From the first winning word (gladiolus) to the use of fast-paced spell-offs, the Scripps National Spelling Bee has endured for 100 years.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee, first held in 1925, will choose a new champion during Thursday night’s finals.

This year's national spelling bee champion will be the 110th, because the bee ended in a two-way tie several times and an ...