It was a big week for Damien John Handy (Speller 96) before he even arrived for the Bee.
He rode an airplane for the first time, said his mom, Trinity Handy. And they saw a WNBA player at the Atlanta airport, though Damien didn't realize who he'd spotted until later.
And tomorrow, when he takes the stage for Round 2 of the competition, one of the Lafayette, La. seventh-grader's dreams will come true.
"He always dreamed about being on ESPN," Trinity said. "He never knew it would be because of a spelling bee."
Only time will tell if Damien is competing Thursday, during the championships. But he'll be on stage either way, representing Louisiana, as one of several students selected to represent their state or country. At home, his family is planning a party to watch the competition and cheer him on.
Damien woke up at 5:15 a.m. today to do some last-minute studying, his mom said while he took the preliminary test. After he finished third in the school bee last year, he vowed he'd win the next year.
With a lot of studying, he did.
And after the preliminary test?
"It was a little bit difficult," Damien said.
He won't learn his score until Wednesday, but Trinity is confident he'll do well. His success makes her feel good, too.
"Knowing he can spell on this level, it lets us give ourselves a pat on the back," she said.
