Area Teachers Among Finalists For Dwyer Awards

The Economic Council of Palm Beach County Foundation this week announced the 28 finalists for the 38th annual William T. Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education, presented by the Hanley Foundation. The list includes eight educators from schools in the western communities.

Local finalists for the award include: in the category of Elementary Education, Katherine Kovalsky of Royal Palm Beach Elementary School and Jennifer Allen of Wellington Elementary School; in Early Learning Education, Cathy Eckstein of Wellington Elementary School; in Middle School Education, Lisa Welz of Emerald Cove Middle School; in Special Programs, Steven Gordon of Western Pines Middle School; in STEM Education, Laura Arena of Elbridge Gale Elementary School and Caroline Westervelt of Western Pines Middle School; and in Career Education, Ted Glipits of Wellington High School.

The Dwyer Awards, an annual program developed in 1984 and supported by the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, honors outstanding educators from public and private schools in Palm Beach County, increases awareness of the exemplary teaching, supports educators with financial awards and encourages all residents to promote high standards for excellence in education. “We are very excited to honor and celebrate these remarkable teachers in our community with an in-person event this year,” said Michele Jacobs, president and CEO of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County. “This awards event will also be an opportunity to highlight our 2020 and 2021 winners in-person, as we are continually grateful for our teachers and their commitment to our students during these most challenging of years.”

The seven categories for the Dwyer Awards include Elementary Education, Grow Up Great/Early Learning Education, Middle School Education, High School Education, STEM Education, Special Programs, and Student Advancement/Career Education.

The award recipients will be announced and honored along with all finalists, nominees and past recipients at the Dwyer Awards ceremony on Tuesday, May 10 at the Kravis Center. Mark Kelly, anchor at WPBF 25, will serve as emcee.

Tickets to attend the 38th annual William T. Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education are $40 each. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony at 7 p.m.

To purchase tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/303748789807. Visit www.economiccouncilpbc.org/dwyerawards to learn more.