Claire Smith, a student at Southwestern Middle School in DeLand, will be competing in the National Spelling Bee May 28-30. Claire, who’s only 12 years old, is a seventh-grade student who was the winner of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Region 2, which advanced her to the National Bee.

Claire thrives on creativity. She loves to write, mainly short stories, has been a voracious reader from an early age, and loves poignant coming-of-age novels.

Although a native Floridian who loves the water, she is also an avid snow skier and mountain hiker.

Smith will be No. 37 at the bee and, it’s safe to say, our community is rallying behind her. Go, Claire!