Visalia school celebrates student’s triumph at Scripps National Spelling Bee

VISALIA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A student from Visalia who won second place in the Scripps National Spelling Bee came home from Washington, D.C. to find he had won first place in the hearts of his classmates and teachers.

Eighth-grader Sarvadnya Kadam from Oak Grove Elementary says he went into his third year of competition with his eyes on the prize.

“My first time at nationals, I was 23rd [place], my second I was 60th,” Kadam said. “That drop just enraged me – this year I was like, ‘I’m going to do everything I can.'”

Though Kadam came in second, he says his competitive spirit is still driving him toward perfection saying “the job’s not done.”

“I’m obsessed with the idea of perfection,” Kadam said. “I’m still not completely satisfied.”

Kadam says his parents’ sacrifices were integral to his success and as much as he will continue to push himself, he admits he wouldn’t be as good as he is now without them.

“It’s not even a 50/50 [effort],” Kadam said. “It’s like 75% and 25%.”

Kadam’s classmates and teachers celebrated him and his parents at home with a special rally and banners congratulating him on his success.