Kavya Shivashankar of Kansas , Olathe , wins in eighth trip to national finals . The 13-year-old eighth -grader will receive $ 40,000 in cash and prizes . Focus on task keeps cameras and media from distracting her , Kavya Shivashankar says . Kavya attends California Trail Junior High School in the Kansas City suburb . Girl may return to scene if younger sister does well in future competitions .
Kavya Shivashankar of Kansas , Olathe , wins in eighth trip to national finals . The 13-year-old eighth -grader will receive $ 40,000 in cash and prizes . Focus on task keeps cameras and media from distracting her , Kavya Shivashankar says . Girl may return to scene if younger sister does well in future competitions .