More than 250 guests filled the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County’s Center for Public School Excellence and Innovation Thursday evening to celebrate one of the most inspiring nights of the year — the GoTeach! Classroom Grant Awards Ceremony.

This year’s event awarded over $200,000 in classroom grants to 143 exceptional teachers representing 54 schools across Palm Beach County, whose creativity and passion are transforming education. From literacy and STEM to student resiliency, career and technical education, and financial literacy, these innovative projects embody the theme “Mission: Possible”- empowering educators to ignite curiosity, close learning gaps, and help students build brighter futures.

A Celebration of Innovation and Impact

The evening began with a lively Welcome Reception featuring student performances by the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts Jazz Band while guests enjoyed the culinary creations made by the West Boca Raton Community High School’s Culinary Academy. The Seminole Ridge Community High School’s Sips, Scents & Suds team provided beautifully hand-crafted candles provided to all guests and the Palm Beach Lakes Community High School’s Esports Academy brought extra adventure and excitement with a live drone demonstration. 

Following the reception, guests gathered for the Awards Ceremony, recognizing 94 innovative projects funded through GoTeach!, GoReach!, and Innovation Awards. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, support initiatives that advance key district priorities in:

• Financial Literacy and Career & Technical Education
• STEM and Artificial Intelligence
• Literacy and Student Resiliency 
• Increasing Graduation Rates and Teacher Quality
• Support for Underperforming Students

Teachers as “Special Agents” of Innovation

During his remarks, James S. Gavrilos, President and CEO of the Education Foundation, commended teachers as “special agents of classroom innovation,” noting that this year’s recipients will not only inspire their students, but also lead future professional development sessions in the new Center’s training spaces to share their practices with peers.

“Tonight, we celebrate your spirit of creativity and dedication — but we also launch you into the future as guides and inspirations for others,” Gavrilos said. “Your ideas and passion are the blueprint for student success.”

The 2025 GoTeach! program honored dozens of educators from across the District, representing elementary, middle, and high schools countywide. Projects ranged from AI-powered problem-solving labs and hydroponic gardens to family storytelling podcasts, math-through-movement lessons, and financial literacy programs that prepare students for real-world success.

Top honors included:

• GoTeach! Individual and Team Awards($1,000–$1,500 each)
• GoReach! High Impact Awards($3,000 each)
• STEM Innovation and FINLIT Innovation Awards($5,000 each)