WASABI FENWAY BOWL
2025 Overview
Wasabi is excited to once again bring elite, collegiate football to Boston with the Wasabi Fenway Bowl. On Saturday, December 27 at 2:15 p.m. E.T. the University of Connecticut Huskies return to Fenway Park to battle the Army Black Knights in what is sure to be a memorable faceoff. The game will be immediately followed by an hour-long performance from country star, Riley Green.
Beyond the buzz of the game, the Wasabi Fenway Bowl is dedicated to supporting equitable and quality education in communities across New England. That’s why we launched the Wasabi Fenway Bowl Honor Roll program in December 2020 to recognize and thank educational institutions and educators who have gone above and beyond to support their students and respective communities. We look forward to celebrating the Honor Roll Class of 2025 during this year's game.
Learn more and buy tickets here.
Fenway Bowl Honor Roll
Cheering on the unsung heroes
Launched in 2020, the Honor Roll recognizes educators, administrators, and support staff from across New England. Since its inception, the Wasabi Fenway Bowl Honor Roll has awarded over 150 educators and given more than $140,000 to support education across New England. We applaud these educators for their exceptional contributions during challenging times. These heroes have a positive impact on students that will last a lifetime.
Monster Finalists
SHAUMBA-YANDJE DIBINGA
FOUNDER OF ORIGINATION CULTURAL ARTS CENTER & PROFESSOR AT ROXBURY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ORIGINATION CULTURAL ARTS CENTER,
ROXBURY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BOSTON, MA
MONSTER FINALIST
Shaumba-Yandje has been working with the youth of Boston for over 30 years and deserves recognition. By creating OrigiNation, she has provided a space where students are encouraged to speak up against bullies, be themselves, and learn to dance. With her help, students can travel and do community service projects while abroad.ese heroes have a positive impact on students that will last a lifetime.
DANIEL THOMPSON
HIGH SCHOOL FIREFIGHTER INSTRUCTOR
LEWISTON REGIONAL TECHNICAL CENTER
LEWISTON, ME
MONSTER FINALIST
Dan was on duty the day of a tragic Portland fire that claimed the lives of several young adults. Years later, when Lewiston was shattered by a mass shooting, Dan answered a new call to service by building something that would outlast tragedy. He founded the region’s first high school firefighter training program.
BRIANA BROWN
STEP TEAM COACH
SOUTHEASTERN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL
EASTON, MA
MONSTER FINALIST
Ms. Brown founded the step team three years ago. She’s more than a coach — she’s like a parental figure. We cry together, pray together, and she even prepares family dinners for us on long days. You would think that we are just kids that dance together, but Ms. Brown made us so much more than that. heroes have a positive impact on students that will last a lifetime.
The Semifinalists
The semifinalists for the Wasabi Fenway Bowl Honor Roll are a diverse group of educators from across New England, each making a unique impact on their schools and students. Through innovative teaching, mentorship, and dedication to student well-being, they inspire academic excellence and personal growth, creating positive, inclusive learning environments that extend beyond the classroom.
The stats
Our mission
At the Wasabi Fenway Bowl, our mission is simple but profound: to celebrate the spirit of football and give back to our community.
We're not just about touchdowns; we're about touchlines, bringing together fans from all walks of life to cheer for something greater than the game itself.
2025 Game Day Logistics
The 4th annual Wasabi Fenway Bowl will take place on December 27 at 2:15 PM.
2025 Executive Committee
Meet the people who make it all happen
Our 18-member executive committee—comprised of regional business, education, and non-profit community leaders—provides strategic recommendations to foster our educational and community-oriented mission.
With years of experience in sports management, they bring expertise, innovation, and a shared love for the game to the forefront.
Peggy Byrd, Chief Marketing Officer, Boston Globe Media
Dr. Joseph Cooper, Chair, Sport Leadership & Administration Program & Special Assistant to the Chancellor for Black Life – UMass Boston
Gene DeFilippo, Senior Executive Director – Turnkey Sports & Entertainment
Avery Esdaile, Senior Director of Athletics – Boston Public Schools
David Gibbons, Executive Director – Massachusetts Convention Center Authority
Erin Gilroy, Consultant – Marriott International
Dave Hart, Founder & Owner – Athletics Legacy Partners
Erin McDermott, Director of Athletics – Harvard University
Robert Noonan, Chief Information Security Officer – Massachusetts Convention Center Authority
Stephanie Pappas – Vice President of International and Sports Sales, Meet Boston
Jim Rooney, Chief Executive Officer – Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
Bekah Salwasser, Executive Vice President, Social Impact – Boston Red Sox, Executive Director – Red Sox Foundation
Kathryn Saunders – Senior Director of Partnerships and Community Relations, Greater Boston YMCA
Martha Sheridan, President & CEO – Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau
Chris Smith, President & Executive Director – Boston After School & Beyond (BASB)
Adam Whitfield, Director, Member Engagement – WHOOP
Michael Welts, Chief Marketing Officer – Wasabi Technologies
Julie Barry, Vice President, Global Brand and Communications – Wasabi Technologies
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