Belvidere Student To Participate In National Spelling Bee

How do you spell hometown pride?

For this 13-year-old Belvidere junior high student, it's pretty easy.

That's because Mera Moucharrafie, from Belvidere, is representing the Rockford area this week at Scripps National Spelling Bee.

According to Moucharrafie's bio, she's a Belvidere Central Middle School student. Her favorite author is R.J. Palacio, while her favorite TV show is Gilmore Girls. Lastly, Moucharrafie's favorite musician is Camila Cabello.

Moucharrafie is one of 519 spellers nationwide participating in the tournament, and one of 26 representing the state of Illinois.

Round 2 Preliminary action at the Scripps National Spelling Bee kicked off at 9:15 a.m. this morning.

Sweet Lenny is the brand manager of 97ZOK and Operations Manager for Townsquare Media Rockford. Catch him afternoons 3 to 7 on 97ZOK. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram and like his page on Facebook.