As soon as the announcer said the word “Gotterdammerung,” Hindy Naparstek knew she wouldn't be able to spell it.Even though she had conquered hundreds of words to get where she was, that one formidable word cost her the competition.
Hindy represented Myrtle Beach in the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee on Wednesday morning in Washington, D.C. She was eliminated after the second round.
But 13-year-old Hindy wasn't disappointed, said her mother, Chanie Naparstek. It was Hindy's first year to compete in the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee, and she was just glad to be there.
“You come here and you see how many times the other kids have come,” Chanie said. “It's sort of like an exclusive club.”
It was some contestants' fifth year at the bee.
Hindy completed a written spelling test during the first round but was eliminated in the second round after misspelling Gotterdammerung, which is a collapse marked by catastrophic violence and disorder.
MB speller happy with round two
As soon as the announcer said the word “Gotterdammerung,” Hindy Naparstek knew she wouldn’t be able to spell it.
Even though she had conquered hundreds of words to get where she was, that one formidable word cost her the competition.
Hindy represented Myrtle Beach in the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee on Wednesday morning in Washington, D.C. She was eliminated after the second round.
But 13-year-old Hindy wasn’t disappointed, said her mother, Chanie Naparstek. It was Hindy’s first year to compete in the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee, and she was just glad to be there.
“You come here and you see how many times the other kids have come,” Chanie said. “It’s sort of like an exclusive club.”
It was some contestants’ fifth year at the bee.
Hindy completed a written spelling test during the first round but was eliminated in the second round after misspelling Gotterdammerung, which is a collapse marked by catastrophic violence and disorder.
The competition was slightly nerve-wracking, Hindy said, but overall she felt like she did a good job.
“I was kind of excited, kind of nervous,” she said. “There were a lot of people there.”
There were 275 contestants this year, more than any other year in the bee’s history. A maximum of 90 contestants could progress from round two.
A love of reading is the main source of Hindy’s talent for spelling, her parents said. Spelling lessons are also part of the curriculum at Chabad Academy, where she attends school, but otherwise Hindy didn’t do a lot to prepare.
“She reads a lot,” Chanie said. “She didn’t cram or rack her brains.”
Just getting to D.C. meant a series of accomplishments for Hindy. She won her school spelling bee and reaffirmed her spelling skills at The Sun News’ 18th annual Regional Spelling Bee back in March. The Sun News sponsored her in the national competition.
For Hindy and her family, just making it to the national bee was an honor.
“For me it was a surprise, you know, you don’t expect it,” said Hindy’s father, Rabbi Yossi Naparstek.
Not to be discouraged, Hindy said she plans to participate in more spelling bees in the future.
“We are very proud of Hindy, and we think she’s amazing,” said Chabad Academy Principal Leah Aizenman.
chabadnik
Kol hakavod!
The Herz-z
Hey Hindy were proud of you even though you messed up on Gotterdammerung,
You made a tremendous Kidush Hashem.
Proud to be your cousin
hindy-s sister-s friend!
GO HINDY!!!!!!!CONGRADULATIONS ON GETTING THERE….YOU MADE A BIG KIDDUSH HASHEM!
Chezky and Libby
Hindy we are very pround of you.
friend from camp
hindy gr8 job
Sara
Yasher Koach! Just getting to that round of the competition is impressive enough. Thanks for the tremendous Kiddush Hashem.
*bracha
I’ve never heard of Gotterdammerung…good job Hindy! What a big kidush Hashem!
Just Kidding
I heard that the kid that won the whole cometition was from Oholei Torah. Could someone varify that?
lys
that word really got- her- dam- wrong
big sis
Hey Hindy You were great! I’m glad you had an amazing time. I;m so proud of you!!!
nh
good job Hindy
Chazanow
Hindy, we are proud of you firstly for being the kind of girl you are– eidel, sweet, a Chassidishe Bat Chabad! Also for your accomplishments that sent you to Washinton for the national competition. Telchi mechayil el choyil! Zeidy & Bubby.
Levi and Chanale
Dear Hindy!!
Mazel Tov! Mazel Tov! Were so proud of you- the whole manalapan is chatting away about what a Kiddush Hashem you made!! Were gald you were able to make it home for Shavous… love, your cousins…
csz
good job! i can’t right more, because i dont know how to spell.
friend from camp E.
mazel tov! i so happy 4 u!
ur next door neighbor from camp
enyone know whaat goterdam..watever means?
hannah
hindy !!
good job !!
someone told me about seeing you on here i was like wow hindy naparstek the hindy naparstek who thinks shes a grape and was in my bunk in the summer!!!! hindy your an amazing kid and you spell much better then me !!! congradualtions
Cuzin who doesn-t know how to spell
hay hindarella!!!!!!!!! Cood yoo teech mee how two spell?
friend from camp!
hey hindy good job!
your a excallent speller!
know it all
Gotterdammerung
n : myth about the ultimate destruction of the gods in a battle with evil