The two brainiacs representing Colorado at the Scripps National Spelling Bee outside Washington, D.C., this week advanced through the first and second rounds of the competition Tuesday morning.

Vedanth Raju, of Aurora, exited the Scripps National Spelling Bee in the semifinals with the word "ellestadite."

It’s a moment years in the making for Blanche Li, who just wrapped up eighth grade from Colorado, as she competes in the Scripps National Spelling Bee this week.