Celebrating 100 Years of the Scripps Spelling Bee: Former Champions Share Their Inspiring Journeys and the Event’s Evolution

This year marks a significant milestone: the 100th Scripps National Spelling Bee. Over 200 talented students will compete for the title, but only nine will make it to the finals.

The bee has transformed dramatically since its humble beginnings in 1925 in Washington, D.C., where just nine kids participated. Frank Neuhauser, an 11-year-old, won that first competition by spelling “gladiolus” and took home a $500 prize in gold. Fast forward to today, and winners now snag over $50,000 along with a trophy and a library of references. This change reflects not just an increase in stakes but also the growing popularity and competitiveness of the event, especially since TV broadcasts have made it more accessible to audiences.

Reflecting on these changes, many former champions shared their thoughts. For example, Dan Greenblatt, who won in 1984, recalled how he prepared by practicing relentlessly with his mother. He noted that today’s contestants benefit from coaches and detailed testing, making the competition much fiercer. In 2019, the event even saw eight co-champions, dubbed the “octo-champs.” Greenblatt believes the format will continue to evolve as competitors raise the bar.

Balu Natarajan, the 1985 champ and the first Indian American to win, echoed this sentiment. He recalls preparing with index cards and felt validated by his win, seeing it as a testament to the dedication immigrants often show. His sons now compete, utilizing modern technology that allows them to learn thousands of words more than he did at their age. He candidly compared their preparation to an Olympic sport, underlining the intense commitment it entails.

The bee also shapes skills valuable for participants beyond spelling. Kerry Close Guaragno, the 2006 winner, emphasized how the experience taught her poise and quick thinking—attributes that have served her well in her public relations career. Contestants today not only spell words but also tackle phrases and various specialized terms. The breadth of vocabulary continues to expand, demanding more rigorous preparation.

From its humble origins to its current grandeur, the Scripps National Spelling Bee symbolizes hard work, perseverance, and the changing landscape of education. As social media buzzes with excitement and anticipation for this year’s competition, one thing remains clear: reaching this stage is a significant achievement in itself, and competing at the national level is a proud milestone for all participants.

For more on the history and evolution of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, check out the official [Scripps Bee history site](https://history.spellingbee.com/year/1925/).

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