Dwyer Awards Finalists Announced

Dr. Rachel Docekal speaks at 2023 Dwyer Awards (Credit: Dwyer Awards)

(Press Release) WEST PALM BEACH (April 1, 2024) - The Economic Council of Palm Beach County Foundation proudly unveils twenty-eight finalists for the esteemed William T. Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education, presented by the Hanley Foundation. The finalists will celebrate with a picturesque waterside reception at M/Y Café at Rybovich Marina on April 23, 2024, graciously hosted by Huizenga Holdings. The award recipients will be announced and honored along with all finalists, nominees, and past recipients at the Dwyer Awards ceremony on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Dreyfoos Hall at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. 
 
"As we mark four decades of the William T. Dwyer Awards, we celebrate the dedication and impact of educators who shape our community's future," said Michele Jacobs, President and CEO of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County. "The event highlights the tireless dedication of educators who go above and beyond to ensure every student thrives."

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"Hanley Foundation is proud to celebrate the 40-year anniversary of the Dwyer Awards," said Dr. Rachel Docekal, CEO of Hanley Foundation. "This year marks Hanley's ninth year as presenting sponsor of this important community event that recognizes dedicated teachers and talented students across the county. We are honored to partner alongside these amazing individuals every day in our mission to eliminate addiction through prevention education programming and beyond." 
 
The Dwyer Awards, an annual program developed in 1984 and supported by the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, honors outstanding educators from public and private schools in Palm Beach County with a reception, ceremony, and financial recognition. The program seeks to increase awareness of the exemplary teaching in our community and promote high standards of excellence in education. 
 
The Economic Council of Palm Beach County, comprised of business leaders deeply committed to fostering educational excellence, received nearly 450 nominations for the 2024 Dwyer Awards. Each nominee underwent a rigorous evaluation process by almost one hundred prominent business leaders from Palm Beach County. This meticulous judging procedure culminated in selecting twenty-eight finalists across seven distinct categories, eventually recognizing seven winners, one from each category.
 
The seven categories for the 2024 Dwyer Awards include Grow Up Great: Early Learning Education, Elementary Education, Middle School Education, Senior High School Education, STEM Education, Exceptional Education, and Student Support & Advancement. 
 
Felicia Rodriguez, anchor at WPBF 25, will serve as emcee. Tickets to attend the 40th Annual William T. Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education are $45 each. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception at 5:30 pm and the awards ceremony at 7:00 pm. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit https://economiccouncilofpalmbeach.growthzoneapp.com/event-calendar/Details/40th-annual-dwyer-awards-for-excellence-in-education-presented-by-hanley-foundation-947215?sourceTypeId=Hub.
 
The 2024 Dwyer Awards would like to thank the following sponsors: Presenting Sponsor - Hanley Foundation; Excellence Sponsor- Elmore Family Foundation; Award Sponsors - Comcast, FPL, IT Solutions of South Florida, Mariaca Wealth, PNC Bank, and UnitedHealthcare; VIP Reception Sponsor - Huizenga Holdings; Cocktail Reception Sponsors - Pratt & Whitney and Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith; Media Sponsor WPBF; Teacher Tickets Sponsor - Bank of America; Knowledge Sponsors - Blue Ocean Capital, The Breakers, Gunster, Kitson & Partners, Oxbow Carbon, The Weitz Company; Creativity Sponsors  - Jones Foster, Max Planck, SBA Communications, Shutts & Bowen, Singer Comiter - Michael Singer; Teacher/Student Ticket Sponsors - 2GHO, CareerSource PBC, Dr. Dennis Gallon, Keshavarz, M&T Bank, Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida, Tortoise Properties, Urban Design Kilday Studios, and Wellington Regional Medical Center.
 
For more information contact [email protected].