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Kavya Shivashankar is the Winner of the 2009 Spelling Bee Contest

Kavya Shivashankar is the 2009 Spelling Bee Champion. She won the competition by correctly spelling the word “Laodicean“.

You must be wondering what does “Laodicean” really means?

Laodicean means? “Indifferent or lukewarm especially in matters of religion.”

Kavya Shivashankar, 13 and from Kansas wrote out every word on her palm and outlasted 11 other finalists in 16 rounds! What’s even more amazing is that Kavya has bagged $40,000 in cash and other prizes along with a huge trophy and worldwide recognition. What more can a 13 year old teen want?

One interesting thing to note about Kavya Shivashankar is that this was the 4th time she took part in the Spelling Bee Contest and the previous 3 times she finished in the top 10. And this time, she became the Winner of the 2009 Spelling Bee Contest.

Is it true, that if you try hard enough you eventually get it! It should be a lot of work to prepare so many obscure words but the pride that comes after winning is well worth it.

Her friends and parents must be so proud of her!