Bruhat Soma, a 12-year-old from Tampa, won this year’s Scripps National Spelling Bee. The competition took place at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.
As the champion, Soma received a $50,000 scholarship award, the official championship trophy and other prizes. Holding his trophy up high as his family stood beside him, Soma was grateful for the opportunity.
“I finally won! I finally accomplished what I’ve been dreaming for since the third or fourth grade,” Soma said.
Two hundred and forty-five participants from countries including the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam and many more entered the competition. Thirteen of those spellers were Florida locals.
The contestants competed through preliminaries, quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals. Quarterfinalists received a $100 gift card and a medal. Semifinalists also won a number of different scholarship awards ranging from $2,500 to $25,000.
