Scripps Spelling Bee ends in Exciting Showdown

The Scripps Spelling Bee started on Tuesday, May 26. The final round was extremely intense, with a showdown between the final two spellers. Judges decided to declare a spell-off to avoid having multiple winners. Eighth grader Shrey Parikh, from Rancho Cucamonga, CA spelled 32 words correctly, defeating seventh grader Ishaan Gupta from Jersey City, NJ who spelled 25 words correctly.

Spelling Bees are actually way harder than most people think. Spelling Bees require deep vocabulary, mastery of different language roots, and great knowledge of pronunciation rules. And if that doesn’t seem hard enough, spellers aren’t just memorizing common words; they study lots of esoteric terms. And also, it takes champions years practicing before they can get a win. Also, the Scripps Spelling Bee is most difficult and prestigious spelling bee in the world!

Even though the Scripps Spelling Bee is very difficult, there were a few funny moments as well. Logan Bailey, a sixth grader from Houston, was very energetic. Every time he spelled a word correctly, he grabbed his head and high-fived the other spellers. But when he was eliminated when he didn’t know how to spell one of the words he wailed “No, no, no, no, no!“ ManyA lot of the judges did not want to eliminate him because they had never seen so much energy in the room before.

Spelling bee champions like Shrey Pakrikh have worked very hard to win and really deserve it. I’d also like to congratulate all the hardworking participants of the Scripps Spelling Bee. Congrats!