At the opening ceremony of the 2022 Scripps National Spelling Bee, spellers got a crash course in the competition as well as pep talks and praise from officials and staff.
"I’m here to tell you that you have made it, you’re here,” said Vanya Shivashankar, the 2015 co-champion, who emceed the ceremony.
She told spellers how participating in the competition helped grow her confidence. Dr. Bailly, the pronouncer, told the spellers that the Bee helps challenge spellers to do their best. He called it a “constructive, upbuilding kind of competition.”
And Dr. J. Michael Durnil, the Bee’s executive director, told spellers being part of the competition made them aim higher.
“By being here today, you’re on a course for achievement,” he said.
The spellers came on stage for a group photo, but not before LeVar Burton, who is hosting the Bee, cheered them on, as well.
“I’m so proud to be here, I’m so proud of all of you for being here, too!” he said.
Spellers said they were excited to be on stage and at the competition. Zain Malik, speller 88, said it was “pretty cool” to be at the Bee. He learned a lot at the Opening Ceremony, he said, and was excited to spend time in Washington, D.C., and go to a baseball game. He’s here from Windsor, in Canada.
Dahlia Cunningham, speller 162 from Oregon, said she liked being on stage. And speller 6, Joshua Diocares, said he liked taking pictures with Dr. Bailly and 2021 champion Zaila Avant-garde.
“I liked watching people talk on stage,” he said. “I like how they encouraged us to have fun.”