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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday April 9, 2008 - 7 Champ spellers prove practise makes perfect By Paloma Migone SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Since 1968 M-I-C-R-O-N-U-T-R-I-E-N-T. Misspelled by most dictionaryreliant adults, Marina Monahar correctly recited every letter, making it her winning word at Oakville Spelling Bee last Saturday. The Captain R. Wilson student and intermediate category winner, Monahar, along with two other winners proved, adults can ask the young for spelling advice at Oakville's largest spelling bee to date. The competition, a division of the Spelling Bee of Canada, has been running for 21 years and this year had 267 participants, 88 more than last year. Among the scores of students was nine-year-old Olivia McKeown; the primary category champion from Ecole Forest Trail, whose winning word was "decoy." Her school held mini-spelling bees every Wednesday and Friday. Parents volunteered and students got rewarded -- all three primary winners are from Ecole Forest Trail. "I feel really proud of myself," said McKeown shyly, who received a trophy and $200 prize. Jordy Verasamy was this year's junior category champion. The 12-year-old student from Oakville Christian won $300 and a trophy making it his third consecutive win. Verasamy spelling skills didn't come easy. The Grade 7 student practises three times a week during off-season and almost every day prior to competition. "I'll study A B C, then I'll get my mom to test me. I really want to do my best and my mom feels the same way," said Verasamy, whose winning word was "crustose." "I studied since February. My mom would read the words for me and I would spell it like a mini-bee and if I got it wrong, I would have to do it again," said 12-year-old Monahar, who won a $400 prize and trophy. All three winners studied from the manuals provided by the Oakville Spelling Bee. Participants are tested from the manual for three to four rounds, until tiebreakers, when words are picked randomly from the dictionary. "You always feel nervous for the first one or two words because you're just out of practice, but once you immerse yourself in the competition, then you feel great and confident," said Verasamy. As participants aimed for the win, competition became fierce. Auto and Home Insurance We find the right price, coverage and service for you. We deliver outstanding personal service: · When you call our office we ask for your name, not your account number. PRIMARY WINNERS: (left to right) Olivia Mckeown (first), · You speak to the same person Mateo Stecke (second), and David Ugobor (third). every time you call so we know who you are. · Proudly serving Oakville for 40 years. Please call us today for a Home & Auto Quote www.dobson-toncic.com 101-2020 Winston Park Drive, Oakville ON, L6H 6X7 905-829-2907 "Did you know that if your business and/or your family assets are not structured properly, both could be lost in the event of a law suit by your creditors or a third party. Contact The Incorporators today for a free assessment of your personal situation." Ed INTERMEDIATE WINNERS: (left to right) Marina Monahar (first), Andrea Fatu (third) and Heather Woolfrey (second). INCORPORATORS THE TAX THE THE BUSINESS ADVISORY ADVISORY Voted First Place Diamond Award Winners In The Categories of Incorporation Services, Tax Preparation Services And Business Advisory Services 5 YEARS IN A ROW! Who Should Incorporate? Why Should I Incorporate My Business? PHOTOS BY DEREK WOOLLAM / OAKVILLE BEAVER JUNIOR WINNERS: (left to right) Baani Mann (third) Jordy Verasamy (first) and Ginni Ting (second). Monahar kept focused during tiebreakers by thinking about the trophy, picturing it in her hand. "I took my time and made sure that I didn't mess it up. I asked for the definition and for them to use it in a sentence numerous times," said Monahar. The primary, junior and intermediate winners are mostly excited about walking away champions and being able to compete at a provincial level. For Verasamy however, the money doesn't hurt either. "It means two things to me. One, I won money and two, it gives me the chance to compete in the Ontario Spelling Bee," said Verasamy, who hopes to participate in regional competitions until he wins provincial finals. "I'm aiming for first." All regional winners will compete at the provincial finals in Toronto on May 4. Why Should I Have `The Incorporators' Incorporate My Business? ED FOSTER Mem For More Information Please Call Us At (905) 469-8777 Or Visit Us At One Of Our Websites COMMITTED TO REDUCING THE INCOME TAXES THAT YOU PAY www.thetaxadvisory.ca COMMITTED TO INCORPORATING YOUR COMPANY THE RIGHT WAY THE FIRST TIME www.theincorporators.ca COMMITTED TO MAKING YOUR BUSINESS A SUCCESS www.thebusinessadvisory.ca