Andrew's brother, Patrick, was the 1992 Shawnee County spelling champion. Five spellers will be making their third appearance in the Shawnee County bee. The group of contestants will include a set of twins, Amrita Mehta and her brother, Amol. The twins' parents are Rajen and Sudha Mehta. All of the contestants graded well in school and district elimination tests.
National rules prohibit participation after a student has advanced beyond eighth grade.
Registration will begin at 9 a.m. in the lobby outside the Washburn Rural auditorium. Each speller will wear a number card that will identify him or her on stage throughout the contest. A practice round and orientation session will follow at 11 a.m. Contestants will have an opportunity to ask questions and spell a word just for fun. Kevin Wagner, program director for WIBW-FM radio and official bee pronouncer, will conduct the practice round and continue to pronounce words when serious spelling follows a noon lunch break.