Latest news with #FaizanZaki
Time of India
10-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Faizan Zaki Nails ‘Éclaircissement': US teen with Telangana roots wins US Spelling Bee; to donate part of $50k prize
Thirteen-year-old Faizan Zaki, an Indian-American, has won the Scripps National Spelling Bee in the US by correctly spelling "éclaircissement." He intends to donate a portion of his $50,000 prize to underprivileged communities in the US and India. Faizan's journey began in first grade, intensifying with dedicated study and coaching. HYDERABAD: Fresh off his triumph at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in the US, 13-year-old Faizan Zaki reflects on a remarkable journey — from a small private school classroom to one of America's most prestigious academic stages. The Indian-American teen clinched the championship by correctly spelling "éclaircissement," a French word meaning "an enlightening explanation." Faizan, generous at heart, plans to donate part of his $50,000 prize money to support underprivileged communities in both the US and India. "I've been blessed with opportunities, but I know many others aren't as fortunate," he says. "We haven't finalised where to donate yet, but I hope my contribution gives others a chance to shine." His spelling bee journey began in first grade when his school made participation mandatory. "I got lucky and won, and that success motivated me to aim higher," he recalls. But his early years were far from easy. "I started as a rookie with little knowledge of language patterns, roots, and exceptions," he says. Things changed when he joined a group chat of fellow spellers, where he picked up vital strategies and coaching tips. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo Faizan's preparation was intense. He read dictionaries, studied thousands of words using SpellPundit, and often stayed up past 2 am juggling homework and spelling practice. "Balancing both was tough," he admits. Crucial to his success were his coaches, who conducted rapid-fire drills to plug his weak spots. Faizan also relied on Google Sheets to track tricky words and used Merriam-Webster's Unabridged Dictionary to master obscure etymologies and letter patterns. Born and raised in the US, Faizan's roots trace back to Telangana. His father, Anwar Zaki, hails from Khammam, while his mother, Dr Arshia Quadri, is from Hyderabad and studied medicine at Gandhi Medical College. The family has made regular visits to India, with the most recent one in July 2023. "This year, we had to skip the trip due to Faizan's preparation, but we plan to visit again soon," says Anwar, who has lived in the US since 1997. Faizan remembers the moment the final word was announced. "I recognised it instantly. I knew I had it," he says. "Spelling each letter clearly, I felt relief and joy when I realised I'd won. It was the culmination of a seven-year journey." His victory sparked celebrations not just in the US but also in Hyderabad and Khammam. "My grandma from Khammam and aunt called us right after the news broke — they were thrilled," he says. "I love visiting Hyderabad and Khammam — the kindness of people, the amazing food, and the mix of greenery and modernity always stay with me," Faizan says. Representing the Indian-American community on such a big stage was also deeply meaningful. "My dad always said, 'This win is for the entire Indian diaspora,' and that inspired me to push harder." A fan of competitive maths, Faizan hopes to pursue it further. Outside academics, he enjoys playing the viola, speedcubing, and hanging out with friends — many of whom he met through spelling bees and still keeps in touch with. "These friendships are among the most rewarding parts of my journey," he says.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Spelling Zaki: Teen with Telangana roots stings the Spelling Bee
Hyderabad: Fresh off his triumph at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in the US, 13-year-old Faizan Zaki reflects on a remarkable journey — from a small private school classroom to one of America's most prestigious academic stages. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Indian-American teen clinched the championship by correctly spelling "éclaircissement," a French word meaning "an enlightening explanation." Faizan, generous at heart, plans to donate part of his $50,000 prize money to support underprivileged communities in both the US and India. "I've been blessed with opportunities, but I know many others aren't as fortunate," he says. "We haven't finalised where to donate yet, but I hope my contribution gives others a chance to shine." His spelling bee journey began in first grade when his school made participation mandatory. "I got lucky and won, and that success motivated me to aim higher," he recalls. But his early years were far from easy. "I started as a rookie with little knowledge of language patterns, roots, and exceptions," he says. Things changed when he joined a group chat of fellow spellers, where he picked up vital strategies and coaching tips. Faizan's preparation was intense. He read dictionaries, studied thousands of words using SpellPundit, and often stayed up past 2 am juggling homework and spelling practice. "Balancing both was tough," he admits. Crucial to his success were his coaches, who conducted rapid-fire drills to plug his weak spots. Faizan also relied on Google Sheets to track tricky words and used Merriam-Webster's Unabridged Dictionary to master obscure etymologies and letter patterns. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Born and raised in the US, Faizan's roots trace back to Telangana. His father, Anwar Zaki, hails from Khammam, while his mother, Dr Arshia Quadri, is from Hyderabad and studied medicine at Gandhi Medical College. The family has made regular visits to India, with the most recent one in July 2023. "This year, we had to skip the trip due to Faizan's preparation, but we plan to visit again soon," says Anwar, who has lived in the US since 1997. Faizan remembers the moment the final word was announced. "I recognised it instantly. I knew I had it," he says. "Spelling each letter clearly, I felt relief and joy when I realised I'd won. It was the culmination of a seven-year journey." His victory sparked celebrations not just in the US but also in Hyderabad and Khammam. "My grandma from Khammam and aunt called us right after the news broke — they were thrilled," he says. "I love visiting Hyderabad and Khammam — the kindness of people, the amazing food, and the mix of greenery and modernity always stay with me," Faizan says. Representing the Indian-American community on such a big stage was also deeply meaningful. "My dad always said, 'This win is for the entire Indian diaspora,' and that inspired me to push harder." A fan of competitive maths, Faizan hopes to pursue it further. Outside academics, he enjoys playing the viola, speedcubing, and hanging out with friends — many of whom he met through spelling bees and still keeps in touch with. "These friendships are among the most rewarding parts of my journey," he says.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
