27th Scripps National Spelling Bee
{
Department of Commerce auditorium
DateMay 20, 1954
LocationDepartment of Commerce auditorium, Washington, D.C.
WinnerWilliam Cashore
Age14
ResidenceCenter Square, Pennsylvania
SponsorNorristown Times Herald
Sponsor locationNorristown, Pennsylvania
Winning wordtransept
No. of contestants57
PronouncerBenson S. Alleman
Preceded by26th Scripps National Spelling Bee
Followed by28th Scripps National Spelling Bee

The 27th Scripps National Spelling Bee was held in Washington, District of Columbia on May 20, 1954, sponsored by the E.W. Scripps Company.

The winner was William Cashore, 14, of Center Square, Pennsylvania, correctly spelling the word transept.[1] William Kelly, 11, of Deering, Missouri, took second, and Patricia Brown, 14, of Birmingham, Alabama placed third.[1]

There were 57 contestants that year,[1] with 39 girls and 18 boys.[2] Only one speller was a repeat contestant.[3] The first place prize was $500 (plus $100 for expenses for a weekend trip to New York City and appearances on television), $300 for second, $100 for third, $20 each for the next 20 finishers, and $40 each for the remaining spellers.[4]

Benson S. Alleman was the pronouncer.[4]

References

  1. ^ a b c (21 May 1954). Uncinated, Transept, Effete, Bagatele, Bill Cashore Spelled 'Em, Won $1,500, Utica Daily Press (Associated Press)
  2. ^ (21 May 1954). Spells 'Uncinated' and Hooks $500 Top Prize, Daytona Beach Morning-Journal
  3. ^ (16 May 1954). World-Wise Melody Tunes Up for National Spelling Title Run, Pittsburgh Press
  4. ^ a b (19 May 1954). North Canton's Champion Speller Now in Washington, D.C., The Sun (North Canton, Ohio)


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