2025 Dwyer Award Finalists Honored

Credit: Capehart Photography

(Press Release) West Palm Beach, Fla. (Monday, June 9, 2025) - The 2025 William T. Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education, presented by the Hanley Foundation, celebrated the exceptional educators of Palm Beach County at a prestigious ceremony on May 5, 2025, at Dreyfoos Hall at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. Hosted by the Economic Council of Palm Beach County Foundation, the event honored the 2025 finalists and announced honorees in seven categories, each of whom exemplifies outstanding dedication and commitment to student
success.

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The 2025 Economic Council of Palm Beach County Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education honorees are:
 Early Education: Amy Winsor, Dwight D. Eisenhower K-8
 Elementary Education: Ashli Fischer, Beacon Cove Intermediate
 Middle School Education: Maxwell Slakoff, John F. Kennedy Middle School
 Senior High School Education: Lisa Gilbert, Park Vista Community High School
 Student Advancement & Support: Tiffany Wilkes, William T. Dwyer High School
 STEM Education: Rob Sweeten, Boca Raton High School
 Exceptional Student Education: Jacqueline Hagan, Lake Worth Community High School

The evening began with an electric performance by the Palm Beach Lakes High School Ram Regiment Band, under the direction of Josh Velez, Director of Bands. The band played “Stars and Stripes Forever” and more, setting the stage for the unveiling of the honorees. The Ram Regiment Band has been selected to perform in London's 40th Annual New Year's Day Parade in 2026. The band is currently raising funds for their trip, and at the event, the Economic Council of Palm Beach County kicked off fundraising efforts with a generous $2,500 Check presentation to support the students’ journey.

Opening remarks were made by Mark Elhilow, Chair of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, Mike
Burke, 27th Superintendent of the School District of Palm Beach County; Deana Pizzo and Mike Bauer, Co-Chairs of the Dwyer Awards: Michele Jacobs, President and CEO of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, and Lindsey White, Chief Advancement Officer at the Hanley Foundation. Felicia Rodriguez, anchor at WPBF 25 News served as the evening’s Mistress of Ceremonies.


"Tonight, we celebrate the incredible work of these outstanding educators who make a significant difference in the lives of their students every day," said Michele Jacobs. "Their passion, dedication, and leadership are shaping the future of our community, and we are proud to honor them."

The Dwyer Awards, named in honor of the late community leader William T. Dwyer, is an annual program
developed in 1984 by the Economic Council of Palm Beach County to recognize outstanding educators in both public and private schools across the county. Nearly 450 nominations were submitted for the 2025 awards, and each nominee underwent a rigorous evaluation process by almost 100 prominent business leaders from the area. This thorough process led to the selection of 28 finalists across seven categories, ultimately honoring seven individuals—one from each category.

The program seeks to increase awareness of exemplary teaching while promoting high standards of excellence in education. Each honoree receives $3,500 and a personalized crystal award, while finalists are awarded $500 and a personalized certificate.

The Dwyer Awards are made possible by the generous support of the following sponsors: Presenting Sponsor -Hanley Foundation; Excellence Sponsor - The Elmore Family Foundation; Award Presentation Sponsors -Mariaca Wealth Management, PNC Bank, Lesser Landy Smith & Siegel, Comcast, FPL, United Healthcare, andI.T. Solutions; VIP Reception Sponsor - Huizenga Holdings; Knowledge Award Sponsors - Gunster, Kitson &Partners, Flagler System, Inc. D/B/A The Breakers, Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, Blue Ocean Capital, Bankof America, Song & Associates; Creativity Sponsors - Plastridge Insurance, Jones Foster P.A., SBA Communications, Shutts & Bowen LLP, Max Planck FL Institute for Neuroscience, Comiter, Singer, Baseman &Braun, and The Weitz Company; Teacher/Student Sponsors - Sugar Cane Growers Incorporated of Florida, Eastwind Development, LLC, Urban Design Studio, Keshavarz & Associates, Inc., Careersource PBC, Mamp;T Bank, Ranger Construction, JMorton Planning & Landscape Architecture, Wellington Regional Medical Center,
Song & Associates, HCA Florida, JFK Hospital, and Dr. Dennis Gallon.

For more information, visit economiccouncilpbc.org/dwyer-awards/ or contact [email protected].