Hannah Cassidy is one of two students representing Oklahoma in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
By Ryan Strong
WASHINGTON D.C. (McT) –Hannah Cassidy is spelling her way to s-u-c-c-e-s-s.
The 14-year-old Perkins native is one of 288 students from around the world to be competing in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., this week.
“This has been a wonderful opportunity,” said Hannah, who has been in the nation’s capital since Monday. “I’m really grateful to be here.”
The national spelling competition selects children ages 8 to 15 to participate in a massive spelling bee in Washington.
The young spellers usually start in their own classrooms and eventually move on to citywide and regional contests to become qualified for the national competition.
Hannah, who is being sponsored by the Tulsa World, is one of two students representing Oklahoma.
“We are so thrilled to be here,” said Bobbi Jo Cassidy, Hannah’s mother, teacher and spelling coach.
Hannah, a home-schooled student, is surrounded by many children from different backgrounds at the bee.
According to the contest’s official Web site, about 12 percent of this year’s participants are home-schooled, about the same number attend private school and the rest are public school students.
Cassidy added that Hannah grew up in a “spelling family” in which communication skills have always been emphasized.
Cassidy has seen several of her seven children advance to the national spelling bee.
“I think seeing Hannah’s older brother here really motivated her to make it this far,” she said.
Hannah spends hours studying root words in Latin and Greek, in addition to reading the dictionary to prepare for this year’s spelling bee.
“I have to study a whole lot, but I really like it,” Hannah said.
Furthermore, Hannah’s family and friends are always looking for large and unique words in books and encyclopedias to share with Hannah to enhance her vocabulary.
“It’s really a family effort,” Cassidy said.
Cassidy’s favorite word to spell is “hunuhununukunukuapuaa,” a Hawaiian flower.
The spelling bee is broadcast on ESPN; however, according to the spelling bee’s director, Paige Kimble, the national exposure does not affect the contestants.
“The children aren’t afraid of the limelight; in fact, they crave it,” Kimble said.
Cassidy views the media’s presence at the spelling bee differently.
“The kids are really feeling the pressure,” she said. “Especially the eighth-graders, who only have one chance to win.”
Nonetheless, Hannah keeps her eyes on the prize.
“I prefer to stay calm and take this contest one round at a time,” Hannah said.
The spelling bee’s quarterfinalists will be announced Thursday. The bee continues Friday, and the final round is scheduled for Saturday.
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