Called the world's toughest spelling competition, the Scripps National Spelling Bee held in Washington, D.C., saw one Canadian Presbyterian compete. Twelve-year-old Jennifer Hurd, daughter of Rev. James Hurd of Parkwood, Ottawa, Ont., put in a good showing but did not advance to the third round. She tied for 98th place when her written and oral scores from the first two rounds were just short of what was needed to advance. The winner, Anurag Kashyap from San Diego, California, spelled appoggiatura correctly to win the championship after 19 rounds.
This was the first time in its 78-year history Scripps welcomed Canadians. Finola Hackett of Alberta was the highest placed Canadian finishing in a tie for 11th. – AM
