Snigdha Nandipati, 14, won the Scripps National Spelling Bee Thursday night by properly spelling "guetapens," which means an ambush snare or trap.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee —
Snigdha Nandipati, 14, won the Scripps National Spelling Bee Thursday night by properly spelling "guetapens," which means an ambush snare or trap.
Getty Images
Sumaita Mulk of Goodyear, Arizona, celebrates on Thursday, May 31, at the Scripps National Spelling Bee after she correctly spelled her word during the fourth round. Fifty spellers advanced to compete in the semifinals on the last day of the competition.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee —
Sumaita Mulk of Goodyear, Arizona, celebrates on Thursday, May 31, at the Scripps National Spelling Bee after she correctly spelled her word during the fourth round. Fifty spellers advanced to compete in the semifinals on the last day of the competition.
Getty Images
Spectators photograph the contestants during the third round of the 2012 Scripps National Spelling Bee in National Harbor, Maryland, on Wednesday, May 30.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee —
Spectators photograph the contestants during the third round of the 2012 Scripps National Spelling Bee in National Harbor, Maryland, on Wednesday, May 30.
Getty Images
Spellers anxiously wait their turn during the third round. There were 278 spellers in the 85th annual competition.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee —
Spellers anxiously wait their turn during the third round. There were 278 spellers in the 85th annual competition.
Getty Images
Six-year-old Lori Anne Madison was the youngest participant at the 2012 Scripps National Spelling Bee.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee —
Six-year-old Lori Anne Madison was the youngest participant at the 2012 Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Getty Images
Contestants wait during the third round.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee —
Contestants wait during the third round.
Getty Images
Abigail Violet Spitzer, left, of El Paso, Texas, celebrates with fellow competitors after she correctly spelled her word during the fourth round.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee —
Abigail Violet Spitzer, left, of El Paso, Texas, celebrates with fellow competitors after she correctly spelled her word during the fourth round.
Getty Images
Lori Anne Madison adjusts the microphone before spelling a word Wednesday. She failed to make it to the finals of the annual competition.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee —
Lori Anne Madison adjusts the microphone before spelling a word Wednesday. She failed to make it to the finals of the annual competition.
Getty Images
Samantha Steele thinks hard about her word during the second round.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee —
Samantha Steele thinks hard about her word during the second round.
Getty Images
Speller Lena Greenberg of Philadelphia covers her face during round 9 of the competition after she misspelled the word "geistlich." Greenberg was eliminated from the competition.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee —
Speller Lena Greenberg of Philadelphia covers her face during round 9 of the competition after she misspelled the word "geistlich." Greenberg was eliminated from the competition.
Snigdha Nandipati holds the trophy after winning the 2012 Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee —
Snigdha Nandipati holds the trophy after winning the 2012 Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday.
Getty Images