Louis area student in National Spelling Bee finals

JANESVILLE-Neither “sacellum” nor “pageantry” tripped him up, but the Janesville boy competing in the Scripps National Spelling Bee came up a point short of reaching the finals in this year’s competition, his father told The Gazette. But neither garnered enough points on written tests to continue on to Thursday’s final rounds.

Can’t watch? The National Spelling Bee is Tweeting tricky words throughout the day. The tiebreaker test is to try to make it more likely that one victor will be left at the end of the competition since the last three years of the national bee have had two winners.

So far, the first two Minnesotans to be thrown a word in the preliminary round have spelled correctly during the national telecast on ESPN3.

Those eliminated include 6-year-old Edith Fuller of Tulsa, Okla., the bee’s youngest-ever speller.

Charlie was also a spelling bee contender, who made it to second place in regional competition, Amy Blackburn said.

13-year old Mary Elizabeth Vaughan is back and ready for more.

“I just want to praise Jesus for getting me here”, Rajeev said.

“I know everyone is excited to have little Fulton County put on the map down here on the national stage”, he said. Muthusamy tied for 22th place a year ago and Singh was the youngest speller in the 2013 competition.

Fuller correctly spelled “nyctinasty” on Wednesday morning, and then correctly spelling “tapas” on Wednesday afternoon.

As for preparation for Thursday’s finals? “Even if you don’t think it’s interesting memorize it or read a lot”, she said.

Aisha said she planned to get to bed early so she’s well-rested and has the right mindset for the next stage of competition.

“She has prayed for me and encouraged me so much over the years”, Rajeev said. Part one starts at 10 a.m. on ESPN 2.

“I set a goal for myself to get to the National Spelling Bee”.