Among the 24 students that took the stage Thursday at this year’s Intermediate Spelling Bee competitions held in both districts, Lockhart K-8 School’s Evan Fahie and Rayan Felix of St. Croix’s Free Will Baptist Christian School took home the first-place trophies.
Both winners are set to advance to the Territorial Competition scheduled for March 19 on St. Croix, where they will be joined by other district finalists, completing a pool of 12 students competing for the prestigious title of territorial champion, according to the V.I. Education Department.
The St. Croix District Finalists are: Chasidy Pickering from Pearl B. Larsen; Joseph Greaux from Eulalie Rivera; Jasem Rahhal of Good Hope Country Day School; J’adora Burke from Ricardo Richards; and Layla Jacobs from St. Patrick’s Catholic School.
The St. Thomas-St. John District Finalists are: Antilles School’s Kaiden Lettsome-Dowe; Moravian’s Eli Blash; Amera Paul from Calvary Christian Academy; Kashyma Paul from Yvonne Milliner Bowsky; and Kwalane Flemming, from the Ulla Muller School.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the students who participated in this esteemed competition. Your passion for learning and your dedication to mastering the intricacies of language are truly commendable. Each participant should be immensely proud of their accomplishments, as they have undoubtedly left a lasting impression on all those who witnessed their extraordinary abilities,” Education Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington said in a statement Thursday.
Wells-Hedrington also thanked all participating schools, teachers, coaches, parents and guardians who supported the students.
“Your unwavering encouragement and guidance have undoubtedly played a significant role in their success,” she said.