The 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee saw Zaila Avant-Garde claim winning place – she might just be the coolest 14-year-old you’ve ever come across. We’re delving into her personal life, including her parents and her other hobbies!
The 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee aired from Walt Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
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Who is Difficult Avant-Garde?
Well versed in a whole manner of interests, the 14-year-old has definitely got people talking.
Not only did she take home the crown of the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee, she was also reportedly the first Black American student to do so! Zaila was able to correctly spell ‘Murraya’ before claiming victory over the winning place.
Winning the National Spelling Bee is a grand achievement in its own right – but the teen is also a basketball prodigy. Is there anything that this girl can’t do?
In talks with PEOPLE, Zaila mentioned that her further aspirations involved attending Harvard University “as a basketball player and student” one day.
If you already think Zaila might be the coolest 14-year-old on the planet, wait until you hear this. The teen genius further added: “I like working with NASA and doing gene editing. I have a lot of different things I’m interested in.”
That’s quite the jam-packed resumé for a teenager!
Who are the Spelling Bee winner’s parents?
Reportedly, Zaila’s parents are named Alma Heard and Jawara Spacetime and the family live in Harvey, Louisiana.
According to this source, the teen’s father, Jawara Spacetime, is actually the reason that Zaila got involved in Spelling Bee contests.
Although many spelling competitors start from a young age – some as young as Kindergarten – Zaila only started a few years prior. Apparently, Jawara Spacetime saw the bee on television and it struck him that his daughter’s ability for calculating maths problems in her head could translate well into spelling. Well, the rest is history!
Obviously, Zaila’s parents are extremely proud – who wouldn’t be? Jawara Spacetime was spotted in the crowd at the National Spelling Bee.
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Watch a clip from the 2021 National Spelling Bee
Want to see Zaila in action? Take a look at the clip below:
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