Detroit, MI – Today, JamaicaGleaner 2016All Island Spelling Bee started it’s bastioned tradition to represent Jamaica at Scripps National Spelling Bee, Washington DC June 1st, 2016. Two children started off the session sick but, made it to the final seven after launch and, the finalists were; Lando Fullerton, Jadaqae Johnson, Assana Thompson, Chaunte Blackwood, Israel Burnett Ojae Shackelford and Larona Clayton awaited the Spell Master Dr Lei final instructions advised the children to spell as slow as possible.

Bitter sweet for returning 2014 Girl Champion Chaunte Blackwell, Ardenne High runner up to TajuanGibbison came back with quiet vengeance. Blackwell touted to be the most experienced speller has merged formerly trained by the lateRev. Glen Archer whom, passed away February 15 2015. Indeed, his work goes with some 26 Champions. Protégé of Rev Archer and former Spelling Bee Champ HaniffBrown Jr., continued to coach Blackwell. The late Rev. Glen Archer thought the world lovingly of 2014 Champion Chaunte Blackwell. Jamaica’s Spelling Bee love affair ends an era with a fitting last embrace of Coach Archer and his future Spelling Bee champion. And, we know that grace will continue to
This year was about cultural influences of words and their pronunciations so, in an effort to acclimatize contestants for Scripps National Spelling Bee. It was decided that, the American pronunciation was brought in to aid spelling.

As the second session opened with Jadaqae Johnson’s overdue spelling of L.A.N.Y.A.R.D with Dr Lei’s island dialect which, even threw me off until he gave the Americanpronunciation. 2014 Picture – Late Rev Glen Archer hugs runner-up Chaunte Blackwell
This was a total game changer in that, now Jamaican children will not suffer from culture shock at the microphone live in Washington DC. My advice for students this year is, “Spell what you know.” The pronunciation of American, British or Jamaican MUST match in spelling so, thinks clearly, take your time and spell slowly. In the meantime I dare you to spell out some of these words let alone find the definition.
Haniff Brown Jr. was the coach for both girls Chaunte Blackwell (St Andrews) and Assana Thompson (Kingston) and it came to no surprise that he won spelling bee coach award. Ms. Blackwell also came away with the trophy for the winner of Surrey along with spelling bee girl.
FINAL 7 ROUND SAMPLE OF WORDS
QUIXOTIC ZOGRASCOPE ECLAMPSIA R(H)ODOMONTADE YAMMER
WALLEROO JACKANAPES GADFLY DOTT(E)REL ULULATER
LITHERAIO PACHISMO LITHARO VENERY MICTURATE
FARDEL OPPUNG FLORILEGIUM HORRIPULATION ANAPTOPISM
PTERIDOLOGY HAGIARCHY SPRETZZATURA OTO-RHINO LARYNGOLOGY C(O)NOBITE
HIZOPHAGOUS MAKEBATE CONFRERE

Chaunte Blackwell Spelling Bee Champion 2016 (L) Assana Thompson-Runner Up (C) Chaunte Blackwell-Champion (R) Jadaqae Johnson 3rd
Words Spelled by Chaunte & Assanta
The Spelling Bee Boy Ojae Shackelford, Manchester left girls behind, Chaunte, Assana and Jadaque but, just as I was gunning for
APHEESIS FUSTILUGS HYPOC(H)ORISM POLYSEMOUS NISEI
DRUTHER PTERYGIUM CANAILLE EUHEMERISM THEOMACHY
STAKANHANOVITE PSEUDEPIGRAPHA
Championship Word: A-R-R-O-Y-O
Its was a nail-biting finish as the students from Saint Andrews and Kingston duked it out I held my breath in shear elation as Chaunte Blackwell spelled her way with the Championship word A-R-R-O-Y-O. Yes, Chaunte it has been three years since, she was runner up but, this was worth the wait. I trust that she will savor every moment because, she has truly earned it.
Caribbean Financial Network News and if affiliated syndications would like to congratulate Chunte Blackwell and, that we certainly look forward to seeing her Stateside in the USA.
Well done! We will be sure to let Dr. Ben Carson know of your progress.