Competing at the Scripps National Spelling Bee is a high-stakes endeavor, where the hopes and dreams of contestants can be shattered by the sound of a bell signaling a wrong answer. For those like Aditi Muthukumar from Colorado, hearing that bell can signal the end of their journey at the Bee.
“So, I did have to hear the bell last year,” Aditi said, reflecting on her experience. “I was out in quarterfinals and it’s always a pretty negative feeling, like knowing that the trophy is not going to be yours this year.”
Moments like these can be tough, especially when in front of an audience. However, Mary Brooks, the head judge of the Bee, is there to offer support and encouragement.
“One perseveres,” Brooks said with a laugh, recalling how she came to her role as head judge in 2005.
Having been involved with the Bee since 1972, Brooks has witnessed many changes over the years. Yet, she believes the core essence of the competition remains the same – young people demonstrating their spelling skills and knowledge.
Brooks introduced the official Scripps National Spelling Bee bell in 2005, aiming for a soothing sound rather than a jarring buzzer. The bell itself has a unique history, dating back to 1865, and has garnered its own following.
While spellers may feel the weight of a wrong answer, they appreciate Brooks’ parting words of encouragement as they exit the stage.
“She was still pretty encouraging about it — like ‘The bell isn’t an end-all, be-all,'” Muthukumar said.
Brooks considers these parting words a crucial aspect of the Bee, offering support and empathy to contestants. The semifinals and finals of the Scripps National Spelling Bee can be watched on the ION channel on May 29 and May 30 respectively.
Scripps News is a subsidiary of the E.W. Scripps Company, which runs the Bee on a not-for-profit basis.
