Verbal Victory Bermuda Spelling Bee Results

March 18, 2026 | 0 Comments

The Annual Verbal Victory Bermuda Spelling Bee culminated at Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts on Sunday 8 March with a win by 10-year-old Hunter Pewter, a student at Somersfield Academy.

A spokesperson said, “Eli Oduntan, Saltus Grammar School, placed second overall, George Morris, Dellwood Middle School, was third and Eabha O’Hanlon, Warwick Academy, placed fourth. His Excellency the Governor Andrew Murdoch, Education Minister Senator the Hon. Crystal Caesar and Spelling Bee Founder and Chair Justice Norma Wade-Miller presented prizes to the winners.

“The first Spelling Bee competition was held in 2025, with the objective of inspiring confidence and academic excellence in young people aged nine to 13 years. Participation by nineteen schools this year is indicative of the support it is receiving from the educational community.

“Preparation for the contest begins in September when schools are circulated with the information and provided with a lengthy list of “easy, intermediate and difficult” words for the students to study. Each participating school appoints coaches for their teams. Eastern, Central and Western Region Semi-finals this year took place on 1 February with thirteen top spellers qualifying to take part in the Final.

“During early rounds of the Final, students were required to spell words from the easy and intermediate categories. However, as the competition progressed, they were presented with words from the difficult category, then were asked to spell “unseen” words which they would not have been given to study in advance by the competition organizers. During the contest, contestants may seek clarification on each word [language of origin, definition, part of speech and use in a sentence].”

“Once again, we were impressed by the calibre of participants,” said Justice Wade-Miller. “It is exciting to see how thoughtful and engaged the students are and how hard they have worked to take part in the contest. It’s always tough to watch the youngsters being knocked out, but that is also a life lesson. The schools and the parents do a wonderful job with their young people, providing tremendous support for the students. It’s all very encouraging.”

A spokesperson added, “Other finalists were Bermuda High School [Vivienne Leach], Dellwood Middle School [Elexis Asendido], Purvis Primary School [Lydia Pearman], Saltus Grammar School [Skanda Saravan], Sandys Secondary Middle School [Shane Gilbert], Somersfield Academy [James Casling-Hall, Aleisha Siddiqi], Warwick Academy [Olivia Brown] and Whitey Institute Middle School [Emily Foster-Skelton].”

“Our thirteen young spellers are the heroes of the hour,” said Deputy Chair of the Spelling Bee, Robert Horton, during the Final. “We are indeed excited to witness their dedication, hard work and talent as they showcase their skills in this prestigious event.” Mr. Horton went on to thank the Spelling Bee’s Platinum Sponsor, The Royal Gazette Limited, Silver Sponsor, Contemporary OB/GYN, Bronze Sponsors Allied World, Conyers, Hamilton Princess Hotel, Trott & Duncan and Renaissance Re and the many other corporate sponsors who contributed to the success of the competition.

A spokesperson added, “The Spelling Bee organizers salute the parents, guardians, teachers and mentors of the thirteen finalists, including the lead teachers and spelling coaches who worked tirelessly and with immense dedication with the finalists to prepare them for the competition. The organizers also express gratitude to the judging officials, Spelling Bee Committee members and all volunteers who contributed to the success of the Final.”

Finalists at Beginning of Competition

Finalists at End of Competition

Winner with, L to R, His Excellency the Governor Mr. Andrew Murdoch, Education Minister Sen. the Hon. Crystal Caesar and Justice Norma Wade-Miller, Chairman, Bermuda Spelling Bee Board of Trustees