( CNN ) -- The winner of the 82nd annual Scripps National Spelling Bee said Friday she is `` pretty excited '' but a little tired . Kavya Shivashankar of Olathe , Kansas , reacts to winning the Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday night . `` This has been my dream for so long ; I 've always wanted to win the bee , '' Kavya Shivashankar , 13 , of Olathe , Kansas , told CNN . `` I was just really excited when I was able to go up and spell the last word . '' The eighth-grader won $ 40,000 in cash and prizes for nailing the final word , `` Laodicean , '' which means lukewarm or indifferent , particularly in matters of politics or religion . This year 's bee -- an event that has skyrocketed in popularity thanks to exposure on television and in movies -- started Tuesday in Washington with a record 293 spellers . Kavya endured 15 rounds . In an event that has seen contestants crack under the strain of the national spotlight , Kavya -- competing in her fourth national finals -- appeared composed throughout . Watch the poised winner describe the thrill » . As she spelled words such as `` phoresy , '' `` hydrargyrum '' and `` huisache , '' she calmly went through the routine of asking each word 's pronunciation , origin and roots before ticking their spellings off for the judges . `` I focus so much on my word ; I do n't really pay attention to all the cameras and photographers and all the media in front of me , '' she said Friday . Kavya 's father , who is her spelling coach , would tap his foot in time as she spelled the words , and at one point he appeared so confident that he waved to someone while his daughter was in the middle of spelling a word . Second-place finisher Tim Ruiter of Reston , Virginia , bowed out after misspelling `` Maecenas , '' meaning a generous patron of the arts . Kavya said she would miss competing in the spelling bee , as the rules do not permit her to enter next year . `` It was such a big part of my life , and I love doing it , '' she said . However , she may someday have a new role in the competition . `` If my [ little ] sister gets to D.C. sometime soon , I 'd really love to help and coach her , '' she said . Kavya attends California Trail Junior High School in the Kansas City suburb . Her hobbies include swimming , cycling and traditional Indian dance , according to the contest 's Web site . She plans on becoming a neurosurgeon . The first National Spelling Bee took place in 1925 , with five contestants . CNN 's Devon Sayers contributed to this report .
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 .