Excelencia! - The Spanish Quiz Competition 2025

National Spanish Quiz Competition (NSQ) 2025 - From a Cocoon to a Butterfly

Desire ignites motivation, but it is determination and unwavering commitment to excellence that led to the success one seeks. This philosophy was echoed at the recent National Spanish Quiz Competition, showcasing the remarkable growth and enthusiasm surrounding the event.

The Spanish Department proudly hosted its inaugural Spanish Quiz competition at the Old John Gray campus, evolving from an inter-academy event into a national competition that has captivated schools across the Cayman Islands. This year, the competition expanded to include more primary schools, reflecting the commitment to fostering excitement and interest in Foreign Language learning among students.

The growth of the Spanish Quiz is noteworthy, soaring from four participating schools in 2023 to fifteen in 2025. The competition moved from the performance hall to the gymnasium this year, accommodating participants, spectators, dignitaries, parents, PTA representatives, cheerleaders, and well-wishers. The gymnasium was transformed into a vibrant space; adroitly decorated, ready for an academic yet diverting competition.

National Inter-Primary Division Highlights

This year, eleven (11) primary schools participated, including all ten government schools: John A Cumber, Marie Martin, Prospect, Red Bay, Joanna Clarke, Theoline McKoy, Edna Moyle, East End, Spot Bay, and West End primary schools. Notably, Cayman Academy, a private institution, joined the competition as well. Theoline McKoy, under the guidance of teacher Jesse Amador, emerged victorious, claiming the coveted trophy after a riveting buzzer round. Sharon Marie Martin secured second place, while Joanna Clarke Primary shone brightly as well placing 3rd. The MVP from Theoline McCoy Primary expressed overwhelming joy upon receiving an iPad. Sir John A. Cumber won the Team Spirit Award.

Thanks to generous sponsors such as Care Pharmacy, the Spain Consulate, Mr. Fred Dallas, Ms. Sharon Marie – Martin, General Maintenance, and the John Gray High School PTA, the event was a resounding success. Special acknowledgment goes to Feed Our Future for being the key sponsor this year.

Teachers and students expressed their gratitude for the calibre of the competition, praising the atmosphere, entertainment, prizes, and culinary delights. Ms. McGraw noted the positive impact of the event on student engagement, fostering collaboration among educators across different levels of the education system.

Voices from the Participants

Julia Meyerhof from John A Cumber Primary School shared, “It was such a wonderful event! I feel so inspired - so do the students!”

Sheriah Patterson from TMPS remarked, “I was very excited… we came first in the competition, and we are very happy about that.”

Michaela Powell-Martinez added, “The experience was very different… What matters is that we tried our best.”

Jayda McCoy, the Head Girl at TMPS, reflected, “My experience was really good. I am grateful that my team got first place…”

Mrs. Amador, Spanish Teacher at Theoline McCoy and Joanna Clarke Primary Schools, expressed her heartfelt gratitude, stating, “This was our first time participating, and the experience was truly remarkable.”

National Inter-Secondary Division Results

In the National Inter-Secondary Division, Cayman Academy secured third place, Clifton Hunter High School came in second and won the Team Spirit Award, while John Gray High School claimed victory for the third consecutive year with an impressive total of 73 points.

Kylen McLean, the NSQ Team Captain from John Gray, shared his excitement: “When Ms. Stewart called us onto the stage, we were confident that we won. It was a feeling that words cannot explain.”

Maria De La Cruz Ramirez, Captain from Clifton High School, reflected on her experience, highlighting the camaraderie and lessons in teamwork and sportsmanship learned throughout the competition.

Levermore-Stewart, the Subject Lead for Spanish at John Gray High School and organizer of the event, emphasized the importance of such competitions in developing students’ skill sets, encouraging collaboration, and fostering resilience.

Gratitude and Acknowledgments

The success of the Spanish Quiz Competition is a testament to the dedication of educators and sponsors alike. Levermore-Stewart recognized the contributions of various individuals and teams, expressing profound appreciation for their efforts in making this vision a reality. “What you’re building never matters as much as who you’re building it with.” – Tony Fadell in Build. Such an honour to achieve this success with the many educators who invested time and energy into this competition. Thanks to all the Ministry officials who attended. Thanks to Dr. Richard Wildman, Director of Teaching and Learning, for his opening remarks expressed Levermore- Stewart (the Subject Lead for Spanish at JGHS and organizer of the competition).

Thanks to the John Gray family! To- Ms. Eldemire( always going above and beyond), Mrs. Holloway-Williams, Mr. Lawrence, Ms. K. Brown (your craft is exceptional), Mr. Copeland, Mr. Brown, Ms. N. Ebanks (Quiz mistress extraordinaire), Mrs. S. Jones, Ms. M. Anderson, Pastor Feare, Ms T. Robinson, Mrs. Lalor- Brown, Mrs. Cummings, Mrs Bent-Christian, Ms. T. Grey, Dr. Lawerence, Mrs. P. Hanson, Mr. Chambers, The superb PE Department, Mr. Heistand, Mrs. Marva Reid, and the PTA team, Mr. Jefford- Fredricks, Mr. Chad and the phenomenal IT team!  THANK YOU!!

“Events like these augment study skills, encourage collaborative facilitation, develop leadership skills, and fortify resilience,” Levermore-Stewart stated, celebrating the accomplishments of the students who continue to shine.

To the Spanish Department!

Congratulations to the sedulous ladies in the Spanish department- Mrs. Watson, Mrs. Jordan, Mrs. Tomlin, and Ms. D’Aguilar!

I have enormous respect for the ingenuity, originality, and sheer determination of educators. On Wednesday, March 12, 2025!  All the teachers who facilitated this event epitomized such and this is remarkable. Again, thanks to all involved in making a talk, a dream, a vision a reality! said the educator extraordinaire, Levermore- Stewart.