Dev Shah, a 14-year-old student from Morgan Fitzgerald Middle School in Largo, Florida, has made his parents extremely proud by winning the 95th Scripps National Spelling Bee competition.
Dev’s incredible ability to spell words earned him the prestigious title of America’s best speller at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which is a big achievement in his spelling journey.
During the intense competition, Dev secured victory by flawlessly spelling the challenging word “psammophile.” As a reward for his talent and hard work, he received more than $50,000 in cash and prizes, which was well-deserved.
Throughout the competition, Dev showcased his expertise in spelling complex words like “bathypitotmeter,” “aegagrus,” “schistorrhachis,” and “perioeci.”
He faced strong competition from another 14-year-old contestant named Charlotte Walsh, but she stumbled on the word “daviely” in the 14th round, allowing Dev to secure his win.
It’s worth mentioning that Dev is the 22nd champion of South Asian descent in the last 24 years, which is quite impressive. This was his third attempt at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, after participating in 2019 and 2021.
Dev Shah Parents: Deval & Nilam Shah
The winner of the 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee owes his success to his devoted parents, Deval and Nilam Shah.
His father, Deval, is a software engineer who came from India to the United States 29 years ago to pursue a master’s degree in electrical engineering.
When the final moment arrived and their son emerged as the champion, his parents couldn’t contain their emotions. They rushed onto the stage to celebrate with their victorious son.
Filled with overwhelming joy, the winner’s mother shared how her son had poured countless hours into studying for the spelling bee. She mentioned that he had dedicated at least 10 hours of preparation for last year’s competition alone.
Proudly, Deval Shah shared that his son had shown an astonishing talent for words since he was only 3 years old.
The winner’s passion for academic competitions was nurtured by participating in events organized by the North South Foundation, a nonprofit organization that awards scholarships to children in India.
Dev Shah Ethnicity
Dev, an Indian American student enrolled in the eighth grade at Morgan Fitzgerald Middle School in Largo, is a shining example of talent and dedication.
Originally from India, his rich ethnic heritage adds to the diversity of his academic pursuits.
His recent victory in the renowned Scripps National Spelling Bee solidifies his position as an exceptional student. The Scripps National Spelling Bee is a spelling bee held each year in the United States. It was founded in 1925 as a combination of several local spelling bees.
This year’s competition spanned three intense days, showcasing the linguistic prowess of young spellers nationwide. Ultimately, he emerged victorious, correctly spelling the challenging word “psammophile.”
Charlotte Walsh, the runner-up, failed on the word “daviely,” ensuring Dev’s triumphal rise.
His achievement not only highlights his exceptional spelling skills but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring students nationwide.
Dev Shah Family Details
Shah, the 95th Scripps National Spelling Bee champion, shares a remarkable bond with his older brother, Neil Shah, who is pursuing his education as a rising junior at Yale University. He also has a grandmother Vinaben Shah.
His life is filled with many fascinating hobbies that reflect his diverse interests and passions.
Alongside his extraordinary spelling abilities, he is an avid reader, a skillful tennis player, and a talented cellist. However, it is his love for mathematics that truly sets him apart.
He enjoys both learning and spending time with his friends. He routinely phones friends and solves math issues with them in his spare time.
He enjoys reading historical fiction and watching historical fiction movies. He also exercises since it allows him to relax.
Having previously competed in the 2019 and 2021 editions of the Spelling Bee, Dev displayed remarkable determination, securing the 51st and 76th positions, respectively.
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