Latest news with #2025ScrippsNationalSpellingBee
Kuwait Times
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Kuwait Times
Faizan Zaki, 13, crowned US National Spelling Bee champion
Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old boy from the Dallas area, won the 97th Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday, swiftly nailing the French-derived word 'eclaircissement,' synonymous with enlightenment, in the 21st round of the contest finals. He edged out 14-year-old Sarvadnya Kadam, from Visalia, California, who finished in second place after misspelling 'Uaupes,' a tributary of the Rio Negro in South America, in the 20th round. Zaki, who was last year's runner-up, had correctly spelled 'Chaldee,' a dialect of the Biblical Aramaic language, in the 20th round. But under spelling bee rules, Zaki needed to land one more word in a solo round to claim the trophy. He did so in round 21 by instantly and precisely spelling 'eclaircissement' - defined as a clearing up of something obscure. He surprised the audience by giving his answer without taking the customary pause afforded contestants to ask the judges for more information about the word's origins, meaning and pronunciation. He was crowned champion in a hail of confetti before being joined on stage by his parents and other relatives, and will receive $50,000 in prize money. Cyleane Equra Ama Quansah, 11, of Accra, Ghana spells her word. Kaden Haddox (left), 12, of Steubenville, Ohio reacts after successfully spelling his word in the preliminaries. The spelling finalists are seen before the finals of the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. Faizan Zaki , 13, of Dallas, Texas holds up the Scripps Cup after winning in the 21st round of the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. Faizan Zaki, (second right) 13, of Dallas, Texas holds the Scripps Cup alongside family and friends after winning. E. W. Scripps Company CEO Adam Symson (left) hands Faizan Zaki (right), 13, of Dallas, Texas the Scripps Cup after winning in the 21st round of the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. Zaki, a resident of Allen, Texas, had nearly been eliminated in round 18 when he rushed, and stumbled over, the spelling of 'commelina,' a genus for some 200 species of dayflowers. But his two fellow finalists at that point, including Kadam, likewise fumbled their words, leading to a 19th round in which all three boys returned, but only two - Zaki and Kadam - survived to face off in the decisive 20th round. Sarv Dharavane, an 11-year-old boy from Tucker, Georgia, finished in third place after misspelling 'eserine,' the antidote of choice for many poisons, with one 's' too many. Thursday's total roster of nine finalists emerged from three days of competition at a convention center outside Washington, DC, among 243 contestants aged eight to 14 who advanced from regional competitions across the country. Challenged with some of the most difficult and least-used words that English has to offer, many young competitors amazed spectators with their ability to produce the correct spellings with poise and precision. The Scripps media group has sponsored the event since 1925, with three years off during World War Two and one more for the COVID pandemic in 2020. Most competitors were from the United States, coming from all 50 states. Other spellers came from Canada, the Bahamas, Germany, Ghana, Kuwait, Nigeria, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. - Reuters
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Faizan Zaki wins 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee
Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old from Dallas has won the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md., on Thursday. Faizan, who came in second place last year, won after correctly spelling the word "éclaircissement."
