Durham Reporter

Fourth-grader Frank Dumas probably isn't accustomed to media attention, but he may want to get used to it, as Dumas is going to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee this summer.

Dumas, a student at Bethesda Elementary School in Durham, earned the trip to Washington, D.C., by winning the Duke Regional Spelling Bee.

"I thought that I could do it,” he told ABC 11 News, when asked about winning the local bee. 

What sparked his interest in words and spelling? Frank's mother told ABC 11 News that she challenged him and his twin sister after she saw them studying Spanish and French words on the Duolingo app. The new twist was to use the language app to uncover new words and learn their spellings and their roots.

"He doesn't like to mess up, so he will put in a lot of effort to study and come up with strategies that help him reach his goals,” his mother said, according to ABC 11 News. “He’s always seeking to find out how he can overcome any challenges that he faces so he can be successful."

Frank's love of language paid off. He is one of 200 students from across the country who have been invited to compete in the national spelling contest. 

His success in the regional competition came as no surprise to his teachers.

“Frank is extremely hard-working, always putting 100% into his work,” fourth-grade teacher Nicole Thompson told ABC 11 News. “He really is a team player. He wants everyone to do well together.”

The national bee is scheduled to start Thursday, June 2.