Newtown Student To Represent Connecticut In 2024 National Spelling Bee

NEWTOWN, CT — A Newtown student has been named the 2024 Connecticut Spelling Champion.

7th grader Hayden Hughes claimed the crown after fending off 45 others assembled for The Connecticut Spelling Bee on Sunday, March 3. Before emerging victorious, the Hughes Homeschool student took to the microphone 14 times, tackling words like "berceuse" and "chalcolithic" before correctly spelling her winning word, "dropsical."

Hayden will represent Connecticut during the Scripps National Spelling Bee, May 26 through May 31, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Port Washington, MD.

After winning the Bee in West Hartford, hometown of Noah Webster, Father of the Dictionary, Hayden said,"I am thrilled to be the CT Champion! I had a great experience at the Bee, and look forward to representing Connecticut at Nationals!"