Stellar speller returns to Scripps
Courtesy photo North Idaho Regional Spelling Bee champ Joseph Moran carefully studies his spelling list Friday before leaving for the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. Bee Week started Sunday and goes through Friday with finals on Thursday. This is Joseph’s second time competing for the national title.
Taking a study break to pack, sixth-grader Joseph Moran smiles Friday afternoon as he prepares to head to Washington, D.C. for the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Joseph, who is competing for his second consecutive year, said he is feeling much more prepared and confident than last time. The competition rounds begin today with finals on Thursday. (Courtesy photo)
By DEVIN WEEKS
Staff Writer
North Idaho Regional Spelling Bee winner Joseph Moran is back in Washington, D.C., for Bee Week for the second consecutive year.
This time, he's feeling more prepared and ready to storm the stage of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
“Well, it's going to be maybe a little less hectic this year. We know what to expect. I'm probably going to be more confident because of that," Joseph told The Press on Friday. "I did well in that first year, and now, studying even harder, I'm thinking I can do even better this year."
Joseph stepped up his studying to about two hours every day, spending mornings looking over lists and having his mom, Sally, quiz him in the afternoons.
"I feel like we're prepared," Sally said. "He's as prepared as he can be at this point."
The North Idaho Home Educators Association sixth-grader from Hayden wowed the world when he earned the North Idaho regional championship title as a fifth-grader competing for his first time. This year, he hung on for one of the bee's longest tournaments, coming out on top after 26 rounds.
He is only the second speller to ever win two North Idaho bees in a row, and he plans to return next year after another shot at the national title.
"Maybe I can set a record for Idaho for the most consecutive bees won,” he said. "I know there’s at least people coming to the nationals who are coming for their fourth time. I could make that happen."
If Joseph reigns at the national bee and out-performs more than 500 other stellar spellers, he will win a $40,000 cash prize and the Scripps National Spelling Bee engraved trophy, a $2,500 U.S. savings bond and a complete reference library from Merriam-Webster, $400 of reference works including a 1768 Encyclopædia Britannica Replica Set Deluxe Edition and a three-year membership to Britannica Online Premium. He will also receive a trip to New York City to appear on "LIVE with Kelly and Ryan."
Joseph, whose speller number is 120, thanked The Press for sponsoring this trip for North Idaho's spelling bee winners.
"It's really nice what the Coeur d'Alene Press has been doing. It's really nice for kids to have an opportunity to do this," he said. "The spelling bee has been a great opportunity for me and I imagine a lot of other kids."
Bee Week began Sunday and continues through Friday at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. The finals will take place Thursday and will air on ESPN.
Info: www.spellingbee.com