It was 13-year-old Brian King's last chance to make it to nationals. Eighth grade is the cut-off line for aspiring spellers. King's dream came true just in time.

"It was tough," said King, a student at Colorado Connections Academy. "The oral portion of the spelling bee lasted 4 hours." King's winning word was “traumatropism.” King says he listened for the dreaded bell to ring, which would mean he spelled the word wrong. The ring never came. That's when King realized he won the Colorado spelling bee.

Next stop, D.C. for the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May. King gets an all-expenses paid trip to the event, along with other prizes.

When asked what advice he would give to aspiring spellers, King said, "Just keep studying. Keep trying. Practice makes perfect."