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.(11 May 1956). 63 Young Champions Entered In National Spelling Contest, Wilmington Star-News
The winner was 13-year-old Melody Sachko of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,Levin Steve (6 July 2003). Past winners spell out pain and glory of 'The Bee', Pittsburgh Post-Gazette correctly spelling the word "condominium." Second place went to Sandra Owen, a 13-year-old from Justus, Ohio, who failed to spell "afflatus."(18 May 1956). 'Affaltus' And 'Condominium' Win Melody Spelling Crown, Sarasota Herald-Tribune (Associated Press) Third-place was taken by Ann Malone Warren, 13, from Monticello, Georgia, and fourth went to Karin Carter, 12, of San Francisco, California.(19 May 1956). Girl is Winner of Spelling Bee, Kentucky New Era (Associated Press)
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. 632 words were used, and the Bee took eight hours to complete.
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.
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