Kaden Nye might be only 13 years old, but after an appearance on “Wheel of Fortune” this week, he not only came home a winner but also has the entire state of Delaware now rooting for his next move.
Kaden is a superfan of the show from Smyrna, having watched every night with his family since he was 2 months old.
He finally completed his “lifelong dream” of being on “Wheel of Fortune” – and meeting host Pat Sajak – during Wednesday night’s Teen Week episode.
Sajak even told Kaden he would be dressing up as him for Halloween, paying back the favor for Kaden imitating the “Wheel of Fortune” host on the holiday several years ago.
Kaden, who calls the show an “amazing experience,” ended up as the winner of the episode, earning a total of $19,334 in cash and prizes and a trip to Wyoming.
His initial goal was to use his winnings to move his great-grandmother out of her current home into something more comfortable, and despite not earning enough, he still plans to help her out by paying for a new security system and renovations.
Kaden dishes on show details:Smyrna 13-year-old wins ‘Wheel of Fortune’ for his great-grandmother during Teen Week
Delaware viewers react with positivity, kindness
Kaden immediately proved himself to be a standout competitor, treating the other contestants with kindness the entire episode, and Delawareans watching from home took notice.
“What an awesome kid!! Some mom is doing a great job homeschooling him. Kaden you have it all. Congratulations! You made Delaware proud last night!” said a Facebook user in response to a clip of Kaden’s episode.
“I watched you Kaden you were star of show. I’m from Milford,” a comment read.
“Congratulations Kaden. I watched you on the program and your family and friends can be very proud of you. Keep up the great work and I pray for big things to come to you in your future,” said another commenter.
Kaden previously told Delaware Online/The News Journal that one of his favorite parts of the experience was meeting the other contestants, and his choice to hug each competitor after his win is evidence of his positive attitude and contagious friendliness.
”I made a whole bunch of friends. Everybody was so nice and kind, and we all got along really well,” he said of the other contestants. “We still have a little group chat for each other; I talk to all of them.”
Many commenters lauded Kaden for his desire to give back to his grandmother. Others highlighted his well-mannered, energetic presence. Some Delawareans even shared anecdotes about their own appearances on “Wheel of Fortune.”
“How very sweet that this young man is thinking of his grandma and plans to help her. He was raised right,” a comment read. “Great job young man on your experience and win.”
“Loved how he supported and congratulated his opponents! Think Pat Sajak had a hard time keeping up with Kaden’s energy,” a Facebook user said.
“He was awesome!! I was on Wheel of Fortune back in the late ‘80s too and won, such a fun experience!! Congratulations to Kaden!” said a commenter.
‘Just happy to be here’
So, what does Kaden have to say about his stint on national television?
“I just think it’s an honor to be on one of the best shows in history, and I’m just happy to be here,” he said.
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