Miami Sixth Grader Makes Finals Of National Spelling Bee

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - A six grader from Miami was one of only 45 students to advance to the finals of the Scripps National Spelling Bee which will be held Thursday in Maryland.

Vasundara Govindara advanced after correctly spelling "Nostradamus" and "prenuptial" correctly.

Good spelling runs in her family. Her brother participated in the national spelling bee twice, according to CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald. Vasundara said she hopes to bring the cup home to make her brother happy.

But that won't be an easy task. Organizers made the competition harder this year to avoid the long and late showdown that happened last year.

The kids range in age from six to 14, with about the same number of boys and girls.

The winner will receive prizes, a trophy and $40,000.

CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald contributed to this report.