Two Oklahoma Sixth-Graders Compete In National Spelling Bee

UPDATE: According to the National Spelling Bee web site, neither Richelle Zampella nor Cole Shafer-Ray advanced on to the semifinalist round of 42 students. Additional rounds on Wednesday included a computer-based vocabulary and spelling exam and students with a score of 32 or better advanced.

Two Oklahomans are competing in this year's Scripps National Spelling Bee. 

A Muskogee sixth-grader Richelle Zampella, 12, attends the Oklahoma School for the Blind.

In the third round Wednesday afternoon, Richelle spelled "trianon'"correctly. Richelle also competed in the 2012 Scripps National Spelling Bee.

The other Oklahoman is Cole Shafer-Ray of Norman. He is also 12-years-old.

Cole, who attends Alcott Middle School spelled "polyonymous" correctly in the third round.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee semifinals are Thursday afternoon with the finals Thursday evening in the Maryland Ballroom at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center.