A Southern California eighth-grader saw his impressive journey at the Scripps National Spelling Bee conclude on Thursday when he stumbled on the word “lochage,” an obscure term from ancient Greek military history, during the seventh round of the contest.
Benjamin Reinhard, a 14-year-old from Maranatha Christian School in 4S Ranch, came very close to success but ultimately misspelled the word by using a “K” instead of an “H,” as reported by KPBS.
The term “lochage” is defined by the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary as the leader of a lochus, which is a small unit of an ancient Greek army consisting of approximately 100 to 200 soldiers.
Benjamin was one of 24 participants who exited the competition in that round, which narrowed the group from 54 down to 30 remaining contestants, resulting in a tie for 31st place for him.
Hailing from the San Diego area, Benjamin made significant strides by successfully tackling numerous rounds filled with challenging spelling and vocabulary tasks.
Prior to reaching the quarterfinals, he and his fellow competitors faced a rigorous 30-question test that assessed both spelling and vocabulary skills.
Officials stated spellers needed at least 13 points to advance, a hurdle that reduced the field from 167 contestants to 95.
During Wednesday’s quarterfinals at Constitution Hall, Benjamin correctly spelled “vamplate” and nailed a vocabulary question by identifying “fastidious” as someone who “has a meticulous, demanding attitude.”
He then advanced to the semifinals by correctly spelling “Wesleyanism,” the system of Arminian Methodism taught by John Wesley.
This was the 14-year-old’s only opportunity to compete in the national bee, as eligibility is limited to students in eighth grade or below.
Benjamin originally qualified by winning the San Diego County Scripps Regional Spelling Bee in March, clinching the regional title in the 23rd round by correctly spelling “kenosis”—the relinquishment of divine attributes by Jesus Christ in becoming human.
While his national run has come to an end, the celebration continues at home, as Maranatha Christian School holds its eighth-grade promotion ceremony this Thursday.
