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Competitors Savor Moments at National Spelling Bee

The Scripps National Spelling Bee weeded out the field to the truly elite spellers during Wednesday's grueling preliminary rounds. Each of the 291 spellers got the opportunity to spell two words on stage. Those who didn't misspell a word were then at the mercy of their score on a written spelling and vocabulary test that they took on Tuesday. Ultimately, the top 40 spellers advanced to Thursday's finals.

Spellers come to the bee with different goals. Some hope to make the top 50 or the top 10. The best put in thousands of hours in a bid to win it all.

Some just come to the bee to have fun. Will Lourcey, 14, of Fort Worth, fell into that category.

"I set a goal for myself to get to the National Spelling Bee. Now that I've achieved it, I want to be here for the experience," said Will, who did not make the finals. "I'm not as hardcore or serious as some of the kids. They study dictionaries."

Will's first word was "Ruritanian," and he didn't appear to have much trouble with it. Still, he milked his time on stage, smiling and gesturing enthusiastically as he asked for all the information about the word. He pumped his fists and gave a thumbs-up when he spelled it correctly. Afterward, he said he got lucky.

Will said he only "took a glance" at the study guide for words that would be used in the first onstage round. "Ruritanian was one of the ones I actually looked at."

Will admitted he studied hard to win his regional bee. But he's concerned about some kids who don't take time to enjoy their bee experience.

"Most of these kids seem like well-functioning human beings. I admire their dedication to their art," he said. "I'd rather not be a computer, and go out with a laugh. Those kids dedicated a lot of time and it's really admirable. It's just not my style."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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