Wellington resident Dr. David Samore was recently honored by King Felipe VI of Spain in a special ceremony at the Norton Museum of Art. Samore, a career educator with Palm Beach County schools, was awarded the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Isabel la Católica, an honor accorded to individuals who have distinguished themselves in the eyes of the Spanish government. For more than 200 years, the Spanish Crown has conferred La Orden de Isabel la Católica upon selected individuals in recognition of bridging cultures and languages. It is open to both Spaniards and non-Spaniards.
This honor is mainly due to Samore’s dedication to dual-language immersion education and International Spanish Academies, such as at New Horizons Elementary School in Wellington. ISAs are a family of 128 dual-language schools in the United States and Canada, which work in collaboration with Spain’s Ministry of Education. The Consul General of Spain, Dr. Jaime Lacadena e Higuera, conferred the recognition, highlighting Samore’s decades-long work to expand cultural understanding and create opportunities to connect Spain and the Spanish language with Florida.
Samore served as the principal of Okeeheelee Middle School for 18 years, during which time the school was twice chosen as the school of the year by the Embassy of Spain. Samore’s distinguished career includes initiating the International Baccalaureate in Palm Beach County and opening the Bak Middle School of the Arts.
The event was hosted on Oct. 28 at the Norton Museum of Art with CEO Dr. Ghislain d’Humieres presiding along with Board Chair Bruce Gendelman. Superintendent Michael Burke was also present, along with Palm Beach County School Board members Frank Barbieri, Marcia Andrews and Alexandria Ayala.
