In a historic moment for the Scripps National Spelling Bee, a six-year-old named Lila Thompson from Tulsa, Oklahoma, has made headlines as the youngest contestant ever to participate in this esteemed competition. The 2017 edition marks the 90th occurrence of this event where the brightest young minds from across America converge to showcase their spelling prowess. With over 11 million children vying for a spot, only 291 made it to the finals this year, showcasing ages ranging from six to fifteen.
Lila’s Journey
Lila, who astoundingly qualified for the event at the tender age of five, has captured the hearts of many. “Lila Thompson is the youngest speller to ever grace the Scripps National Spelling Bee, and she’s enjoying every moment,” reported UPI. Competing for the first time this year, Lila expressed her surprise at her consecutive wins, stating that spelling is her passion. Currently, she holds the position of contestant number 290 out of 291, indicating a lengthy wait before her turn to take the stage.
Beyond Spelling
Beyond her spelling talents, Lila also enjoys playing the piano and singing in her church’s children’s choir. She’s even known to have a knack for securing her school’s firewall. Okay, we made that last part up, but just look at that adorable face; it screams confidence, accompanied by a demand for apple juice and a PB&J sandwich—no crust, of course.
This Year’s Challenge
This year’s spelling list includes challenging words like prestidigitation, phrenology (a pseudoscience concerned with the measurements of the human skull), and pterodactyl. Speaking of pterodactyls, it reminds me of a joke my friend’s child once told: Why can’t you hear a pterodactyl going to the bathroom? Because the “P” is silent. If I have to carry that joke in my mind, so should you!
Social Media Buzz
Social media is buzzing with excitement as the event progresses. Each of the 291 participants will receive a Kindle Paperwhite along with a year-long subscription to Merriam-Webster, though it’s likely they may not fully grasp the cleverness of Merriam-Webster’s Twitter antics. The champion of the Bee will walk away with a whopping $40,000 in cash, among other prizes, leaving many to feel a twinge of jealousy.
Get Involved
For those who wish to gauge their own spelling abilities, Scripps offers a test to determine if you have what it takes to grace their national stage—though the outcome may be disheartening for many. To witness the finals, tune in to ESPN3 on Thursday at 8:30 PM EST and cheer for Lila’s journey.
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Conclusion
In summary, Lila Thompson’s remarkable achievement as the youngest participant in the Scripps National Spelling Bee has not only inspired awe but also brought attention to the event’s significance in celebrating young talent. As she prepares to spell her way through this competitive landscape, we’ll be cheering her on.
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