The mission of RiseToBee is to guide disadvantaged spellers towards their goals.
About Us
RiseToBee is an initiative started by 5 former Scripps National Spelling Bee participants. The movement now comprises of several National Spelling Bee alumni. Our purpose is to guide less fortunate spellers towards their goals. We encourage more people to participate in spelling bees and literacy competitions.
Leadership:
Gabriel Ennin is a 12th grader from Plainfield, Illinois and the President of RiseToBee. Ennin has fun playing sports, reading, as well as playing video games with his two siblings, Angela and Michael. He has participated in three Scripps National Spelling Bees. He created this organization to supply less fortunate students with the tools they need to flourish.
Adom Appiah is the founder of Ball4Good, a nonprofit benefiting communities through sports. He is a 12th grader from Spartanburg, South Carolina. Adom has been to the Scripps National Spelling Bee twice. He enjoys sports, music, and learning. Adom helped create this organization to provide necessary opportunities to talented young learners.
Nicholas Lee is a fun-loving 12th grader from Etiwanda, California, whose hobbies include hanging out with his friends and brother. He also can’t stand to be away from the water, always vacationing near the beach and participating in water polo. Lee also took part in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 2015 and 2018. He chose to be a member of this organization because he felt that spelling bees were great competitions in which students learn more about their language and culture and RiseToBee would help all students access spelling competitions.
Tobi Shorunke is a 12th grader from Sugar Hill, Georgia. Shorunke enjoys many hobbies, including reading, sports, video games, and occasionally watching videos on YouTube. He loves having fun with his little brother, Timi. Shorunke participated in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 2018 and placed 42nd.
Jerry Li is a 12th grader from Guilford, Connecticut. Li enjoys playing soccer and participated in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. He wanted to partner with this organization because he realized it would be a charitable way to lend a hand to people who are not as lucky as himself.