The Education Foundation of Palm Beach County and the School District of Palm Beach County partnered for the third annual Celebrate the Great awards ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 1, at the Boynton Beach Arts & Cultural Center. Many philanthropic and business leaders, along with educators and students, gathered to hear the announcement of who took home the awards for the 2024 Principal, Assistant Principal, Teacher and School-Related Employee of the Year.
The winners were: Scott McNichols of Forest Hill Elementary School as Principal of the Year; Jamie Evans of Glade View Elementary School as Assistant Principal of the Year; Katie Judge of Palm Beach Public School as Teacher of the Year; and Doris Cabrera-Jerez of Wellington Elementary School as School District-Related Employee of the Year.
“When you’re having a bad day, I encourage you to stand next to a teacher and watch them inspire the next generation with the love of knowledge and learning and be inspired by their heroism,” said James Gavrilos, president and CEO of the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County. “What teachers do every day in Palm Beach County is greatness, and we can’t celebrate them enough. Nominees, teachers, principals, assistant principals, school district employees, school board members and Superintendent Michael J. Burke and his staff, you are all great, and tonight we celebrate you.”
The winners will represent the school district as they go on to compete at the state level as part of the Florida Department of Education recognition programs.
“We have an amazing team in Palm Beach County,” Burke said. “Our motto is ‘Your Best Choice,’ which is true because of everyone on our team, teachers, principals and all of the support staff. As a testament to this greatness, the School District of Palm Beach County increased 1,000 students this year. The School District has been around for 100 years, and we will continue to be the best choice.”
The Education Foundation of Palm Beach County was founded in 1984 and serves as a nexus between the county’s public schools, the private sector and the community. Learn more at www.educationfoundationpbc.org.
