Competitaors in the 88th Scripps National Spelling Bee semifinals wait for their turns to spell on stage at the Gaylord National Convention Center in Washington
Ankita Vadiala of Manassas, Virginia, reacts to not receiving enough points to advance to the finals of the 88th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland
Jairam Hathwar of Corning, New York, is comforted by his parents Roopa (L) and Sriram after he failed to spell "riegel" during the semi-final round of the 88th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland
River Blount of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, receives a kiss from his mother Shannon after he failed to spell "fauces" during the semi-final round of the 88th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee at National Harbor, Maryland