Biloxi Student Makes Third Round Exit From National Spelling Bee

Eighth-grader Josef Jackson made it through two rounds of the national spelling bee only to be tripped up by the word "voltigeur."

By: Jamie Burch | WKRG-TV
Published: May 28, 2009

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JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Biloxi eighth-grader Josef Jackson made it through two rounds of the national spelling bee Wednesday only to be tripped up by the word "voltigeur."
Jackson, a student at St. Patrick Catholic High School,
incorrectly spelled it as "voltajeure."
Jackson had gotten through the first-round written test of 25
words and the second round, where he spelled "species" correctly.
"Voltigeur" means a tumbler, a leaper or vaulter.
Jackson won the Mississippi competition in March. He was the
only Mississippian competing in the 82nd Scripps National Spelling
Bee in Washington.
Only 11 of the 293 spellers made it to the finals. The winner
receives more than $40,000 in cash and prizes.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)