The best young spellers in the English language are competing at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.
Sach Sarvesh Akella, 12, left, and Holden Connor Good, 13, of Charlotte, N.C., right, celebrate after spelling words correctly during the quarterfinals of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Md.
(AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson
Kaden Haddox, 12, of Steubenville, Ohio, reacts after spelling his word correctly as he competes during the first preliminary round of the Scripps National Spelling Bee at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Md.
(AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana
Julia Ann Kurien, 14, of Loves Park, Ill., spelt with her finger while competing during the first preliminary round of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Md.
(AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson
Holden Connor Good, 13, left, reacts after spelling a word correctly as Aishwarya Kallakuri, 14, of Charlotte, N.C., right, looks on during the semifinals of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Md.
(AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson
Beatriz Lucille Whitford-Rodriguez, 14, of Chicago, competes during the quarterfinals of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Md.
(AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson
A speller stands during a break in the semifinals of the Scripps National Spelling Bee at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Md.
(AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)