33 spellers. One stage. And a community that showed up for literacy.
March 17th, 2026
On March 17th, Lynn Auditorium welcomed 33 young spellers from across Massachusetts for the Scripps National Spelling Bee Regional Competition — and The REAL Program was proud to be part of every moment.
Our organization is sponsoring the regional winner's trip to Washington, D.C. for the national competition, because we believe that when kids work hard and invest in their literacy, doors should open for them.
The event brought together families, educators, and community members who share that belief, generating more than $3,000 in donations to support our continued mission.
One speller will carry Massachusetts to the national stage. And The REAL Program will be right there with them — because literacy is not a moment. It is a movement.
Above: Literacy takes the stage — here's what your support made possible.
These Sponsors Spelled Out O-P-P-O-R-T-U-N-I-T-Y
The REAL Program team is proud to recognize all of the donors who helped make this event possible.
Because of your generosity, a student will travel to Washington, D.C. — all expenses paid — to compete on the national stage at the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Why all expenses paid? Because the opportunity to represent Massachusetts at the national competition should never depend on a family's ability to pay. Every child who earns their spot deserves to take it.
The REAL Program is deeply grateful to our REAL Sustainers and event supporters who made this moment possible.
Your support didn't just fund a trip — it transformed opportunity into reality.
Check out the event photos below to see a few of the incredible moments from the event!
This is Just the Beginning
This year marked The REAL Program's first time cosponsoring the Scripps National Spelling Bee Massachusetts Regionals alongside The Daily Item — and it won't be the last.
Moving forward, we're committed to growing this partnership by encouraging more school districts and community organizations across Massachusetts to participate. Because when more kids have a seat at the table, more kids discover what they're capable of.
Expanding events like these is one more way The REAL Program is working to elevate literacy, create opportunity, and build brighter futures — one community and event at a time.