Speller 79, Sahil Langote, is a Delaware eighth grader. He tied for 323rd place last year and 41st in 2017.
"My resolution and determination really paid off," he said of getting to the finals.
Sahil spelled "zaguan" correctly. It's a passageway leading from the entrance door to the central patio in houses commonly found in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Sahil said his favorite part of spelling is learning new words -- particularly medical ones.
In addition to spelling, Sahil likes drawing and digital photography, including photo editing. He does yoga and meditation every morning and has started to listen to music while he works as a way to loosen up and have fun.
"I believe I'll make it to the top 15," he said. "After the spelling bee, I'll still do well in my life."