From the moment Sree Vidya Siliveri could turn the pages of a book, words have been a source of joy, curiosity and challenge for this 8th-grade spelling champion. With a love for literature and a fascination with language, she has spent years mastering words—one letter at a time. Now a three-time spelling bee winner, she shares how her passion for words began, the dedication behind her success and what keeps her motivated
Sree Vidya, tell us a little about yourself! What do you love most about school?
I’m currently in 8th grade. My favorite subject in school is English Language Arts, because I’ve always been fascinated with books and literature. Some of my hobbies apart from spelling include reading, writing and swimming. I aspire to be a cardiothoracic surgeon and make a positive impact in my community.
What sparked your interest in the spelling bee? Have you always had a love of words?
Yes, I’ve always had an affinity toward words. My interest in the spelling bee was sparked at a young age. By the time I was 2, I was already excited to see words in books. When I was 7, I started reading the Harry Potter series and was amazed by the unique words. I had an early fascination with literature, and this led me to my first spelling competition (our local YMCA Spelling Bee), which I won in third grade. Ever since then, I’ve been captivated by spelling bees.
You've won three years in a row! How do you prepare for the bee?
I follow a study routine that includes learning word origins (from different languages) and patterns, typing the words and practicing with mock spelling bees. This helps me simulate the competition and improve my performance under pressure.
Do you ever feel nervous up on stage? How do you handle it?
Of course I feel nervous. To handle the nerves, I take deep breaths and focus on staying calm and composed. The only thing I think about is me and my word. I remind myself of all the work and preparation I’ve put in to come here. I also just try to enjoy the experience in general.
What advice would you give to other students interested in participating (and winning 🙂) the spelling bee?
I would say to stay dedicated. Practice regularly, learn information about the word and read more to expand your vocabulary. But most importantly, you should stay passionate about words and enjoy the journey. There are many ups and downs, but you should face the challenges along the way and just believe in yourself.
Do you have a favorite word?
My favorite word is pulchritude. It means beauty, and it comes from the Latin word pulcher, which means “beautiful”. I think it’s such a unique and elegant word. Pulchritude also shows up in the movie “Akeelah and the Bee,” which adds more meaning, as it’s a film that celebrates words and the spelling bee.
And now a question for Sreedhar Siliveri, Sree Vidya’s father: What advice do you have for other parents whose kids want to compete in the spelling bee?
When children develop an interest in spelling, a niche and unique skill, it can be challenging for them to fit in with their peers at school and in the community. This special talent sometimes leads to bullying by other children. As parents, we must support and encourage our children to stay focused on their learning and help them understand the future benefits of their hard work.
