Eighth Grader Spells ‘Cymotrichous’ To Win Scripps National Spelling Bee

  • Share
  • Read Later

Her winning word means “having the hair wavy,” but what 14-year-old Sukanya Roy really spelled last night was V-I-C-T-O-R-Y.

Towards the end of a lengthy and competitive final round of the 84th Scripps National Spelling Bee Thursday night, there were just two remaining contestants: 12-year-old Canadian Laura Newcombe and the USA’s Roy, of South Abington Township, Pa.

(MORE: Scenes from the Semi-Finals)

After Newcombe mistakenly inserted a silent “P” at the beginning of the word “sorites,” Roy had the chance to take home the gold. Her correct spelling of “cymotrichous” won her a hefty trophy and more than $40,000 in cash and prizes. The third time was the charm for Roy, who tied for 12th in 2009 and 20th in 2010.

(PHOTOS: The 2011 Scripps National Spelling Bee)