WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ross Gibson, a home-school student in Pickens County, advanced through the first two rounds of the 2008 Scripps National Spelling Bee before being eliminated Thursday morning.

Despite that fact, Ross, who lives in Sunset, correctly spelled “cardiopathy.” He scored a combined 12 in the first two rounds. The record number of 288 contestants from around the world, were required to achieve a score of 20 to advance to the quarterfinals.

About 90 students advanced to the quarterfinals, broadcast live on ESPN360.com from 2 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Thursday. The semifinals will air live from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. today on ESPN, while the finals will take place from 8 p.m.-10 p.m. tonight on ABC.

The overall winner will receive a $30,000 cash prize and an engraved trophy from Scripps. In addition, the winner will receive a $2,500 savings bond from Merriam-Webster, a $5,000 cash prize from Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation and reference works from Encyclopedia Britannica valued at more than $3,800.

The spelling bee is recognized as one of the most prestigious events in which a young person can take part. To advance to Washington, D.C., a student must win their grade and schoolwide competition levels. The final step on the road to The Nation’s Capital comes through the regional competition, consisting of several rounds.

The program is open to students who have not reached their 16th birthday on or before the date of the national finals and who have not passed beyond the eighth grade at the time of their school finals.