The Scripps National Spelling Bee crowned co-champions May 29 when Sriram Hathwar and Ansun Sujoe spelled “stichomythia” and "feuilleton," respectively, to take home joint titles in the prestigious competition.

But a third figure got fans talking on social media. During the live broadcast of the finals on ESPN, Dr. Bailly became a trending topic on Twitter. See what the Twitterverse was saying about Jacques Bailly, UVM classics professor, 1980 national spelling champion, and official pronouncer since 2003 at the Scripps National Spelling Bee:

Punxsatawney tweettweetspellfie tweethero tweetsass tweetTrue Detective tweetchamp tweettweetdebate tweetgift tweet

PUBLISHED

05-30-2014
Amanda Kenyon Waite
UVM alumna and reporter Natalie DiBlasio covered the bee for USA Today. Watch her interview the contestants.