Shruthika Padhy, 13, who goes to Rosa International Middle School in Cherry Hill, is one of the "octochamps." The word she spelled to win: aiguillette.
(It's the braided rope that hangs from the shoulder of a military or naval uniform.)
Another student, from North Jersey, was among the eight winners: Christopher Serrao, 13, of Whitehouse Station. His word: cernuous.
Each one of these kids made it through 20 rounds. And rather than splitting the cash prize, each one will get $50,000. And each one will get a trophy.
And, probably, the organizers will have to reevaluate their words for next year.