Looking Back at 10 Years of The CLE Bee
On September 24, 2025, The Literacy Cooperative celebrated the 10th anniversary of the CLE Bee. Since its debut in 2016, dozens of teams have competed, building a legacy of advocacy, action, awareness, and empowerment.
The Literacy Cooperative launched the CLE Bee (Cleveland Corporate Spelling Bee) as a way to raise funds to support solutions to address the challenges of low literacy, and to better connect to the corporate community
Funds raised through the CLE Bee support The Literacy Cooperative’s efforts to advance literacy from early childhood through adulthood. In a recent survey of local Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library families:
- 91% reported the program helps prepare their children for kindergarten.
- 90% said DPIL has positively impacted their family relationships.
- 96% found children spending time with the books after the parents have read the books to them.
These results underscore why events like the CLE Bee matter. They’re not just fun competitions; they’re sparks for change in literacy outcomes across the region.
Unlike the spelling bees many remember from childhood, the CLE Bee is a team event. Each team has three members who work together to spell the words, having 15 seconds to write their answers on whiteboards. Past participants have included law firms, corporations, universities, nonprofits, and community groups.
The journey from that first competition to the riveting CLE Bee 10 is filled with key moments, strong community partnerships, and a passionate team. Below, we track the growth of this signature event, celebrating the champions, emcees, and word contributors along the way.
A Decade of Growth
- 2016 – CLE Bee 1
- The first bee was held at The City Club of Cleveland on International Literacy Day. BakerHostetler won the inaugural championship against 24 teams with its winning word being Carillon. The first CLE Bee also was a commemoration of the 10th anniversary of The Literacy Cooperative.
- Emcee: Betsy Kling
- Readers: Mike Snyder and Dr. Monyka Price
- Judge: Judge John Russo
- The first bee was held at The City Club of Cleveland on International Literacy Day. BakerHostetler won the inaugural championship against 24 teams with its winning word being Carillon. The first CLE Bee also was a commemoration of the 10th anniversary of The Literacy Cooperative.
- 2017 – CLE Bee 2
- For its second year at The City Club of Cleveland, CLE Bee featured 27 teams and word contributions from Dick Pogue, Albert Ratner, Dr. Alex Johnson, Michael Stanley, and Jim Chones. Benesch took home the trophy with the winning word, Metonymy.
- Emcee: Betsy Kling
- Readers: Mike Snyder and Dr. Monyka Price
- Judge: Judge John Russo
- For its second year at The City Club of Cleveland, CLE Bee featured 27 teams and word contributions from Dick Pogue, Albert Ratner, Dr. Alex Johnson, Michael Stanley, and Jim Chones. Benesch took home the trophy with the winning word, Metonymy.
- 2018 – CLE Bee 3
- This year, 23 corporate teams competed and received word contributions from Rick Chiricosta, Dan Otero, Marc Byrnes, Felton Thomas, and Dee Haslam. The Cleveland Public Library won with the winning word, Gallimaufry.
- Co-Emcees: Betsy Kling and Mike McIntyre
- Readers: Mike Snyder and Dr. Monyka Price
- Judge: Judge Kathy K.J. Montgomery
- This year, 23 corporate teams competed and received word contributions from Rick Chiricosta, Dan Otero, Marc Byrnes, Felton Thomas, and Dee Haslam. The Cleveland Public Library won with the winning word, Gallimaufry.
- 2019 – CLE Bee 4
- With a whopping 27 teams at The City Club of Cleveland, CLE Bee became recognized as a high-spirited, fast-paced, fun and fiery adult spelling bee all for a good cause! Word contributions came from Greg Harris and Pat Pastore. Benesch came out on top again! The winning word was Prosopography.
- Co-Emcees: Mike McIntyre and Mike Polk, Jr.
- Readers: Mike Snyder and Dr. Monyka Price
- Judge: Judge Emanuella Groves
- With a whopping 27 teams at The City Club of Cleveland, CLE Bee became recognized as a high-spirited, fast-paced, fun and fiery adult spelling bee all for a good cause! Word contributions came from Greg Harris and Pat Pastore. Benesch came out on top again! The winning word was Prosopography.
- 2020 – CLE Bee 5
- Also known as CLE Bee ‘V’ to signify the transition to a virtual format, as The Literacy Cooperative adapted to the challenges posed by COVID-19. Despite this change, the bee was a tremendous success, featuring 16 teams, CLE Bee-themed cocktails, and word contributions from Homa Bash, Dr. Alex Johnson, Pat Pastore, and Elizabeth Grove. Hyland Software, Inc. was crowned champion with Lagniappe.
- Co-Emcees: Mike McIntyre and Mike Polk, Jr.
- Happy Hour Co-Hosts: McKenzae Bartels and Laureen Atkins-Holliday
- Readers: Mike Snyder and Dr. Monyka Price
- Also known as CLE Bee ‘V’ to signify the transition to a virtual format, as The Literacy Cooperative adapted to the challenges posed by COVID-19. Despite this change, the bee was a tremendous success, featuring 16 teams, CLE Bee-themed cocktails, and word contributions from Homa Bash, Dr. Alex Johnson, Pat Pastore, and Elizabeth Grove. Hyland Software, Inc. was crowned champion with Lagniappe.
- 2021 – CLE Bee 6
- CLE Bee VI represented the sixth year and another year of virtual competition. The bees 16 teams had a fantastic time receiving word contributions from Mayor Frank Jackson, Brandon Chrostowski, Armond Budish, Judge John Russo, and Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine. Hyland Software, Inc. defended their title with back-to-back wins with Proceleusmatic as the winning word.
