27 years ago, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins stood tall on the Scripps National Spelling Bee stage, tying for 17th place as a 13-year-old semifinalist from Washington, D.C. On Sunday night, he stood tall once again—this time on Broadway. 🌟 Branden’s play, "Purpose," just won the Tony Award for Best Play after winning the Pulitzer Prize for Drama last month—an extraordinary double honor. He’s the first Black playwright to win Best Play since August Wilson’s "Fences" in 1987, and it’s his second Tony in two years! 🏆 From spelling stardom to storytelling greatness, Branden is a shining example of what Bee alumni can become when passion meets purpose. 🐝 Congratulations, Branden—we’re buzzing with pride for you. 💛 #spellingbee #thebeeturns100 📸: Theo Wargo/Getty