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.
| 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 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]
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.[4][5]
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.[6][7]
References
edit- ^ a b c d (31 May 1991). Wisconsin Girl, 13, Wins Spelling Bee, The New York Times (Associated Press)
- ^ Healy, Rita (May 19, 2007). "1991: Joanne Lagatta". Time. Archived from the original on June 1, 2007. Retrieved March 7, 2008.
- ^ (31 May 1991). After 90-minute Spelling Duel, Wisconsin Girl's The Champ, Chicago Tribune
- ^ (29 May 1991). National spelling bee begins today, Ludington Daily News
- ^ (30 May 1991). Spelling 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")