By Associated Press
Birmingham, AL – Grace Pyo has spelling words on her i-Pod and practices spelling about two hours daily.
Pyo, a home-schooled eighth-grader from Shelby County, will represent Alabama in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which begins Wednesday in Washington. She won the state spelling bee in March.
To get ready, Pyo has been delving into Greek and continuing her study of Latin root meanings, which make up many English words.
Pyo said her training also includes walks with her mom and prayer time.
The 14-year-old said she would like to make it to the E-S-P-N semifinal round in the morning or the finals on A-B-C that night. But Pyo said she won't be devastated if she doesn't win.
Both broadcasts are Thursday, May 31st.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)