Gamefaces: National Spelling Bee Spotlight

READ MORE: Event Betting, National Spelling Bee

Oddjack continues to handicap this year’s Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee participants, set to do battle June 1-June 2nd in Washington, D.C.

Aravind Arun, Speller No. 219

Sponsor:
Caribbean Preparatory School, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Age:
12, seventh grade

School:
Colegio Nuestra Señora del Carmen, Hatillo, Puerto Rico

Bio:Aravind has received the “Meritorious Student Award” in three of his school years. He plays piano, both as an accompanist and as a soloist, and he plays flute in his school’s band. He has twice been chosen his Boy Scout troop’s “Scout of the Year.” Aravind will attend the National Scout Jamboree in July 2005.

Oddjack Intangibles: Aravind’s appearance may be a bit misleading, but don’t ever underestimate the type of blue-chip speller they breed at Colegio Nuestra Senora de Carmen, as many CNSDC spellers go on to become English professors, CIA operatives, or ultimate fighting champions. Aravind is no different; he sometimes will complete the word then inconspicuously punch the next speller in the throat with cobra-like quickness, leaving them gasping for air and, usually, out of the competition.

Oddjack Odds: 5-2

Scripps National Spelling Bee [Spellingbee.com]
Previously: Joseph F. Sheperd, Speller No. 59 [Oddjack]
Dheena Marie Ebuen Elayda, No. 60 [Oddjack]
Edwin Ho, No. 26 [Oddjack]