In Search of the Human Spirit

Can You Spell Serrefine? On Thursday, Evan O’Dorney of Danville, California spelled serrefine under pressure. It won him the title at the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

The new spelling bee champion is 13 years old and he doesn’t even consider spelling his forte. He sees as a bunch of memorization and nothing more. He likes math and music much better. He is also a pianist and has written a couple concertos.

O’Dorney was spelling words outloud at 2 years old. He’s practiced long and hard for this competition. Since this is his final year of competing, he won’t be back for a repeat. It’s off to bigger and better things for this smarty pants. Next stop? The Math Olympics this Summer in Nebraska.