💨 Abstract

Megan Barrientos, a seventh-grader from Wicomico Middle School, unexpectedly advanced to the semifinals of the 100th Scripps National Spelling Bee after successfully spelling "proode." Despite her stage fright, she practiced extensively using dictionaries. Meanwhile, Nargiza Muzhapaer of Chantilly Academy reached the semifinals for the second year, enjoying the stage and valuing spelling's cultural significance. The finals are scheduled for Thursday.

Courtesy: Scott Gelman