SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Rotary Club of Sint Maarten-Mid Isle, in proud collaboration with Windward Islands Bank (WIB), successfully hosted the inaugural Annual Spelling Bee Competition, kicking off with preliminary rounds on Sunday, November 9th at the Paradise Event Hall.
The event brought together 29 students aged 9–10 from six schools in St. Maarten and five schools from Anguilla, all competing for a spot in the semi-finals. Representing St. Maarten were Asha Stevens Hillside Christian School, St. Dominic Primary School, Sister Magda Primary, Seventh Day Adventist School, Learning Unlimited Preparatory School, and Caribbean International Academy. Anguilla’s delegation included Valley Primary, Alwyn Allison Richardson School, Orealia Kelly Primary, Omololu International School, and Adrian T. Hazel Primary.
Participants were inspired by remarks from Mrs. Esmeralde Richardson-Rommy, President of the Rotary Club of Sint Maarten-Mid Isle; Mrs. Emilia Connor, representing main sponsor Windward Islands Bank; Mr. Marvio Cooks, on behalf of the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Ms. Melissa D. Gumbs, who was attending the Four-Country Kingdom Conference on Education in Bonaire at the time; and Ms. Elisia Lake, Assistant Governor District 7020 for St. Maarten and Anguilla.
AUC students attended the event to support parents and children in managing stress and nerves during this challenging competition. They distributed stress balls and shared positive affirmations to help create a calm and encouraging atmosphere.
The top 10 scorers from the preliminary round will advance to the semi-finals on Sunday, November 16th, competing for a place in the grand finale. Semi-finalists represent Asha Stevens Hillside Christian School, St. Dominic Primary School, Seventh Day Adventist School, Caribbean International Academy, Alwyn Allison Richardson School, Orealia Kelly Primary, and Omololu International School.
All participants were honored with certificates and goody bags, while Moderator Ms. Shanica Richardson received a special token of appreciation for her dedication and expertise.
This initiative underscores Rotary’s commitment to youth development, literacy, and community engagement across the region.
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