First Literacy Spelling Bee Raises $250,000 To Support Adult Literacy
2025 Spelling Bee Winning Team. From left to right Warren Borgen, Kate Johnson, Miles Furguson. Photo credit: Mark Mathis.
On Thursday April 3, 19 teams gathered at the State Street Channel Center in Boston for a night of spirited competition and community support at First Literacy’s 35th Annual Spelling Bee. From corporate teams to groups of family and friends, the event brought together spelling enthusiasts from across Greater Boston to champion adult literacy and education in Massachusetts.
Beloved former WBZ news anchor Josh Binswanger returned for his 15th year as emcee, delighting the audience with humor and high energy while keeping spellers on their toes.
The evening also featured a powerful and inspiring speech by Enrique, a current First Literacy Scholar. Originally from El Salvador, Enrique described the challenges he faced moving to a new country and learning English while balancing work and education. With the support of First Literacy, he is now pursuing his dream of becoming a graphic designer. His heartfelt words reminded the audience that determination, when matched with opportunity, can transform lives.
“I want to be a graphic designer. I want to inspire people, and show them that dreams do come true if you work hard and keep learning,” Enrique said during his speech. “Programs like First Literacy help people like me believe in a better future.”
The competition was close, with two teams going head-to-head in the final round. In the end, the team from Morgan Stanley emerged as the winner, taking home the coveted Spelling Bee trophy. The event drew more than 145 attendees and featured plenty of laughter, impressive spelling, and community spirit. One of the toughest words of the night— farinaceous—challenged even the most seasoned spellers.
In total, the event raised $250,000 to support First Literacy’s year-round work, including:
- Free professional development workshops for adult educators
- Scholarships for adult learners pursuing college or vocational programs
- Grants for innovative Adult Basic Education (ABE) pilot programs across the Commonwealth
“Year after year, the Spelling Bee reminds us what’s possible when a community comes together to support education,” said Terry Witherell, Executive Director of First Literacy. “It’s a joyful night that directly impacts the lives of adult learners striving for a better future.”
This year’s Spelling Bee was made possible by the generous support of our sponsors: BNY, Morgan Stanley, State Street, Franklin Templeton, JP Morgan, Newmark, MFS Investment Management, EQ, SS&C, Jeffrey Beale, Brookline Bank, Cabot Corporation, Corient, Crimson Lion Foundation, Deloitte, EY, Fahey Family Charitable Fund, Fidelity, First Literacy Associate Board, Fusion Design Consultants, Inc., John Hancock, K&L Gates, Lee Kenyon, KPMG, Liberty Mutual/Tim Vigue, Mintz, Morrow Sodali Fund, In Honor of Karen Morrissey, Peabody Essex Museum, PwC, Robert Half International, Saturno Design, Seyfarth Shaw, T. Rowe Price, Truist, UBS, Visnick & Caulfield.
Photo Credit: Mark Mathis