Nine Students Compete for National Spelling Bee Championship

Nine young spelling champions will compete Thursday night for the biggest prize in spelling. The students, ages 12 to 14, made it to the finals of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. They come from five different states and Washington, D.C. The winner will take home $50,000 and become the national spelling champion.

For the four eighth-grade finalists, this will be their last shot at victory before they age out of the competition. After eighth grade, students can no longer compete in the spelling bee. Three of these nine students have reached the finals before. They know what it feels like to be on the big stage.

Logan Bailey is 12 years old and in sixth grade. He lives in Houston, Texas, and this is his first time in the finals. Logan loves playing piano and working on computer projects. He once held a world record for typing the alphabet super fast.

Sarv Dharavane came in third place last year. The 12-year-old sixth grader from Georgia was knocked out by the word 'eserine.' Now he's back for another chance at the championship. When he's not spelling, Sarv likes to swim and play basketball.

Several other contestants are returning after strong performances last year. Oliver Halkett finished in seventh place and wants to do better this time. Ishaan Gupta tied for 20th place and has written a book about climate change. These experienced spellers know they have a good chance to win.

The youngest finalist is trying to follow in his sister's footsteps. Zwe Spacetime is the younger brother of the 2021 spelling bee champion. The 14-year-old from Maryland finished in 10th place last year. Now he hopes to win the championship just like his famous sister did.