Tennessee kids head to the National Spelling Bee 🐝

Hello, everyone. This is children's reporter Rachel Wegner, buzzin' by with some fun news. (Forgive me. I couldn't resist.)

Three young Tennesseans are set to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which kicks off with its preliminaries on May 28. The competition culminates with its final round on May 30. The grand prize includes more than $50,000 cash and a really cool looking trophy.

Here's a little bit about each of the three spellers from Tennessee:

• Jashit Verma, age 9, Germantown: Jashit, who goes by Josh, said he's practicing all the time for the upcoming spelling bee. His family says they saw Josh's path to the national competition coming a long time ago. When he's not busy with school or practicing his words, he's into martial arts and playing guitar.
• Leila McLaurin, age 14, Knoxville: Leila is equal parts nervous and excited for the upcoming competition, which will be hosted just outside Washington, D.C. She hopes to make friends who share her interest in spelling along the way. She enjoys rowing on her crew team, singing and playing piano.
• Mina Chen, age 14, Nashville: Mina's dad said he was probably more nervous than his daughter as he watched her win regionals and secure her spot in the National Spelling Bee. Mina said she's dreamed about nationals since she was a little kid. In her free time, she enjoys making origami, playing Tetris and Minecraft and bowling. Another fun fact: She placed fourth on the state bowling team as an eight grader.

Check out my story with our summer news intern Jacob Beckwith to read more about the spellers and how you can keep up with the competition.