Annual William T. Dwyer Awards Unveils 2026 Finalists

The Economic Council of Palm Beach County Foundation announced twenty-eight finalists for the prestigious William T. Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education, presented by Elmore Impact for Good Endowment, selected from more than 450 nominees across Palm Beach County.

The finalists were honored at a waterfront reception on April 7 at Lamarina at Safe Harbor Rybovich in West Palm Beach, hosted by Huizenga Holdings. The evening brought together school district leadership, elected officials, business leaders, and community partners to celebrate the outstanding educators shaping the future of local students.

Superintendent of the School District of Palm Beach County, Michael Burke, addressed attendees at the event, personally congratulating the finalists and recognizing their commitment to excellence in education before the formal recognition. Each finalist received a commemorative gift and a $500 award as guests enjoyed a beautifully presented sushi boat, light bites, and refreshments while celebrating this year’s honorees.

Deana Pizzo of I.T. Solutions of South Florida served as Chair of the event, with Mike Bauer of Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium as Co-Chair.

“This celebration is about more than recognizing great teaching—it’s about honoring the relationships, innovation, and leadership that shape students’ lives every day,” said Michele Jacobs, President and CEO of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County. “These finalists represent the very best of our education community. They are preparing students not just for the next grade, but for meaningful, successful lives.”

The Dwyer Awards, established in 1984, recognize outstanding educators from public and private schools across Palm Beach County. The program raises awareness of exemplary teaching and provides financial support to educators and their schools. Finalists are selected through a rigorous, multi-round process led by nearly 100 business leaders from the community.

The categories for the 2026 Dwyer Awards include:

Growing Great: Early Elementary Education

Elementary Education

Middle School Education

Senior High School Education

STEM Education

Exceptional Student Education

Student Support & Advancement

Winners will be announced at the 2026 Dwyer Awards ceremony on Monday, May 4 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. The evening begins with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by the awards program at 7:00 p.m. WPBF 25 anchor Felicia Rodriguez will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies.

The public is invited to be part of this inspiring evening celebrating excellence in education. Tickets are $45 and open to all, available at: https://www.economiccouncilpbc.org/dwyer-awards/.

The 2026 Dwyer Awards would like to thank the following sponsors: Presenting Sponsor - Elmore Impact for Good Endowment; Growing Up Great: Early Elementary Education Award Presentation Sponsor - PNC; Elementary Education Award Presentation Sponsor - Comcast; Senior High Education Award Presentation Sponsor - Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel, PLLC; STEM Award Presentation Sponsor - FPL; Exceptional Student Education Presentation Sponsor - United Healthcare; Cocktail Reception Sponsor - I.T. Solutions of South Florida; VIP Reception Sponsor - Huizenga Holdings; Media Sponsors - Palm Beach Post and Exclusive TV Sponsor - WPBF 25; Knowledge Sponsors - Blue Ocean Capital, Flagler System Inc. d/b/a The Breakers, Gunster, Kitson & Partners, Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium; Teacher/Student Ticket Sponsor - CareerSource PBC, Christopher Duke, Eastwind Development, LLC, M&T Bank, Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida, Urban Design Studio; and Wellington Regional Medical Center; Teacher/Student Ticket Sponsor PLUS- Bank of America

For information about sponsorship opportunities and ways to get involved or support the Dwyer Awards, contact ccahur@ec-pbc.org.

About the Economic Council of Palm Beach County:

Established in 1975, the Economic Council of Palm Beach County is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization that supports an open and collaborative relationship between the public and private sectors in Palm Beach County. The Council's membership comprises a diverse mix of industries of varying sizes in the area whose leaders have an active and influential role in the community. Learn more about the Economic Council at www.economiccouncilpbc.org. The Economic Council of Palm Beach County Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm of the Council.

2026 FINALISTS

GROWING UP GREAT: EARLY ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

Cindy Fakhoury, Lake Worth Community High School

Heather Orloski, Citrus Cove Elementary School

Samantha Fink, Jupiter Christian School

Ann Greenspan, Panther Run Elementary

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

Toni Lipscher, Marsh Pointe Elementary School

Stefanie Stibal, Citrus Cove Elementary School

Sally Smollar, Plumosa School of the Arts K-8

Dana Tate, Village Academy

MIDDLE SCHOOL EDUCATION

Sireesha Rutter, Jupiter Middle School

Jennifer Feinberg, Eagles Landing Middle School

Jorge Valls, Bak Middle School of the Arts

Eddie Riccio, West Boynton Middle School

SENIOR HIGH EDUCATION

Britt Feingold, Lake Worth Community High School

Josephine Buscemi, Jupiter High School

Sara Salivar, The Benjamin School

Suzanne Reddoch, Wellington Community High School

STEM EDUCATION

Mary Fish, Spanish River High School

Corinne Nguyen, Christa McAuliffe Middle School

John Kux, West Boca Raton Community High School

Susan Garcia, Jupiter High School

EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT EDUCATION

Amy Spano, Marsh Pointe Elementary School

Nicole Mosca, Allamanda Elementary School

Kelesa Robinson, Santaluces Community High School

Jennifer LaNunziata, West Boynton Middle School

STUDENT SUPPORT & ADVANCEMENT

Shameka Thomas, Riviera Beach Preparatory & Achievement Academy

Vanessa Serrano-Briceño, Freedom Shores Elementary School

Ismael Galicia, Lake Worth Middle School

Lori Bednarek, Western Pines Middle School