ÉCLAIRCISSEMENT: Texas Teen Wins 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee
Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old from Allen, Texas, clinched the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday, correctly spelling 'éclaircissement' to claim the title and over $50,000 in cash and prizes in a dramatic final round. Zaki, last year's runner-up, triumphed over eight finalists in the centennial Scripps National Spelling Bee, hosted at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center near Washington, D.C. The contest began with 243 spellers aged 11 to 14, narrowed to Zaki, Sarv Dharavane, 11, and Sarvadnya Kadam, 14. All three misspelled words in one round, forcing a tense additional round. 'I can't remember the last time we've seen this kind of late-round drama here at the spelling bee,' Paul Loeffler, the Bee's TV analyst, said, per CBS News. In the 21st round, Zaki faced Kadam and spelled 'éclaircissement,' a noun meaning a clearing up of something obscure. He pumped his fists and collapsed to the floor in excitement after finishing the word. 'I'm really happy,' Zaki said afterward. Earlier, he faltered on the spelling of 'commelina' but was reinstated after collective missteps by his fellow finalists. Zaki's victory as the 110th champion of the Scripps spelling bee adds to Texas' legacy of spelling champions. He is the 17th winner from the Lone Star State. Beyond the Scripps Cup, he earned a $50,000 prize from Scripps, a $2,500 award and reference library from Merriam-Webster, and $400 in Encyclopædia Britannica reference works. A self-proclaimed 'linguistics nerd,' Zaki is eyeing the math olympiad next, reflecting his wide-ranging interests. The Scripps National Spelling Bee, which started in 1925, will move to Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., in 2026.
Kuwait Times
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Kuwait Times
Faizan Zaki, 13, crowned US National Spelling Bee champion
Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old boy from the Dallas area, won the 97th Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday, swiftly nailing the French-derived word 'eclaircissement,' synonymous with enlightenment, in the 21st round of the contest finals. He edged out 14-year-old Sarvadnya Kadam, from Visalia, California, who finished in second place after misspelling 'Uaupes,' a tributary of the Rio Negro in South America, in the 20th round. Zaki, who was last year's runner-up, had correctly spelled 'Chaldee,' a dialect of the Biblical Aramaic language, in the 20th round. But under spelling bee rules, Zaki needed to land one more word in a solo round to claim the trophy. He did so in round 21 by instantly and precisely spelling 'eclaircissement' - defined as a clearing up of something obscure. He surprised the audience by giving his answer without taking the customary pause afforded contestants to ask the judges for more information about the word's origins, meaning and pronunciation. He was crowned champion in a hail of confetti before being joined on stage by his parents and other relatives, and will receive $50,000 in prize money. Cyleane Equra Ama Quansah, 11, of Accra, Ghana spells her word. Kaden Haddox (left), 12, of Steubenville, Ohio reacts after successfully spelling his word in the preliminaries. The spelling finalists are seen before the finals of the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. Faizan Zaki , 13, of Dallas, Texas holds up the Scripps Cup after winning in the 21st round of the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. Faizan Zaki, (second right) 13, of Dallas, Texas holds the Scripps Cup alongside family and friends after winning. E. W. Scripps Company CEO Adam Symson (left) hands Faizan Zaki (right), 13, of Dallas, Texas the Scripps Cup after winning in the 21st round of the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. Zaki, a resident of Allen, Texas, had nearly been eliminated in round 18 when he rushed, and stumbled over, the spelling of 'commelina,' a genus for some 200 species of dayflowers. But his two fellow finalists at that point, including Kadam, likewise fumbled their words, leading to a 19th round in which all three boys returned, but only two - Zaki and Kadam - survived to face off in the decisive 20th round. Sarv Dharavane, an 11-year-old boy from Tucker, Georgia, finished in third place after misspelling 'eserine,' the antidote of choice for many poisons, with one 's' too many. Thursday's total roster of nine finalists emerged from three days of competition at a convention center outside Washington, DC, among 243 contestants aged eight to 14 who advanced from regional competitions across the country. Challenged with some of the most difficult and least-used words that English has to offer, many young competitors amazed spectators with their ability to produce the correct spellings with poise and precision. The Scripps media group has sponsored the event since 1925, with three years off during World War Two and one more for the COVID pandemic in 2020. Most competitors were from the United States, coming from all 50 states. Other spellers came from Canada, the Bahamas, Germany, Ghana, Kuwait, Nigeria, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. - Reuters
Time of India
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
What is ‘Éclaircissement'? See how a Texas teen's perfect spelling sealed the Scripps National Spelling Bee!
