Lori Anne Madison: Youngest to Enter National Spelling Bee
Lori Anne Madison, a 6-year-old from Virginia, has become the youngest person to ever enter the National Spelling Bee.
On Friday, Madison earned the winning trophy at the 34th Prince William County Spelling Bee, besting 21 of the best spellers from elementary and middle schools in the area.
"It's hard to put into words really … but at the least I felt great," Madison told Fox affiliate WTTG-TV of her win.
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During Friday's competition, the home-schooled 6-year-old had correctly spelled "vaquero," which is the Spanish word for cowboy.
"I was confident because I have been in spelling bees with older kids before and I judge them by who they are, not about age," she explained.
Similar to "soccer moms" or pageant parents, Madison's parents, Alex and Sorina, decided to play a huge role in her education. The Madisons worked on spelling skills continuously ahead of the competition.
"We practiced that word several times because she kept getting it wrong," Madison's mother told InsideNOVA.com of the winning word "vaquero."
"We really insisted on that word so I knew for sure she would nail it," said the mom.
Madison will travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May. Among the 276 other spellers, she will be the youngest competing for over $40,000 in cash and prizes.
"I work hard and love to find new and interesting words in the dictionary," Madison said to ABC News during an interview.
On Twitter, Madison has already become spelling bee fan's favorite.
Girlmuseum wrote, "Lori Anne Madison is a spelling queen bee!"
"Congratulations to the cutie pie who's heading to the National Spelling Bee," posted Sarah.
"Wow," wrote Twitter user Vanessa of the 6-year-old's incredible feat.
The National Spelling Bee has taken place since 1925. ESPN will broadcast the event live.
