Woodstock first grader captures second place in Atlantic Canada
A first grader from Townsview School won second place in the primary level of the Spelling Bee of Canada’s Atlantic Region.
On Saturday, April 19, Yohaan Gupta made his Spelling Bee debut this year at six years old at the 38th Spelling Bee of Canada’s Atlantic Regional Championships, making him the youngest participant in this year’s competition.
“I am feeling very proud not just for his victory, but for his willingness to participate at this age,” said Yohaan’s mother, Divya Gupta.
Divya says that when Yohaan began his preparation for the competition, he was only able to spell words with a consonant-vowel-consonant pattern and some long vowel words; however, now he can effortlessly spell words such as dictionary, overturn, and playground.
The young speller became interested in the hobby after watching his older sister compete in 2022, when she also won second place. The cash prize and medal excited Yohaan to participate when he came of age to compete.
Yohaan says his stomach was full of butterflies when he first signed up. He didn’t know what to expect and thought he couldn’t stand up with the rest of the spellers.
“When we registered him, he got nervous and was thinking that he couldn’t (be) able to do it. But later, with some encouragement and his dedication, he started enjoying it and felt proud that he could… spell big words,” said Divya.
Even though he did not place first, Yohaan said he is very proud and happy with what he accomplished.
His story doesn’t end there. Divya says her son is moving to the next chapter of his spelling journey by participating in next year’s competition to gain more knowledge and prizes.
