Arjun Jagjivan, a three-time West Hartford spelling bee winner, was filmed for a video essay that will be broadcast on ESPN during the Scripp’s National Spelling Bee.

Arjun Jagjivan is filmed for a video segment to air during ESPN coverage of the Scripp’s National Spelling Bee. Photo credit: Katie Cavanaugh

By Katie Cavanaugh

ESPN was in West Hartford Center on Friday afternoon, collaborating with WHC-TV to film a video segment featuring Arjun Jagjivan, an eighth grader at Sedgwick Middle School who will be competing in the Scripp’s National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. on May 27-28.

Arjun has won West Hartford’s townwide spelling bee for three years in a row, and his success earned him a chance to participate in the national spelling bee this year.

ESPN is creating video segments to broadcast during the spelling bee on May 27-28 to show viewers the background of various contestents.

The script for the segment was written by Arjun’s mother, Aneeta Jagjivan, who was inspired by the idea that West Hartford has such a strong connection to the English language. The video is set in Blue Back Square, which was named after Noah Webster’s “Blue Back Speller.”

“I want everyone to have a good time and think of Noah Webster,” Aneeta said. “He’s a big historical figure in West Hartford, so I think it’s a fun way to bring that all out.”

In the video, Arjun becomes so exhausted from studying for the spelling bee that he falls asleep surrounded by dictionaries.

He then dreams of himself dancing with his friends in a flash mob in Blue Back Square, and is offered words of encouragement from Noah Webster himself.

The film exhibit’s Arjun’s acting chops while also emphasizing the impact that Noah Webster had on West Hartford.

People from throughout the community were invited to join the flash mob, which was choreographed to Pharrell William’s “Happy” by Susan Murphy, director of the dance program at the University of Saint Joseph.

According to Murphy, ESPN suggested songs for the participants to use, and the Jagjivans chose the song that they felt was the most fun and upbeat.

“I put together a dance that should be easy for everyone to learn, and today we’ll teach everyone the dance,” said Murphy as she readied for the flash mob scene. “I hope that everyone will have fun with it. That’s what it’s all about.”

There were also a few teachers from the West Hartford school system who came out to help.

Conard High School theater teacher, Corinne Kravetz, lent a creative hand with the directing of the segment.

“Conard High School is always excited to work with students in the community,” said Kravetz.

Sedgwick Middle School math teacher, Jonathan Baldwin, was donned in colonial garb to play the role of Noah Webster. Baldwin said he was very excited to be a part of the film segment.

“Anything to promote education and learning, I’m all over it,” said Baldwin.

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Arjun ‘studies’ at the base of the Noah Webster statue in West Hartford Center. Photo credit: Katie Cavanaugh

Sedgwick math teacher Jonathan Baldwin dresses as Noah Webster for the video segment filmed by ESPN and WHC-TV. Photo credit: Katie Cavanaugh