24th Scripps National Spelling Bee

The 24th Scripps National Spelling Bee was held in Washington, District of Columbia on May 25, 1951, sponsored by the E.W. Scripps Company, at the National Press Club.[1][2]

24th Scripps National Spelling Bee
National Press Building
DateMay 25, 1951
LocationAuditorium of the National Press Building, Washington, D.C.[1]
WinnerIrving Belz
Age13
ResidenceMemphis, Tennessee
SponsorMemphis Press-Scimitar
Sponsor locationMemphis, Tennessee
Winning wordinsouciant
No. of contestants51[1]
PronouncerBenson S. Alleman
Preceded by23rd Scripps National Spelling Bee
Followed by25th Scripps National Spelling Bee

The winner was 13-year-old Irving Belz of Memphis, Tennessee, sponsored by the Memphis Press-Scimitar, correctly spelling the word insouciant. Michael Aratingi, also 13, of Brooklyn, New York placed second, misspelling cuisine. Mary Anne Bechkowiak (13) of Akron, Ohio placed third, misspelling grosgrain. The top prizes where $500, $300, and $100.[3][4]

There were 51 contestants this year, 33 girls and 18 boys—4 at age 11, 11 at age 12, 28 at age 13, and 8 at age 14. Three contestants were repeat participants.[1] The competition started at 9:10am and ended at 3:15pm, with a 45-minute lunch break and three 5-minute breaks, with a total of 26 rounds and 394 words used.[5]

The winner received $500 and trip to New York (and a stay at the Hotel New Yorker); second place received $300; third got $100; the next 20 spellers received $50, and the last 28 spellers received $40.[1]

Benson S. Alleman was the pronouncer.[6]

References
  1. Williams, Joseph J. (24 May 1951). City Spelling Bee Champ Ready for Big Test Friday, Pittsburgh Press, p. 50.
  2. (15 February 1951). 24th National Spelling Bee in May at Washington, Pittsburgh Press
  3. (26 May 1951). Memphis Boy Wins 24th National Spelling Bee, Daytona Beach Morning Journal (Associated Press)
  4. (26 May 1951). Spelling Bee King Leaves For New York, The Times-News (Hendersonville, North Carolina)
  5. (26 May 1951). Fauna Flores City Champ In National Spelling Bee, Pittsburgh Press
  6. (25 May 1951). Students Open Spelling Bee In Washington, Eugene Register-Guard (UP)


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