On-stage spelling begins this morning, but before it does, let us tell you a little more about what some of the spellers have been up to this week.
Arav Patel, speller 409, said he's more excited than nervous for the Bee. After all, he gets to be on ESPN.
"It's hard work," he said. "When you come here, the hard work turns into more fun."
Samantha Gass, speller 213, said she was excited to hear Merriam-Webster editor Peter Sokolowski speak about the dictionary. Vikrant Chintanaboina, speller 70, said he couldn't wait to meet new people, have fun and spell.
"I was so excited for this week to come," he said. "I want to meet everyone."
Ali Van Tassel, speller 405, is in her second Bee. She said she knows what to expect, and is more confident because of it. And Thevy Mak, speller 118, said she's just trying to make the fullest use of her time here, and make new friends.
Joshua Chelliah, speller 218, got to go on stage as part of the opening ceremony. He said the experience was "awesome, it was marvelous."
"I love going on stage," he said.
Liz Jergensen, speller 217, liked taking the preliminary test and collecting signatures.