Atlantic
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Atlantic
Photos of the Week: Wienermobile Race, Beehive Therapy, Everest Queue
A rare tornado touchdown in Chile, a dinosaur exhibition in Shanghai, a hummingbird clinic in Mexico, a 'Dogs and Fun' fair in Germany, an aerial ferry bridge in France, and much more Vikyath Tanamala, 10, of Leesburg, Virginia, closes his eyes during the preliminaries of the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, on May 27, 2025. Two hundred and forty-three spellers ages 8 to 14, from all over the globe, compete from May 27 to May 30 during the 100th anniversary of the bee. Contestants in a women's downhill race chase a wheel of cheese down Cooper's Hill on May 26, 2025, in Brockworth, England. Every year competitors and spectators from around the world gather for the Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling competition that sees participants fling themselves down a steep hill in pursuit of a rolling seven-pound Double Gloucester cheese. Maya Ståhl of Team Sweden performs on the Balance Beam during day one of the 2025 European Artistic Gymnastics Championships on May 26, 2025, in Leipzig, Germany. Runners pose in front of pyramids as they participate in the One Run race on May 24, 2025, near the Great Pyramid in Giza, Egypt. Guillermo Arias / AFP / Getty A woman performs the traditional Calabaceado dance in front of the monumental fire during the 'XLIII Fiesta en la Mision' celebration in La Misión town, northern Ensenada, Baja California state, Mexico, on May 24, 2025. Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP / Getty An employee cleans mirrored floors at the Mahanakhon SkyVerse digital art exhibition at King Power Mahanakhon in Bangkok on May 26, 2025. Asif Hassan / AFP / Getty A worker cleans the lines of a cooling tower at an ice factory on a hot summer day in Karachi, Pakistan, on May 29, 2025. Gabriel Bouys / AFP / Getty Attendees sit inside a Citroën 2CV car modified into a swimming pool during the 30th national rally of the Citroën 2CV Clubs de France association in Agde, France, on May 29, 2025. Several Oscar Mayer Wienermobiles head into the first turn as they compete in the Wienie 500, following the practice session for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 23, 2025. Jorge SIlva TPX / Jorge Silva / Reuters Dancers from the Cia K dance company perform an aerial circus act while suspended from a zip line during the Virada Cultural event in downtown São Paulo, Brazil, on May 25, 2025. Christophe Archambault / AFP / Getty Commuters stand on a nacelle suspended from the metal deck of an aerial ferry bridge to cross the Charente river in Rochefort, France, on May 22, 2025. Rochefort's aerial ferry bridge was inaugurated in 1900, allowing people to cross the river without disturbing maritime navigation to and from the city's dockyard. It was used as the main crossing way over the Charente river until 1967, and since 1994 has carried pedestrians and cyclists, as the viaduct of the Charente estuary opened nearby in 1991. An aerial view of high-rise buildings in Nanjing, in eastern China's Jiangsu province, on May 24, 2025 Mountaineers form a queue as they approach the summit of Mount Everest in Nepal, on May 18, 2025. Alberta Wildfire / Reuters Smoke rises from the Edith Lake wildfire (SWF076), which forced the evacuation of the nearby town of Swan Hills, Alberta, Canada, seen in an aerial photograph on May 25, 2025. Punit Paranjpe / AFP / Getty A man pushes his bike through a flooded street after heavy rain in Mumbai on May 26, 2025. Ina Fassbender / AFP / Getty A dog jumps into a pool at the 'Dogs and Fun' fair at the Westfalenhallen congress center in Dortmund, Germany, on May 23, 2025. Jeff Pachoud / AFP / Getty A young female Malay bear cub plays in the enclosure she shares with her mother, Tally, at the Saint-Martin-la-Plaine zoological park in France, on May 27, 2025. An Atlantic Puffin is seen on Wales's Skomer Island on May 22, 2025. Cecilia Antonio feeds a hummingbird at Catia Lattouf's apartment, where Lattouf holds a makeshift clinic to care for hummingbirds in Mexico City, on May 20, 2025. Wang Gang / Oriental Image / Reuters A dinosaur installation on Nanjing Road draws people in Shanghai, on May 26, 2025. Jennifer Lopez performs during the 2025 American Music Awards, in Las Vegas, on May 26, 2025. Fang Dongxu / VCG / Getty A flying-saucer-shaped structure stands at the entrance to Alibaba Jiangsu headquarters in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, China, on May 25, 2025. Fida Hussain / AFP / Getty Farmers transport wheat straw heavily loaded on tractor along a road in Jacobabad, Sindh province, Pakistan, on May 29, 2025. A participant lies in a bin of green plastic balls at the 2025 Re:publica digital-society festival on May 26, 2025, in Berlin. Demonstrators clash with Italian police during a protest against a new security decree, in Via del Tritone, in Rome, on May 26, 2025. Javier Torres / AFP / Getty This aerial view shows wind damage following the passage of a tornado in the city of Puerto Varas, Region de los Lagos, Chile, on May 26, 2025. An unusual tornado rated as category EF-1 on the Fujita scale hit the city, leaving eight people injured and some 150 homes affected, authorities said. Senay Ilhan and Ulku Ozman breathe in air from beehives, using ventilators, in hopes of recovering from ailments at a facility owned by the beekeeper Huseyin Ceylan in Karaburun, in Turkey's Aegean-coastal province of İzmir, on May 22, 2025. Abdel Majid Bziouat / AFP / Getty Camels roam next to wind turbines that will supply power to a desalination plant under construction in Dakhla in the disputed Western Sahara, mostly controlled by Morocco, on May 26, 2025. Alan Taylor is a senior editor at The Atlantic.
