By SHAVAUGHN MOSS
Nassau Guardian Lifestylesl Editor
NASSAU, Bahamas, March 25, 2024 — Aarav Balani’s plan is to “study many days a week” with his coach and practice at home to prepare for his appearance at Scripps National Spelling Bee. Balani said his focus for international competition will be on vocabulary and revising the level two bee definitions and level three bee words.
“Spelling isn’t just about memorizing words, you have to learn about the roots, origins, and parts of speech,” said the 12-year-old, seventh-grade Lyford Cay International School student, who claimed The Bahamas’ 27th national title with the correct spelling of bromeliad in the 14th round of the National Spelling Bee.
“You should also be careful of the vocabulary round. Whenever you learn a new word, you should learn its definition too. One thing that I noticed is that many people came out in the vocabulary round, as they may have known how to spell the word, but not its definition,” said Aarav.
He said he spent many afternoons and mornings practicing with his coach, Julie Stine, as well as with his parents [Virat and Harsha Balani], and on his own, writing down many of the words.
The preteen from the New Providence-based school was one of 24 students to compete in the competition at Breezes Bahamas on Sunday, March 17.
Eckward Ferguson, a student at Central Eleuthera High School, was second. Rebecca Barnett, a student at Maurice E. Moore Primary School in Grand Bahama, was third.
The recent competition was Aarav’s second appearance in the National Spelling Bee. Prior to this year, Aarav participated two years ago and bowed out in the second round.
Going into this year’s competition, Aarav said he was nervous but calmed down as he progressed through the rounds.
“In the end, I was calm and okay with whatever the outcome would be, and I was also a bit excited,” he said.
When he realized he had won, he said he was “in awe” and “super excited.”
“I was also very happy and somewhat nervous, as I will be going to Scripps later in May.”
Julie Stine, Aarav’s coach and an English teacher at LCIS, said since Aarav won the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools Spelling Bee, that he met with her up to three times a week to review spelling words to prepare for his national title run.
“The Scripps National Spelling Bee organization provides lists to study from, ranging from One Bee (least difficult) to Three Bees (most difficult). Aarav and I review word lists featuring words from around the world – Japanese, Greek, etc. in addition to Latin and Greek roots, prefixes, and suffixes. As I quiz Aarav on these words, we write down any that he still needs to work on. I’m in regular contact with his parents, who are happy to provide extra support,” said Stine.
Aarav’s national title win was the fifth in six years by a student from LCIS.
Roy Seligman, a student at Lyford Cay International School, has inked in name in the annals of the national spelling championship as a four-time Bahamian champion, as well in the history books at the Scripps competition as the first Bahamian to advance to the finals of the prestigious competition since The Bahamas began competing at Scripps in 1998.
Roy made the finals of the 93rd Scripps Spelling Bee 2021. He tied for fourth place with three other spellers.
Aarav will be joined by Eckward in representing The Bahamas at Scripps competition in Washington, D.C., and with the hopes of eclipsing Roy’s accomplishment.
LCIS Acting Principal Frederic Bournas said Aarav’s performance highlighted his dedication, hard work and talent.
“At LCIS, we take immense pride in nurturing students like Aarav, who showcase exceptional language skills and embody our commitment to educating the leaders of tomorrow,” said Bournas. “As Aarav prepares to represent The Bahamas at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., we extend our best wishes for his continued success.”
Aarav and Eckward have both now set their sights on the Scripps title and the $50,000 cash prize. The winner also walks away with a commemorative medal and the Scripps Cup, the official championship trophy for the competition. Merriam-Webster tacks on another $2,500 cash prize and a reference library.
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