Get Ready to Spell: 96th Scripps National Spelling Bee Commences With High Energy
DEBARYLIFE – This week at National Harbor, which is close to Washington, D.C., 245 spellers will compete under the bright lights for the 96th Scripps National Spelling Bee.
All fifty states as well as nations in the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa are sending spellers to us. They are all a part of the largest group of spellers in the competition in the last five years. One of them is Oviya Amalraj, a 13-year-old from Virginia.
“I like how it’s just you focus on the word and there’s an order to how you do it,” she stated.
She finished 23rd in the Bee the previous year, therefore this will be her second time competing. Using some of the techniques she’s acquired in tae kwon do, the black belt intends to push her way into the top slot this year.
When asked about her interest in tae kwon do, Oviya replied, “I liked how it was like physical and you had to focus a lot.”
Oviya is not the only musician making waves at this year’s Bee, even though she plays the piano and guitar in her spare time. Another speller from North Carolina who performs music on the side is Ethan Dunlap.
“I started using it in the seventh grade. “My father played the saxophone,” Ethan remarked. “My great-grandfather was a saxophonist as well. I believe I just have the attributes, and I became fairly proficient at it.”
Twelve-year-old Ethan is excited to be attending his first Bee; he was overjoyed to learn he qualified after winning his local spelling bee.
“Oh my goodness! He recalled, “It’s my win, and I get to go to the Scripps National Spelling Bee!” It’s very amazing. I’m eager to get outside and practice my spelling.”
Ethan and the other spellers are going to get their chance.
Starting on Tuesday, all 245 contestants will have the opportunity to spell on stage during the preliminary round of the spelling bee.
After then, the field will gradually throw through Wednesday’s quarterfinals and semifinals, leading up to Thursday night’s championship round and the announcement of the new Bee winner. Watch the entire thing here.
The E.W. Scripps Company, which also operates the Bee for nonprofit purposes, is the parent company of Scripps News.