Lucas Anton Findlay of the Joyce Samuel Primary School is the winner of the Inter-Primary School National Spelling Bee competition 2025.

Dominique Ashley of the Valley Day Primary School placed second while Layla Saniana of the Ebenezer Primary School placed third.

The participants competed on an individual basis and had to study a total of 3000 words to prepare themselves for the competition.

Deputy Chief Education Officer Mrs. Heida Selwood said the competition builds capacity in the development of the Territory’s students by increasing their ability to spell.

Mrs. Selwood said, “This competition allows for our students to engage in friendly competition with their peer from across the Territory, all the while showcasing their skills in literacy through spelling and pronunciation.”

 The competition, began on May 28, and the preliminary round saw twelve (12) schools advancing to the final round on June 4.

The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports continues to provide high quality educational services, as well as facilitate access to and participation in sports and recreation, in order to enrich the lives of all residents of these Virgin Islands.

Photo 1 (Left to right): Photo of Chief Education Officer in the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Mrs. Orlandette Crabbe, Representative from the Rotary Club of Tortola Mr. Trefor Grant, 2025 Spelling Bee Champion Mr. Lucan Anton Findlay, and Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Honourable Sharie de Castro

Photo 2 (Left to right):  Photo of Chief Education Officer in the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Mrs. Orlandette Crabbe, Deputy Chief Education Officer in the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Mrs. Heida Selwood, Second Place Winner Ms. Dominique Ashley from the Valley Day Primary School, 2025 Spelling Bee Champion Mr. Lucan Anton Findlay, Third place winner Ms. Layla Saniana from the Ebenezer Primary School, and Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Honourable Sharie de Castro

Photo 3: Group photo of all the participants in the 2025 Inter-Primary School Spelling Bee Finals

(Photo credit: GIS/F. Skerritt)