Nicholas Rushlow is back at the Spelling Bee.
Rushlow, a five-time competitor from Pickerington, Ohio who made the finals in his last appearance at the Bee in 2012, skipped school this week to come watch his friends compete.
"I'm actually a lot more nervous when I'm not the one spelling," he said. "It's scary watching everyone get up to spell."
Nicholas took his finals early so he could come to the Bee with his parents. After so many years, he said, it was a family tradition. Other aged-out spellers, he said, were also here to support their friends.
One of the spellers Nicholas came to support, Jae Canetti (Speller 262), misspelled in the semifinals and was eliminated in the round. Jae has two years left to compete, and said he'll plan to study German words before next year.
"I have nothing to whine about," said Jae, who received a standing ovation as he left the stage, which he called reassuring. "I'm not going to let it hinder the rest of Bee Week."
For those who are spelling tonight, or in the future, Nicholas had some advice:
"Enjoy every second of it," he said. "I remember so distinctly walking up to the mic, spacing out and taking everything in. It's the most incredible experience."