Monterey County student to compete in Scripps National Spelling Bee finals

A Monterey County student is headed to the finals of the 90th Scripps National Spelling Bee.

13-year-old Paul Hamrick of Monterey is sponsored by the Monterey County Office of Education.

Hamrick will compete in the finals Thursday. He is in the 7th grade and is homeschooled.

During round one on Wednesday, he correctly spelled the word scaturient and in round two he spelled the word unbudgeable.

This is the first time in 22 years a Monterey County Champion has made it to the Scripps National Spelling Bee finals.

Hamrick will be awarded $40,000 if he wins the competition and $30,000 if he comes in second place.