Scripps National Spelling Bee champion Arvind Mahankali arrived at his middle school in Bayside Hills, NY a hero lauded by all his classmates, the 13-year-old imagined today. Man, Arvind, the way you took down the word knaidel was unbelievable! You are awesome, said popular and athletic classmate Jason Franklin in Mahankalis imagination before lifting the spelling champion over his shoulder while surrounded by a consortium of applauding teachers, students, and cheerleaders. We always knew you were super smart, but to win Scripps? Thats amazing, dude! We are great friends now. At press time, Mahankali was telling himself that, yes, this is how things would be from now on. 