She succeeded with 'parable', 'renaissance' and 'amethyst', but 'insouciant' proved too much of a handful (or should that be mouthful?) for Breanna Kennedy to spell. Anyone ever heard of that word, let alone know its meaning?

Breanna (13) who is in year 9 at Tawa College was placed third in the regional final of the NZ Vegemite Spelling Bee on Saturday 13th March. Around 60 other contestants from the lower North Island took part, including two others from Tawa College.

The national final took place on Saturday 20th March at Wellington High School. Breanna competed with 11 other year 9 students from throughout New Zealand to win a trip to Washington DC for the US Spelling Bee in June. Unfortunately she didn't make it past the second round on the day. However well done to Breanna in getting as far as she did!