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Scripps National Spelling Bee: Louisiana’s Zaila Avant-garde wins

As one of the top 8th grade basketball players in the United States, Zaila Avant-garde should be quite familiar with the concept of "survive and advance."

Now, the 14-year-old from Harvey, Louisiana, knows just what it's like to have her one shining moment. 

Zaila prevailed in the final round over 12-year-old Chaitra Thummala of Frisco, Texas, by correctly spelling the word "Murraya" – a genus of tropical Asiatic and Australian trees having pinnate leaves and flowers.

Zaila outlasted a field of 11 finalists to win the 2021 title and the first-place prize of $50,000 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. In the process, she became the first Louisiana resident to win the title in the 93-year history of the competition. 


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