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National Spelling Bee champ Dev Shah goes from ‘despondent’ to soaking up the moment

by Joshua Brown
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National Spelling Bee champion

National Spelling Bee champ Dev Shah goes from ‘despondent’ to soaking up the moment

Background

Fifteen months ago, Dev Shah endured a challenging regional spelling competition in Orlando, Florida. Despite his efforts, he fell short of his dream of returning to the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Dev described himself as “despondent” and contemplated giving up.

A Remarkable Transformation

Now, Dev Shah stands as the National Spelling Bee champion, displaying confidence and a newfound sense of purpose. He approached the competition with precision, asking detailed questions about obscure Greek roots. Dev breezed through his second-to-last word and ultimately claimed the title.

Overcoming Obstacles

Dev, a 14-year-old from Largo, Florida, faced interruptions in his spelling career. The 2020 bee was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the virtual 2021 bee, he did not reach the in-person finals. Additionally, Dev had to compete in a different region in 2021 because his previous regional sponsor did not return after the pandemic.

Resilience and Preparation

Dev’s journey back to the National Spelling Bee was not without challenges. He initially hesitated to continue spelling, but with the support of his mother and coach, Dev regained his focus. He incorporated an exercise routine to sharpen his concentration and lost weight. Dev’s determination paid off as he successfully navigated his regional competition.

The Winning Moment

In the final rounds, Dev showcased his knowledge by asking insightful questions. His winning word, “psammophile,” posed no difficulty for a speller of his caliber. Overwhelmed with joy, Dev raised the trophy overhead as confetti filled the air.

Congratulations and Rewards

Runner-up Charlotte Walsh congratulated Dev with a warm embrace. Dev’s victory earned him more than $50,000 in cash and prizes. The significance of the prize money surprised Charlotte, who received $25,000 as the runner-up.

Unforgettable Moments

During the competition, Scripps introduced a spell-off tiebreaker, momentarily confusing Dev. However, he quickly spelled the word “bathypitotmeter” with remarkable speed and accuracy. Dev’s recall and preparation allowed him to approach the spell-off mode with confidence, despite feeling nervous.

Background and Heritage

Dev is the 22nd champion in the past 24 years with South Asian heritage. His father, who immigrated from India, spoke highly of Dev’s early mastery of words, starting from a young age. Dev’s participation in academic competitions organized by the North South Foundation further honed his skills.

The Challenging Bee

This year’s National Spelling Bee showcased the contestants’ impressive depth of knowledge. The participants tackled a demanding word list selected by Scripps’ word panel, consisting of past champions. The competition proved entertaining as contestants faced difficult words such as “traik,” “carey,” and “katuka.”

Final Moments and Farewell

With the field narrowed down to four contestants, Shradha Rachamreddy and Surya Kapu were eliminated. Dev is relieved to close this chapter for now and prioritize much-needed rest. Sleep is his main priority after many sleepless nights leading up to the competition.

Conclusion

Dev Shah’s journey from despondency to victory serves as a testament to his resilience and dedication. With the National Spelling Bee championship title now his, Dev can revel in his accomplishments and take a well-deserved break.

Q: How did Dev Shah go from feeling “despondent” to becoming the National Spelling Bee champion?

A: Dev Shah’s journey involved overcoming setbacks and maintaining his determination. After falling short of his dream initially, he decided to try again, incorporating an exercise routine to sharpen his focus. With the support of his coach and family, he regained his confidence and emerged as the National Spelling Bee champion.

Q: How did Dev prepare for the spelling bee?

A: Dev Shah prepared for the spelling bee by incorporating an exercise routine to sharpen his focus. He also engaged in academic competitions and participated in events organized by the North South Foundation, which further honed his skills. Dev’s dedication and preparation were crucial factors in his success.

Q: What was Dev Shah’s winning word?

A: Dev Shah’s winning word was “psammophile.” He confidently asked questions to confirm its Greek roots, demonstrating his deep knowledge of etymology. “Psammophile” means “sand lover” in Greek, showcasing Dev’s mastery of complex vocabulary.

Q: How did Dev’s victory impact him?

A: Dev Shah’s victory in the National Spelling Bee was a significant accomplishment. It boosted his confidence and served as a validation of his hard work and dedication. Winning the bee also earned Dev a substantial cash prize and recognition for his spelling prowess.

Q: How does the National Spelling Bee work?

A: The National Spelling Bee is a prestigious competition open to students through the eighth grade. Participants qualify through regional competitions and compete in the national finals. Contestants face a challenging word list selected by a word panel. The competition emphasizes a deep understanding of word origins, spellings, and meanings.

Q: What is the significance of Dev’s South Asian heritage?

A: Dev Shah’s South Asian heritage adds to the rich diversity of National Spelling Bee champions over the years. His background reflects the inclusion and representation of different cultures in the competition. Dev’s success highlights the diverse talent pool and the contributions of individuals from various backgrounds.

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