Top Young Spellers From the Carolinas Headed to National Spelling Bee

Six students from North Carolina and South Carolina won spots at the Scripps National Spelling Bee Tournament in Washington, D.C. They competed over two days at Bank of America Stadium. The Carolina Panthers hosted the contest Saturday and Sunday, drawing 110 students from grades three through eight.

Fifty-eight school districts across the Carolinas sent spellers. The top six earned their tickets to nationals.

Two classmates from Oakridge Middle School in Clover, South Carolina, claimed the top two positions in the state portion, according to Queen City News. Manha Shaik placed first, while Salonee Biraber came in second, outlasting 50 other spellers from across South Carolina in a grueling test of spelling prowess.

The North Carolina portion took place Sunday. Phaneendra Bulusu from Harris Road Middle School in Concord won his spot. Harini Jayakumar from The Brawley School in Mooresville also qualified.

Two students from the Wake County Public School District made the cut. Sach Akella of Mills Park Middle School and Kushi Gottimukkala of Carnage Magnet Middle School will join their peers in Washington.

The Panthers backed academic achievement in the region for another year. Bank of America Stadium served as host.

The six qualifiers will represent the Carolinas at nationals, each demonstrating mastery against dozens of competitors from their states.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee Tournament attracts participants from across the country. Winners from various regional contests advance to compete for the national title in the nation's capital.