BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD Maurice Hillier student Quiandra Pemberton copped third place at the 2010 Rotaract Haliborange Seven Seas-sponsored Spelling Bee competition.
The competition, contested by six islands of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, was held at the Gros Islet Secondary School in St. Lucia on Saturday, December 4, 2010.
For her efforts, Pemberton received EC$2 000, a trophy and a T-shirt. Health and Beauty Manager Shirley Julius presented her with the third place cheque at a simple handing over ceremony held on Friday (Dec. 10) at RAMs Trading Limited’s Bird Rock Headquarters.
Pemberton’s mother, Gayanne Scarborough, said she is proud of her daughter’s performance, stressing that she believes Quiandra could have done better.
“I know that she could have done better at this competition, as she is very talented and spells very well. So I have to admit that some of the words that she wrongly spelt, she knows how to spell them,” the mother said.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines Randy Marshall was adjudged winner of the competition with St. Lucia’s Jordan Serieux taking second place. They received EC$5 000 and EC$3 000 respectively for their outstanding performance.
Antigua’s representative took the fourth spot, Dominica fifth and Grenada brought up the rear.
Commenting on her company’s involvement in the competition, Julius stressed the importance of education, stating that RAMs has partnered over the years with the Rotary Club of Liamigua in supporting initiatives like these.
“Education is the key to success and we at RAMs Trading intend to continue such pursuits of helping the youths of the Federation in achieving their dreams,” she said.
Julius added that her company and the St. Kitts Rotary Club of Limigua have been enjoying a fruitful and beneficial relationship for a number of years.
She also congratulated Pemberton on her achievement and urged her to continue along that stream of academic brillance.
“I would like to express on behalf of us at RAMs Trading our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Quiandra for her very good performance at the Regional Finals, and sincerely hope that she will continue the great work that she has started.”
Meanwhile, President of the Rotary Club of Laimigua, Eustace Warner said he was very impressed and satisfied with the club’s first outing at the competition, noting that Pemberton has set the benchmark for other representatives to emulate.
“This was our first year at the competition and we did well. I am sure that other representatives, who will be representing this club and country, will know that they will have to do better,” he said.
Warner pointed out that his club would continue to participate in the competition, which affords the competitors an opportunity to build lasting relationships among their peers and also to enhance their development through spelling.
Speaking to SKNVibes Business, Pemberton said while she is unclear as to what she would do with her winnings, she intends to put it to very good use.
“I am excited about this as certainly I have gotten a good gift for the Christmas season and I intend to spend this money wisely,” she said.
Pemberton added that while she is contemplating a number of professions, she is seriously considering Performing Arts for which she has a passion.
Rotary Club of Laimigua Director William Whyte, Grade Six teacher at the Maurice Hillier Primary Aurelstine Warner and Pemberton’s mother had accompanied her to St. Lucia.
