How The National Spelling Bee Came To Be

The Scripps National Spelling Bee, a tradition since 1925, has evolved significantly over the years. Initially sponsored by nine newspapers, the bee has grown into a nationwide event. The first winner, an 11-year-old from Kentucky, won $500 in gold. Today, the champion receives $50,000 and other prizes. The bee was canceled during World War II and the 2020 pandemic. In 2019, an eight-way tie led to the introduction of a lightning round. Zaila Avant-garde made history as the first Black American winner in 2021. The bee now includes oral and multiple-choice rounds and is live-streamed, making it a modern spectacle.

What was the prize for the first winner of the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 1925?

How did the Scripps National Spelling Bee adapt to the pandemic in 2020?

What changes were made to the competition format after the eight-way tie in 2019?

What significant change occurred in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 2021?

Who was the first Black American to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee?