The Foundation for Community Support (FOCUS) said nine persons won from three age ranges when it hosted its 4th annual Spelling Bee competition earlier this month.
In a press release FOCUS said the competition was held for three age groups: ages seven to nine, 10 to 11 and 12 to 16. From a total of 17 competitors, trophies and other prizes were awarded to the three winners that emerged from each group: the first place winners are Makayla Gittens, Jenesa Downer and Monauta Frank. The runners-up are Shelly Bowen, Aneesa Majeed and Quasie Bowen and the third place finishers are Akeem Souvenir, Akeiza Yanksen and Aliceia Adams.
FOCUS said the contest was hosted in an ongoing partnership with both the South and North Sophia Pentecostal Holiness churches. It noted too that this year’s competition was the largest to date and that “All contestants displayed a true desire to be successful.”
According to the release FOCUS has been working in the Sophia area for over four years concentrating particularly on childhood literacy with the formation of Children’s Reading Clubs and as an organizer of the Spelling Bee. Clubs are hosted at both churches every Saturday from 1.30pm and membership is free and open to all children of Sophia and adjoining areas. The group was first registered as a user-friendly society in 2006 and operates with 20 members who aim “To enrich lives within the group and communities through developmental projects, sharing of talents, interests and ideas.”
The contest was held at the South Sophia Pentecostal Holiness Church. For more information the public is invited to contact the Club on telephone numbers 223-8459 and 219-0764. FOCUS can be reached at telephone number 651-6677 and 225-2357.
