UPDATE
An exceptional run in the Scripps National Spelling Bee has come to an end for two area students.
Thirteen-year-old Rory Grant from William Byrd Middle School finished tied for 41st. His final word was enduement.
For this year’s competition, Rory was also accompanied by Layla Barrett of Chatham Middle School in Danville.
The finals will be held on Thursday, and the winner will get more than $50,000 in cash.
Congrats to Rory and Layla for making it this far! It’s certainly not an easy feat.
UPDATE
With round 6 now complete, Rory Grant is now one of 57 kids left in the spelling bee.
UPDATE
Some good news! One of our local spellers is going to the next round for the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Congrats to 13-year-old Rory Grant from William Byrd Middle School. He made it through the vocabulary round and the first spelling round.
On Wednesday, he will be in the quarterfinals, along with 182 other kids.
ORIGINAL STORY
The Scripps National Spelling Bee kicks off on Tuesday, and we have two local kids to watch.
Nearly 250 participants earned their spots by advancing through regional spelling bees. Among them are 13-year-olds Layla Barrett from Chatham Middle School and Rory Grant from William Byrd Middle School, who will compete against students representing all 50 states and five countries outside the U.S.
“I’ve been to regionals before as a kid, but it was COVID, so I didn’t get to go. But now I’m going, and it’s just like this crazy year, the 100th Bee. There’s just all kinds of stuff going on. The Bee is always something I’ve enjoyed since elementary school, and it was just really fun to finally be at the nationals,” Rory said.
He said he has been preparing for this moment since fifth grade, starting with local competitions and now making it to the national stage.
Jeffrey Grant, father of Rory Grant, said he and the family are supporting Rory by helping him practice and wishing him the best when his competition begins.
“We are so proud of him. He’s put in so much work, daily spelling and vocabulary practice, taking time from his social life, hanging out with his friends and kind of doing more traditional activities. He’s been practicing the spelling lists, going over vocabulary, doing practice tests.”
Rory said he is nervous to begin the preliminary rounds but gave some encouraging words that he lives by and hopefully inspires others.
“Even though you think you might not be able to win, try anyway. You’ll be surprised at what you can do if you just believe in yourself, practice. It’s just a lot of preparation and I guess a love for words as well. I mean it’s a good thing to do so just try it out. It’ll be fun,” Rory said.
Jeffrey also thanked Radford University for sponsoring Rory’s participation in this competition.
Crystal Barrett, Layla’s mom, said Layla made it to regionals last year and almost made it to nationals, so the family is very excited to be here this year.
“We are so very proud of her. She accomplished anything she set her mind to. Win or lose, she’s already a champion to us. All of the kids here are all champions. It takes not only incredible knowledge to even make it here but they also have the bravery to get up on that very scary stage in front of the people and cameras. They’re all amazing no matter the outcome.”
Rory and Layla’s competitions today started around 3:30 p.m.
The preliminary rounds began at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, with the finals scheduled for Thursday. The winner will receive more than $50,000 in cash.
Watch the competition live here. Bee Week Homepage | Scripps National Spelling Bee
Good luck to Layla and Rory!