Cooper Edwards a top speller at the Scripps National Spelling Bee

Cooper Edwards, a Niwot Elementary School fifth-grader, represented his community on the national stage at the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee on May 28 and May 30. Edwards has earned his place among the nation's 250 top young spellers, showcasing a dedication to the spelling competition while balancing other hobbies as well.

Edwards' journey to the National Spelling Bee began earlier this year when he won first place at the Boulder Valley Regional Spelling Bee. He approached the national competition as a good opportunity to showcase his skills and have fun.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee, held annually in Washington, D.C., is a praised institution, drawing the best young spellers from across the United States and other countries. Participants are tested on their ability to spell a wide range of words, from common to difficult. The competition is renowned for its challenging nature, and making it to the national level is an amazing achievement, which is why Edwards' involvement has sparked feelings of pride in his family and community.

His preparation routine included daily spelling drills with the use of specialized study tools to master origins and definitions of challenging words. His parents, teachers, and friends have stood behind him, providing a support system and encouraging him to have fun along the way. He has practiced using the Word Club app as well as the with the assistance of his older sister, Paige, and advises other young spellers to not put pressure on themselves, and to just enjoy the process.

Edwards does not only hold claim to his achievement in spelling, but at such a young age, he also partakes in various other extracurriculars and passions, such as music, reading, watching basketball, and swimming. He is lead guitarist and singer of his band, and he claims that his on-stage experience has helped him feel more prepared and less frightened to spell in front of such a large audience.

Ultimately, Edwards' participation in the Scripps National Spelling Bee is just another testament to his extraordinary dedication and love for learning.