SUDBURY—Little Current’s Joshua Harley was just named a regional top speller thanks to a first place showing at the Spelling Bee of Canada regional finals, earning him a spot at the provincial competition next month in Toronto.
Joshua, age 10, is an old hand at the spelling bee circuit—this is his third time at the regional finals, but this time he had the most success.
Joshua, who is homeschooled, explained that he receives an official list from the Spelling Bee of Canada of 400 words before the event, which he dutifully practices each day with the help and coaching of his grandmother, and teacher, Jackie Harley. It is this list that judges pull from at the regional finals until only the final six remain and then a new list, one that the spellers have not seen, is used.
“I did 22 rounds,” Joshua told The Expositor, noting that this took him under an hour to achieve.
“I was nervous,” he admitted.
Down to the final three spellers in the Junior division, Joshua clinched the title with two words; cliche and destitution.
“The competition was very tough,” Grandma Jackie added.
For his efforts, Joshua received a trophy, certificate and a handsome cheque for $300, which he hopes to use toward a new headset and maybe even a gaming chair (Joshua is a fan of video games when he’s not spelling).
Joshua will soon receive a new list of words so he can begin practicing for the provincial round of competition, to be held in early May.
Congratulations, Joshua!
