1986: JON PENNINGTON - National Spelling Bee | TIME

"YOU DON'T WANT TO GIVE THE IMPRESSION OF HAVING PEAKED AT 14": Time Magazine profiles each of the National Spelling Bee champions from 1986-1992, all of whom have fond memories about the experience and seem to be high-achievers today. "How many people can say they were number one in their field at one time in their life?" asks 1989 winner Scott Isaacs, who doesn't often talk about the championship or list it on his office website. "In some ways, I view it as bragging. I ask myself if it's really germane to the conversation, would people be impressed or would they be put off? Some friends don't know, a lot of acquaintances don't know. It's almost kind of like a private little joy of my own."