In an astonishing feat, a six-year-old named Lily Thompson from Tulsa, Oklahoma, has become the youngest contestant ever to participate in the National Spelling Bee. This year marks the 90th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee, showcasing the dedication and talent of some of the brightest young minds in America. With over 11 million students competing annually, only 291 made it to this prestigious stage, with ages ranging from six to 15.
Lily, who qualified for the competition at just five years old, is a delightful presence in the Bee. According to reports, she has been enjoying her time competing, saying, “I never thought I’d keep winning!” As speller number 290, she faces a long wait before her turn at the microphone, yet her enthusiasm shines through. In addition to her spelling prowess, Lily also plays piano and sings in her church’s children’s choir.
This year’s word list includes challenging terms like “pseudopregnancy,” “onomatopoeia,” and “unbelievable.” Every time I hear “onomatopoeia,” I can’t help but recall a joke my friend told me: Why did the spelling bee contestant bring a ladder? Because they wanted to reach new heights! If I’ve had to endure that joke, so should you.
On a lighter note, all 291 participants will receive a Kindle Paperwhite and a one-year subscription to Merriam-Webster, although they might be too young to appreciate the dictionary’s clever social media presence. The champion of the Bee will take home a whopping $40,000 in cash, among other prizes, leaving many of us feeling somewhat envious. If you’re curious about your own spelling skills, Scripps offers a test to see if you have what it takes to compete (spoiler alert – most of us probably don’t).
For those eager to catch the finals, tune in to ESPN3 on Thursday at 8:30 PM EST to cheer on young Lily!
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In summary, Lily Thompson’s participation in the National Spelling Bee as the youngest ever contestant is a remarkable achievement that highlights her talent and dedication. This event not only showcases the brilliance of young spellers but also reminds us of the joy and excitement that comes with learning.