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Young Speller from St. Petersburg to Compete Nationally

Local students showcase their spelling skills at the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

News Summary

Vlada Kozhevnikova, a 12-year-old sixth grader from St. Petersburg, is set to represent Florida in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Sponsored by local sports foundations, she previously competed last year and is eager to perform better. A multilingual student passionate about reading and writing, Kozhevnikova embodies the talent of young spellers in her community as she prepares for the national finals in Washington D.C.

St. Petersburg, Fla. – Vlada Kozhevnikova, a talented 12-year-old sixth grader, is set to represent her school and the Sunshine State in the Scripps National Spelling Bee later this month. The event will take place in Washington D.C., with the finals scheduled for May 29, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., after preliminary rounds begin on May 27.

Kozhevnikova, a student at the Pinellas Academy of Math & Science, is among 12 contestants representing Florida out of a total of 243 participants from across the nation. She is being sponsored by the Rays Baseball Foundation and the Rowdies Soccer Fund.

Last year, Kozhevnikova competed in the spelling bee but was eliminated in the sixth round after misspelling the word “stalace.” Despite this setback, she is determined to perform better this year. Her love for reading fiction, particularly the Harry Potter series, fuels her enthusiasm for language and words. In addition to her reading passion, Kozhevnikova aspires to be an author and is currently writing a fantasy thriller.

Kozhevnikova is multilingual; she speaks both Russian and English and is currently learning Spanish. Beyond her academic and literary pursuits, she is also musically inclined, playing the clarinet, and enjoys outdoor activities like soccer and swimming.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee has a rich history, dating back to its inception in 1925 with few interruptions, including during World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic. This prestigious event not only showcases the skills of young spellers but also has a notable history of champions from Florida. In fact, Kozhevnikova’s participation follows two consecutive winners from the Tampa Bay area, including last year’s champion, Bruhat Soma, a fellow 12-year-old from Tampa.

The competition format includes multiple stages: preliminaries, quarterfinals, and semifinals, leading up to the finals. Winners are awarded a range of prizes, with the champion receiving $50,000, a commemorative medal, a trophy, and various educational prizes. The presence of Kozhevnikova in this year’s contest underscores the competitiveness and talent of young spellers from the St. Petersburg area.

With her passion for spelling and an array of interests, Kozhevnikova represents the bright potential within her community. As the national spelling bee approaches, local residents and fans look forward to cheering her on as she competes against the nation’s best young spellers.