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.

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