64th 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.

64th Scripps National Spelling Bee
The Capital Hilton, site of the 64th National Spelling Bee
DateMay 29–30, 1991
LocationThe Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C.
WinnerJoanne Lagatta
Age13
ResidenceClintonville, Wisconsin
SponsorWisconsin State Journal
Sponsor locationMadison, Wisconsin
Winning wordantipyretic
No. of contestants227[1]
PronouncerAlex Cameron
Preceded by63rd Scripps National Spelling Bee
Followed by65th 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
  1. (31 May 1991). Wisconsin Girl, 13, Wins Spelling Bee, The New York Times (Associated Press)
  2. Healy, Rita (May 19, 2007). "1991: Joanne Lagatta". Time. Retrieved March 7, 2008.
  3. (31 May 1991). After 90-minute Spelling Duel, Wisconsin Girl's The Champ, Chicago Tribune
  4. (29 May 1991). National spelling bee begins today, Ludington Daily News
  5. (30 May 1991). Spelling bee is no nugacious pursuit for last competitors, Daily News (Associated Press)
  6. DeFour Matthew (30 May 2012). State's lone national spelling bee contestant does not qualify for semifinals, Wisconsin State Journal
  7. 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")
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