winner describe the thrill '' As she spelled words such as `` phoresy , '' `` hydrargyrum '' and `` huisache , '' she calmly went through the routine of asking each word 's pronunciation , origin and roots before ticking their spellings off for the judges . `` I focus so much on my word ; I do n't really pay attention to all the cameras and photographers and all the media in front of me , '' she said Friday . Kavya 's father , who is her spelling coach , would tap his foot in time as she spelled the words , and at one point he appeared so confident that he waved to someone while his daughter was in the middle of spelling a word . Second-place finisher Tim Ruiter of Reston , Virginia , bowed out after misspelling `` Maecenas , '' meaning a generous patron of the arts . Kavya said she would miss competing in the spelling bee , as the rules do not permit her to enter next year . `` It was such a big part of my life , and I love doing it , '' she said . However
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The winner of the 82nd annual Scripps National Spelling Bee said Friday she is `` pretty excited '' but a little tired . Kavya Shivashankar of Olathe , Kansas , reacts to winning the Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday night . `` This has been my dream for so long ; I 've always wanted to win the bee , '' Kavya Shivashankar , 13 , of Olathe , Kansas , told CNN . `` I was just really excited when I was able to go up and spell the last word . '' The eighth-grader won $ 40,000 in cash and prizes for nailing the final word , `` Laodicean , '' which means lukewarm or indifferent , particularly in matters of politics or religion . This year 's bee -- an event that has skyrocketed in popularity thanks to exposure on television and in movies -- started Tuesday in Washington with a record 293 spellers . Kavya endured 15 rounds . In an event that has seen contestants crack under the strain of the national spotlight , Kavya -- competing in her fourth national finals -- appeared composed throughout . Watch the poised