64th Scripps National Spelling Bee
| 64th Scripps National Spelling Bee | |
|---|---|
 The Capital Hilton, site of the 64th National Spelling Bee | |
| Date | May 29-30, 1991 |
| Location | The Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C. |
| Winner | Joanne Lagatta |
| Age | 13 |
| Residence | Clintonville, Wisconsin |
| Sponsor | Wisconsin State Journal |
| Sponsor location | Madison, Wisconsin |
| Winning word | antipyretic |
| No. of contestants | 227[1] |
| Pronouncer | Alex Cameron |
| Preceded by | 63rd Scripps National Spelling Bee |
| Followed by | 65th Scripps National Spelling Bee |
The 64th Scripps National Spelling Bee was held in Washington, D.C. at the Capital Hilton on May 29-30, 1991, sponsored by the E.W. Scripps Company.
The winner was 13 year old Joanna Lagatta of Clintonville, Wisconsin, spelling "antipyretic" for the win. Second place went to 11 year old Maria Mathew of Sterling, Illinois, who missed "inappeteance."[2][1] The final two girls competed against each other for almost 90 minutes before a winner emerged.[3] Third and fourth place went to 13-year old Todd Wallace of Blackfoot, Idaho and 12-year old Eric Herman of Hightstown, New Jersey.[4] Wallace placed second the next year.[5]
There were 227 spellers this year, 113 girls and 114 boys, from age 10-15.[1] Six were appearing for at third time, and 35 were appearing for a second time.[6][7]
The first place prize (in addition to non-cash prizes) was $5,000. Second place received $4,000.[1]
As of 2016, Lagatta has been the only bee winner from Wisconsin.[8][9]
References
- 1 2 3 4 (31 May 1991). Wisconsin Girl, 13, Wins Spelling Bee, The New York Times (Associated Press)
- ↑ Healy, Rita (May 19, 2007). "1991: Joanne Lagatta". Time. Retrieved March 7, 2008.
- ↑ (31 May 1991). After 90-minute Spelling Duel, Wisconsin Girl`s The Champ, Chicago Tribune
- ↑ Bass, Janet (31 May 1991). National Spelling Bee challenges 227 youngsters, UPI
- ↑ (6 June 1992). He tripped on last word, but is champ at facing challenges, LDS Church News Archive
- ↑ (29 May 1991). National spelling bee begins today, Ludington Daily News
- ↑ (30 May 1991). Speling bee is no nugacious pursuit for last competitors, Daily News (Associated Press)
- ↑ DeFour Matthew (30 May 2012). State's lone national spelling bee contestant does not qualify for semifinals, Wisconsin State Journal
- ↑ Wineke, William. R. (29 May 1998). Wisconsin State Journal story about Don Davies and his work with the Badger Spelling Bee, Wisconsin State Journal ("the only time a Wisconsin student has been national champion")