COEUR d'ALENE - "Weissnichtwo."

Pronunciation: vice-nik(t)-vo.

That was the word that tripped up 14-year-old Tricia McCullough Wednesday in the second round of the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.

Its meaning, according to Webster, is "an indefinite, unknown or imaginary place." Taken from a 19th century literary reference, "weissnichtwo" is likely unfamiliar to many.

Yet, the Canfield Middle School eighth-grader almost nailed it. Unfortunately, she spelled it with just one "s."

"We are very proud of her anyway, but she was very mad at herself for slipping under pressure," said Tricia's dad, David McCullough.

Anyone who has ever watched bee-centric films like "Akeelah and the Bee" or "Spellbound," knows the Scripps spelling bee is a pressure cooker. There are bright lights, hundreds of people, television cameras and the best competitive spellers in the nation.

McCullough became eligible to compete in the national bee when she won the North Idaho Regional Spelling Bee in March. She is one of 281 students from throughout the United States who are participating this year in the final rounds of the national spelling contest. The Press is sponsoring her trip to the event.

She was interviewed by ESPN on Tuesday, and read a short poem she wrote about her spelling bee experience, noting in it, that she's making memories that will last a lifetime.

Tricia may be out of the competition, but she's not finished creating those spelling bee memories. She was chosen to represent Idaho at the Championship Finals. One person from each state, country and territory affiliated with the Bee is selected to sit on stage for the event which will be televised tonight on ESPN from 5-7 p.m.

The Spelling Bee

"O...U...S...Precocious," I said,

And then a pause

And I saw the light flash green, not red

Then the audience erupted in applause

I heard a boom and a crack

And I looked at the side of the stage

There was a worker wearing black

With a huge smile on his face

He shot a confetti cannon at me

And color covered the floor

I had won the North Idaho Regional Spelling Bee!

And I was ready for more

I got congratulations and hugs and called family and friends

I posed for pictures and got interviewed by the Coeur d'Alene Press

It was then that I realized this is not the end!

And the next step was going to cause a lot of stress

And now I'm here at the National Spelling Bee

This journey was definitely fun

I'll forever have these memories with me

When the challenge in front of me is done

- Tricia McCullough, 14, North Idaho Regional Spelling Bee winner