The 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee kicked off Tuesday at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center at National Harbor with seven spellers from Maryland among the 242 contestants vying for the championship title. Representing various counties across the state, these young wordsmiths included Quint Karlsson, Amelia “Bindi” Ray, Lauren Merillana, Luke Noblezada, Arya Bhavansikar, Aruuke Rayeva and Megan Barrientos. But after the first several rounds of the three-day competition, a few Marylanders were knocked

For live updates on Maryland’s spellers who advanced, stay tuned right here to our live blog. We’ll be tracking progress, sharing photos and fun facts, and cheering on our seven Maryland word whizzes every step of the way. Let the spelling begin!

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