Kevin Chung of St Cecelia Prep demonstrated remarkable familiarity with the Spelling Bee Book during the All-Island Championship, often beginning to spell words before the Spelling Master had finished announcing them. His deep knowledge and consistent performance helped him outpace 13 female contenders, ultimately securing the championship and earning a standing ovation from the audience.
 

Wednesday, August 14, 1974 

Lone boy competitor is Spelling Bee champion

Kevin Chung, of St Cecelia Prep in St Andrew, won the All-Island Spelling Bee championship yesterday evening at the Sheraton Kingston Hotel. The only boy in the finals, Kevin battled for over four hours with 13 female contenders to win over Opal Nelson of St James and Julie Fagan of St Ann.

With the re-handicapping in the final stage after the Spelling Bee Book had been exhausted by 7 p.m., the championship had narrowed to Sandra Bramwell of Vaz Prep in Kingston, Julie Fagan of Alexandria School, Opal Nelson of Corinaldi Avenue Primary School in Montego Bay, and Kevin Chung of St Cecelia Prep.

Up to the completion of the words in the Spelling Bee Book, five of the seven champions who had survived elimination in the morning had remained.
Denise Warren, of Barbary Hall Primary in St Elizabeth, fell victim to the word "advowson" on the unprepared list, and settled for fifth prize.

Of the final four, Sandra Bramwell was the first to trip up over the word "anchorite". Julie Fagan qualified for third place when she incorrectly spelled "Benzoin". She is the daughter of Miss Ruby Bailey of Bethany, St Ann.

In the excitement from the crowd of parents, teachers, friends, and others — which was larger than usual — Kevin and Opal remained even as both missed one word. Then Opal stumbled on "fecund", which Kevin spelled correctly. Since the winner must be ahead by two words in sequence, he concluded with the correct spelling of "fichu", receiving a standing ovation for a very consistent performance throughout the afternoon and evening.

A point of interest to several present was Kevin's obvious familiarity with the Spelling Bee Book, allowing him to call words and even begin spelling them before the Spelling Master had completed his announcement.

Kevin is the son of Mr and Mrs Donald Chung of Lawrence Tavern. His victory marked the sixth occasion on which St Cecelia Prep had won the competition. Opal is the daughter of Mr and Mrs F. B. Nelson of Irwin in St. James. Incidentally, Opal's mother is her class teacher, similar to Denise Warren, the St Elizabeth Parish Champion, whose teacher mother accompanied her to the All-Island Championship.
As Girl Champion, Opal received the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation Trophy, a miniature for herself, and a copy of the Oxford Dictionary.

At the luncheon in honour of the Island champion, the Minister of Education, the Hon Howard Cooke, was the guest speaker.

The minister presented the Prime Minister's Trophy to St Cecelia Prep, the winning school, as well as the Comprehension Test Cup and the Children’s Own Championship Cup.
 

For feedback: contact the Editorial Department at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com.