The Scripps National Spelling Bee trophy is an instantly recognizable symbol of academic achievement, representing the culmination of years of intense study. Commonly referred to as the “News Bee” trophy, this prize is the physical representation of the competition’s long-standing tradition. Its iconic design is deeply rooted in the event’s history, celebrating the dedication and mastery of language demonstrated by its young champions.
Anatomy of the Scripps National Spelling Bee Trophy
The current champion’s award, officially called the Scripps Cup, is a custom-designed ceramic trophy that debuted in 2019. It is crafted from fine porcelain by Rookwood Pottery, a historic company based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The ornate, pearly white cup features a complex design, moving away from traditional metallic trophies.
The surface is decorated with a vibrant array of colors, highlighting several symbolic features. Gladiolus flowers are prominently featured, representing the first word spelled correctly to win the national competition in 1925. This floral element appears to blossom from the pages of an open book, symbolizing the growth of knowledge through reading and study.
The trophy’s lip is shaped into a delicate honeycomb pattern, connecting the object to the competition’s namesake. Small bumblebees are integrated into the design, appearing to navigate the ribboning grass that wraps around the cup’s base. The entire ceramic piece rests upon a hand-carved honey walnut base, which serves as a nod to the E.W. Scripps Company’s headquarters location in Cincinnati.
The Symbolism Behind the Bee Design
The repeated inclusion of the bee motif and the honeycomb shape ties directly to the values promoted by the competition. The insect is a universal symbol of diligence, a quality every champion speller must possess to navigate the rigorous study required to win. The busy nature of the worker bee serves as a metaphor for the focused preparation undertaken by the spellers.
The concept of a “bee” itself has historical roots in community effort, long predating the spelling competition. The term was used in the American dialect to describe a social gathering where neighbors accomplished a specific task, such as a “husking bee” or a “quilting bee.” Early students of language connected this community work party to the industrious nature of an actual beehive.
The modern spelling bee invokes this historical tradition of collective effort and shared focus on a challenging task. The design elements, such as the open book and the blossoming flower, represent the reward and growth that come from that concentrated effort. The cup celebrates the idea that knowledge is cultivated through the hard work of the “worker bees.”
Historical Changes to the Award
For most of the Scripps National Spelling Bee’s history, the award presented to the winner was a far less customized piece of hardware. For nearly 100 years, champions received a conventional, copper-plated trophy. This older design was often described by organizers as generic, lacking the unique character needed to represent a national championship.
The desire for a trophy exclusive and deeply connected to the Bee’s history led to the significant redesign and introduction of the Scripps Cup in 2019. Previously, the trophy was not specifically branded and could have been procured from any manufacturer. The transition to the custom ceramic cup marked a deliberate effort to create an award that visually embodied the event’s legacy and ideals.
This shift recognized the champion with a unique piece of art that reflected the competitive intensity and academic rigor of the event. The modern cup, with its integrated symbols and intricate detail, permanently replaced the predecessor. The redesign established a new tradition, ensuring the award itself became a meaningful artifact exclusive to the champion.