Hawaiian student with Down syndrome shines in spelling bee competition

Ellen’s victories are significant because she has achieved them despite having Down syndrome. Photos: Instagram/MidWeek Hawaii

That 13-year-old Ellen Ruckmann-Bruch has won Honolulu Waldorf School’s annual spelling bee two years in a row, is fluent in German along with English and has run three virtual marathons makes her unusual.

That she’s done all of these things and more with Down syndrome makes her unique, at least in Hawaii, the United States.