By India Today Education Desk: Dev Shah, a talented 14-year-old Indian-American, emerged as the victor of the highly esteemed 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee competition, securing a prize of $50,000.
Displaying unwavering confidence and a beaming smile, the eighth-grader from Florida etched his name in history as the 85th national bee champion by correctly spelling the challenging 11-letter word, ‘psammophile’.
Amidst the tense atmosphere at the competition held in National Harbor, Maryland, Shah maintained his composure.
He posed precise questions regarding the Greek roots of the word, exemplifying his linguistic acumen. Shah’s careful inquiry, “Psammo meaning sand, Greek? Phile, meaning love, Greek?”, paved the way for his victory.
The winning word, ‘psammophile’, refers to a plant or animal that thrives in sandy areas. Often referred to as ‘psammophytes’, these organisms have adapted to sandy environments
A JOURNEY TO VICTORY
Hailing from Largo, Florida, Shah’s spelling journey faced obstacles due to the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2022, he was unable to advance beyond the regional bee.
However, undeterred by setbacks, Shah returned for his final attempt at the national title, ultimately claiming the coveted trophy.
Having participated in previous spelling bees in 2019 and 2021, Shah shared a special bond with fellow competitors who made it to the finals.
Acknowledging their collective experiences, he expressed, “I felt like a spark and camaraderie between all of us.”
A MULTIFACETED CHAMPION
As the 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee winner, Shah not only claims the prestigious title but also receives a substantial prize of over $50,000 in cash and additional rewards.
Son of Deval, an Indian immigrant who pursued a master’s degree in electrical engineering in the United States, Shah adds to the legacy of South Asian heritage winners, becoming the 22nd champion in the past 24 years.