Summary
Zaila Avant-garde of New Orleans, Louisiana, made history on July 8 as the first African American student to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The word she spelled correctly to win was "Murraya," which is a genus of tropical Asiatic and Australian trees. Her victory during the final round also means she is the first Black champion since Jody-Anne Maxwell in 1998. Avant-garde holds three Guinness World Records for her skill dribbling multiple basketballs at the same time and hopes to one day play in the WNBA. In addition to the title, Avant-garde takes home $50,000 in prize money.
Five Facts
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Who
is Zaila Avant-garde?
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What
is Avant-garde’s other passion, and what are some of her future aspirations?
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Why
is Avant-garde’s victory historically significant?
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When
did Avant-garde begin her competitive spelling career?
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Where
does the National Spelling Bee take place?
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How
did Avant-garde study for the spelling bee?
Focus Questions
What positive influence might Avant-garde, 14, inspire for other young students through her spelling bee victory and impressive basketball career?
Media literacy:
What emotions did you feel as you watched the spelling bee clip, from the word being pronounced to Avant-garde spelling it correctly, to the victor receiving her trophy?
For More
Check out
this article
for a deeper look into the spelling bee and Avant-garde’s impressive victory.
