NORTH TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) – There are 26 letters in the alphabet and it takes a special skill to spell the infinite number of words those letters can form.
Two North Texas 8th graders are well aware of the challenges as they have qualified for the 2022 Scripps National Spelling Competition.
Lindsey Roberts, a student at the Dallas Independent School District, said the initial cuts were a ‘very odd’ feeling. “I’m thrilled and excited and it’s kind of exciting.”
Dhroov Bharatia, who attends classes at Plano ISD, said, “It’s not really about the results. And if I win this year, it’s about the journey.”
Dhroov’s journey helped him finish fourth in last year’s National Spelling Bee competition. And there was a great sense of pride, when the young man was back on stage again… but he didn’t comfort himself. Dhroov explains, “Whether it’s spelling, sports, or technology… for me, it’s always about improving and being able to achieve my goals.”
Lindsey was prompted to enter her school’s contest just a day before it was held. “I raised my hand and said ‘Can I register the spelling bee?’ So I ran at full speed in the hallway so I wouldn’t miss the bus,” she recalls.
It was a whim that paid off, as Lindsey won that round, the regional round, and went up against the best.
The young woman said she is not out to get a moral victory. “I’m putting a lot of pressure on myself to hopefully win. It means a lot to me and my family and friends.”
And just like the letters that make up the combinations of words that will encounter these students, they don’t have to scramble financially to get to Washington DC. over 30 counties of Texas when it comes to spelling bees.
For each student who makes it to the national round, the Commission will cover two children’s airfare, hotel accommodation and daily expenses. They also did this for three of the eight national co-champions in 2019, who were from DFW.
Monica Paul, executive director of the Dallas Athletic Commission, told the students, “We continue to believe in you and I think all of Dallas and North Texas are behind and supporting you.
When asked what encouragement they would give other young people to strive for success, young people answered. Dhroov says, “if you put your whole heart into something, give it your all, and never give up, then you can get it done.” Lindsey offered some sage advice that she said was given to her. “You miss 100% of the photos you don’t take.”
Along with Dhroov, sixth grader Vivinsha Veduru – from Bear Creek Middle School in Keller – qualified for the Scripps National Spelling Bee Competition. She is sponsored by Texas Christian University.
