History raises questions about the almost exclusive focus on neonics to explain the regional bee crisis.

FORBES: Science Collapse Disorder -- The Real Story Behind Neonics And Mass Bee Deaths

In fifth grade, he won New York City's regional bee on his first try and went to the national Scripps Bee, losing early in the competition.

WSJ: National Spelling Bee Winner Arvind Mahankali Ponders Next Move

While this might be someone's first outing in the orthographic Super Bowl, it takes many rounds -- from school bees to local to regional -- to qualify for the National Spelling Bee.

CNN: The agony and ecstasy of the National Spelling Bee