transcript

transcript  250th Anniversary Low Number Plate Lottery Event

Welcome to the 250th Anniversary Low Number Plate Lottery! This pre-recorded broadcast is presented by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles in partnership with Massachusetts State Lottery Commission. Winners and alternate winners have been selected using a random number generator.

Colleen Ogilvie, Registrar of Motor Vehicles. [Colleen]: Welcome to the 250th Anniversary Special Plate Lottery event, celebrating both America's independence and the revolutionary legacy of Massachusetts. On behalf of the RMV and MassDOT, we extend our thanks to the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission for their partnership and to every team member who made this event a success. Thanks to this collaboration and the dedication of all involved, On behalf of the RMV and MassDOT, we extend our thanks to the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission for their partnership and to every team member who made this event a success. Thanks to this collaboration and the dedication of all involved, the red, white, and blue plates have been met with great enthusiasm and well over 67,000 plates issued. For years, thousands have entered the RMV annual low number lottery to test their luck at a few hundred number plates. However, this year we've saved 1,000 iconic blue plates for a once-in-a-generation opportunity. The iconic plate proudly displays our birth year, 1776, and 13 stars, a tribute to the original 13 colonies, Massachusetts among them. History lives on every road, along every shoreline, and everywhere your journey takes you. Best of luck to everyone who entered this Special Plate Lottery. 

Philip Eng. [Philip]: Every year, millions of people take trips across our transportation network, on roads, bridges, and transit systems. Yet, through all that progress, we remain grounded in history that began right here in Massachusetts 250 years ago. The plate design reflects that legacy in a simple and meaningful way. The elements tell a story of origin, resilience, and moving forward, shaping what we build together and why that matters, while connecting places, as well as people, for a shared purpose and a sense of unity. I am so proud of the men and women of the RMV, MassDOT, and the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission for their outstanding creativity, efforts, and partnership in this creative effort. This reflects what we do best here in Massachusetts, honoring our history with creative ways to engage with the communities today. Good luck and thank you for participating.

Felicia Okonkwo. [Felicia]: Thank you for the introduction. As we celebrate 250 years of Massachusetts history, we are bringing that legacy to life in a fun and creative way with five unique categories of low number license plates inspired by iconic moments in Massachusetts: sports, history, attractions, arts, and fun facts. During this special plate lottery event, our presenters will reveal 50 distinctive plate numbers, not in chronological order. Each preselected plate number has been chosen because it connects to a historical event, place, or milestone from our history in Massachusetts. As each plate number is announced, it will be paired with its historical moment, highlighting the story behind the number, before revealing the winner's name and hometown on screen. The complete list of winners will also be posted online this afternoon at Mass.gov/MA250Plate Good luck, everyone! 

Now let's reveal the winners and moments of Massachusetts. First up, is Amrit Singh, who will be sharing our incredible sports legacy. 

[Amrit]: Let's kick this off with Number 4, the great Bobby Orr. John B. Murphy, North Easton. Number 5, Needham's own Olympian Aly Raisman, captain of both gymnastics teams, the Fierce Five in 2012 and the Final Five 2016. [Narrator]: Sean J. Morgan, Melrose. Number 7, Jaylen Brown, lighting it up for the Celtics. [Narrator]: Megan W. Rand, Auburn. Patriots time! Number 10, Drake Maye. [Narrator]: Stephanie R. Delrosso, Carver. And Number 12, the GOAT, Tom Brady. Carlos Santos de Oliveira, Waltham. Number 28, count 'em, 28 Olympians with Massachusetts roots proudly represented the USA at the recent Winter Olympics in Italy. [Narrator]: Cathleen A. Shyne, Scituate. Number 30, Matt Turner, brick wall in the net for The Revolution. [Narrator]: Peter O. Frisch, Swampscott. Number 33, Larry, "The Legend," Bird. [Narrator]: Chad A. Elgeziry, Quincy. Number 34, "Big Papi," David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox. [Narrator]: Karen Stamos, Saugus. Number 91, that's right, in 1891, basketball was born in Springfield. [Narrator]: David J. Dechaves, Cambridge. 111 total wins between Brockton's finest boxers, Rocky Marciano and Marvelous Marvin Hagler. [Narrator]: Paul J. Monterosso, Pittsfield. 130, the Boston Marathon, 130 years strong this year and the oldest continuous marathon in the world. And bringing it home! Plate Number 200, Gabby Thomas, blazing sprinter for the 200 meters, Harvard educated and three-time Olympic gold medalist in 2024. [Narrator]: Erick A. Fuentes-Rivera, West Yarmouth. 

Now, let's learn some legendary tales from our resident historian, Jay, from the North Shore. 