See how a Texas teen's perfect spelling sealed the Scripps National Spelling Bee In a nail-biting final that showcased both linguistic mastery and emotional resilience, 13-year-old Faizan Zaki of Allen, Texas, emerged victorious at the 97th Scripps National Spelling Bee, held on May 29, 2024. This remarkable win came just a year after Zaki's second-place finish in the 2023 Bee, positioning him among a rare group of comeback champions. The event, hosted just outside Washington, D.C., captivated viewers with unexpected turns, high-pressure moments, and a showcase of America's brightest young spellers. With a flawless rendering of the word 'éclaircissement' in the championship round, Zaki secured the coveted title and the $52,500 top prize. But the road to victory was far from straightforward. How a rare rule saved Faizan Zaki's chance at the championship The final round featured eight exceptional spellers, all of whom had advanced through rigorous rounds of competition. Among them were Sarvadnya Kadam and Sarv Dharavane, both of whom had built strong reputations throughout the preliminary rounds. During one of the pivotal rounds, Zaki was presented with the word 'commelina', a genus of flowering plants. In a moment of misstep, he began spelling it incorrectly, getting the first three letters wrong before halting himself. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo According to the rules, prematurely attempting a word usually results in disqualification. However, head judge Mary Brooks determined that Zaki's answer was incomplete, and allowed the round to end without penalizing him fully. This rare decision reset the competition, bringing back Sarvadnya and Sarv for another attempt. Unfortunately, both were eliminated in subsequent rounds, while Zaki recovered with striking composure. His focus in the final stages proved unshakable, culminating in his championship-winning performance. How Faizan Zaki joined the elite club of Spelling Bee comeback winners Faizan Zaki now joins an elite circle of spelling bee participants who've managed to return from a near-win to ultimately take home the title. He is only the fifth contestant in the Bee's nearly century-long history to achieve this feat and the first since Sean Conley in 2001. In 2023, Zaki had narrowly lost to Bruhat Soma in a 'spell-off' lightning round — a format introduced to break ties with speed-based spelling. Despite the disappointment, Zaki continued to train rigorously, using his previous experience as motivation. His perseverance not only earned him the championship but brought his total spelling bee earnings to $77,500, including the $25,000 runner-up prize from the previous year. When asked how he used part of his previous winnings, Zaki shared that he had purchased a $1,500 Rubik's Cube with 21 squares per side, underscoring his fascination with intellectual challenges and puzzles. What is Éclaircissement Zaki's winning word — 'éclaircissement' — is a French-derived noun that means 'clarification' or 'an enlightening explanation.' Its use in the final round added an extra layer of difficulty, not only due to its French origin and spelling nuances but also because of its relatively rare usage in everyday English. Zaki's swift and confident delivery of the correct spelling demonstrated both his phonetic precision and his deep familiarity with language etymology. Honoring the past and looking ahead The 2024 competition also marked a significant milestone in the history of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. This year's event was the final one held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland — the Bee's home for the past 14 years. Beginning in 2026, the event will move to the DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., a historic venue just blocks from the White House. This change in venue is part of the build-up to the 100th anniversary of the Bee, which will be celebrated in 2025. To commemorate the occasion, past champions were invited to this year's finals as special guests, highlighting the legacy and cultural impact of the competition. Inside the Scripps National Spelling Bee Founded in 1925, the Scripps National Spelling Bee is more than just a spelling contest — it's a high-pressure intellectual competition that demands months (if not years) of preparation. Participants, mostly between the ages of 11 and 14, must master word roots, language rules, etymology, pronunciation, and foreign-derived vocabulary. Winners often gain not just prize money, but national recognition, academic opportunities, and scholarships. The grand prize package, sponsored by the E.W. Scripps Company, includes: $50,000 cash An engraved championship trophy A $2,500 cash prize from Merriam-Webster A reference library and subscription package Airfare and accommodations for finalists and their families What makes a champion? Faizan Zaki's edge Zaki's victory is a reflection of more than raw talent — it showcases qualities like mental resilience, composure under pressure, and sustained dedication. Experts in education and cognition often point to spelling bee champions as models of how early intellectual challenges can shape young minds. Zaki's journey, especially his recovery from the 2023 loss, illustrates the value of persistence in the face of setbacks. With his Rubik's Cube collection and passion for wordplay, Zaki has proven that curiosity and commitment are at the heart of elite-level academic achievement. 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