At 8, Hussain Godhrawala -- Speller 218 from Barnwell, South Carolina -- is the youngest speller in the Bee this year.
The second grader got here by correctly spelling "knavery." He likes to read nonfiction books about animals, play soccer, study Arabic and camp with his Boy Scout troop.
Hussain went to the regional Bee last year, said his dad, Aliasger Godhrawala. This year, Hussain said he wanted to win it.
There's some stiff competition, but Hussain isn't worried.
"'It was easy in the other spelling bees," he said.
Hussain's mom, Ummehani Godhrawala, said her son is doing well already.
"Whatever grade you're in, it doesn't matter," she said. "He'll go for it next year and the next year until he gets it. Every year, he's getting better."
