WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A seventh grader from Bak Middle School of the Arts in West Palm Beach is set to show off his spelling skills at the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Arik Karim competed last year but didn't make the finals. He said he’s a little nervous about this year’s competition but mostly excited.
Arik said he feels a lot more prepared thanks to his spelling coach.
“Something I’ve realized by going on this journey of spelling is that it has a history, and also it can be applied into different areas of like life like my school and academics,” said Arik.
He and the other competitors completed a written test Monday.
On Tuesday, they will begin the preliminary rounds where they spell words on stage.
The 50 finalists will be announced Wednesday evening.