Local Spelling Bee Winner Comes Close In DC

The word of the day is "DEMARCHE". That's what sealed victory in this year's national spelling bee in Washington DC. George Thampy of Maryland Heights, Missouri knew how to spelling the winning

Friday, June 2nd 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The word of the day is "DEMARCHE". That's what sealed victory in this year's national spelling bee in Washington DC. George Thampy of Maryland Heights, Missouri knew how to spelling the winning word, which is French for "special maneuver." Two Oklahomans did make it to the 5th round including 13 year old Christopher Daniel. The home-schooled student from Broken Arrow was doing just bee-utifully until he was hit for a word, "PATOIS" meaning "alternate dialect." As champion, George Thampy takes home a big trophy and $10,000. Oklahoma's other competitor was a 13 year old from Lawton.