Kat Kinsman went to the National Spelling Bee at age 13 in 1986 . Hide Caption 3 of 11 Photos Now she was with kids who lived for language play , lovely books , good grades . I 'd wanted to go to that museum for ages , but instead , I took my place in the audience and watched my friend Karla battle through several more rounds before butting up against Kat did n't win trophy , but won a friend who kind of understood her .
Kat Kinsman went to the National Spelling Bee at age 13 in 1986 . Hide Caption 3 of 11 Photos Now she was with kids who lived for language play , lovely books , good grades . Kat did n't win trophy , but won a friend who kind of understood her .