Indian students win state Spelling Bees

VERMONT, FL — A Montpelier, Vermont, Indian American middle school student has won the Vermont Scripps Spelling Bee and will represent the state at the national contest in Washington, D.C.

Twelve-year-old Raghav Dhandi won the competition on March 21 by correctly spelling the word ‘slavering.’

The seventh-grader came in 3rd place in the state last year. He told reporters that he thought he had made enough progress to win this year, but the victory still “feels like a dream.”

He received a trophy and $250 for his college education.

Earlier this month, Vasundara Govindarajan won the state spelling bee in Florida.

In winning the competition for the fourth straight year, Govindarajan will take part in the 91st Scripps National Spelling Bee in May. The 2018 Scripps National Spelling Bee will be her third national competition. In her first, she placed 22nd in the nation. In her second, she placed 44th.

Govindrajan got into spelling by way of her older brother, Vaidya, who also went to nationals.