(Left to Right) Rayan Felix, 2nd Place; Joseph Greaux, Winner; Kaiden Lettsome-Dowe, 3rd Place. By. THE V.I. DEPT. OF EDUCATION
The V.I. Dept. of Education announced that it is celebrating the victors of the 51st Annual Territorial Spelling Bee, recognizing the remarkable talents of young scholars from across the territory.
In a showcase of linguistic prowess, students competed with resilience and intellect, underlining the vibrant academic spirit within the Virgin Islands community, the department made known via release Tuesday.
This year's competition culminated in the triumph of Joseph Greaux from Eulalie Rivera Elementary School, securing first place with his exceptional spelling skills. He was closely followed by Rayan Felix from Free Will Baptist School in second place, and Kaiden Lettsome-Dowe from Antilles School, who claimed the third spot.
“Their achievements reflect not only their individual commitment to excellence but also the unwavering support and guidance provided by their families, teachers, and mentors," said Education Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington. "We commend them for their hard work and dedication, and we are immensely proud to have such bright young minds representing the Virgin Islands."
The department extended its gratitude to all participants, organizers, and sponsors for their pivotal roles in facilitating this enriching event.
This celebration of academic talent encourages all territory students to engage in next year's competition, presenting a unique platform for showcasing their skills, challenging themselves, and fostering personal and intellectual growth. The department said it remains committed to promoting a culture of academic excellence and looks forward to the continued success of the Territorial Spelling Bee in nurturing the talents of Virgin Islands students.
Rewards for the participants and winners included a variety of educational resources, experiences, and mementos, from medallions and certificates to gift certificates and significant opportunities for further enrichment. Notably, the 2024 Territorial Bee Champion is set to receive a comprehensive prize package, including the chance to represent the USVI at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in National Harbor, Maryland, courtesy of the Virgin Islands Daily News.
