Faizan Zaki, a student at Rice Middle School in Plano ISD, clinched victory at the 66th Annual Dallas Regional Spelling Bee on March 9 at the WFAA Channel 8 studio in Dallas. Zaki, a sixth-grader, emerged triumphant, alongside another talented speller, in the competition presented by the Dallas Sports Commission.
Competing against numerous contenders over 18 rounds, Zaki secured his win with the word "kurgan," earning him an all-expenses-paid trip to represent Rice Middle School and Plano ISD at the National Scripps Spelling Bee from May 28 to May 30, 2024.
This marks Zaki's third consecutive appearance at the National Bee. In the previous year's competition, he stood among the elite semifinalists, a feat achieved by only 56 spellers out of 229. Zaki's journey began in 2019 at the age of 7.
Although only the top two finishers advance, Adhiraj Misra, a seventh-grader from Renner Middle School, clinched an admirable third-place finish, further affirming Plano ISD's prowess in competitive spelling.
Preparation for the National Scripps Spelling Bee involves months, if not years, of arduous study, mastering word lists, roots and skills through smaller bees.
The National Scripps Spelling Bee stands as the pinnacle of linguistic competition, administered by the E.W. Scripps Company on a not-for-profit basis.
“Plano ISD is proud of these students and their recent national spelling bee competition success,” read an official statement released by Plano ISD.
Visit their official website for more information about the Scripps Spelling Bee and its regional competitions.
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