Rotary Club of Sint Maarten-Mid Isle and WIB Host Final Round of the 2025 Spelling Bee Competition

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Rotary Club of Sint Maarten-Mid Isle, in proud collaboration with Windward Islands Bank, successfully hosted the Final Round of the 2025 Spelling Bee Competition on Sunday, November 30^th at Paradise Event Hall.

The following top five students advanced to the Finals and competed for the top prize:

• Emily Wathey Juricka (Caribbean International Academy) – St. Maarten
• Amara Richards (Seventh Day Adventist School) – St. Maarten
• Arudra Bharrat (Orealia Kelly Primary) – Anguilla
• Elenor Bradshaw (Orealia Kelly Primary) – Anguilla
• Glory Hnin (Alwyn Allison Richardson Primary) – Anguilla

Unfortunately, finalist Emily Wathey-Juricka was unable to participate due to illness. We wish her a speedy recovery.

Participants were inspired by words of encouragement from Mrs. Esmeralde Richardson-Rommy, President of the Rotary Club of Sint Maarten-Mid Isle, and Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Ms. Melissa D. Gumbs. Chairwoman Grace Linger outlined the rules and introduced the moderator, judges, timekeeper, and typer.

The Final featured two spelling rounds, with each contestant spelling 20 words—10 per round—earning 5 points per correct word. After an intense competition, there was a tie for first place between Anguilla students Glory Hnin and Arudra Bharrat. Following a tie-breaker round, Glory Hnin emerged as the first-place winner with 115 points. Arudra Bharrat secured second place with 105 points, followed by Amara Richards in third with 95 points, Elenor Bradshawin fourth with 90 points, and Emily Wathey Juricka in fifth by default.

Prizes included personal computers and screens for the top three winners, a printer for the winning school (Alwyn Allison Richardson Primary), tablets for fourth and fifth place, and a printer for the most supportive school (Seventh Day Adventist School). 

The event also featured a raffle for a 55” Google TV sponsored by Music Man and two additional CPUs and screens sponsored by Keijzer Computers. All proceeds will support the Rotary Club of Sint Maarten- Mid Isle’s service projects for the 2025–2026 year.

The Rotary Club of Sint Maarten-Mid Isle proudly recognizes the invaluable contributions of our distinguished sponsors, whose generosity and commitment made this event a resounding success:

• Windward Islands Bank – honored as our Main Sponsor, receiving a distinguished commemorative plaque in recognition of their exceptional support and partnership in advancing youth literacy and education.
• Tropical Shipping St. Maarten NV – celebrated as our Gold Sponsor, whose steadfast dedication underscores their leadership in community engagement.
• SOL Antilles NV – acknowledge as a Full-Page Sponsor, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to fostering educational excellence.

• Cool Tec NV- acknowledge as a Full-Page Sponsor, exemplifying their steadfast dedication to advancing educational excellence and community development.
• Bell Tours– commended for providing transportation for Anguilla Delegation, ensuring seamless participation and regional collaboration. 

• Music Man – recognized for their generous donation of a Google TV for the raffle.
• Keijzer Computers – honored for their contribution of two CPUs and screens for the raffle, reinforcing their support for technology and learning. 
• Carl & Son’s – appreciated for their thoughtful donation of snacks, enhancing the comfort and enjoyment of all attendees.
• Bold Buddha- appreciated for their thoughtful donation of vegetarian snacks, enhancing the comfort and overall experience of all attendees.

Sincere gratitude to the Members of the Rotary Club of Sint Maarten-Mid Isle, the Interactors of St. Dominic High School and the Volunteers from AUC for your unwavering support and commitment!

“This competition is more than just spelling—it’s about empowering our youth, fostering literacy, and building confidence,” said Esmeralde Richardson-Rommy, President of the Rotary Club of Sint Maarten-Mid Isle. “We are proud to invest in the next generation of leaders and look forward to making next year’s event even bigger and better.”