Gleaner's Spelling Bee | I was not nervous - Israel

Kingston: Pentecostal Tabernacle Church Hall

1. Israel Burnett, St George's College

2. Malik Popley, Camperdown High

3. Rojay Banton, Kingston College

4. Jonathan Bartley, Mavisville Preparatory

5. Chevaughn Falker, Wolmer's Boys' School

Top boy: Israel Burnett, St George's College

Top girl: Danielle Silvera, Windward Road Primary and Junior High

Winning word: M-I-S-C-I-B-L-E

Coach: Errol Campbell

ISRAEL ON WINNING:

"[I'm] excited and joyous, I still feel joyous."

Israel admits that as one of the last three standing, he wasn't nervous. "Those three boys are my training partners so I wasn't that nervous, but when I heard my winning word, and it was miscible, I knew the trophy was mine."

Preparing for parish finals was really rough, the 12-year-old said, because his days started early and ended late. He had to juggle spelling and his other responsibilities as a student, but nothing beats prayer. "I prayed. I prayed every day, worked hard, studied, and now I have the results."

This is Israel's fourth time entering the competition and his second win. In 2015, he was the parish champion for St Catherine when he attended McAuley Primary. He was in grade four.

ISRAEL ON NATIONALS:

"I plan to study harder, work harder, I'm going to train. I'm going to do my best and I will win nationals. I will, I promise."

COACH ON WINNING:

"I am relieved. It has been a long time coming and we have achieved the goal."

Coach Campbell says that this time around Israel was more diligent in his pursuit. As a more mature speller, he understood the requirements, "He is more passionate about it, so it made the job a little easier to accomplish."

COACH ON NATIONALS:

"We love to have a good competition, so we respect all of our competitors, but we are coming to retain the title."