💨 Abstract

Joanne Lagatta, a 1991 Scripps National Spelling Bee champion, struggled academically at the University of Wisconsin until a professor encouraged her. Now a neonatologist, she credits the bee with teaching her resilience. Many former champions, like Anamika Veeramani and Molly Baker, attribute their success to the discipline and confidence gained from the competition. They also discuss the lifelong impact of being known for a middle-school achievement.

Courtesy: WTOP Staff