Rotary Club of Boca Raton Sunrise Celebrates 40 Years of Honoring Outstanding Educators

The Rotary Club of Boca Raton Sunrise will host its 40th Annual Teacher of the Year Awards Celebration on March 26, 2026, continuing a tradition that has recognized more than 700 outstanding educators since its founding in 1987. This milestone event demonstrates the sustained community commitment to educational excellence and teacher recognition that has spanned four decades.

The awards program, created by Rotarian and former Palm Beach County School Board Chairman Frank Barbieri, has experienced significant growth since its inception. What began as an event honoring just four teachers has expanded to spotlight 23 exceptional educators annually, reflecting the increasing importance placed on recognizing educational excellence in the community.

Rotarian Frank Barbieri emphasized the fundamental significance of the event, stating that great communities are built on the dedication of great teachers. The awards provide a vital opportunity to recognize the passion, creativity, and commitment these educators bring to their classrooms daily, serving as a powerful reminder of teachers' essential role in student development and community building.

The celebration will take place at The Studio at Mizner Park from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., featuring a gourmet cocktail reception and desserts prepared by the West Boca High School Academy of Culinary Arts. The evening's program will include performances by the Spanish River Jazz Ensemble and the Boca Raton High School Choral Group, opening ceremonies by the Olympic Heights High School Color Guard, and a multimedia presentation honoring each teacher.

The Rotary Club partners with the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce Golden Bell Education Foundation, which supports the local public school system by administering funds and educational programs that promote business skills for students. This collaboration between business and educational organizations strengthens the community's support system for both teachers and students.

This long-standing tradition underscores the importance of recognizing educators who shape future generations, with the event serving as a testament to the fundamental role teachers play in community development. The continued success of the Teacher of the Year Awards Celebration demonstrates how charitable organizations can create meaningful, lasting impact through sustained commitment to recognizing and supporting educational excellence.