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First Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
Who is Faizan Zaki, the Indian-origin winner of the Scripps National Spelling Bee?
Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old with roots from Hyderabad, won the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. He outspelled over 240 of the country's top young spellers to earn his championship title. He correctly spelt 'éclaircissement' in a dramatic contest with fellow Sarvadnya Kadam and won a $50,000 prize read more Faizan Zaki outspelled over 240 of the country's top young spellers to earn his 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. Image courtesy: Reuters Faizan Zaki has officially been crowned the champion of the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. The 13-year-old clinched the title in a tense 20th round, outlasting fellow finalist Sarvadnya Kadam. His winning word? Éclaircissement. The moment he spelled it correctly, Faizan ran out of breath, dropped to the floor, and let the confetti fall as the crowd erupted in celebration. Faizan Zaki, 13, of Dallas, Texas, reacts after winning the annual Scripps National Spelling Bee in National Harbor, Maryland, U.S., May 29, 2025. Reuters 'I can't describe it,' Zaki, who hails from Texas and has roots in Hyderabad, said just minutes after his win. 'It's so amazing, getting to this point. Winning? I never expected this.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In addition to lifting the coveted Scripps Cup, Faizan also takes home a $50,000 cash prize and a commemorative medal. He outspelled over 240 of the country's top young spellers to earn his championship title. But who is Faizan Zaki? How did he prepare for one of the toughest spelling stages in the country? And on a broader note, why do Indian-American students continue to shine year after year at this prestigious competition? Here's a closer look. Who is Faizan Zaki? Faizan Zaki is no stranger to the Scripps National Spelling Bee stage. A seventh grader at CM Rice Middle School in Dallas, Texas, he's been working toward this moment for years, ever since his spelling journey began at the age of 7. Back in 2019, he made his debut as one of the youngest contestants in bee history, finishing in 370th place. By 2023, he had climbed to 21st. And just last year, he came heartbreakingly close to the title, finishing as runner-up after a dramatic spell-off. 'Obviously, I was really disappointed,' Zaki told USA Today. 'But then I just had that sudden drive to keep studying. So that's what motivated me to do better. And now I'm here. I have the trophy.' Faizan Zaki. AP Faizan's love for words started as a fun family activity. His parents, Zaki Anwar and Arshia Quadri, say he was already reading by the age of 2. 'He loves it. I mean he loves the learning and words, and so that has been like, you know, it's just been very easy,' his mother told the outlet. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She added, 'We just want him to be happy and, you know, experience that. You know the whole experience of going to the bee.' His father echoed that sentiment: 'And if he can spell a few words there and get to a few rounds, then good for him, that would be amazing.' To sharpen his vocabulary, Faizan followed a new daily routine recommended by a representative from the Dallas Sports Commission, according to The New York Times. But spelling isn't all he's into. When he's not buried in word lists, Faizan enjoys playing video games, spending time with friends, and speed-solving Rubik's Cubes. He's also currently learning French. Had things gone differently this year, he would have had one more shot at the bee. But now, he's thinking about new challenges, maybe trying his hand at the Math Olympiad or exploring his interest in linguistics. 'I'll have to think over summer what to do,' he said. 'I'll definitely make sure to get some new hobbies, since spelling's over.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Why do Indian-Americans excel at spelling bees? Year after year, Indian-Americans have been making their mark at the spelling bee championship. Despite making up just 1 per cent of the US population, they've produced 29 winners since 1999. So, what explains this consistent success? A big part of the answer lies in the strong academic culture within Indian-American families. According to Pawan Dhingra, a sociology and American Studies professor at Amherst College, this 'has to do with a firm commitment by families to spend the time and money necessary to help their kids fully prepare'. Dev Shah, an Indian-American, has won the 2023 US National Spelling Bee competition. These children perform well not only in spelling bees but also geography, math and other academic contests, he added. Many parents in the community are highly educated — more than a third have postgraduate degrees, and another third hold college degrees. Most of these qualifications are in technical fields, especially engineering. In an article for The Conversation, Dhingra notes that this educational background shapes how parents approach extracurriculars. Many viewed it as an academic achievement that is key to getting into top colleges. Shalini