Girl, 6, competes in National Spelling Bee

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., May 31 (UPI) -- Lori Anne Madison, a home-schooled 6-year-old from Woodbridge, Va., became the youngest competitor ever Wednesday in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

She only survived one round, The Washington Post reported, spelling "dirigible" perfectly. On the next round, Lori Anne mistakenly began "ingluvies" -- the crop or wide part of the esophagus of some mollusks, birds and insects -- with the letter e.

Lori Anne made one other mistake, telling ESPN reporter Samantha Steele, who was given the world "slobberhannes," that she thought it was a joke. Improbable as it might seem, slobberhannes is the name of a variant of the card game hearts.

When she was spelled out, Lori Anne returned to her seat without drama, exchanging a few high-fives with other competitors. Since she can compete in the bee until she finishes the eighth grade or turns 15, she has plenty of time.

The semifinal and final rounds of the bee will be held Thursday at Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center at National Harbor, Md.