Sad but no regrets

Marcescent is a word that NZ Champion Speller Christopher Jury, 13, Hamilton Boys’ High School, will probably never forget.

It was Christopher’s second word on the stage and unfortunately missing one C and using the wrong vowel meant he missed much needed points to gain a place in the semi finals of the 82nd Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington DC.

Marcescent is an adjective for whither.

Christopher was one of 293 spellers who spent the day spelling with the hope of being one of 41 semi finalists to continue in the competition.

Paige Kimble, director, US Spelling Bee, announced that the minimum points for spellers was 28. By the end of the three rounds Christopher had 22.

“Christopher is disappointed but he realises what an achievement it is to get this far and says he is grateful for the opportunity of travelling to Washington DC,” says Janet Lucas, event manager.

Christopher is the fifth speller to represent NZ at the Scripps National Spelling Bee. In 2007 Kate Weir reached the semi finals.

For more information about the Scripps National Spelling Bee please check out www.spellingbee.com