LeVar Burton to Host , Scripps National Spelling Bee.<br />ABC News reports actor LeVar Burton <br />has been selected to host <br />the Scripps National Spelling Bee.<br />ABC News reports actor LeVar Burton <br />has been selected to host <br />the Scripps National Spelling Bee.<br />Beloved for his work on 'Reading Rainbow,' Burton has long been an advocate for literacy.<br />I want to <br />normalize the <br />pursuit of <br />knowledge... , LeVar Burton, via ABC News.<br />... not just making stuff up and calling it a fact. , LeVar Burton, via ABC News.<br />Burton, 64, describes himself as an above-average but hardly distinguished speller.<br />He says he's often quite impressed <br />with the ability of the students <br />who participate in the spelling bee.<br />He says he's often quite impressed <br />with the ability of the students <br />who participate in the spelling bee.<br />Burton cheered heartily this year for <br />Zaila Avant-garde, the first Black winner <br />in the spelling bee's history.<br />Burton cheered heartily this year for <br />Zaila Avant-garde, the first Black winner <br />in the spelling bee's history.<br />I'm big for rooting for the underdog. As an underdog myself, I really identify. , LeVar Burton, via ABC News.<br />I'm big for rooting for the underdog. As an underdog myself, I really identify. , LeVar Burton, via ABC News.<br />Burton says he hopes to bridge the gap between viewer and speller. He aims to highlight the contestants' incredible achievements.<br />Burton says he hopes to bridge the gap between viewer and speller. He aims to highlight the contestants' incredible achievements.<br />Helping to tell the stories of these kids, that's something that I know I can bring to the proceedings. , LeVar Burton, via ABC News.<br />Helping to tell the stories of these kids, that's something that I know I can bring to the proceedings. , LeVar Burton, via ABC News
