May 29, 2025

Scripps National Spelling Bee Marks 100th Anniversary

News Summary

The Scripps National Spelling Bee semifinals will take place tonight, celebrating its 100th anniversary. Tampa Bay’s Vlada Kozhevnikova competes alongside a rich history of local champions. Amidst excitement, a controversy arises as regional winner Amara Chepuri faces disqualification. The community supports its competitors in this cherished tradition.

Scripps National Spelling Bee Celebrates 100th Anniversary with Semifinals Featuring Local Competitors

Tampa Bay, FL – The Scripps National Spelling Bee semifinals will be held tonight at 8 p.m. and will be broadcast live on ION. This year is especially significant as it marks the 100th anniversary of the competition, which began in 1925 with just nine contestants. Over the years, the event has transformed into a prestigious contest featuring hundreds of children who showcase their spelling abilities annually.

This year, Tampa Bay has a local contender, Vlada Kozhevnikova, a sixth grader from Clearwater who attends Pinellas Academy of Math and Science. Vlada is an enthusiastic reader with aspirations to become an author, which enhances her vocabulary and spelling skills. If she succeeds in the semifinals, it would represent a remarkable three-peat for the Tampa Bay region following recent victories.

The local area has a rich history in the competition, having produced three champions. Nupur Lala was the first winner from Tampa Bay in 1999. She was followed by Dev Shah, who won in 2023, and Bruhat Soma, who achieved back-to-back wins in 2024. Bruhat Soma has shared his advice with current competitors, encouraging them to relish their experience during Bee week and build friendships.

In addition to its competitive spirit, this year’s event has been altered by a recent controversy. Amara Chepuri, a 12-year-old regional winner, was disqualified prior to the national contest. Her family is contemplating legal action following the retraction of her victory at the regional competition, where she initially spelled “sashay” correctly. The disqualification stemmed from a prior misstep where she misspelled “pallbearer,” leading to her being deemed ineligible. Amara’s father asserts that their daughter has considerable talent and deserves an equitable opportunity to compete.

The preliminary rounds of the Scripps National Spelling Bee are scheduled to begin on May 27, and the semifinals are a critical stage of the competition. Local meteorologist Greg Dee forecasts temperatures to be in the 70s this morning, with a rise expected to the low 90s, possibly accompanied by scattered showers and thunderstorms.

As the competition draws near, Tampa Bay highlights the shifting dynamics in the housing market, with reports indicating that it is becoming cheaper to rent than to buy in various cities, including Tampa Bay. Susan El Khoury, a reporter for ABC Action News, offers insights on financial aspects influencing the decision between renting and purchasing a home.

With numerous local competitors vying for the prestigious title, the excitement surrounding the 100th anniversary of the Scripps National Spelling Bee is palpable. Whether they succeed or face challenges, all participants exemplify dedication and commitment to their craft. The community looks forward to supporting them as they take part in this national event that has become a cherished American tradition.

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Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER

The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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