- Co-Emcees: Mike McIntyre and Mike Polk, Jr.
- Readers: Dr. Monyka Price and Mike Snyder
- CLE Bee VI represented the sixth year and another year of virtual competition. The bees 16 teams had a fantastic time receiving word contributions from Mayor Frank Jackson, Brandon Chrostowski, Armond Budish, Judge John Russo, and Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine. Hyland Software, Inc. defended their title with back-to-back wins with Proceleusmatic as the winning word.
- 2022 – CLE Bee 7
- After two years of hosting the CLE Bee competition virtually, The Literacy Cooperative celebrated in person at a new venue, Windows On The River. This event featured 21 teams and word contributions from Mayor Justin Bibb of the City of Cleveland and Cheryl Stephens. Benesch earned the victory with Triskaidekaphobia.
- Emcee: Mike McIntyre
- Readers: Mike Snyder and Homa Bash
- Judge: Judge John Russo
- After two years of hosting the CLE Bee competition virtually, The Literacy Cooperative celebrated in person at a new venue, Windows On The River. This event featured 21 teams and word contributions from Mayor Justin Bibb of the City of Cleveland and Cheryl Stephens. Benesch earned the victory with Triskaidekaphobia.
- 2023 – CLE Bee 8
- With 25 teams at Windows On The River participating and word contributions from Dr. Michael Baston, Steve Glass, Connie Hill-Johnson, Peter Lawson Jones, Rebecca Liebert, Bob Madison, and Sean Richardson. Benesch kept the momentum going with another win with the winning word, Absquatulate.
- Emcee: Mike McIntyre
- Readers: Mike Snyder and Jon Doss
- Judge: Judge John Russo
- With 25 teams at Windows On The River participating and word contributions from Dr. Michael Baston, Steve Glass, Connie Hill-Johnson, Peter Lawson Jones, Rebecca Liebert, Bob Madison, and Sean Richardson. Benesch kept the momentum going with another win with the winning word, Absquatulate.
- 2024 – CLE Bee 9
- CLE Bee 9 highlighted the team’s extraordinary spelling abilities and steadfast commitment of literacy at Windows On The River. The lively competition featured 23 teams and word contributions from Lillian Kuri, Dr. Michael Baston, and LaRese Purnell. Cuyahoga Community College took home the championship. The winning word was Sesquipedalian.
- Emcee: Mike McIntyre
- Readers: Mike Snyder and Jon Doss
- Judge: Judge John Russo
- CLE Bee 9 highlighted the team’s extraordinary spelling abilities and steadfast commitment of literacy at Windows On The River. The lively competition featured 23 teams and word contributions from Lillian Kuri, Dr. Michael Baston, and LaRese Purnell. Cuyahoga Community College took home the championship. The winning word was Sesquipedalian.
- 2025 – CLE Bee 10
- With a decade under its belt, CLE Bee 10 was an enthralling competition at Windows On The River. With 20 teams and word contributions from Carrie Carpenter, Randy McShepard, Tim Misny, Kortney Morrow, Dick Pogue, Margaret Wong, and Jamar Rahming the event was a hit for the 10th time in a row! The team from Youth Opportunities Unlimited were victorious with their winning word, Solecistic.
- Emcee: Mike McIntyre
- Readers: Mike Snyder and Jon Doss
- Judge: Judge John Russo
- With a decade under its belt, CLE Bee 10 was an enthralling competition at Windows On The River. With 20 teams and word contributions from Carrie Carpenter, Randy McShepard, Tim Misny, Kortney Morrow, Dick Pogue, Margaret Wong, and Jamar Rahming the event was a hit for the 10th time in a row! The team from Youth Opportunities Unlimited were victorious with their winning word, Solecistic.
A Fresh Look with the Same Strong Mission
We are thrilled to announce our new brand, one that is for families and donors invested in improving literacy.
The Literacy Cooperative spent the last year working behind the scenes on a rebrand designed to capture the heart of who we are and the bright future we’re working toward. The change represents a better understanding of our audience and how we connect with them.
Our updated colors, new logo, and refreshed visual identity don’t just modernize our appearance — they tell the story of our mission more clearly than ever before.
Our previous brand, with its maroon and brown palette, served us well for years — but as The Literacy Cooperative evolved, so did the need for a look that matched our brand’s personality — or what we call its “vibe.” The Literacy Cooperative is the trustworthy, friendly, bright, imaginative and approachable organization committed to Cuyahoga County families. We are the supportive community-focused and data-driven organization that delivers high-quality books, trusted resources and measurable results.
The Meaning of the Logo
Our new logo was crafted with intention, highlighting three simple, powerful symbols:
- Books and a pencil — representing literacy
- A diploma — celebrating achievement and the doors that education opens for both children and adults to reach their greatest potential
This design reflects not only the milestones we help families reach, but also the relationships we nurture between partners, donors, and the community at large. Every piece of this new look represents our mission in action: equipping children, adults and families with the tools to learn, grow, and succeed.
The Team Behind the Rebrand
This transformation would not have been possible without the hard work, creativity, and collaboration of the designers, volunteers, and supporters who helped us shape every detail.
To the team that brought this vision to life, Hey Hello Studios, the TLC staff, Cara Byrne, Jessica Walsh Frasier, Laura Hall, Eliza Wing, and Scott Zimmer, thank you.