Back in May, a 12-year-old boy from Florida named Bruhat Soma outperformed more than 200 other students ages 8 to 15 in the finals of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Thousands more spellers had competed in local and regional events.
Bruhat became the 2024 champion by spelling the word “abseil,” a verb meaning to descend a vertical surface, such as a rock face, using a rope coiled around the body and fixed to a higher point. It’s like rappelling.
As the champion, Bruhat took home a $50,000 cash prize.
When the day comes and someone writes an obit (many, many years from now) for Bruhat, he will surely be remembered as a national champion speller. It is an accomplishment that follows one for a lifetime.
Exceptional spellers who can perform under pressure seem so rarified. How do these children learn to spell hundreds, if not thousands, of words that many adults cannot spell or even pronounce? (I had never heard the word “abseil” before reading about Bruhat Soma.)
I have this idea that spelling bees exist not for the benefit of the champion spellers but really to boost the rest of us. You see, watching a child spell words that we didn’t know existed and cannot use in a sentence gives us hope for humankind. The next generation is not lost. They have geniuses among them.
Spelling bees are also excellent entertainment. A couple of years ago I went to a regional qualifier at the Alhambra. I wasn’t expecting much. But before I knew it, I was on the edge of my seat with anticipation as some students advanced from round to round and others were eliminated.
If you want to see what I mean about the entertainment delivered by a spelling bee, come out to Hopkinsville Brewing Co. this Thursday evening.
Visit Hopkinsville is sponsoring the BIG BEE Spelling Bee featuring adult spellers. It’s a fundraiser for the Christian County Literacy Council.
The competition is open to anyone at least 18 years old.
Understand, the BIG BEE won’t be like the high-stakes Scripps spelling bee.
But know this. It’s gonna be fun, says Francene Gilmer, executive director of the literacy council.
The winner will receive a trophy, a bag of swag and gifts — and bragging rights as the best adult speller in Hopkinsville.
Anyone who wants to compete and has $20 for the entry fee is invited to sign up.
Just as important, this event needs spectators. Y’all come out Thursday. The spelling bee starts at 6 p.m. Gilmer recommends arriving a little early so you can grab a drink and find a good seat.
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. She spent 30 years as a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition.
