Abilene student to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee for a 3rd year in a row

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Sariah Titus has excelled in school since she was a young girl. She excelled in her grades and later discovered the Regional Big Country Spelling Bee at Hardin Simmons University.

She decided to compete in 5th grade at Ortiz Elementary in Abilene Independent School District (AISD).

Winning the regional competition and securing her seat at the Scripps national spelling bee competition. As a 6th-grade Mann Middle School student, she won again and, for a second time, headed to represent Abilene nationally. But now, as a Wylie Independent School District 7th grade Wylie West Junior High Student, Sariah is a three-peat champion.

Just last month, on February 22, she won the Big Country Spelling Bee for a third time. Since then, she has been preparing for nations once again studying the dictionary.

“It was pretty scary the last two times, but I came more prepared this third time. Even if I don’t win this year at the National Spelling Bee, I’ll be grateful because this is my third time going to the National Spelling Bee, and that’s a pretty big thing,” explained Sariah.

This time, she changes things by studying even harder and with family. She credits her loved ones and teachers as her reason for success.

“I will be studying my dictionary. I will be studying the word club app. I will be asking people to help me study because it’s better when you get to study with more people because you’ll have a team, and they’ll be on your side. My family’s really excited for me. My family’s been my number one supporter since I was born. I’ve been a good student. I’ve been getting all A’s and stuff like that. They’re really proud of me. I would have never gotten here without my family,” added Sariah.

Shariah reminds other students who want to participate in spelling bees but are nervous about trying it once they don’t give up.

“Honestly, my advice is don’t doubt yourself if you’re like trying to spell a word, don’t doubt yourself that much. Don’t try and think, Oh, I think it’s this, but I’m going to go with this. Don’t do that. Just go with the flow. Push yourself to study more. Get like a study group with teachers, friends, family, stuff like that. Don’t try to do it all by yourself because when people work together, you’re allowed to accomplish things better,” shared Sariah.

Sariah plans to pursue a career in the health field, where she hopes to utilize her spelling and memorization skills to achieve her goal. The Wylie ISD community and her supporters are excited to cheer her on as she competes nationally, representing Abilene from May 27 to May 29. You can enroll at the Scripps National Spelling Bee website.