The best in South Africa! George tiny tots tops at WOW Spelling Festival

GEORGE NEWS - Do we have to spell it out? George is home to the best seven- and eight-year-old Afrikaans spellers in the country.

Emily Badenhorst (Grade 1) and Ruben Grobler (Grade 2) of Laerskool George-Suid (LGS) won their categories at the national leg of the Wow Spelling Competition, which makes them the best Afrikaans spellers in South Africa for their age groups.

Six young spellers from George gave an outstanding performance in Stellenbosch last weekend.

Juhan Joubert (Grade 2), also of LGS, is the runner-up in his age group. Sammy de Kock (Grade 7) of LGS made the top twenty list at the national competition.

Psalm van Wyk (Grade 5) of Outeniqua Primary came seventh in her age category, while Nathan Wooff (Grade 6), also from Outeniqua Primary, secured a tenth position. These two Outies made their school proud and participated in the English spelling section of the competition.

Psalm van Wyk (Grade 5) of Outeniqua Primary.

Four hours straight

Sanet Grobler, Ruben's mom, said it was an incredible opportunity and special experience for her son who enjoyed participating with his friend, Juhan. "These eight-year-olds had to stand up and spell for four hours straight," said Grobler.

"At the end of the competition they were already through all the foundation phase words, and were spelling Grade 6 words such as 'iesegrimmig', 'kwartaalliks', 'wetenskaplike' and 'suspisieus'. It was a challenge, but part of the experience was to stay calm."

She said Ruben loved going through all of this with his friend, and spending time in Stellenbosch - especially experiencing the campus. "The school, teachers and community motivated and supported them throughout," said Grobler.

Grade 2s: Ruben Grobler (winner, middle) and Juhan Joubert (runner-up, right) of Laerskool George-Suid. On the left is Wickus Mellet of Trio Primêr in Kroonstad, who came third.

Deputy head for academics at LGS, Barbara Albertyn, said they are very proud of these learners who showed their mettle. "They've been busy with all the different elimination rounds since the second quarter. Their perseverance is certainly admirable," she said.

Emily Badenhorst (Grade 1, middle) of Laerskool George-Suid as winner, with Liane Spies of Fairland Primêr in Gauteng (runner-up) and Daveon Nöthling of Springbok Primêr in the Northern Cape. Photo: Facebook ‘Woorde Open Wêrelde’

Rozelle du Plessis of Outeniqua Primary said they are incredibly proud of both Psalm and Nathan for their outstanding achievement. "This is a remarkable accomplishment, and it reflects their hard work and dedication. Congratulations to both of them for making our school and community proud!"

Nathan Wooff (Grade 6) of Outeniqua Primary.