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11 Make It to Spelling Bee Finals

Week began with record 293 spellers

By the Associated Press

Posted May 28, 2009 1:39 PM CDT

(AP) – Eleven youngsters have advanced to tonight's finals of the Scripps National Spelling Bee after surviving today's three semifinal rounds, which began with 41 candidates. Only five were eliminated in the first round, then 20 exited in an extremely difficult second round that knocked out some returning favorites. Among the words that stumped the spellers: "barbotte."

Veronica Penny, 11, of Hamilton, Ontario, competes in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Veronica Penny, 11, of Hamilton, Ontario, competes in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.   (AP Photo)
Andrew Traylor, 14, of Staunton, Va., competes in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington earlier today.
Andrew Traylor, 14, of Staunton, Va., competes in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington earlier today.   (AP Photo)
Serena Laine-Lobsinger, 13, of West Palm Beach, Fla., center, is congratulated for spelling her word correctly in round four of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Serena Laine-Lobsinger, 13, of West Palm Beach, Fla., center, is congratulated for spelling her word correctly in round four of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.   (AP Photo)
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