Kiwanis Little Bee spelling contest highlights past champions and 2026 growth

The Kiwanis Club of New Kingston’s Little Bee Spelling Competition, launched in 2002 to strengthen spelling and literacy among four- and five-year-olds, has grown from six participating schools to 28 registered schools for 2026. The contest, once allowing schools to send multiple entrants, now selects one young spelling representative from each institution.

Global Preparatory School, which opened on September 9, 1996 with six students and now serves more than 200 pupils from preschool to grade six, won the competition on its first attempt in 2025 through King Simpson. The school returned in 2026 but did not reach the final spell-off. Its leadership said internal spelling contests and regular phonics work helped prepare King, while the Little Bee app allowed practice at home, in the car and at school.

King said the contest deepened his interest in spelling and urged the 2026 finalists to continue working at the skill.

Liguanea Preparatory School, founded in 1969 and serving children from three months to 12 years old, has entered the competition for about a decade. The school has placed third once and has recorded two wins, including Azri Stanbury’s 2024 victory. Principal Dr. Francis McGregor said early spelling practice supports vocabulary, exams, diction and English-language work across subjects.

Junior World Learning and Activity Center, founded in 1997 in Kingston and educating children from 18 months to 12 years old, won in 2023 with Zayn Thomas and is seeking the 2026 trophy. Principal Howard said the contest broadens children’s word knowledge, builds confidence and encourages social interaction. Zayn’s mother, Shenica, said the win was a proud moment and credited preparation with strengthening his public speaking and vocabulary.

The Little Bee spelling app, developed in 2021 during the coronavirus pandemic with support from Western Union, remains free to download and can be used offline. Kiwanis Club of New Kingston president Veronica Taylor Smelly said the club sees the project as part of its wider commitment to children, education, literacy and youth development.

For 2026, finalists are to receive tablets, school bags, trophies, certificates and school websites, while top finishers will earn cash prizes, gift certificates, books and other awards. For the first time in the competition’s 24-year history, the finals will be televised on PBCJ.