By Zainab Adamu
On a sunny Friday morning, the school’s auditorium was abuzz with excitement as teachers, students and parents gathered for the ALPS Annual Spelling Bee Competition. The air was electrifying with anticipation, as four finalists from various grade levels took their places on stage, ready to showcase their linguistic skills.
As the competition commenced, the audience was treated to a spectacle of Intellectual prowess. The contestants, ranging from timid third-graders to confident high school seniors, stood poised and focused, their eyes fixed intently on the pronouncer, Mrs Sakina Ibrahim.
The rules were simple, each contestant would take turns spelling a series of increasingly difficult words, with the last person standing crowned the champion.
The pronouncer, Mrs Ibrahim, a seasoned educator with a warm smile, began the competition with a gentle tone, pronouncing the first word with crystal clarity. The contestants took turns spelling the word, their voices steady and confident.
As the rounds progressed, the words grew more complex, and the tension mounted. The audience held its collective breaths as the contestants wrestled with words like “perspicacious” and “schadenfreude”.
Despite the pressure, the contestants remained composed, drawing upon their knowledge of etymology, phonetics and vocabulary. The audience watched in awe as the students demonstrated their mastery of the English language.
The competition was fierce, with several contestants tying for the lead, but ultimately, it was the quiet, unassuming Maryam Hadi Abba who emerged victorious while the second and third positions went to Zeena Lawal and Mukhtar Hamisu Abba respectively.
As Maryam correctly spelled the final word “sophrosyne” the audience erupted into applause, cheering on the champion. Maryam’s face lit up with a radiant smile as she accepted the coveted trophy and a year’s supply of books. The runners up too, received warm applause and prizes, the effort and dedication acknowledged and celebrated.
The Spelling Bee Competition was more than just a test of linguistic skills; it was a celebration of Intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, and the joy of learning. As the students dispersed, the contestants and their families beamed with pride, already looking forward to next year’s competition.
The Spelling Bee had once again proven itself to be an unforgettable experience, one that would inspire and motivate students to continue exploring the wonders of the English language.
Zainab is of Aunty Laila Private School, Kano
