Champion teams making their way to the Theatre room: 2nd place Atlanta Tucker Community Center (GA) and 1st place Ridgefield Library Team 1 (CT).

And almost deafening standing ovation as the finalists made their way into the room.

Atlanta Tucker Community Center (GA) and Ridgefield Library Team 1 (CT) walking in front of the giant board of their game.

The NSA's John D. Williams, Jr., thanking the players for such a great final round game.

More applause for the event's top two teams.

Posing for the photographers.

John D. Williams, Jr., raising the arms of the champions!

John D. Williams, Jr., and Ridgefield Library Team 1 (CT) with arms held up in victory.

A heartfelt congratulations from Hasbro to both finalist teams.

Ridgefield Library Team 1 (CT) and the large check.

Ridgefield Library Team 1 (CT), the large check, and a quick side chat about what investments to make with the winnings?

Ridgefield Library Team 1 (CT) and their beautiful engraved silver cup trophies.

Ridgefield Library Team 1 (CT) and those silver cup trophies from another angle.

Atlanta Tucker Community Center (GA), our 2nd place finalists.

Ridgefield Library Team 1 (CT) and the giant check presentation.

Ridgefield Library Team 1 (CT) and the giant check presentation.

High Bingo: Winterhaven (OR) for playing the 149-point PAINTERS (triple-triple).

High Bingo: Winterhaven (OR) for playing the 149-point PAINTERS (triple-triple).

High Loss: Bridgewater SCRABBLE^® Club Team (NJ) lost 426-434 to Atlanta Tucker Community Center (GA) in the round 6 semifinals.

High Win (grade 5 team): Winterhaven (OR), 518-215.

High Win (grade 6 geam): Our Lady of Victory Emerald (MD), 460-216 (missing from photo: Thomas Ensey).

High Win (grade 7 team): Evangelical Christian Team 2 (TN), 551-160.

High Win (grade 8 team): Walter C. Young Middle Team 5 (FL), 592-183.

Sportmanship Award winners: Northern Lincoln Elementary Team 2 (RI).

10th place: Our Lady of Victory Sapphire (MD), 5-1 +567.

9th place: Hopkinton Middle Team 1 (MA), 5-1 +571

8th place: North Clay Jr. High Team Black (IL), 5-1 +612.

7th place: Buckingham Browne & Nichols Team 1 (MA), 5-1 +704.

6th place: R.D & Euzelle P. Smith Middle Team 2 (NC), 5-1 +723.

5th place: Grisham Middle (TX), 5-1 +882.

Grisham Middle (TX) with games held high!

4th place: Evangelical Christian Team 1 (TN), 5-1 +1027.

3rd place: Bridgewater SCRABBLE^® Club Team (NJ), 5-1 +1089.

The trophies presented to teams and coaches for 2nd through 10th places.

A dynamic and special team to this event: R.D & Euzelle P. Smith Middle Team 2 (NC).

NSSC Director Ben Greenwood flanked by 2nd place finishers, Atlanta Tucker Community Center (GA).

Atlanta Tucker Community Center (GA), NSSC Director Ben Greenwood, and Joel Sherman (event official and overall SCRABBLE^® superstar).

2007 NSSC Champions, Ridgefield Library Team 1 (CT), pose with NSSC Director Ben Greenwood. Note that goodie bags: Deluxe SCRABBLE^® game, SamTimer, Protiles, and tilebag.)

2007 NSSC Champions, Ridgefield Library Team 1 (CT), flank NSSC Director Ben Greenwood.

Finalists in front of the big board with NSSC director Ben Greenwood: 2nd place Atlanta Tucker Community Center (GA) and 2007 NSSC Champions Ridgefield Library Team 1 (CT).

Finalists in front of the big board with NSSC director Ben Greenwood: 2nd place Atlanta Tucker Community Center (GA) and 2007 NSSC Champions Ridgefield Library Team 1 (CT).

Finalists in front of the big board with NSSC director Ben Greenwood and former World SCRABBLE^® Champion Joel Sherman: 2nd place Atlanta Tucker Community Center (GA) and 2007 NSSC Champions Ridgefield Library Team 1 (CT).

The shoe now on the other foot, Joel Sherman exercises his right to get the champions' autographs!