Following in the footsteps of her older sister Pragya (a 2018 competitor) and building on her own stellar runs as a fifth and sixth grader, including a quarterfinalist finish where she tied for 60th place, Divya is heading into this year's competition with a mix of veteran experience and fresh energy.
When asked how she feels about making her third straight appearance, Divya couldn't hide her enthusiasm.
"I am very, very excited. I have so much adrenaline in my nerves. I get to go back to where I belong. I am excited about the competition and to see and make new friends."
Eyes on the Finals
Divya isn't just going to Washington, D.C. to enjoy the scenery, she has a definite goal for her final year of eligibility.
"I want to be able to make it into the finals this year," she says.
To get there, her study regimen remains rigorous. Divya has been leaning on resources like SpellPundit and the North South Foundation (NSF) Competition study lists. Instead of slowing down, she manages to consistently study 1,000 words a night while maintaining her busy schedule.
The Ultimate Balancing Act
What makes Divya’s spelling success even more remarkable is the sheer volume of activities she juggles outside of academics. As a student within the National Heritage Academies® (NHA®) network, where academic excellence goes hand-in-hand with personal growth, Divya isn't just a spelling champion, she is a leader across Canton Charter Academy’s campus.
"I have really been learning about time management," Divya explains. "I do a lot outside of just spelling. I am in the Science Olympiad, Robotics, I run the newspaper, I play chess, I’m the president of student council, music, and National Honor Society."
Driven by Moral Focus™ and Family Support
A cornerstone of the NHA experience is the Moral Focus™ curriculum, which integrates character development virtues like respect, responsibility, and integrity into daily learning. When reflecting on the specific virtues that have carried her through three years of elite national competition, Divya points straight to a powerful combination of character and the bond she shares with her mother, Lalita Mishra who also serves as Canton’s admissions representative.
"Perseverance and encouragement. Every step of the way, my mom has been there encouraging me."
As Canton Principal Jennifer Conley previously noted, competing at this level requires immense discipline, perseverance, and a true love of learning. Divya embodies those traits perfectly, living out the core principles of the Moral Focus™ curriculum and inspiring the entire school community every time she steps up to the microphone.
The entire Canton Charter Academy and NHA school community are incredibly proud of Divya. We will all be watching and cheering her on as she represents NHA and her school on the national stage.
Good luck, Divya!
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 high school across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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