Sriram Hathwar (Speller 154) is the only five-time competitor at this year's Bee.
His word, "flavus," is a tile or flagstone cut into a hexagonal shape to produce a honeycomb pattern (as in a pavement) -- "or the thing right behind you," Dr. Bailly said. The Bee stage is decorated with a honeycomb pattern.
"Maybe it's a good luck charm," Sriram said.
"I hope so," Dr. Bailly replied.
Sriram spelled it correctly. The Painted Post, New York eighth grader tied for 6th place in 2011 and third place last year.
