Wellborn Middle School student competes at Scripps National Spelling Bee
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – A student at Wellborn Middle School is in Washington D.C. competed at the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Aarav Sargurunathan earned his spot after correctly spelling the word, “requiem,” crowning him the Central Texas Spelling Bee champion.
His spelling bee journey began when he was in 3rd grade, winning his school spelling bee. He set his sights on the National Spelling Bee after a second place finish at the qualifying regional bee last year.
“It really motivated me to go to Washington,” Aarav said.
Although he was eliminated in the preliminary rounds, he said his prize was reaching this level of competition.
”The National Spelling Bee is really an achievement, but don’t think of it as a competition. Think of it as passing your regional bee, and really just celebrating the fact that you made it all the way here,” he said.
He’s spent his time in Washington D.C. interacting with fellow spellers from across the nation.
“My favorite part is how much you get to show off like your fellow spellers that like show off your knowledge and just celebrate how much you’ve learned,” he added.
His principal, Jeremy Stewart, said Aarav’s love of learning isn’t just limited to the spelling bee. He’s also involved in Academic UIL and orchestra.
“We talked about kids are going to be leaders later in their life, but he’s already doing that now and he’s barely a teenager,” he said.
Aarav wants to be a neurosurgeon when he grows up, and sees this as a way to help him prepare for his future.
“I really enjoy education. It helps me expand on my knowledge,” Aarav said.
As he gets ready to enter his eighth-grade year, he stands as an example of academic achievement.
“I think for him the possibilities are endless. He understands that getting a quality education is going to be the key. So he’s just got to open that door, and he’s got many doors that he opened up,” Stewart said.
Aarav’s parents said they’re ‘extremely proud’ of their son’s accomplishment.
