| 29th Scripps National Spelling Bee | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Date | May 17, 1956 |
| Location | Department of Commerce auditorium, Washington, D.C. |
| Winner | Melody Sachko |
| Age | 13 |
| Residence | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Sponsor | Pittsburgh Press |
| Sponsor location | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Winning word | condominium |
| No. of contestants | 63 |
| Pronouncer | Benson S. Alleman |
| Preceded by | 28th Scripps National Spelling Bee |
| Followed by | 30th Scripps National Spelling Bee |
The 29th Scripps National Spelling Bee was held at the Department of Commerce auditorium in Washington, District of Columbia on May 17, 1956, sponsored by the E.W. Scripps Company.[1]
The winner was 13-year-old Melody Sachko of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,[2] correctly spelling the word "condominium". Second place went to Sandra Owen, a 13-year-old from Justus, Ohio, who failed to spell "afflatus".[3] Third-place was taken by Ann Malone Warren, 13, from Monticello, Georgia, and fourth went to Karin Carter, 12, of San Francisco, California.[4]
There were 63 spellers this year, and boys (34) outnumbered girls (29) for the first time. Three spellers were return contestants, including Sachko, who had placed 6th in 1954.[1] 632 words were used, and Bee took eight hours to complete.[4]
The first place award was $1,000, doubled from the previous year, with $500 for second place and $250 for third. The next five each received $100, the next ten $50, and the remaining 45 spellers $25 each.[1]