Spelling star aims for top prize at third straight trip to national bee in DC
Josh Verma sits down May 15 for an interview at The Daily Memphian’s offices before his third-consecutive trip to the Scripps National Spelling Bee. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian)
During the COVID-19 pandemic, preschool teacher Jenna Black was leading a virtual session with 4-year-old Josh Verma.
They were talking about continents, and Josh had many questions, as usual. Black mentioned that Josh could look up many such questions in an encyclopedia after their virtual sessions.
And then Josh did something that astonished Black: he spelled “encyclopedia” right back to her.
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Jody Callahan
Jody Callahan graduated with degrees in journalism and economics from what is now known as the University of Memphis. He has covered news in Memphis for more than 25 years.
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