Broward Spelling Bee Champ, Dylan Olster

Let’s take the ‘backstory time machine’ to 1972. A young Daryl Olster has won his school spelling bee at South Miami’s Ludlam Elementary. However, when he went on to participate in the countrywide competition, he failed to take home a trophy. Fast-forward to Tuesday, however, and you see Olster’s 14-year-old son, Dylan, carrying on the tradition at Broward’s annual spelling bee. Since he is a little too young for the prize to be a used Jeep Grand Cherokee, his big reward was a trip to Washington D.C. for the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May. Miami-Dade students will compete for the same prize next week, with both sponsored by Burger King. Let’s take a closer look at Dylan’s win!

The contest lasted hours and hours, and it concluded with Dylan’s successful spelling of the word “suffragette.” The 8th-grader at Pembroke Pines Carter Middle School was able to pull it off as soon as he heard the origin of the word. “Usually French words have ‘ette,’ ” Dylan said. His father, well-versed in spelling, told him to, “slow down – enunciate the words – take your time.” Dylan was one of over 100 students, who were already champions at their school, to head to Tuesday’s competition. Although there were separate middle school and elementary competitions, only the middle school winner would progress. Travel is being provided to the Scripps National Spelling Bee by American Airlines, and we look forward to seeing our Broward and Miami-Dade champs excel. Best of luck, Dylan!