SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – The Rotary Club of Sint Maarten-Mid Isle, in proud partnership with Windward Islands Bank (WIB), successfully hosted the Semi-Final Round of the 2026 Spelling Bee Competition on Sunday, November 8, at Paradise Event Hall.
Following a highly competitive preliminary round, the top ten performers returned to compete for a coveted place in the Grand Finale. The semi-finalists represented St. Dominic Primary School, Caribbean International Academy (CIA), Learning Unlimited Preparatory School (LU), Alwyn Allison Richardson Primary School, Orealia Kelly Primary School, MAC Rev. John A. Gumbs Campus, and Leonald Conner School.
The event opened with inspiring remarks from Grace Linger, President of the Rotary Club of Sint Maarten-Mid Isle; Rolando Tobias, General Manager Retail representing main sponsor Windward Islands Bank; and Lindsey Cancino, District Governor of Rotary District 7020. Spelling Bee Chairman Wayne Wilkie welcomed participants and outlined the competition rules before introducing the moderator, judges, timekeeper, and typist.
The Semi-Final featured two challenging rounds, with each contestant tasked with spelling twenty words, ten in each round. Audience members were able to follow the competition as the correct spellings were displayed, adding excitement and educational value to the event.
After an intense display of knowledge, focus, and determination, the following five finalists secured their places in the Grand Finale, which will take place on November 15, 2026:
1.Emily Wathey Juricka - Caribbean International Academy (St. Maarten)
2.Nathan Amsterdam - MAC Rev. John A. Gumbs Campus (St. Maarten)
3.Isha Nagarkar - Alwyn Allison Richardson Primary School (Anguilla)
4.Michael Leveret - Alwyn Allison Richardson Primary School (Anguilla)
5.Ava Williams - Alwyn Allison Richardson Primary School (Anguilla)
Special recognition was given to Moderator Wendy Tadimoeljo-Stein and Timekeeper Delia James, who were presented with tokens of appreciation for their dedication and contribution to the success of the event.
The Rotary Club also extends its sincere gratitude to its members and the Interactors of St. Dominic High School, whose volunteer service and enthusiasm helped make the competition a memorable experience for all participants and supporters.
The 2026 Spelling Bee Competition continues to reflect Rotary's commitment to promoting literacy, encouraging academic excellence, fostering youth development, and strengthening community partnerships across St. Maarten and Anguilla.
The public is invited to attend the Grand Finale on November 15, 2026, to cheer on these outstanding young spellers as they compete for the championship title.
