NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Tampa, FL, April 11, 2025: A Florida family is challenging the integrity of the spelling bee system after their 12-year-old daughter, Amara Chepuri, was disqualified from the Tampa Bay regional spelling bee—despite initially being declared the winner.
Amara, who clinched the top spot by correctly spelling the word “sashay,” was later stripped of her win by contest organizers. The trophy and a coveted spot at the Scripps National Spelling Bee were instead awarded to the runner-up, Vlada Kozhevnikova.
The decision to disqualify Amara stemmed from an earlier round at her school-level competition, where she misspelled the word “pallbearer” and was eliminated. According to her parents, the word was not on the pre-approved study list provided to contestants, and therefore, the ruling was unjust.
The Chepuri family also alleges that the original list of words was not fully exhausted before new words were introduced, which goes against the guidance provided to participants. This misstep, they argue, led to confusion and unfair eliminations.
After her initial elimination, Amara qualified for the regional competition through a homeschool co-operative. However, even after winning the regional bee, she was disqualified again—this time from the national competition. The Scripps National Spelling Bee upheld the decision, stating she was ineligible due to the earlier disqualification.
Her parents have since filed complaints and sought due process hearings from various educational and spelling bee authorities, urging them to protect student rights and ensure transparency in the process.
“Amara is one of the top spellers in Florida,” her father told reporters. “She prepared diligently and won fair and square. She deserves to compete on the national stage.”
Cover photo courtesy: SpellingBee.com
