggadocio.”
Jose Sanchez
“How do you spell that?”
Jessica Chee
“B-R-I-G-G-A-D-O-C-I-O. Something like that.”
Jose Sanchez
“So how do you feel about moving on the second round?”
Jessica Chee
“I’m nervous, I’m scared and happy.”
The spelling battle in Belize City has been won, but the war is not over as both Meyers and Chee hope to spell their way into winning the computers at the Nationals on May eleventh. Reporting for News 5, Jose Sanchez.
District finals in Cayo will be held on March twenty-seventh, Corozal March twenty-ninth, Orange Walk March twenty-eighth, Toledo April fourth, and Stann Creek on April fifth. The national finals on May eleventh will take place at the Belize City Centre.
