The National Spelling Bee

I don’t know about you but I am looking forward to the National Spelling Bee that is taking place tonight!  Preliminaries included 239 children between the ages of 8 and 14, with the majority being 12 – 14.  Two of the spellers have siblings that have won previous spelling bees – maybe it is in the genes!!

Tonight 42 will compete for the title!  The National Spelling Bee asked the contestants some interview questions, and a lot of the participants have some common ground:

Favorite word: Schadenfreude
Favorite book: Harry Potter
Future career: Doctor (of all types)
Role models: Parents (Gandhi came in second)
Birthdate: June 3, 1999 (four spellers share this birthday!)
First language (aside from English): Tamil
Learned language: Spanish

I don’t know how to even pronounce their favorite word, but I wish them all the best of luck!  Want to learn more about the Bee?  Click HERE to read the official Bee Week Guide.

Tune in for the semifinals on ESPN at 2pm and then the finals at 8pm!