RSVBee

This year, the Scripps National Spelling Bee has expanded the field of competitors by 238 people through a program known as RSVBee.

The program started as a way to increase fairness among competitors. It allows more spellers from highly competitive areas, or those that don't have sponsors, to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee. This year, there are 516 spellers at the Bee, a record number of participants.

Sarah Schmid, speller 162, from Georgia, is one such speller. Traditionally, Georgia has only had two spellers at the Bee, because of the number of sponsors available. This year, there are nine.

“It's a great second chance,” said Sarah's mother, Monica Schmid.

Sarah found out during her spring break that she was accepted through the program.

“I was laughing so hard I was crying,” she said.

Mark Schmid, Sarah's father, said on Sunday that it was already a great experience.

“In today's world, there's a lot of influences in the wrong direction. This is an influence in the right direction,” he said. “It makes you realize there's a group of people out there who think it's cool and it's good to excel academically.”

Mishra Agrawal, speller 407, from Tennessee, is also here through RSVBee. Mishra said it was surreal to be in the competition, when before, she's only watched it on TV.

“It's amazing,” she said. “I was so excited, jumping around. This means so much to me. I was working really hard to try to achieve this goal.”

Xavier Adams, speller 56, from Florida, is here through RSVBee. His mother, Kathelyn Jacques-Adams, said his region is very competitive. There are a lot of people who aren't able to advance.

When he found out he was coming to Washington, Xavier said, he started crying.

“I'm glad I'm here,” he said.