Shankar, a cultural anthropologist and author of 'Beeline: What Spelling Bees Reveal about Generation Z's New Path to Success', in an interview with The New York Times, explained how Indian-American parents look for hobbies for their children that align with academic growth. Spelling often becomes one of these extracurricular activities, sometimes even being passed down through generations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Another reason, as per a BBC article, it is believed that Indian-Americans are 'particularly adept at rote learning and memorisation'. Harini Logan, a 14-year-old from San Antonio, Texas, lifted the Scripps National Spelling Bee trophy in 2022. File Photo/Reuters Sanjoy Chakravorty of Temple University in Philadelphia wrote for the outlet in 2016: 'There are suggestions that they are particularly adept at rote learning and memorisation. They work in clusters and use ethnic and family networks to dominate a few professions. These properties are strikingly similar to what works for their children in the spelling and geography bees - education, memorisation, and networks.' According to The Quint report, as many Indian-Americans are multilingual, it is 'normal' for the children to be well-versed in the vocabulary of different languages and excel in English. Thus, it is common for these kids to know several dictionaries by the age of 12. As Chakravorty wrote for the BBC, 'The immigrant's hunger for success, as individuals and as a community. The drive to work hard and suffer deprivations when needed. Anything that must be done to be both part of the mainstream and a shining example in it.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With input from agencies
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
100th Scripps National Spelling Bee today: 9 students to compete in the finals
Image: AP If you thought spelling was just about memorizing words, the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee is here to prove you wrong. Celebrating its 100th anniversary, this year's Bee was more than a competition—it was a showcase of young intellects, cultural diversity, and the sheer joy of language. Held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, the event brought together 243 spellers aged 8 to 14 from across the U.S. and countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Kuwait, and the Bahamas . The preliminary rounds kicked off on May 27, with the finals airing on May 29, marking a century since the first Bee in 1925. Imagine a room filled with kids who can spell words most of us can't even pronounce. For example "Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg" Meet the finalists The 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee finals brought together a remarkable lineup of talented young spellers, each with their own unique journey to the big stage. Among the finalists was 13-year-old Esha Marupudi (Speller 4), a seventh grader from Arizona making her debut at the national level. Joining her is Oliver Halkett (Speller 20), also 13 and a seventh grader from California, returning after his 2024 appearance. Fellow Californian Sarvadnya Kadam (Speller 30), 14, an eighth grader, brought valuable experience, having competed in both the 2023 and 2024 bees. Representing Georgia, 11-year-old Sarv Dharavane (Speller 53) stood out as the youngest finalist this year and previously competed in 2024. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dermatologista recomenda: simples truque elimina o fungo facilmente Acabe com o Fungo Undo From New Jersey, 13-year-old Harini Murali (Speller 136), an eighth grader, brought a wealth of experience with appearances in the 2021, 2022, and 2024 bees. Brian Liu (Speller 144), also 13 and an eighth grader from New York, returned after competing in 2023. North Carolina's Aishwarya Kallakuri (Speller 156), 14, an eighth grader, was back after her 2024 run. Pennsylvania was represented by 13-year-old Akshaj Somisetty (Speller 182), another returning finalist from 2024. Rounding out the star-studded group was Faizan Zaki (Speller 207), 13, from Texas—a seasoned competitor who finished as runner-up in 2024 and had also participated in the 2019 and 2023 bees. Together, these young wordsmiths embodied a blend of fresh talent and veteran grit, lighting up the finals with poise, precision, and passion for language. Behind many of these young prodigies is a network of dedicated coaches. Notably, 27 contestants were mentored by Scott Remer, a former top-four Bee finalist who started coaching at 15. His approach combines language roots, logic, and mental preparation, helping spellers like 13-year-old Faizan Zaki, a 2024 runner-up and 2025 favorite, navigate the intense competition . The Bee isn't just about spelling anymore. Contestants now face obscure geographical terms, pushing them to master not only language but also global geography. This shift challenges even seasoned spellers, emphasizing the importance of intellectual curiosity . As the Bee celebrated its centennial, it also honored its roots. The Scripps National Spelling Bee remains a testament to the power of words and the bright minds that master them. Here's to another 100 years of spelling excellence!
