Ethan Robert, a 13-year-old 8th grader from New Berlin, Wisconsin, is preparing for his second appearance at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, scheduled for May 26. Last year, he achieved an impressive 10th place finish, showcasing his talent for spelling. Ethan's preparation involves nightly study sessions, where he focuses on understanding spelling rules rather than memorizing individual words. He believes this approach helped him succeed in the previous competition. His mother, Sophia Anthoni, recalls Ethan's early reading skills, noting he began reading at the age of three. Alongside his spelling endeavors, Ethan is also enrolled in college-level classes at Eisenhower Middle School, highlighting his academic prowess. As he gears up for the competition, Ethan expresses excitement about the challenge, stating that spelling is a fun activity for him. The Scripps National Spelling Bee will feature live rounds on May 27 and 28, allowing viewers to witness Ethan's performance on a national stage.