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Robert Frost Student Finishes 20th in Scripps National Spelling Bee

Although she only studied about one or two hours a day for two-and-a-half months, Lauren Merillana made it all the way to the semifinals of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

The Robert Frost Middle School seventh grader stumbled on the word rendzina, which is a type of soil, during Round 9. That landed her in 20th place.

“Honestly, spelling has been a thing my whole life,” she told MCM. When she was eliminated during a fifth-grade spelling bee, the North Potomac resident decided to become more serious.

Being on television in the national spotlight, among 241 other amazing spellers was both amazing and nerve-wracking. “It’s a mix of both. It was so stressful, but I also met some really cool spellers,” she said.

In a biography on the Bee’s website, it states, “Lauren is a voracious reader that enjoys playing armchair detective while digesting mystery and thriller novels. “

“I am not going to lie. Yes, I like reading and English,” she said.

She writes short stories and enjoys logic games and puzzles of all sorts.

The 13-year-old also loves to swim, play the flute, digital design and programming using Python.

Reaching Round 9 was more than she thought would ever happen. “I never expected it at all,” she said.

When asked if she planned to try to return to the Bee next year, Lauren replied, “Of course, I am going to try and get back to the Bee next year. It was a great experience.”

She understands she will need to study harder and more consistently to reach the national stage again where many of the competitors study for hours a day and have private tutors.

For now, her plans include “definitely going to take a short break, but not a long one.”

Lauren correctly spelled cubeb as her family watched.

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