Washington, DC – Scripps National Spelling Bee competitors gather in Washington

Students competing in the annual Scripps National Spelling Bee are gathering in Washington D.C., and preparing to compete for the first place price of $40,000, a $2,500 savings bond, $400 worth of reference materials, and the Scripps National Spelling Bee trophy. This year, 285 students will compete, with the youngest being only 6 years old. Another competitor is coming back for his fourth year in the bee.