On Saturday the 22nd a fifth-grader and a seventh-grader were the finalists in a spelling bee at the Plaza Branch of the Kansas City Public Library. Both of the kids are from Missouri and both had started the competition with 23 other competitors. The full battle had gone 60 rounds of spelling without a single error between the two until the marathon was called because the organizers ran out of words. The officials had claimed how everyone seemed to be tired and run from the compelling race except for the two kids who seemed as though they could keep going forever. The two kids will go against each other again next month for a spot in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
"We didn't want to just go through the dictionary and give them more words. We feared that someone would get a word that was too easy while the other would get an extremely difficult word. We wanted to be a bit more calculated and neutral, and we wanted to give each an equal opportunity," -Mary Olive Thompson, the outreach coordinator for the Library.
Tell us what you think! Do you believe that young minds can hold so much information at a time and just rattle off the answers without struggle? Do you think it was rigged? Have you ever had an interesting spelling bee experience? Click here to find out more about these insane geniuses and their trip towards success.
Replies
Great summary and story once again but you only started replying yesterday. You should be replying throughout the week.
When the Scripps National Spelling Bee is on they tell stories of some of the kids in it. It is insane how much they study the words. Alot of them study 4+ hours a day, would take a lot of dedication.
Of course it would have! I know practice makes perfect but these kids go all out and work their best for their goal. I'm glad these kids are so into learning and doing their best!
That's pretty crazy for young kids to be able to go on that long and not mess up one time.
Thats really cool! They could set some world record for longest spelling bee!
I have never been in a spelling bee. I think these kids are very intelligent. I'm sure these kids have a bunch of emotions going on right now. I believe kids can hold so much information. It's amazing what the brain can do.
Wow this is crazy. I think if it went this wrong I would spell a word wrong on purpose and just end it and let the other kid won. It is great that the kids are that smart.
Wow, I know they are only 5th grader, but they are bright kids. I don't know if I would hold out that long! These kids really wanted to win!
That's amazing! I would never be able to remember all that! They should have let them both win cause they obviously deserve it!
I couldn't agree more! Although everyone does love a battle especially against genders and different ages.
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