To find the sum of the first \( n \) odd numbers, we can use the formula:
\[ \text{Sum of the first } n \text{ odd numbers} = n^2 \]
In this case, we need to calculate the sum of the first 54 odd numbers. Therefore, we set \( n = 54 \).
Using the formula, we have:
\[ \text{Sum} = 54^2 \]
Calculating \( 54^2 \):
\[ 54^2 = 2916 \]
Thus, the sum of the first 54 odd numbers is:
\[ \boxed{2916} \]