[Narrator]: Jay Dilisio [Jay]: All right, history time! I'm a big Paul Revere fan, so I'm going to try to say this whole thing like he would. Hark! Good people of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, adore me to thy ears, raise thy voices high, for I bring tidings not of warning, but of glory. Number 2, hear now of Quincy's own son, John Adams, a patriot bold and the second of thy presidents. [Narrator]: Brandyn S. Gray, Taunton. Number 6, Bill Russell, wearing number 6 and standing at 6 feet and 10 inches tall. A Celtics player unmatched, yet greater still was his courage beyond the court. [Narrator]: Robert M. Prescott, Fitchburg. A champion for civil rights, a mentor to rising generations. Number 35, Brookline's own John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 35th president whose voice carried hope across our glorious lands. [Narrator]: Joseph F. Antas, Spencer. Number 51, in 19... 51, the Freedom Trail was founded, two and a half miles of sacred ground [Narrator]: Christopher A. Barber, Hanover. where meeting houses, churches, and resting places whisper still of revolution. Number 54, salute the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, which was authorized in 1863, the first all black regiment of the North who charged into history with valor that shook the stronghold of injustice. [Narrator]: Laura C. Lewis, Lexington. Number 88, turn thy glare to the year 1788, when this mighty state cast its lot with destiny, tossing off the crown and embracing a constitution that would shape the ages. [Narrator]: Melanie R. Maxwell, Woburn. Number 90, honor the first stewards of this land, the indigenous nations, 90,000 strong, [Narrator]: Jeffrey A. Burstein, Longmeadow. their voices and heritage enduring through time. Number 300, huzzah and hooray for Louisa May Alcott, 300 written works and more, her words awakening hearts and shaping minds. [Narrator]: Krishnaswamy Venkataraman, Shrewsbury. Number 351, count 'em all and count 'em well, 351 municipalities, [Narrator]: John M. Pearson, Marstons Mills. each a spark in the grand constellation that is Massachusetts.

Good people of the Commonwealth, extend a hearty welcome to Justin Hooper to explore the destinations and attractions that lie before us. 

[Justin]: Welcome, let's reveal the magic that brings the Bay State to life. The first number is 8, the Gloucester Fisherman's Memorial standing 8 feet tall, honoring the fishermen and women lost at sea, a heartfelt tribute that inspires awe in every visitor. [Narrator]: Stephen P. Lewis, East Falmouth. Next, is Number 9, nine adorable bronze ducks waddling through Boston's public garden with the Make Way for Ducklings statue, delight and wonder in every waddle. [Narrator]: Justin M. Grant, Dedham. Number 20 is Route 20, also known as the Boston Post Road, is the longest connecting road in the United States, stretching 3,365 miles from Boston to Newport, Oregon. [Narrator]: Steven E. Fongeallaz, Raynham. Number 25, dozens of magnificent tall ships from over 25 countries are sailing into Boston this July for the 250th anniversary of Massachusetts and the USA. [Narrator]: Keith F. Caruso, Hanover. Can you hear the sails cheering in the wind? Number 45, also known as Webster Lake and of Native American origin, at 45 letters, is one of the longest and unique names in the world, [Narrator]: Michael J. Wilkinson, Brockton. Lake "Chargogogog Manchagogog," Chabunagunagogmog. Number 63, the Mohawk Trail, 63 miles of scenic driving through forests, charming towns, and the historic past of indigenous people. [Narrator]: Sharyn M. Chamberlain, Peabody. Adventure awaits you at every turn. Number 150, we love our green spaces and can boast over 150 state parks across the Commonwealth, each one a natural playground of discovery and adventure. [Narrator]: Robert E. Goldsmith, Andover. Number 260, from the Berkshires to the south coast, over 260 art museums are waiting to ignite your imagination. Creativity springs everywhere. [Narrator]: Scott E. Lee, Centerville. Lastly, 550, an incredible 550 miles of coastline along Cape Cod, waves, sand, and sunsets stretching as far as the eye can see, just breathtaking. [Narrator]: Ryan J. Leblanc, Haverhill. 

