Image Credit: spellingbee
National Harbor, MD— In a remarkable display of linguistic prowess, 11-year-old Sarv Dharavane from Dunwoody, Georgia, secured third place in the 100th Scripps National Spelling Bee.
As the youngest finalist and the first Georgian in over two decades to reach the championship round, Sarv's achievement has garnered widespread admiration.
Key Facts:
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Sarv, a fifth grader at Austin Elementary School, advanced through 19 intense rounds before being eliminated on the word "eserine."
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He was the youngest finalist in this year's competition and the first Georgian to reach the finals in over 20 years.
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Sarv's third-place finish earned him a $15,000 prize.
Sarv's journey to the national stage was paved with victories, including back-to-back wins at the Georgia Association of Educators State Spelling Bee.
His animated stage presence and positive attitude added to the excitement of what many are calling the most thrilling spelling bee in recent memory.
Reflecting on his experience, Sarv said, "I learned so many different words, and that increases your knowledge in every single way… The spelling bee is indirectly teaching us skills that we can use so much in the future."
Sarv's accomplishment underscores the significant representation of Indian-American students in the competition, with all top three positions secured by students of Indian descent.
Looking ahead, Sarv plans to continue participating in spelling competitions, aiming for the championship title in the coming years.
Do You Know?
The Scripps National Spelling Bee, established in 1925, celebrated its 100th edition in 2025, marking a century of promoting literacy and academic excellence among young students.
Key Terms:
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Eserine: A medicinal compound used to treat glaucoma by constricting the pupils.
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Scripps National Spelling Bee: An annual spelling competition in the United States that brings together top young spellers from across the country.
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Georgia Association of Educators State Spelling Bee: A state-level spelling competition in Georgia that selects representatives for the national bee.