Story URL: http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/washington/news.aspx?id=131173
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Todd Johnson and Fui Tsikata/MNS
Twelve-year-old Raheem Knight of the U.S. Virgin Islands spells "monopoly" during the third round of 2009 Scripps National Spelling Bee
Spelling a victory
by Jessica Dilland Todd Johnson
May 28, 2009
Jessica Dill and Fui Tsikata/MNS
Putting a spell on Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON -- Breathe, concentrate, spell.
That's all that was running through 12-year-old Shantanu Srivatsa's mind as he walked up to the microphone Wednesday.
But after hearing the judge say "Luxurious" he knew he would be making it to Round 3 of this week's National Spelling Bee.
Shantanu joined 292 other students on stage this week to compete for the title of champion.
Spellers came from around the country as well as the Bahamas, Canada, China, Ghana, Jamaica, New Zealand and South Korea.
During the fall and winter, schools conducted spelling bee programs at the classroom before sending the champions to the next level. Winners then advanced to the finals in Washington, D.C.
After a written test on Tuesday, all contestants had to publicly spell a different word in front of judges on Wednesday. Winners from all rounds advanced to the semifinals Thursday.
Championship finals are Thursday night, live on ABC.