Meet Liz Rizzuto, who will give you a backstage pass to the Mass art scene. [Liz]: From music scenes to movie sets, Massachusetts is a blockbuster of creativity. Bravo begins with number 11, Terri Lyne Carrington, [Narrator]: Maureen E. Fabbri, Andover. Medford jazz prodigy and four-time Grammy award-winning jazz drummer and composer won a full scholarship at Emerson School of Music at just 11 years old. Number 13, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, directly from Cambridge. They wrote and starred in Good Will Hunting, a $225 million hit that topped movie charts for an amazing 13 weeks. [Narrator]: Patricia M. Kelly, Abington. Number 23, from Roxbury to R&B royalty, New Edition made history with their top-selling album, "Home Again," and their 2023 induction to the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame. [Narrator]: Kathleen S. Enslin, Norwood. What an honor. Number 24, Somerville's own Bobby "Boris" Pickett and Leonard Capizzi wrote the classic "Monster Mash" at the age of 24 and sold over 1 million copies. [Narrator]: Nicholas Garside, Haverhill. Number 32, Mission Hill pride and disco queen Donna Summer scored 32 hit singles, including "MacArthur Park," famously skated to by Alysa Liu at the 2026 Winter Olympics. [Narrator]: Dohel J. Asencio, Fitchburg. Number 67, the Bee Gees' iconic song titled "Massachusetts," featuring the line, "I will always remember Massachusetts," hit the charts in 1967. [Narrator]: Stephen C. Robertson, Groton. Number 80, from Dorchester to global stardom, New Kids on the Block have hit 80 million records sold with their song, "Step by Step," leading the charge. [Narrator]: Joann L. Smith, Lowell.

Get ready to be surprised by some fun facts from our very own Nancy Cox. 

[Nancy]: Here are some wicked fun facts about Massachusetts. Number 17, Benjamin Franklin invented swimming flippers in 1717. [Narrator]: Steven R. Nichols, Watertown. That's right, even before his electricity fame, he was already making waves. Number 19, in 1919, the first African American elected to the U.S. Senate, Edward Brooke, was born right here in the Commonwealth. [Narrator]: Michael T. Szaran, Bridgewater. He served two terms, receiving both the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal. Number 44, Massachusetts ranks as the 44th largest state in the U.S. [Narrator]: Vanessa Nava, Waltham. We may be small, but we are mighty. Number 55, in 1955, An and Lorraine Wang became U.S. citizens. [Narrator]: Matthew L. Dodge, Ayer. An was a pioneer in the evolution of the computer and founder of Wang Technologies. Number 60, in this summer, get ready. The FIFA World Cup 2026 is bringing energy, excitement, and a big boost to our economy, with an expected $60 million in tax revenue. [Narrator]: Purandar G. Das, Lexington. Number 66, who doesn't love a cookie? In 1866, Ruth Graves Wakefield gave us one of the greatest inventions of all time, the chocolate chip cookie. You're welcome, world. [Narrator]: Timothy M. Allington, Hanson. Number 82, our cranberry industry is worth $82 million. That's a lot of cranberry sauce. [Narrator]: Fitzroy A. Thompson, Hyde Park. Number 106, since 1920, for 106 years, Allen Durkee and Fred Mower have been making Marshmallow Fluff in Lynn. Who doesn't love a fluffernutter? [Narrator]: Kelvin O. Grande Argueta, Revere. Number 617, one of the original North American area codes, 617, was chosen to honor June 17th, the date of the 1775 Battle of Bunker Hill in Charlestown. A reminder that big moments start right here. [Narrator]: Minixia Chen, Wellesley Hills. 

[Narrator]: Phillip Eng. [Phillip]: Speaking of history, our next presenter is someone who knows a lot about the history of Massachusetts as the former mayor of Salem, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. Lieutenant Governor, could you share some final memorable moments of history with the most noteworthy plate numbers? 

[Kim]: As we celebrate 250 years of our shared history, we're reflecting on where we began, how far we've come, and the spirit that continues to move Massachusetts forward. Number 1, Massachusetts leads the nation. We're number one in education, and innovation and healthcare, and we are a state of firsts: first subway station, first lighthouse, first public library, public park, and the oldest fishing port. [Narrator]: Robert W. Steele, Walpole. Number 250, a milestone year. This year, we're celebrating the United States' 250th birthday. [Narrator]: Courtney A. Mulroy, Tyngsboro. Number 1776, this is where it all began. Here in Massachusetts, ordinary people did extraordinary things, coming together, standing up, and sacrificing. for the freedoms we enjoy today. [Fireworks screech and burst over uplifting music] [Narrator]: Simon Procopenco, Plymouth. Together, these numbers, 1, 250, and 1776, tell the story of who we are, a state grounded in history, leading today, and working together to build a stronger tomorrow. 

[Narrator]: Colleen Ogilvie and Phillip Eng. [Colleen]: Thank you, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, Secretary Eng, and to all of our presenters today. [Phillip]: Together, these numbers, 1, 250, and 1776, capture our history, our leadership, our spirit, and our future. [Narrator]: Staff of MassDOT. [Woman 1]: Happy 250th anniversary to Massachusetts. [Woman 2]: And to the United States of America. [Group]: Thank you for celebrating with us!

[Group cheers joyfully] [Narrator]: Closing credits on a blue license plate read Happy 250th Anniversary to Massachusetts & the United States of America! Visit Mass.gov/RMV/MA250Winners. Winner information will be posted this afternoon.

Thank you and congratulations to all the winners!