In past years they've spelt words like tsunami, and epidiascope, and tatooist, and today for the 11th consecutive year, the country's 12 best primary school spellers gathered to compete in the annual Coca-Cola Spelling Bee. This year the contest moved to the spanking new Orange Walk Multipurpose Center. 7NEWS was there to find out who came out on top.
It began shortly after 10 this morning with Jasmine Andrews correctly spelling temerity. Three rounds and over 2 hours later it came down to 10-year-old Edgar Nah from New Life Presbyterian Primary School and a word he says he was prepared for.
Edgar Nah, 1st Place
"I took two tries. It was like in the zone (eliminations) where I got lynch and instead of an "i" it was spelled with a "y," so I changed the "i" that I spelt in the first word and I changed it to "y.""
Keith Swift,
How does it feel to be the top speller?
Edgar Nah,
"Happy and my parents, I bet they are proud too."
While he had the home court advantage, Nah says he didn't need it because he has spent the last weeks preparing for the Spelling Bee.
Edgar Nah,
"I studied almost everyday with my teacher, he took words from the general list and took words from the dictionary too."
Keith Swift,
What was the competition like?
Edgar Nah,
"At first I was nervous that I would miss a word and I was happy when the time ran out for them and I said I have more chances of winning."
Keith Swift,
What you going to do with your computer?
Edgar Nah,
"Do research for my classes."
Keith Swift,
Where you going to put the trophy?
Edgar Nah,
"With my other two trophies from the zone and the district in my room and I think I'll get a mini-shelf to put it on."
Nah edged out Oscar Vidal from Libertad Methodist School who placed second.
Keith Swift,
How does it feel?
Oscar Vidal, 2nd Place
"Big. I used to go every Saturday to the educational center to study hard."
Leoni Magdaleno, 3rd Place
"It feels great. I studied real hard so I think I deserve it."
This is the first time in its 11 year run that the Spelling Bee national finals went on a road trip. Sales Manager for Bowen and Bowen Nick Pollard Jr. says it was with good reason.
Nick Pollard Jr., Sales Manager, Coca-Cola
"At the City Center there we have to really put a stage together, we cannot use one wing of the building because I think it was being renovated, and here we have a beautiful stage. Its all equipped and ready for use."
Keith Swift,
What's the return Bowen and Bowen gets from this investment?
Nick Pollard Jr.,
"I think the return is the appreciation of the entire Belizean community for what we are doing because we don't sell one bottle of soft drink from this contest. Right behind me here, at the end of the tournament all these kids will be given a free cup of refreshing Coca-Cola, Fanta, and Sprite. There are no sales from the Coca-Cola Spelling Bee, its putting back into the community and as the sales manager I am glad to be part of that team."
Edgar Nah and Oscar Vidal both took home brand new desktop computers. The school also received a new computer.
