Sameer Mishra, 13, is the Nation’s Top Speller
THIRTEEN-year-old Indian-origin boy Sameer Mishra, endured a tense duel in the final rounds to win the prestigious 81st Scripps National Spelling Bee yesterday.
Mishra, who resides in Lafayette, Indiana, took home a cash prize of $35,000, while winning more than $5,000 in other prizes. His winning word was “Guerdon”, which means “something that one has earned or gained”.
It is his fourth attempt at the title, the Associated Press reported, and follows three years of the comparatively empty consolation of top 20 finishes at Scripps.
His relief at the win was as evident as his excitement. But it was not without a considerable challenge from Sidharth Chand, the second place holder.
Sidharth, a first-timer from Michigan, had youth on his side. He is only 12. After several tense rounds of battle, he was eventually brought undone by the word “prosopopoeia”. Needless to say, the word relates to a type of figure of speech.
That stumble allowed Sameer to pounce. And with that extra 12 months of life experience, he was not about to miss his chance.
“My parents have been telling me since the beginning that I should always stay calm, cool and collected,” he said after his win.
Sameer reportedly lists his interests as the violin and video games. His $36,000 prize money should allow him plenty of opportunities for both.
Congratulations Sameer!