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WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) -- The spellers have taken the stage for the 83rd Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.

Houghton Elementary School fifth grader Noah D. Gershenson will be competing in the National spelling bee.  Noah competed at the state level of the National Geography Bee and is a member of the school's math team.  Prelims for the competition will begin at 1:15 p.m. EST.

Fourteen-year-old Allison Black of Ider, AL started things off Thursday morning by approaching the microphone and correctly spelling "serendipity."

The 273 spellers from around the world are vying for the winner's trophy and more than $40,000 in cash and prizes.  The champion will be crowned Friday night in primetime on national television.

Thursday's competition consists of two rounds.  The results will be combined with Wednesday's written test to determine the semifinalists.

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