The 100th Scripps National Spelling Bee held at National Harbor showcased some of the nation’s most talented spellers, among them Megan Barrientos from Wicomico Middle School. Initially stepping into the competition without high expectations, Barrientos quickly proved her skill, advancing through her school’s bee and then the regional contest to earn a spot at the national event.
During the quarterfinals, she successfully spelled the word “proode,” propelling her into the semifinals alongside several other talented competitors from the D.C. area. “It’s very nerve-wracking,” admitted Barrientos, a seventh grader who battles stage fright. To combat her anxiety, she prepares by memorizing dictionary entries, focusing on prefixes, suffixes, and root words. Despite her remarkable journey, Barrientos was eliminated in the semifinals but cherishes the experience regardless of the outcome.
Another standout at the competition was Nargiza Muzhapaer, an eighth grader from Chantilly Academy in Virginia, who reached the semifinals for a second consecutive year. She first participated in a spelling bee in second grade but grew serious about the competition in later years. Muzhapaer highlights the unique thrill of being on stage, often using methods like deep breathing and prayers to remain calm, especially since she frequently waits to spell her words due to her position in the alphabet.
Muzhapaer expresses her passion for spelling, noting how it connects different cultures and illustrates the influences of various regions on the English language.
The excitement is set to continue as the finals of the spelling bee are scheduled for Thursday, promising to be a memorable conclusion to this esteemed competition. Each participant has shown remarkable dedication and enthusiasm, embodying the spirit of learning and cultural appreciation through their love of spelling.