Saltus Grammar School Grade 6 students Eli Oduntan and Skanda Saravanan proudly represented Saltus at the Bermuda Spelling Bee on Sunday, 8th March, held at the Ruth Seaton James Performing Arts Center. The event brought together 13 finalists from middle schools across the island, including Whitney Institute, Warwick Academy, Somersfield Academy, Purvis Primary, Bermuda High School, Sandys Middle School, and Dellwood Middle School.

Both Saltus students demonstrated outstanding preparation and poise as they competed among the island’s top young spellers in a challenging series of rounds.

After several competitive rounds, the field narrowed to the final four contestants. A “spell-off” was then held to determine third place, with George M. of Dellwood Middle School securing the position.

The championship round ultimately came down to Saltus student Eli Oduntan and Hunter P. of Somersfield Academy, who faced off using the Bermuda Spelling Bee’s unseen word list. Following several intense rounds under special championship rules, Hunter P. was named the overall winner, with Eli earning an impressive second-place finish.

The Saltus community is tremendously proud of Eli, whose journey to the podium reflected both resilience and determination. After a successful appeal regarding a process discrepancy in the semi-finals, Eli was permitted to compete in the finals, where he demonstrated exceptional composure and spelling skill under pressure.

Although he admitted to feeling some nerves early in the competition, Eli was thrilled with the outcome, earning a trophy, an iPad, and a gift certificate for his efforts.

Reflecting on the experience, Eli shared a simple but powerful takeaway: “Hard work pays off.”

Saltus Grammar School congratulates both Eli and Skanda for representing the school with pride, determination, and academic excellence.