Challenging the Bee for the fourth time
Published:Tuesday | January 24, 2012 | 12:00 AM
Karen Sudu, Gleaner Writer
SPANISH TOWN, St Catherine:
IT IS the fourth-straight year that Davian Stewart will, be representing St Catherine in the final of the Gleaner's Children's Own Spelling Bee championship. Unlike last year, when he set out to prove to his father that he could do well, this time around, his focus is different.
"I am not focusing on my father this year because he is just a distraction in my way, so what I am going to do is win and see what happens from there," he told The Gleaner.
Seeming more confident under the tutelage of his new coach, Rev Glen Archer, the Jonathan High School grade-eight student cited one of his training partners as his biggest challenge.
"I am going to win, if not definitely finish in the top three. Gifton Wright of Kingston College is good, but the type of work that I'm doing now, I don't think anyone can compare to the work that I'm doing," he smiled.
Study routine
His study routine has been quite rigorous.
"I practise four times a week at Ardenne and also at home. I study the basic, the spelling bee book and the Oxford dictionary, trying to touch every word at least two or more times. This year, I got some new words and I got a chance to go through the dictionary more than last year. There is also camaraderie between me and Gifton and Tianne Barclay from Ardenne," he said.
The soft-spoken, unassuming youth said his mother Karene Parker is his driving force as he strives to pocket the elusive championship title.
"If it wasn't for her, maybe I wouldn't know so many words, because she is the one who motivates me to study. Sometimes when I'm idling she says 'picture another champion working and you idling', so that pushes me to study more," noted the aspiring gynaecologist.
Dr O'Neil Ankle, who assumed the role of principal at Jonathan Grant on January 9, this year, is confident that the 14-year-old will bring home the first trophy for the institution, under his leadership.
"I'm very confident about the young man's chances of winning this competition for Jonathan Grant High School. He has been there three times already, and I believe this is the year that he is going to win. If 2012 is the year of abundant blessing, he's gonna give us abundant blessing, and not only Jonathan Grant, but he is gonna give himself and his family abundant blessing by winning this competition and move to Washington to the Scripps Howard championship. I am very confident," Ankle shared with The Gleaner, while admiring Davian's parish championship trophy.
His form teacher, Stephanie Brown, echoed similar sentiments.
"I think he has a great chance of winning, all he has to do is prepare himself and work hard, and he has been doing that and I wish him all the best," Brown said.
Like last year, Rosemarie Wynter, senior teacher, will be his chaperone to the championship which will be held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel on February 1.