North Middle School sixth grader Zelong (Victor) Yang came in second place at the 2024 Scholarskills Long Island Westchester Scripps Spelling Bee on March 21 and advanced to the National Scripps Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.

Victor’s journey to the national competition started at the North Middle School Spelling Bee on January 11, where he won first place after 25 challenging rounds of competition. He excelled on subsequent computer-based exams that tested his spelling skills against other students from across Long Island, which earned him an invitation to the Scholarskills Long Island Westchester Scripps Spelling Bee.

This year’s regional spelling bee included the top spellers from 50 schools across Long Island, with contestants ranging in age from fifth through eighth grade. The grueling competition lasted over 4 hours. After 21 rounds of spelling, Victor was victorious once again, with an impressive second-place finish.  

For 2024, the top three winners from the regional competition qualify for the National Scripps Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. This is the second consecutive year that a North Middle student will represent the region at the national competition.

Victor went on to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. in May 2024 where he advanced all the way to the quarterfinals!  Upon his return back to school, Victor was greeted by his classmates for a hero's homecoming welcome.