The Scripps National Spelling Bee celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, and former champions say the bee has changed their lives for the better because it taught them they can do hard things.

Bruhat Soma was unbeatable before he arrived at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, and neither the dictionary, nor his competitors, nor a lightning-round tiebreaker challenged him on the way to victory.

Dev Shah is the champion of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee is down to 11 finalists, many of whom flash their knowledge onstage by asking questions even though they know the answers.