WASHINGTON (AP) — Cool and collected, Kavya Shivashankar wrote out every word on her palm and always ended with a smile. The 13-year-old Kansas girl saved the biggest smile for last, when she rattled off the letters to "Laodicean" to become the nation's spelling champion.
The budding neurosurgeon from Olathe, Kan., outlasted 11 finalists Thursday night to win the 82nd Scripps National Spelling Bee, taking home more than $40,000 in cash and prizes and, of course, the huge champion's trophy.
After spelling the winning word, which means lukewarm or indifferent in religion or politics, Kavya received huge hugs from her father, mother and little sister.
Kavya was making her fourth appearance at the bee, having finishing 10th, eighth and fourth over the last three years. She enjoys playing the violin, bicycling, swimming and learning Indian classical dance, and her role model is Nupur Lala, the 1999 champion featured in the documentary "Spellbound."
Second place went to 12-year-old Tim Ruiter of Centreville, Va.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Thirteen-year-old Kavya Shivashankar (KAH-vee-ah SHI-vah-SHAN-kar) of Olathe, Kan., has claimed the title of the nation's top speller.
Kavya aced the word 'Laodicean' (lay-OD-uh-CEE-uhn) Thursday night to win the 82nd Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Kavya takes home more than $40,000 in cash and prizes.
Second place goes to 12-year-old Tim Ruiter of Centreville, Va.
A record 293 participants took part in the bee. The field was narrowed to 41 for the semifinals Thursday morning, then to 11 for the nationally televised finals.
by the associated press
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