National Spelling Bee
In a historic moment for the Scripps National Spelling Bee, an 8-way tie has been announced, the largest first place split in the spelling bee’s history.
8 students, ranging from age 12 to 14, competed Thursday to win a trophy and the $50,000 prize money. After the 15th round, when the nine-place finisher was knocked out, the 8 remaining students went on to correctly spell 47 words.
An official for the bee told the kids “We’re throwing the dictionary at you. And so far, you are showing this dictionary who is boss.”
The competition ended just after midnight when officials said that they were running out of words that could challenge these talented kids. One of the winning students, Rishik Gandhasri, asked in the 17th round, “Out of curiosity, would you happen to know what time it is?” It was after 11 pm.
Another winner, Abhikay Kodali, only 12 years old, says he typically studies for 4 to 5 hours a day during the week, and 10 or more on the weekends, “just depending on if I had any homework.”
Instead of splitting the prize money 8 ways, all 8 students will get their own trophy, along with $50,000 each.
