The Economic Council of Palm Beach County Foundation recently announced the 28 finalists for the prestigious William T. Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education, presented by the Hanley Foundation. These educators were selected from an impressive pool of more than 500 nominees. They were celebrated at a picturesque waterside reception at Lamarina at Safe Harbor Rybovich in West Palm Beach on Tuesday, April 8.
Finalists from the western communities include: Kerry Grayson of Palm Beach Central High School in the Senior High School Education category; Jennifer Barry of Western Pines Middle School in the STEM Education category; Tamra Helman of Discovery Key Elementary School in the Exceptional Education category; and Taylor Hoover of Discovery Key Elementary School and Allyson Joseph of Wellington High School in the Student Support & Advancement category.
The highly anticipated Dwyer Awards ceremony will take place on Monday, May 5 at Dreyfoos Hall in the Kravis Center. The winners will be revealed and honored alongside all finalists, nominees and past recipients of this distinguished recognition. Felicia Rodriguez, anchor at WPBF 25, will serve as mistress of ceremonies for the evening.
“Every year, the William T. Dwyer Awards allow us to shine a spotlight on the incredible work happening in classrooms across Palm Beach County. These outstanding finalists represent the very best in education, and we are thrilled to celebrate their dedication to the success of our students,” said Michele Jacobs, president and CEO of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County.
The Dwyer Awards, an annual program developed in 1984, honor the extraordinary contributions of educators in Palm Beach County’s public and private schools. The program increases awareness of exemplary teaching and provides financial support to educators and their schools. The rigorous evaluation process is carried out by nearly 100 prominent business leaders from the area, ensuring that the most deserving educators are selected as finalists.
“The Hanley Foundation is proud to once again present the Dwyer Awards, hosted by the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, where I am honored to serve on the board,” Hanley Foundation CEO Dr. Rachel Docekal said. “Our partnership reinforces Hanley’s unwavering commitment to building a strong and healthy community through our mission to eliminate addiction. Through our grant-funded prevention education programs, reaching students and families across 34 Florida counties, we are providing proactive intervention and education, combating addiction within our communities.”
Tickets for the William T. Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education are available for $45 each. The evening will begin with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony at 7 p.m. For more information, or to purchase event tickets, visit www.economiccouncilpbc.org/dwyer-awards.
