The third time was not the charm for 14-year-old Melodie Loya of Bainbridge who was eliminated in the seventh round of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The home-schooled student made it farther this year than in the last two years but she will be too old to compete in next year’s bee. Officials gave props to Loya on the bee’s official Twitter account saying they were sad to see one of their most charming spellers leave the stage.

Who won?  It was a historic first in the competition as eight finalists tied for the championship!  Each winning speller receives a Scripps Cup and $50,000 cash prize from Scripps.

More From Big Cat - Country with Attitude