Vestal Sankhro emerge Nagaland Spelling Bee Champion 2017

Our Correspondent
Kohima | September 30  

Vestal Sankhro from Holy Cross Higher Secondary School Dimapur emerged as the champion of 6th Nagaland Spelling Bee Championship 2017 which concluded here Friday under the aegis of Fountain Club in association with State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) Nagaland.  

This Nagaland Spelling Bee Championship accounted the highest prize money in term of literary competition in Nagaland and perhaps in the North East India. The total prize money stands Rs. 1. 55 lakh.  

In the first round of finals, Vestal spelled “Kitchenette” correctly while Zalino Mekro of Little Flower Higher Secondary School Kohima also spelled “Luncheonette” correctly in her turn.  

Vestal again spelled “Messrs” correctly in the second round. Zalino failed to spell “Plenipotentiary” in which Vestal did it after allotting the same word to her and declared as the champion. She pocketed a cash prize of Rs. 60,000 sponsored by Timikha Koza, president Tenyimi People Organization.  

Zalino made her road to finals after she spelled “ Ignominious” and “Lieutenant” correctly in the screening round of four. Winning 2nd position, she was awarded with a cash prize of Rs. 40,000 sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Zhavituo Rhiitso, contractor.  

Visakhono Yakhro of St. Paul School Phesama entered the four screening round after she spelled “Sacrosanct” correctly. She however missed the spell “Hagiolatry,” “Obeisance” and “Ballade” and conceded the third position, bagging Rs. 20,000 sponsored by contractor Neikehietuo Sahu.  

Keviseto Mekro of CD King Higher Secondary School Kohima missed the spell “Acolyte” in the qualifying round of finals. He bagged 4th position prize money of Rs 15,000 sponsored by Khrielievi Chiisi, former AYO president.  

Four quarter finalists Lisa Venuh- Mount Hermon Higher Secondary School Kohima, Shanjothung Ngullie- Dainty Buds School Kohima, Kasunga Victoria Kuba-Model Higher Secondary School Kohima and Pithungo Kikon of St. Mary’s Cathedral Higher Secondary School Kohima pocketed Rs. 5000 each sponsored by Kevithuto Sophie, AIG (Supply), PHQ.  

Give up pre-defeat attitude

Vikhweno Chale, Additional Deputy Commissioner Medziphema in her address as special guest at the valedictory function said this spelling bee championship has been building a spirit of competition among the students. She called upon the students to have confidence and courage to face the modern era.  

She also felt that more schools should come forward and participate in this event.  

She also encouraged the government schools to join this platform in the coming days, adding that there should not be any pre-defeat attitude.  

Medo Yhokha of Fountain Club said the Club is working on awarding one time scholarship for the champion and also putting its effort towards linking the winners to National level event being conducted by The Times of India.  

Fountain Club chairman Peter Seyievilie Zashiimo thanked each and every individuals for making the 6th edition a grand success.  

Tete-a-tete with Vestal Sankhro  

MExN: How do you feel on winning this championship?

Vestal: I really feel happy and excited. I really feel like it is a dream come true by winning the competition, considering the fact that I am a first timer in this competition! I cannot believe I am the champion.  

MExN: How do you prepare yourself for this championship?

Vestal: I did not prepare much. To be honest, as much time as I could get, I utilized it because I was rather busy with my studies. Much of my preparation was due to my father’s pressure on me but, me too, I set myself for the competition with the words, “I can do it.”  

MExN: Which was the toughest word you came across in this championship?

Vestal: The words given to me was not that tough because such were the words I usually came across while reading books. But according to me, the toughest was “Vicereine.” I had no idea on that word.  

MExN: What would you do with the prize money?

Vestal: I will keep my prize money in my bank account for future education.  

MExN: How do you rate this spelling bee championship?

Vestal: The competition was really a standard one. Thanks to the untiring efforts of the organizers and everyone associated with the competition.