Evan Fahie Wins 52nd Territorial Spelling Bee After Intense 44-Round Competition

Evan Fahie, a Lockhart K-8 School student, emerged as the champion of the 52nd Territorial Spelling Bee after an intense 44-round contest, the longest in recent years. The competition reached its climax when Fahie correctly spelled “formica” to secure his victory. For 25 of those rounds, Fahie, Rayan Felix, and Jamir Greaux battled head-to-head, leaving onlookers biting their nails as the trio showcased their spelling proficiency, endurance, and unwavering commitment to the event.

The competition was held at the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School Auditorium, drawing coaches, families, and community leaders to support the 12 students competing for a chance to represent the territory at the upcoming National Spelling Bee. Melanie Walwyn coached Fahie.

Virgin Islands Education Department Deputy Commissioner Renee Charleswell commended the participants, stating, “To be a great speller requires focus and precision, but to be a dynamic speller requires passion, endurance, and a deep love for words and their origins.”

Felix, a Free Will Baptist School student, finished as the first runner-up, marking his second consecutive year as a top finisher after securing the same position in last year’s competition. Greaux, a Eulalie Rivera PreK-8 School student, earned second runner-up honors, rounding out a trio of exceptional spellers representing the best of the territory’s young talent.