100 Years of Spelling: Kids Conquer Tough Words

The Scripps National Spelling Bee marked its 100th anniversary this year, drawing 243 children aged 8 to 14 to Washington, D.C. These talented young spellers competed through multiple rounds, navigating some of the English language's most difficult words. As of this week, only nine finalists remained heading into the final championship round.

Last year's competition saw 13-year-old Faizan Zaki claim the title by correctly spelling 'éclaircissement.' Zaki's victory came with a $50,000 prize and the recognition of being America's top speller. The spelling bee's history traces back to 1925, initiated by the Louisville Courier-Journal, with only nine initial participants competing.

Since its inception, the spelling bee has seen a dramatic increase in its scale and popularity. Millions now watch annually, captivated by the participants' remarkable skills. The difficulty of the spelling words has also escalated significantly over the decades. Early contests were won with common words like 'knack,' while recent champions have triumphed with complex words such as 'stichomythia.'