In a thrilling competition held at the Jackie Robinson YMCA, Benjamin Evans, an eighth grader from Twin Peaks Middle School, clinched the coveted title of the 2024 San Diego County Scripps Regional Spelling Bee champion.
With this win, Evans secures his spot as the representative of San Diego County at the upcoming National Spelling Bee, scheduled to take place in the Washington, D.C. area later in May, followed by semifinals and finals slated for June.
The winning moment for Evans came after successfully spelling the word “epihippus,” an extinct genus of the modern horse family that inhabited the earth during the Eocene era, approximately 46-38 million years ago.
His remarkable linguistic prowess prevailed over tough competition, notably from fellow Poway Unified School District student Mihir Konkapaka, an eighth grader from Mesa Verde Middle School and a two-time champion of the county bee.
The competition, which commenced with 84 spellers, witnessed Evans and Konkapaka as the last contenders standing after navigating through 12 intense rounds of spelling challenges.
Evans’s victory marks a significant achievement, not only for himself but also for his school and community. His journey to the national stage promises to be a thrilling one, as he prepares to represent San Diego County among the nation’s top spellers at the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Konkapaka, who clinched the title in 2023 for the second consecutive year by correctly spelling “exsufflation,” faced tough competition this year but showcased admirable resilience and skill throughout the event. Despite narrowly missing out on the top spot, his commendable performance is a testament to his dedication and proficiency in the realm of spelling.
Reflecting on the broader context of spelling bees, Paul Gothold, the San Diego County superintendent of schools, emphasized the educational significance of such competitions.
He highlighted how participation in events like the Spelling Bee fosters valuable skills in students, including goal-setting, studying, and public speaking, all of which are essential for their academic and personal growth.
San Diego County’s Legacy in Spelling Excellence
The history of San Diego County’s participation in spelling bees is marked by notable achievements and moments of triumph. Over the years, the county has produced exceptional spellers who have left a lasting impression on the national stage.
Notably, Anurag Kashyap’s victory in 2005 and Snigdha Nandipati’s triumph in 2012 brought glory to San Diego County, showcasing the region’s rich talent pool and dedication to academic excellence.
Looking ahead, as Benjamin Evans embarks on his journey to the national bee, he carries with him the aspirations of his community and the legacy of excellence that San Diego County is known for in the realm of competitive spelling.
