By Leah Yanuszeski, Review Intern
Not many people know what the word pugilist means, or know how to spell it for that matter.
But Kirk Hansen, an eighth grader at Waldon Middle School does. He won the Oakland County Regional Spelling Bee, and is moving on to the national competition.
The showdown takes place May 31 through June 6 where Hansen will be spelling with the best of them in Washington D.C.
‘I’m excited, but a little nervous. Everyone is expecting to see me on television,? Hansen said.
What might suprise some is Hansen’s favorite subject is math.
‘I actually really don’t like English,? he said, ‘I’m just good at it.?
As for outside of academics, Hansen has kept himself busy with travel soccer, football, basketball, and track. President of the student council and NJHS member can be added to the list.
This is not Hansen’s first bragging right. He also holds the title of winner of the geography bee for his school.
With brains in one hand, and a dictionary in the other, Hansen looks forward to competing against some of the best word-smiths in the country.