Here are the students from DC, Maryland and Virginia competing in the Scripps National Spelling Bee

WASHINGTON - There are more than 500 students pining for the chance to be crowned the Scripps National Spelling Bee champion.

The students will stand in the spotlight upon the stage at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor for a chance to win more than $40,000 in cash and a lifetime of bragging rights. The preliminary rounds were slated for Tuesday and Wednesday, while the finals were scheduled for Thursday.

Ananya Vinay of Fresno, California captured the title in 2017 when she correctly spelled "marocain," which is a dress fabric.

The District, Maryland and Virginia have 51 students competing, making up nearly 10 percent of the field chasing the championship.

Here are the following students competing in the Scripps National Spelling Bee from the District, Maryland and Virginia: