Dwyer Awards Finalists Honored

Jorge Valls, Shameka Thomas, Suzanne Reddoch, Amy Spano, Dana Tate, Cindy Fakhoury and John Kux

(Press Release) WEST PALM BEACH (May 14, 2026) - The Economic Council of Palm Beach County’s William T. Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education celebrated outstanding educators from across Palm Beach County during a ceremony on May 4, 2026, at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. The event recognized this year’s finalists and announced honorees in seven categories, each exemplifying exceptional dedication and commitment to student success.
 
The 2026 Economic Council of Palm Beach County Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education honorees are

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 Grow Up Great: Early Learning Education: Cindy Fakhoury, Lake Worth Community High School
 Elementary School Education: Dana Tate, Village Academy
 Middle School Education: Jorge Valls, Bak Middle School of the Arts
 Senior High School Education: Suzanne Reddoch, Wellington Community High School
 STEM Education: John Kux, West Boca Raton Community High School
 Exceptional Student Education: Amy Spano, Marsh Pointe Elementary School
 Student Support & Advancement: Shameka Thomas, Riviera Beach Preparatory & Achievement Academy
 
The evening began with an elegant cocktail reception featuring music by the Bak Middle School of the Arts String Quartet, as guests mingled and enjoyed a curated selection of food and refreshments. The program opened with an energetic performance by the Palm Beach Lakes High School Ram Regiment Band, under the direction of Josh Velez, followed by a moving rendition of the National Anthem by Chase Bauer, a sophomore at Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts.
 
Opening remarks were delivered by Mark Elhilow, Chair of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County; Michael Burke, 27th Superintendent of the School District of Palm Beach County; Deana Pizzo, Chair, and Mike Bauer, Vice Chair of the Dwyer Awards; and Michele Jacobs, President and CEO of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County. Felicia Rodriguez, anchor at WPBF 25, served as Mistress of Ceremonies.
 
“The Dwyer Awards are a powerful reminder of the extraordinary impact educators have on our students and our community,” said Michele Jacobs, President and CEO of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County. “This year’s finalists and honorees represent the very best, and we are proud to celebrate their dedication, leadership, and commitment to student success.”
 
The Dwyer Awards, named in honor of the late community leader William T. Dwyer, are an annual program established in 1985 by the Economic Council of Palm Beach County to recognize outstanding educators in both public and private schools across the county. Over 400 nominations were submitted for the 2026 awards, and each nominee underwent a rigorous evaluation process by approximately 100 prominent local business leaders. 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 2026 Dwyer Awards would like to thank the following sponsors: Presenting Sponsor - The Elmore Impact for Good Fund; Grow 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; Creativity Sponsors - Comiter, Singer, Baseman & Braun, JMorton Planning & Landscape Architecture, Jones Foster P.A., Max Planck FL Institute for Neuroscience, Plastridge Insurance, Ranger Construction, SBA Communications, Shutts & Bowen LLP, The Weitz Company; Teacher/Student Sponsors - CareerSource PBC, Christopher Duke, Eastwind Development, LLC, M&T Bank, Palm Beach State College, Sugar Cane Growers Incorporated of Florida, Urban Design Studio, Song & Associates, John Csapo, Jeck Harris, Dennis Gallon, Deb Schwinn, and Wellington Regional Medical Center; Teacher/Student Sponsor PLUS- Bank of America.
 
For more information, visit economiccouncilpbc.org/dwyer-awards/ or contact [email protected].