Sanil Thorat isn’t you’re average third grader. Join us in congratulating one of our own on a great run at the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
I enjoy the Scripps National Spelling Bee every year. How easily these little ones make it look has always fascinated me. Meanwhile, I write for a living and can’t get through most three-syllable words without Grammarly. This year’s contest was a little more exciting than most for one special reason.
This year, we had one of our own competing on the grandest stage in spelling, representing Fairfield Elementary Magnet in Shreveport. His name is Sanil Thorat, and don’t let his age fool you; he was more than ready for the spotlight.
Sanil is just eight, making him the youngest competitor in this year’s national spelling bee. One might think his age would make him an underdog, but when you watched him on that stage, you knew he came ready to win the whole thing.
His road to the grand stage in Washington D.C. began here in Shreveport, when he won the Scripps Regional Spelling Bee at LSUS in March. That was no easy task, as Sanil had to take on 37 of the brightest students from across NWLA. While Sanil wasn’t the youngest in that competition, he was very close. The 38 students competing ranged from 3rd grade – 8th grade.
His dreams came true this week as he competed in the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee. There, he made it smoothly through his first three rounds before unfortunately missing his word in the fourth round.
With over 240 competitors, Sanil made it into the top 100 and made our entire community proud in the process.
Great job, Sanil Thorat!
