FOR the second straight year, One Primary School has carted off the championship hardware when the Linden Fund USA once again hosted its annual Spelling Bee Competition for primary school children in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) as part of Linden Town Week celebrations.

The decade-old event, which comes under the aegis of the non-profit organisation operating out of the USA, saw eight primary schools across the mining town participate in the contest this year at the Linden Concert Hall and School (LICHAS)’s auditorium, with the officiating being done by members of the Regional Education Department.

Once again this year, Ansa McAl, which has partnered with the Linden Fund over the years as main sponsors, has donated the top three trophies and replicas, along with samples of its beverages to be enjoyed by the participants.

Among the top officials in attendance were Regional Chairman Renis Morian and Linden Mayor Ms. Waneka Arrindell.

It was a feisty competition among the competing schools, which saw Zaria Jacobis of One Mile Primary copping first place from Wismar Hill Primary’s Kennard Seenauth, who placed second, while Oletta Rose of St. Aidan’s Primary came in third.

The three winners were each rewarded with a trophy and tablet, while the other contestants received replicas for their effort and participation. One Mile Primary’s Somira Dainty, who placed fourth, was presented a scientific calculator by the Regional Chairman.

In a release, LFU Vice-Chair Keith Semple said the championship owes its success to “the strong collaboration of the Regional Education Office, especially its liaison officer, Ms. Kean Adams.” He also thanked LFU Office Manager, Ms Cheryl Waithe, who coordinates the competition in conjunction with the Regional 10 education officials and engages with the individual primary schools and the donor and partner, Ansa McAl.

Among LFU members who came home from the US for the competitions were Mr Keith Semple, Mr George Parris, Ms Chairmaine Critchlow, Mr Gordon Alleyne and Mr Desmond Bacchus. And among local supporters in attendance were members of For The Children Sake Foundation, which is the primary partner of the LFU on a number of ongoing community projects, and the Learning Channel, which covered the event.