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, for correctly spelling the word transept.(21 May 1954). Uncinated, Transept, Effete, Bagatele, Bill Cashore Spelled 'Em, Won $1,500, Utica Daily Press (Associated Press) William Kelly, 11, of Deering, Missouri, took second, and Patricia Brown, 14, of Birmingham, Alabama placed third.
There were 57 contestants that year, with 39 girls and 18 boys.(21 May 1954). Spells 'Uncinated' and Hooks $500 Top Prize, Daytona Beach Morning-Journal Only one speller was a repeat contestant.(16 May 1954). World-Wise Melody Tunes Up for National Spelling Title Run, Pittsburgh Press 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.
Benson S. Alleman was the pronouncer.(19 May 1954). North Canton's Champion Speller Now in Washington, D.C., The Sun (North Canton, Ohio)
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