Spelling Ninth-Grade Level Words Gives Fourth Grader the Win

Fourth grader Chand Vadalia won 's second annual spelling bee on Wednesday at Upper St. Clair's .

The competition began with 21 spellers and didn't end until the judges started asking for ninth-grade level words.

Chand won the bee by correctly spelling "akimbo."

"I can't exactly explain how I feel, only that I feel very, very good," Chand said. "I studied a lot—whenever I had free time."

Vadalia's favorite subjects are math and science, but he loves to read, which is why he may already be wearing glasses, said his mother.

"It's (the spelling bee) is such a great opportunity for him. It'll prepare him to move on to Boyce's spelling bee next year. I give a lot of credit to the PTA and the volunteers," said Sapna Vadalia, Chand's mother.

"It's about the participation and standing in front of an audience and speaking. It's good to see things like this put together for kids," said Nilesh Vadalia, Chand's father.

Braden Yates and Jason Choi faced off for second place. They went through three rounds before Braden correctly spelled "astrophysicist" and "retrospect" and Jason missed "tutelage."

"It feels great. This was my first spelling bee. I had a lot of practice and I thought I'd make it to ninth grade words," Braden said. "The more you study the better you get. Also, you have to believe in yourself to win."

Ben Nelson and Chloe Ruben tied for fourth place.

Share your congratulations with the spellers! Tell them in the comments.