Spelling Bee winner beats out Tulare County competition with 'ormolu'

Sarvadnya Kadam confidently asked Tulare County Spelling Master Scot Hillman the definition, origin and part of speech of each word he spelled.

His tactic for each round worked.

The word that secured Sarvadnya's eventual win was "ormolu," a gold-colored metal used in decorating furniture and ornaments.

The Oak Grove Elementary School student was declared the 24th annual Tulare County Spelling Championship winner on Thursday after going head-to-head for 15 rounds at Tulare County Office of Education. He beat out last year's winner, Ridgeview's Bryce Melgar in round 13 and runner-up Valley Life Charter School's Madison Hutchinson in round 14.

"It feels exhilarating," Sarvadnya said after his win. "It's certainty a big accomplishment."

Throughout the competition, the sixth grader spelled “liaise,” “weald,” “Terre Haute,” “agoraphobia,” “wilco,” and “ormolu” correctly.

Each year, more than 100 spellers compete – making Tulare County’s Spelling Bee the largest in the United States behind the national event.

"The winner earns the chance to have a trip of a lifetime to D.C. and participate in the national spelling bee,” Tulare County Superintendent Tim Hire said. “I couldn’t be more proud of our organization for putting that together and giving the kids that opportunity.”

Sarvadnya will now have the opportunity to go on to represent Tulare County at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in June. He says he is excited to compete and that he's watched the winning moments from the national competition on TV.

Last year’s winner, Bryce Melgar finished 32nd overall — the highest of any of the 22 spellers sent to D.C. from Tulare County in the past. The 2020 and 2021 national bees were held virtually.

"It's been a wonderful experience," Bryce said. Because he's in eighth grade, this was his last bee. While he will no longer be eligible to compete next year, Bryce's younger brother plans to try out.

The Ridgeview Middle School student was declared the 23rd annual Tulare County Spelling Championship winner on March 1, 2022, after going head-to-head for more than 20 rounds at Valley Strong Ballpark, where the Visalia Rawhide play.

"I have watched these spellers over the years and they amaze me with their knowledge and bravery," said Eric Woomer, Visalia Times-Delta editor and sponsor. "The success of these students should be a beacon to other students who want to get on stage and show off their spelling skills."

Open to all

The majority of words used during the bee are selected from the "Words of the Champions," a Scripps National Spelling Bee study resource.

The Tulare County Spelling Bee is open to all fourth through eighth grade Tulare County students. Each participating school competes in a preliminary round where the top two students – one champion and one alternate – move on to the countywide championship.

This year the event was held at Tulare County Office of Education instead of the ballpark, due to a forecasted storm that hit Thursday. However, with high tech video screens and clear sound, the audience praised the venue and staff.

It's also the first year without retired special events coordinator, Nancy Bellin. She retired last year after more than 40 years with the county office of education.

After announcing her retirement, Bellin was surprised with an appreciation gift sent from Scripps, congratulating her on her "next chapter."

The Spelling Bee’s success and growth over the years are attributed to Bellin, who watched via streaming from home.

"Nancy has left a legacy," Hire said. "She’s trained staff, and we are blessed with wonderful people who have grabbed the baton and run. This will be nothing short of what its been for all the years under her leadership."

The Tulare County Spelling Bee is sponsored by the Visalia Times-Delta in coordination with TCOE. The Rotary Club of Visalia, which chipped in money for prizes.

"One of the seven pillars of Rotary is education and literacy. The Visalia Rotary Club is proud to support our area's Spelling Bee this year," Rotary President Scott Jacobsen said. "Our Rotary Club is committed to education in our local communities."

Visalia Times-Delta reporter Lauren Jennings contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Spelling Bee winner beats out Tulare County competition with 'ormolu'