ATLANTA — Sarv Dharavane, a 12-year-old sixth grader from Peachtree Middle School in DeKalb County who, just over two months ago, became Georgia’s three-time spelling bee champion, repeated as the third-best speller in the nation at the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. Sarv outlasted 245 other local champions to finish third for the second consecutive year.
Through 17 rounds, Sarv spelled words including “heiau,” “vivificate,” “histidinemia,” “quillai,” “cour d'honneur,” “kurgan,” “Kadohadacho” and “origenism.” The word that tripped him up was “disa.” He spelled it “daisa.”
Sarv said, “I am so grateful for the tremendous support provided by the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) over the last three years. It has helped me experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and afforded me the responsibility of representing the state of Georgia at the Scripps National Spelling Bee.”
For aspiring spellers across Georgia, Sarv offered this advice: “If you are determined, you can achieve anything, no matter how arduous the goal. Even in the face of imminent adversity, channel your perseverance and you will be triumphant!”
“We are so happy and proud of Sarv and his family,” said Lisa Morgan, a kindergarten teacher and president of the Georgia Association of Educators, Sarv’s sponsor at the Scripps Bee. “We know the sacrifice that comes with preparing for such an achievement, and all of his hard work has paid off. While he didn’t win it all this year, coming in third in the nation again speaks volumes about his ability. All of Georgia congratulates Sarv!"
Sarv took home $15,000 and a commemorative medal.
Congratulations also go to Sreeya Lakkimsetti, Georgia’s runner-up from Columbia County, who tied for 30th place after exiting in the seventh round on the word “vancomycin.” As a semifinalist, Sreeya received a $500 gift card and a commemorative medal.
###
For more information, contact:
Kevin Pearson
[email protected]
678-837-1129
Copyright © 2026 Georgia Association of Educators. All Rights reserved.
