Roscoe, Illinois 8th grader to compete in 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee

CHICAGO (WLS) -- An Illinois 8th grader is going to the finals of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Avani Joshi is from Roscoe, near Rockford. She correctly spelled "lophophytosis," which is a disease that affects owls, in Sunday night's semifinals.

Scripps National Spelling Bee cancelled due to COVID-19, takes away last chance at championship for DuPage County 8th-grader

In one round of the competition, students not only spelled words, but had to select their meaning from a list of three choices. Last year's competition was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Avani Joshi is one of 11 students who will compete in the finals of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. They will air July 8 on ESPN2.

Congrats, Avani!