The fourth edition of Spell Bee, the popular state-level spelling competition organized by The Navhind Times in collaboration with the BBA department of the Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College, Autonomous, concluded successfully after four exciting days of competition held on August 18, 19, 20 and 22 at the college campus in Cujira.
Aimed at nurturing a love for language, literature and vocabulary among students, the competition saw enthusiastic participation from nearly 890 high school and higher secondary students across Goa. Participants competed in two categories; Classes VIII & IX and Classes XI & XII, putting their spelling prowess to the ultimate test.
Following the preliminary rounds on August 18 and 19, 40 students qualified for the semi-finals. The semi-final round witnessed intense, neck-and-neck battles, from which the top 10 spellers; five from each category, emerged to compete in the grand finale held on Friday, August 22.
The final round was a nail-biting affair, filled with challenging words, tense tie-breakers and unwavering determination. The finalists demonstrated exceptional skill, composure and passion, keeping the audience at the edge of their seats throughout.
After the riveting rounds, three winners were declared in each category, applauded not only for their linguistic talent but also for their sportsmanship, perseverance and time taken for each word. Spell Bee 4.0 once again reinforced the importance of language education and provided a vibrant platform for students to shine.
The judges for the competition were Associate Professor of English Language and Literature, Carmel College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Nuvem, theatre director and soft skills trainer, Dr Roxanna Singh and Assistant Professor of English, Shenoi Goenbab School of Languages and Literature, Goa University and certified trainer for Trinity College London, Grade and Certificate Examinations, Runa Menezes.
The chief guest at the valedictory function was Deputy General Manager Marketing, Hotels & PR, Goa Tourism Development Corporation, Deepak Narvekar. Speaking on the occasion he congratulated all the participants and encouraged the love of reading and learning spellings. Also present on the dais were principal, S S Dempo College, Autonomous, Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kamat; Editor, The Navhind Times, Vijay de Sousa and Head-Admin, Navhind Papers and Publications, Gopi Kalwar along with the judges, Roxanna Singh and Runa Menezes.
Winners were awarded certificates, trophies and the prizes were sponsored by Bodhi Academy, Goa.
In its continued commitment to giving back to society, promoting learning and fostering the exchange of ideas and knowledge, The Navhind Times looks forward to the next edition of the Spell Bee, which promises to be even bigger, better and more challenging.
Winners – Junior category
- 1st Prize – Noah A B. Carvalho – Loyola High school, Margao
- 2nd Prize – Keziah Rodrigues – Fatima Convent High School, Margao
- 3rd Prize – Neel Shrivastava – The Gera School, Old Goa
Winners – Senior category
- 1st Prize – Kelly Carissa Lobo – St Xavier’s HSS ,Mapusa
- 2nd Prize – Rehan Syed – People’s HSS , Panaji
- 3rd Prize – Arohi Dessai – S S Samiti HSSC, Ponda
Feedback
This was a great initiative and gave us literature lovers a platform to test our vocabulary. From the time we entered the college premises, we saw how well everything was planned. Congratulations to the team.
Sanisha Naik Gaonkar, student
It was an educational experience for the participants.
Savio Vaz, teacherSpellB
ee helped improve my English vocabulary and I learnt new words. Thank you SpellBee team.
Avani Ankolekar, student
It was a great experience for me.
Habiba Farooqui, student
This competition has benefitted me, thank you.
Jonathan Nunes, student
It was an excellent opportunity for our students to participate and learn and enhance their vocabulary.
Anna Denica D’Costa, staff, Carmel HSS
The event was very well organised and the team was very polite. These types of events encourage us students.
Samruddhi Naik, student
The event was very well planned and we learnt by participating.
Ayaz Shaikh, student
It was such a pleasure participating in this competition. These types of events give us students a platform to showcase our spelling skill.
Harsha Pednekar
It was a great platform to enhance our literary skills and vocabulary.
Ayushi Naik, student
It was an extraordinary competition and opportunity.
Siddhant Bhattacharya, student
It was a beneficial opportunity but I would recommend a written preliminary round instead of online.
Rajeshwari Kadamanela
It was an interesting opportunity which focused on builing langage skills.
Janhavi Dubey, student
It was the best SpellBee I have participated in. Thank you.
Jiya Sayyad, student
The competition motivated the students to participate and learn not just vocabulary but also about themselves.
Shilpa Silimcan, teacher
I was very excited to participate. Congratulations to the team for the 4th successful competition.
Swadeep Gaonkar, student
Even if I do not win, I am happy to have participated in this competition.
Yuvraj Dabhokar, student
I loved the atmosphere and the professionalism at the event. It was fun to attend.
Atharv Sawant
SpellBee is a great platform for students to test and improve their language skills.
Valencia Afonso, teacher
I appreciate all the effort put in to this event by the organisers especially the student team.
Leal Jesus Dias, student
For those who like words, this was a good opportunity.
Kaden Trinidade, student
All the members in the organising team had a smile on their faces. A very well organised event.
Graca Fernandes
A very well organised event and I am waiting to participate again at the next SpellBee.
Rashna Lotliker, student
A well organised event. Really appreciate the hospitality and welcome.
Sandra Lobo, teacher
I loved the hospitality of the team. They were meeting and greeting us and were very friendly.
Vimi Desai, student
I liked the ambience in the college campus. The volunteers were very kind and helpful.
Eliah Albuquerque
Excellent arrangements made by the team for everything. Very impressive.
Suresh Arolkar, teacher
