At spelling bee and reading competitions last Saturday, sponsored by the Lichfield Library, quizmaster Eon Carter encouraged students to “continue with reading and spelling as it would “carry you a far way.”
Students aged nine to 11 years old took part in the spelling competition at the library, which saw Deon Allen emerging as winner. Shemella Duke was awarded second place while Allicia Mitchell secured the third spot.
In the reading category, for students aged 12 to 14 years old, Grayan Grant copped the top spot while the second and third place winners were Lois Blackman and Gria Grant respectively.
Alice Lynton, a Christian missionary from the United States; retired headmistress, Mary Rich and Aisha Semple, a student of the University of Guyana judged the competitions.
Students were required to read a passage aloud and answer two questions based on it. They were judged on proper pronunciation, punctuation, intonation, fluency and comprehension.
In both competitions, the first place winners were awarded Nokia cell phones, while the second prizes were wristwatches. The student placing third for reading received a pen set and for spelling a monopoly game was presented. The other participants also walked away with prizes, including stationery and books.
Librarian Lorraine Blackman urged parents to send their children to “use the library as literacy is the way forward.” She said, “Another competition would be held in April where there would be bigger prizes.” They would try to host that competition “at the school level.”
Carter, a retired headmaster, also told the students that he looks forward to seeing them in future competitions. Also present at the event was retired education officer of Region Five, Randolph Mitchell.
