By KATHRYN CAMPBELL
NASSAU, Bahamas (BIS) – Before cheering supporters, family, Ministry of Education (MOE) officials, his coach, and backed by a contingent from Lyford Cay International School (LCIS), Roy Seligman, Jr., the Scripps National Spelling Bee fourth place finisher, expressed thanks to the nation.
“The support of everyone here has been amazing. It’s been a great experience to represent The Bahamas,” said Seligman, who was the first student from The Bahamas to advance to the Scripps finals
Seligman acknowledged Minister of Education the Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd for his support, and thanked the Ministry of Education for making the occasion possible.
Twelve-year-old Seligman, a seventh grade student at Lyford Cay International School, advanced through three virtual rounds of competition — preliminary, quarter-finals and semi-finals — and on July 8 represented The Bahamas in the finals in Orlando, Florida. He was the only international competitor in the final round.
The Ministry celebrated his success on July 23 at the Ivy L. Dumont Building, and presented him with a trophy and a check for $500.
Minister Lloyd congratulated and saluted Seligman and told him that he has made the nation proud.
“We’re going to make this country proud through young men like this great man here today,” said the Minister. “You’re an inspiration to all of us; not just the young people, you’re an inspiration especially to young people as to what is possible if one applies oneself, one has the support, one is dedicated and focused; one sees the goal and is willing to do what it takes to get there.
“You’re not just a champion for this time; you’re a champion for the ages: You’re a three-peat champion in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, how absolutely amazing,” Minister Lloyd declared.
The Minister added, “This country owes you an enormous tremendous depth of gratitude that at such a young age you’ve made us so very proud.
“The entire nation was watching. When the news that our Bahamas Spelling Bee Champion advanced to the finals as one of our endeavoured competitors, the world held its breath. We had to see this without interruption. It’s an amazing feat: No one in The Bahamas has gone this far. You were the only international competitor to be in the final round.”
The Ministry of Education also recognized Mrs. Katina Seymour, Seligman’s coach and LCIS Assistant Head of Lower School, during the ceremony.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: It is totally unacceptable that Bahamas Information Services (BIS), the official news agency of the government, did not provide proper captions for these excellent photos taken by BIS photographer Kristaan Ingraham)
