Balu Natarajan in 1985, Rageshree Ramachandran in 1988, Nupur Lala in 1999, George Abraham Thampy in 2000, Pratyush Buddiga in 2002, and Sai R Gunturi in 2003.

But this is probably the first time that all four toppers are of Indian origin. And do remember that 10 million American children took part in the elimination rounds!

This year's stars: Champion, Anurag Kashyap, 13; runners-up Samir Sudhir Patel and Aliya Robin Deri, and Rajiv Tarigopula, who finished after the top trio.

As The Washington Post reported, 'an onlooker shook the proud father (Chandan Roy Kashyap, Anurag's dad)'s hand and told him, "Did you notice all three finalists were Indian?"

'Organizers said they would not comment about nationalities, but spellers of Indian descent have become a force in the bee,' The Washington Post noted.

Surely, the 78th Scripps National Spelling Bee, which concluded in Washington, DC on June 2, marks a unique milestone in the Indian-American community's history.

Images: Anurag can't believe he has won the gruelling contest; receives the trophy, hugs dad Chandan Roy Kashyap, who has been known not to be in the same room when his son is answering questions.