Merriam-Webster Spellbound
Merriam-Webster goes to Washington, D.C., as major prize donor for 75th annual Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee
SPRINGFIELD, MASS., May 2002 — America's foremost authority on language—Merriam-Webster Inc.—is donating both its professional expertise and prizes to the 75th annual Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee. Throughout the months of February, March, and April 2002, over ten million students competed in the regional program, held throughout the United States and overseas in countries with English-speaking populations. Of these millions, 248 of the best and brightest spellers will participate in the national tournament held in Washington, D.C., the week of May 26 - May 31st, 2002.
During the past few months, Merriam-Webster has shipped each first runner-up of the regional contests a copy of the best-selling Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, Tenth Edition. The 248 regional finalists were each presented a copy of Webster's Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged—the official reference of the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee, and the final authority for the spelling of words in the national finals. Merriam-Webster will award 2002's national champion with a $1,000 savings bond, a complete reference library of Merriam-Webster products, and a complimentary one-year subscription to the company's new Web site, Merriam-Webster Unabridged.com.
"Merriam-Webster supports a wide range of national, regional, and local organizations involved with language-related activities," said John Morse, President and Publisher of Merriam-Webster Inc. "We're especially proud to be involved in the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee, since its official statement of purpose—'to help students develop correct English usage that will help them all their lives'—reflects one of our own most vital concerns."
Merriam-Webster, Incorporated
Merriam-Webster Inc. acquired the rights to revise and publish Noah Webster's dictionaries in 1843. Since then, Merriam-Webster has maintained
an ongoing commitment to innovation in language reference publishing. Today, the company continues as the clear leader, with electronic
reference products, learning tools, and word games.
