With spell check and autocorrect, it’s amazing any kids still bother to learn to spell. But some learn words like “gesellschaft.” As in, I have a gesellschaft with my book club.
But at the National Spelling Bee finals, each new word came with a bead of sweat and tons of p-r-e-s-s-u-r-e?
The world famous Scripps Spelling Bee has two winners again this year. But first, there was a whole lot of this …
Jairam Hathwar: “D-r-a-a-t-h-a-a-r, drathaar?”
Thirteen-year-old Jairam Hathwar of New York, and 11-year-old Nihar Janga from Texas were the last two standing… or would that be epic word spelling?
Nihar Janga: “Ayachuite, a-y-a-c-o-h-u-i-t-e.”
In the last round, both getting their words wrong, but only by a letter. But then, Jairam got his winning word:
Jairam Hathwar: “Feldenkrais. F-e-l-d-e-n-k-r-a-i-s.”
Judge: “Feldenkrais that’s correct.”
Jairam says he won with some helpful tips from his brother.
Jairam Hathwar: “Well yeah my brother won in 2014 as a co-champion as well, and he basically just told me that to keep calm and poised, and if i don’t know the word, just don’t get too agitated.”
And Nihar’s winning word?
Nihar Janga: “Gesellschaft – g-e-s-e-l-l-s-c-h-a-f-t.”
Judge: “That is correct!”
And just like that, Nihar became the youngest Scripps Spelling Bee champ ever. He says he already knows how he’ll spend his winning scholarship money.
Nihar Janga: “I’m going to save it for Harvard so I can become a great neurosurgeon.”
The duo beating out 250 other spellers during the week long competition.
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