Amazing-Grace Salami emerges a Spelling Bee Champion at U.S
Grace Ahuoyiza Ebiebi Salami, an 11-year-old Nigerian, from the Greenpath Preparatory School, Abuja has made record as the National Champion of the first-ever Spellingbee In Nigeria (SpIN).
The semi-finale which was held at U.S Consul General’s residence in Lagos, which had 64 exceptional finalists from Abuja, Lagos, Osun, and Taraba States displayed a thrilling academic excellence and linguistics mastery
The event showed the talent and determination of the Nigerian brightest young stars, having them battle in the intense round of the spelling challenges.
The competition started in September 2024, where hundreds of participants across Nigeria culminated for this fierce contest.
Amazing-Grace Ahuoyiza after impressing her judges and her audience with the correct spelling of the word "Melange" claimed the championship title.
As the winner of this competition she would be representing Nigeria in the 100th edition of Scripps National Spelling Bee in the United States, a historic and centennial celebration of academic excellence.
At the inaugural spelling competition, while delivering a speech at Acting U.S. Consul General JoEllen Gorg highlighted the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the United States’ first national spelling bee.
“On behalf of the United States Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, it’s an honor to host the inaugural Spellingbee In Nigeria finals as we mark the 100th anniversary of the United States’ first national spelling bee.
“Since 1925, the Scripps Spelling Bee has showcased American academic excellence, while promoting literacy and a love of the English language among youth. We are very excited this year will also mark Nigeria’s first entrance into the competition, alongside students from all 50 United States and international students from Ghana, Jamaica, Japan, and beyond.”
Also, while speaking at the event, Eugenia Tachie-Menson, she expressed her joy to be a participant and also the transformative impact of the competition in our life.
“This is more than just a spelling competition, it’s a platform that builds confidence, public speaking skills and critical thinking in our young learners. Today, we have not only unearthed champions but also inspired a generation of Nigerian students to aim for global excellence. We are grateful to our partners, parents as well as schools for making this dream a reality.”
The event also hosted some virtual appearance of Harini Logan, the 2022 Script National Spelling Bee Champion. Who also shared her experience with the finalists.
The partners that contributed to the success of the program are: Indomie Noodles (Title Sponsor), Checkers Custard (Co-Sponsor), Lucid Education Initiative (Local Organizing Partner), the U.S. Consulate General Lagos, the American Business Council of Nigeria, the Rotary Club of VI East, Razzl, First Bank of Nigeria, Seven-Up Bottling Company and AT3 Resources – The Muvmnt Agency (PR Partner).
