Spelling Bee | I know she's a champion, says Natania's mom

Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth: St Matthew's Anglican Church Hall

1. Natania Anderson, Glen Stuart Primary School

2. Dominic Wynter, Munro College

3.Zeneka Williams, Sydney Pagon High School

4. Philanio Wallace, Glen Stuart Primary School

5. K'Alee Brown, Marie Cole Memorial Primary School

Top Boy: Dominic Wynter, Munro College

Top Girl: Natania Anderson, Glen Stuart Primary

Winning word: P-E-N-I-T-E-N-T-I-A-R-Y

Coach: Myris Johnson

This is Natania's second time entering the competition and her first win. She was second last year. She said she was spelling since she was in grade one.

This year's preparation was rigorous. Over the summer, they had frequent sessions, which included weekends. But moving forward to nationals, both Natania and her coach, Myris Johnson, say they will get more sessions in.

The 11-year-old is in grade six and loves singing, dancing and reading. Her favourite book is Hansel and Gretel and she admits to loving Wayne Marshal's new song Lord, I Pray. She is a member of the Brownie, Spelling and 4H clubs.

Natania on winning: "I feel very happy, because I have been spelling from I was in grade one."

Coach on winning: "I'm pretty excited. I'm really happy."

Johnson admits that it was a challenge preparing the students, but is proud of the success of her students, as both of her students finished in the top five.

Coach on preparing for the national finals: "We'll continue practising. I won't give away my plans, but we are going to step it up."

Natania's mom (Karlette Anderson) on how she feels about the win: "I'm excited! I will support her going forward because I know she's a champion."