The 12-year-old home-schooled boy who won Saturday's state spelling bee entered the contest on impulse just a few weeks ago. Josiah Hamill, of Franktown, began studying in early February, although many contestants prepare for months or even years. He nailed stupefacient, meaning "bringing about a stupor," to win the 65th annual competition, sponsored by the Rocky Mountain News. Josiah's dad, Brad Hamill, leapt into the air and clapped after the last word. Reporters surrounded the young champion, who attributed his win to God "for helping me and letting me win." He survived the four-hour competition that ended in a grueling...
