Young spelling champ is ready for nationals

Rachael Cundey's mother, Tammy, believes her daughter's age might work to her advantage this week when the 10-year-old competes in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

"I don't think she feels as much pressure as some of the older kids probably do," Ms. Cundey said. "I think she knows she'll have another chance one day."

When the South Columbia Elementary School fourth-grader practices, usually with the aid of a school computer, she's already thinking ahead to next year's spelling contest, Ms. Cundey said.

Of the 293 spellers competing this week in the National Spelling Bee, only 16 are younger than 11.

Still, when Rachael and Ms. Cundey arrive today in Washington, D.C., older spellers shouldn't take the unassuming youth too lightly. She has already defeated numerous seventh- and eighth-graders in county and regional contests to make it to the finals.

"I like to read a lot, which helps," Rachael said. "I also work on the computer. It'll call out a word that I then spell. It'll do that 25 to 50 times, and I usually will only get a couple of them wrong."

Rachael also studies etymology to prepare herself for words she might not recognize.

"Understanding where a word comes from, especially the country of origin, helps her know how to spell it," Ms. Cundey said. "Different countries have different spelling patterns, and she's learned what those are."

Rachael's itinerary this week includes a catered barbecue luncheon for spellers Monday and the first round of the spelling contest Tuesday using computers. Rounds two and three will be held Wednesday and streamed live on ESPN360.com. ESPN will televise the semifinal round at 10 a.m. Thursday and ABC will air the finals at 8 p.m. Thursday.

Despite the hectic schedule, the Cundeys intend to squeeze in some sight-seeing.

"I want to see the White House," Rachael said.

Rachael recently earned awards for the highest marks in her class in math, social studies, science and language arts.

Outside of academics, Rachael is an accomplished pianist and has taken up acting. In December, she played the title character in Cinderella Confidential , a comic retelling of the fairy tale.

"All the media attention she has received for winning the spelling bee has really brought her out of her shell," Ms. Cundey said of her once shy daughter.

"I do feel more confident," Rachael agreed.

Reach Donnie Fetter at (706) 868-1222, ext. 115, or donnie.fetter@augustachronicle.com