Local student makes Scripps National Spelling Bee finals

One local student has made it to the finals in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.

Aishwarya Kallakuri, 14, is from Valor Prep Academy in Concord, and is one of the nine contestants to reach the final.

Kallakuri qualified for the national competition after participating in the Carolina Panthers Regional Spelling Bee in March.

Eight students from North Carolina and five from South Carolina qualified for the national spelling bee.

Kallakuri competed in the spelling bee in 2024 and tied for 22nd place.

The finals will be held tomorrow, Thursday, May 29.