Spelling Bee Winner
Thursday, May 31 2012
Snigdha Nandipati, an eighth-grader from San Diego, Calif., won the 85th Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday, May 31. Along with capturing the trophy, the 14-year-old will take home $40,000 in cash and prizes, including a $5,000 scholarship from the Sigma Phi Epsilon Foundation. Her winning word? "Guetapens," a French-derived word for an ambush, snare or trap.
For the seventh year, the Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation will present a $5,000 college scholarship to the winner. Board of Governors member Anthony Balestrieri, George Washington ‘03, will bestow the scholarship at the closing banquet on Friday night, June 1.
The Foundation sponsors the Scripps National Spelling Bee because SigEp believes that when students improve their spelling, they increase their vocabularies, learn concepts and develop correct English usage that will help them all their lives. This principle aligns with SigEp’s goal to be a valued partner in higher education. Good spelling provides a basis for education and communication, which are building blocks for success, credibility and leadership.
Many past winners have made appearances at the biennial SigEp Conclave, and we look forward to the 2012 and 2013 winners joining us in August 2013 in Dallas.
The finals were televised live on ESPN, which created plenty of excitement among proud SigEp brothers and friends. Many brothers across the country posted on Facebook and Twitter about their pride in SigEp for supporting the Bee.
Read more fascinating facts about the spelling bee and this year’s competitors.
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