59th Scripps National Spelling Bee

The 59th Scripps National Spelling Bee was held in Washington, D.C. at the Capital Hilton on May 28–29, 1986, sponsored by the E.W. Scripps Company.

59th Scripps National Spelling Bee
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The Capital Hilton, site of the 59th National Spelling Bee
DateMay 28–29, 1986
LocationThe Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C.
WinnerJon Pennington
Age14
ResidenceShiremanstown, Pennsylvania
SponsorThe Patriot-News
Sponsor locationHarrisburg, Pennsylvania
Winning wordodontalgia
No. of contestants174[1]
PronouncerAlex Cameron
Preceded by58th Scripps National Spelling Bee
Followed by60th Scripps National Spelling Bee

The winner was 14-year-old Jon Pennington of Shiremanstown, Pennsylvania, correctly spelling "odontalgia".[1][2] Second place went to 13-year-old Kenneth Larson of Tequesta, Florida, who missed "kaolinic". Larson was competing for the third time, having finished 111th in 1985 and 65th in 1984.[1][3]

There were 174 participants this year (100 girls and 74 boys, ages 9–14), and a total of 725 words used.[1][4][5] Nine spellers missed in the first round, 36 in the second, and 14 in the third.[6] 115 spellers made it to day two of the competition, and the final round between the last two spellers began at about 4:40pm.[7][8] Alex Cameron was the pronouncer.[8]

The first-place winner received $1000 (and other non-cash prizes). Second place got $500, and third received $250. Fourth through eighth places received $100, the next ten received $75, and the remaining 156 spellers received $50 each.[8]

References
  1. (30 May 1986). Jon Pennington wins national spelling bee, Bryan Times (Associated Press)
  2. Healy, Rita (19 May 2007). 1986: Jon Pennington, Time
  3. Mesce, Deborah (29 May 1986). Student spells success 'o-d-o-n-t-a-l-g-i-a', Sumter Daily Item (Associated Press)
  4. (29 May 1986). Fayette girl a survivor of bee's 5th round, Pittsburgh Press
  5. (29 May 1986). Area Spelling Advances Into Final Rounds of Bee, Toledo Blade
  6. Povich, Elaine S. (29 May 1986). Forty-three diehard champions survived today's tough fifth round of..., UPI
  7. Williams, Vanessa (30 May 1986). Pa. Teen's Spelling-bee Win Is Good As His Words, Philadelphia Inquirer
  8. Povich, Elaine S. (28 May 1986). All but nine of the record 174 champion spellers..., UPI
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