Maria Fernandes/NT
The fifth edition of Spell Bee, the popular state-level spelling competition organised by The Navhind Times in collaboration with the BBA Department of Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College, Autonomous, concluded successfully after four days of fierce competition that was held on August 18, 19, 20 and 21 at the college campus in Cujira.
Aimed at fostering a love for language, literature and vocabulary, SpellBee remains the only competition of its kind in the state. Its fifth edition drew enthusiastic participation from nearly 1,400 high school and higher secondary school students across Goa, who competed in two categories; Classes VIII & IX and Classes XI & XII; putting their spelling skills, vocabulary and composure to the test.
Following the preliminary rounds on August 18 and 19, forty students advanced to the semi-finals. The closely contested round saw the top twenty spellers; ten from each category representing schools from across Goa, including Margao, Ponda and Vasco, emerge for the grand finale on Friday, August 22. It truly was a nail-biting affair, marked by challenging words, tense tie-breakers and remarkable determination. The finalists demonstrated exceptional skill, composure, and passion, keeping the audience captivated and on the edge of their seats.
After a series of riveting rounds, five winners were declared in each category. Their achievements were applauded not only for their linguistic prowess but also for their sportsmanship, perseverance and poise under pressure. Spell Bee 5 once again highlighted the importance of language learning while providing students with a vibrant platform to showcase their talent.
The judges for the finale were Associate Professor and Head – Department of English, Carmel College of Arts, Science and Commerce for Women, Nuvem, Dr. Brian Mendonca and Assistant Professor of English, Shenoi Goembab School of Languages and Literature, Goa University and certified trainer for Trinity College London, Grade and Certificate Examinations, Runa Menezes.
The valedictory function was graced by former Dempo College professor Ashok Moye as the chief guest. He also sponsored cash prizes totalling Rs 35,000, in memory of his late wife. Professor Manguesh Korgaonkar attended as a special guest. In his address, Moye congratulated all the participants and encouraged them to cultivate a love for reading and strengthen their spelling skills.
Also present on the dais were S. S. Dempo College, Autonomous Principal Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kamat; Vice-Principal Dr. Deepali Churi; The Navhind Times Editor Vijay de Sousa; and judges Asst. Prof. Runa Menezes and Dr. Brian Mendonca.
Winners were awarded certificates and the cash prize sponsored by Professor Moye along with speakers, ear buds and smart watches from Digital World, Panaji, thanks to BBA student, Nathan Lobo.
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 – Nireeksha Gondli – Loyola High school, Margao 2nd Prize – Gargi Mehndiratta- Navy Children School, Dabolim 3rd Prize – Rayirth Naik – Dr K.B Hedgewar High School, Cujira Consolation prize – Sophie Sardinha, The Rosary High School, Cujira Consolation prize – Maryann Barbosa- Fatima Convent High School, Margao
Winners – Senior category 1st Prize – Shanaia De Braganca Pereira – Shree Damodar HSS of Science ,Margao 2nd Prize – Nikita Ghadi – Sarvodaya HSS , Ponda 3rd Prize – Keegan D’Sa – Vasantrao Dempo HSS, Cujira Consolation prize – Hirkanee Jadye, Navy Children School, Dabolim Consolation prize – Karan Gonsalves, Shree Damodar HSS of Science ,Margao |
FEEDBACK
It was really good and quite tough but that was expected since it’s the finals, of course. It was definitely challenging and many of the participants showed great spirit.
Amrit, participant
Really exciting experience because this event promotes reading among students, which is especially important today as people usually don’t read enough, and this competition encourages them to do so.
Niyati Tamhankar, participant
All of us were very enthusiastic about participating and the vibe was really good. I gave it my best and hope to win.
Mridula Naik, participant
The experience was really great. I’m very thankful and grateful that I got this opportunity. Talking about the competition, it was a bit tough, but it was also really fun to answer. The entire team managed everything so well. Kudos to the team!
Swara Prabhu , participant
It’s a great opportunity for students like us. I was a part of this event last time and qualified till the semifinals. I hope I get the chance to qualify this time as well and win.
Hriday Joshi, participant
The words were difficult but it challenged me. I will be better prepared next time.
Sulekha, Syed, participant
I was honored to be in the semifinals and the arrangements were very well organised. The judges were also very polite and supportive, and overall, I think this was a great success. I would say that the Spell Bee was neither too easy nor too difficult; it was of moderate difficulty. If it is held again next year, I would definitely love to participate again.
Karan Gonsalves, participant
The questions were very compelling and it’s not like any other Spell Bee. They don’t just ask you the spellings; instead, you get to learn a lot from the questions.
Aavya Kamat , participant
I think it was a wonderful experience being here and having the opportunity to judge this event, especially because it is so relevant in today’s world. It highlights the importance of formal vocabulary and reminds us to build on our formal communication skills. Overall, I think it was an important event, and I really enjoyed being a part of it.
Alisha Souza, host and judge
It is great to see so much participation. I can see students from schools across Goa participating, with their colourful uniforms all around. Dempo College did a great job of organising such an event.
S. Nadkarni, parent
Well, the event was organized very well. The facilities were excellent and up to the mark, and the students were amazing. I think the entire setup was done really well, and everything was up to the mark.
Reema Pednekar, Parent
It was a such privilege and joy to host the Spellbee: it is gratifying to see young students showing keen interest and honing their spelling skills in the age of AI, spell-check and autocorrect! The competition was very well organised with great attention to detail. Hats off to The Navhind Times and Dempo College!
Runa Menezes, host and judge
The competition had a high standard and the sets of words were arranged according to the difficulty level, with each participant having to spell five words. The evaluation was meticulous and the students from the organizing team made the judges feel welcome and attended to their every need.
Dr. Brian Mendonca, host and judge
For me, it was a great pleasure to be a part of this competition. I’m proud to say that we received around 1,400 registrations for Spell Bee 5.0, which is a very big number. Such events and competitions should be encouraged and promoted by colleges.
Chief Guest and Ex Professor, Dempo College, Ashok Moye
