DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Disha Jain, an eighth-grader from Owen J. Roberts Middle School, emerged as the champion of the 2025 Chester County Spelling Bee on Monday, February 10, 2025. Jain clinched first place by correctly spelling the word “mademoiselle,” earning her a spot in the prestigious 100th Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee this spring in National Harbor, MD.
“The moment I realized I won, I was overwhelmed with emotions,” Jain shared. “I was excited and honestly a little shocked; I was not expecting to get this far… I felt really happy in that moment.”
Top Competitors and Event Details
Jain competed against nearly 40 other participants, all of whom had earned their place by winning their respective school spelling bees. The event, hosted by the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), tested students on more than 135 challenging words.
The competition also saw strong performances from other top finishers. Santosh Kandasamy of G. A. Stetson Middle School, Akshara Patil of Lionville Middle School, and Vrishank Cherukuri of Great Valley Middle School tied for second place, while Varun Desai of Charles F. Patton Middle School placed third.
Jay Della Ragione, special events coordinator for CCIU, highlighted the broader significance of the bee. “The Chester County Spelling Bee is more than a competition; it’s a platform for developing critical thinking skills,” Della Ragione said. “We’re nurturing intellectual discipline and building confidence while helping students expand their vocabulary. These participants demonstrate remarkable dedication in honing their linguistic abilities.”
Jain’s Preparation and Advice
Jain credited her victory to diligent preparation and a calm mindset. To get ready for the event, she studied the provided materials, wrote down challenging words, and memorized their origins and definitions. She found it especially helpful to revisit difficult words, a process that paid off during the event.
One particularly tough word for Jain was “internecine,” but she relied on clues about its definition and origin from the pronouncer to piece it together. “Even if you’re unsure, just say what you think is correct,” she advised aspiring spellers.
Jain also emphasized the importance of staying confident under pressure. “Practice is important; knowing most of the words, their origins, and definitions can help when spelling a tough word. But confidence and remaining calm is key,” she said. To stay composed, she used deep breathing and positive thinking throughout the competition.
Prizes and Recognition
As the champion, Jain was awarded a one-year subscription to Merriam-Webster Unabridged Online, a one-year subscription to the Encyclopedia Britannica Student Edition, a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card, and a Scrabble board game. The second-place winners each received a Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary, a $35 Barnes & Noble gift card, and a Bananagrams game. The third-place winner was given a $20 Barnes & Noble gift card and a Bananagrams game.
Looking Ahead
Jain’s triumph qualifies her to represent Chester County at the 100th Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee, where participants from across the nation will compete for the championship title. The local event, sponsored by CCRES Educational and Behavioral Health Services and Baldwin’s Book Barn, served as a stepping stone for Jain as she prepares for the next level of competition.
With her hard work and strategic mindset, Jain is well-positioned to take on the challenges ahead and proudly represent Chester County on a national stage.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.