NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Dunwoody, GA, May 31, 2025: Eleven-year-old Sarv Dharavane of Dunwoody made Georgia proud by clinching third place at the prestigious 100th Scripps National Spelling Bee held in National Harbor, Maryland, this past week.
A fifth grader at Austin Elementary School in DeKalb County, Sarv was the youngest finalist in this year’s bee and the first Georgia student in more than two decades to make it to the championship round. His remarkable achievement shines a spotlight on the state’s emerging young talent and reflects the deep commitment to academic excellence within metro Atlanta’s communities.
Sarv advanced through 14 grueling rounds of spelling mastery before being eliminated on the word “eserine,” a medicinal compound. His journey to the national stage was paved with victories, including back-to-back wins at the Georgia Association of Educators State Spelling Bee—an exceptional accomplishment for someone his age.
In 2024, Sarv had tied for 22nd place in his first appearance at the national bee. This year, his infectious enthusiasm and sharp intellect captured the attention of judges and audiences alike, earning him widespread praise and admiration. His animated stage presence and positive attitude added to the excitement of what many are calling the most thrilling spelling bee in recent memory.
“He’s such a bright and driven young man,” said one of his supporters from DeKalb County. “We’re all incredibly proud of how far he’s come and what he’s achieved.”
The 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee was ultimately won by 12-year-old Faizan Zaki of Texas, who correctly spelled “abseil” in the final round. But for many in Georgia, Sarv was already a champion.
As Sarv Dharavane returns home, his community is celebrating not just his spelling skills, but the discipline, curiosity, and drive that have brought him national recognition at such a young age.
For more inspiring stories from Georgia’s Indian American community, visit www.nripulse.com.
