JENKS, Okla. - Jenks third grader, Sai Lakkimsetti prepares to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in D.C. after donating half of the check he earned at the Scripps Green Country Regional Spelling Bee.
Lakkimsetti won regionals in March at which he was awarded, among other prizes, a trip to the national bee plus a $1,000 check from Kenco. In an amazing show of generosity, Sai donated half of his check, $500, to the Jenks SE Elementary STEM program.
Kenco President, David Ragland, commented on Sai's generosity, "Kenco, a company whose products are designed using the principles of mechanical engineering, is pleased to support the Jenks STEM program through our Scripps Green Country Regional Spelling Bee winner, Sai Lakkimsetti." Ragland also served as Pronouncer of the regional bee.
Sai has been preparing for the big competition by practicing sometimes three or four hours a day. He has a list of 600 words provided by Scripps to look over for round two. Lakkimsetti says he's been over it more than twice.
He will be competing against a record-number of spellers 516 from all 50 states.
Preliminary tests take place the day after Memorial Day.
To keep track of Lakkimsetti, look out for his speller number 402.
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