The opportunity came about when Choudhary was selected by WXYZ to represent the Detroit ABC affiliate at the competition. She was also picked by WXYZ for the national spelling contest in 2024.
Choudhary finished as a quarterfinalist last year, tying for 60th place, and is taking a different approach this time, with a focus on enjoying the moments. Her mother Lalita Mishra, who also serves as an admissions representative for Canton and South Pointe Scholars, said taking it slow will be key.
“As we’ve been practicing, she would spell very fast,” Mishra said. “When you spell very fast, you might think you said a letter, but you really didn’t. So she is focused on slowing down and asking for the word in a sentence or the part of speech or language of origin.”
Canton Principal Jennifer Conley said she is proud of Divya’s accomplishment and that it’s a meaningful accolade for the entire school community.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee is a familiar event for Divya and her family. Her older sister Pragya was a competitor at the same competition in 2018. Mishra said some families are all about athletics, but her family’s efforts are focused on academics and the spelling bee.
As for her preparation, Mishra said spelling words has gone beyond simply studying; Choudhary has made spelling a part of her everyday life. This nonstop focus on spelling should benefit Choudhary for the 100th Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Canton has outperformed the local district for nearly 20 years and is not only proud of their spelling champion, but they’re also excited to root her on this month. Principal Jennifer Conley said she is proud of Choudhary and her accomplishment is meaningful to the entire school community.
“Competing in the Scripps National Spelling Bee is no small feat,” Conley said. “It requires not just talent, but discipline, perseverance, and a true love of learning. Her dedication and success reflect the values we hold dear at Canton Charter Academy: academic excellence, personal growth, and a commitment to challenge oneself.
Choudhary is making her second consecutive appearance in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. She finished as a quarterfinalist in 2024.
“This accomplishment inspires students, energizes educators, and reminds us all of what’s possible when you work hard in an area you are passionate about.”
Mishra said she is also excited to cheer on her daughter and will be beaming with pride when Choudhary is on the stage spelling in Washington, D.C.
“I always tell her I’m very, very proud of her,” Mishra said. “I tell her: ‘I love you no matter what.’”
Good luck, Divya! Way to represent Canton Charter Academy!
Jaya (left), Divya (middle), and Pragya (right) Choudhary pose outside of the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, the site of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.Check out a school near you!
About Canton Charter Academy
Canton Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Canton, Michigan, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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