Spellers happy with experience despite dropping out
DESPITE NOT advancing to the finals of the 2018 Scripps National Spelling Bee, both Nathaniel Stone and Assana Thompson, who represented Jamaica, are grateful for the wealth of experience gained at the competition in Washington, DC, United States. Their preliminary test scores were below what was required.
Stone indicated, however, that it was a privilege to represent Jamaica on such a huge platform.
“The experience was good, and I thank God and The Gleaner Company for the aid. I didn’t make it, but I am happy that I got the chance to represent the wonderful country of Jamaica,” he said.
Thompson expressed similar sentiments, noting that despite the challenges, it was an achievement that she would always treasure.
“The experience has been a very excellent and memorable one, which I will never forget. It has always been my dream to participate in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Thanks to their new RSVBee programme, I was able to,” she told The Gleaner.
Nordia Craig, manager of business development and marketing at The Gleaner, said it was a wonderful experience that The Gleaner was proud to be a part of.
“While somewhat disappointed, they are elated at having been allowed the experience. They say they will remember it always.”
Stone of Glenmuir High School in Clarendon was the winner of The
Gleaner’s Children’s Own Spelling Bee Competition held earlier this year, while Thompson of Ardenne High School in St Andrew placed third. Under the new RSVBee invitational programme, which allows parents to apply on behalf of their children for consideration, Thompson was chosen to join the competition.