Bermuda’s top young spellers recently met David Burt, the Premier, in the wake of their success at the Verbal Victory Spelling Bee last month.

Jared Arnante, 10, Oliva Brown, 12, and Samantha Hernandez, 13, were greeted at the Cabinet Office by the Premier to recognise their accomplishments at the event.

Held in March, the Spelling Bee brought together students from across Bermuda who demonstrated remarkable language skills, composure under pressure and a genuine love of learning.

Jared, a student at Somersfield Academy, took home the top prize in the competition, which challenged nine finalists to spell a series of increasingly complicated words.

Olivia, a Warwick Academy pupil, came second in the competition, while Samantha, who represented Dellwood Middle School, came third.

Mr Burt said: “I welcomed Jared, Olivia and Samantha to the Cabinet Office to recognise their achievement in this year’s Spelling Bee.

“The level of confidence and knowledge that they brought to the competition is something that we should all be proud of.

“These students are an example to other students that learning can be exciting and that academic achievements can be recognised and celebrated.”

The Premier also praised the work of the event’s trustees, including Norma Wade-Miller, the chairwoman, and Robert Horton, the deputy chairman, along with teachers and families, for their commitment to supporting educational enrichment across the island.