Twenty-five years ago, a group of Jamaicans living in New Jersey gathered to discuss ways to honour Ardene High School student, Jody-Ann Maxwell on becoming the first Jamaican and Caribbean-born person to win the Scripps-Howard Spelling Bee.
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Jody-Ann Maxwell celebrating her Scripps Howard Spelling Bee win in 1998.
As accolades continue to pour in for Zaila Avant-garde, the first African American winner of Scripps Howard Spelling Bee Competition, many are forgetful of the fact that the first black winner of the competition was Jamaica s Jody-Anne Maxwell.
It has been 23 years since the Ardenne High alumnus won the hearts of Jamaicans when she created history on the international scene by winning the prestigious spelling competition in 1998.
Thursday s victory of the 14-year-old African American has rehashed the memories for many Jamaicans, who were also quick to point out to some Americans on social media who incorrectly rewrote history , dubbing Zaila as the first black person to win the Scripps Howard Spelling Bee, that Maxwell had already accomplished that feat.
Scripps Howard Spelling Bee names top Pohnpei spellers
Details Written by Bill Jaynes
March 3, 2021
Pohnpei The Scripps Howard spelling bee has become an annual event here in Pohnpei. There is a lot of competition to be the winning speller and to be the Pohnpei champion. Unfortunately, COVID 19 has also affected the spelling bee this year. The spelling bee was able to go forward on Pohnpei which is COVID free, but usually the top winners also get a chance to compete in the regional spelling bee in Guam.
This year, no trips can be made off island so the winners only have bragging rights in Pohnpei.