New Spelling Bee Champion: Duaa Ouznali

After nearly 30 rounds of spelling and vocabulary challenges, Duaa Ouznali from Bright Horizon Academy is the new countywide spelling bee champion, correctly spelling the winning word droshky, a public carriage used in Russia.

Now, the 8th grader will go on to represent San Diego County at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in the Washington, D.C. area in late May.

The San Diego County Scripps Regional Spelling Bee celebrates school-site spelling bee winners in grades 6 through 8 from public and independent schools throughout the county as they proudly displayed their linguistic prowess while connecting with peers. It was organized by ABC 10News in partnership with the San Diego County Office of Education and presented by San Diego County Credit Union.

The San Diego County Office of Education has been a countywide Spelling Bee partner for many years, highlighting the importance of academic rigor, preparation, and perseverance for our region's young people.

"Our young spelling bee competitors showed their determination, skill, and love of literacy at the competition today," said Dr. Gloria Ciriza, San Diego County superintendent of schools. "The County Office of Education is so proud to support this incredible event and cheer on each student who won at their schools."

The competition started off with 93 spellers in the crowded gymnasium at the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA in San Diego. The words were tough, but the kids rose to the challenge. By Round 2, only a third of the spellers remained. For the last several rounds, a handful of spellers gracefully tackled one obscure word after another. By Round 13, there were only two spellers left. They went back and forth for another 14 rounds of increasingly difficult words.

Vann Torio from O'Farrell Charter was the runner-up and will be an alternative in case Ouznali is not able to compete at the national level.