Spelling bee St Andrew champion

?I AM really grateful to God for what happened today,? said Andrea McPherson, mother of Sara-Beth McPherson, who is The Gleaner?s Children?s Own Spelling Bee parish champion for St Andrew.

After battling the chikungunya virus, it was a true testament to Sara-Beth?s fighting spirit that won her the parish title. ?She has had a lot of challenges over the three years and especially this (last) week with the joint pains and fever. But I am elated! Through all of that, she has been resilient and trusted God,? said McPherson.

This win is three years in the making. Sara-Beth?s foundation in spelling started at the Praise Tabernacle Preparatory School, where she was coached by the Reverend Glen Archer. Now a second-form student at the Holy Childhood High School, and still coached by Archer, the 12-year-old is loving the feeling of being champion.

?I feel very good. I thank God and my coach for helping me. [Also] my parents and my teachers at school,? said Sara-Beth.

Archer is no stranger to having a champion in St Andrew, but without his defending champion, the parish title still goes to him as top coach. ?I feel very good because I thought I?d come away empty handed. But I said, ?Lord, I?ve done my work and I can?t do anymore?.?

As it relates to nationals, Archer isn?t giving anything away but insists that Sara-Beth has a strong chance.

?Sara is a good girl, humble, and very intelligent. She absorbs the words very well. We should have a good one come nationals.?

kerry-ann.hepburn@

gleanerjm.com