Middle School Spelling Bee Words: A Thrilling Competition

The Scripps National Spelling Bee is one of the most prestigious and competitive spelling contests in the world, with over 11 million participants from around the globe. This year's competition was no exception, as 231 elementary and middle school students vied for the top prize. Among them was Dev Shah, a 14-year-old student from Largo, Florida, who emerged victorious by correctly spelling the word 'psammophile'.

Dev has been preparing for this moment since he started studying the roots of words in order to better prepare himself for the competition. He had previously participated in the National Spelling Bee, finishing tied for 51st place in 2019 and tied for 76th in 2021. However, his dedication and hard work paid off this year as he advanced through the rounds, impressing judges with his exceptional spelling skills.

The competition was intense, with over 180 first-time participants and 49 returning contestants vying for the top spot. The students came from every US state, as well as international locations such as the Bahamas, Canada, Germany, Ghana, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands.

Dev's journey to victory was not without its challenges. He admitted that he felt pressure during the competition, but managed to stay focused and composed, even when faced with words he had never seen before. One such word was 'akuammine', which he correctly spelled to move on to the next round.

In the finals, Dev competed against 14-year-old Charlotte Walsh from Virginia, who reached second place by correctly spelling 'collembolous' and 'Jhangar'. However, Dev's exceptional spelling skills ultimately earned him the top prize of $50,000.

The competition was a nail-biter for everyone involved, with words such as 'schistorrhachis', 'aegagrus', 'rommack', and 'tolsester' being correctly spelled by Dev during the finals. The preliminary rounds were held on Tuesday, with the quarterfinals and semifinals taking place on Wednesday.

Dev's victory is a testament to his dedication and hard work, and he will surely be an inspiration to young spellers around the world. His story serves as a reminder that even when faced with challenges, persistence and determination can lead to great success.

Middle school spelling bee words