Palm Beach County School District Honors Top Educators

District celebrates 'A' rating and outstanding teachers, principals, and staff

Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:15am

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The School District of Palm Beach County recognized its top educators at the fifth annual 'Celebrate the Great' awards ceremony. The event honored four outstanding individuals, including the 2026 Principal of the Year, Assistant Principal of the Year, Teacher of the Year, and School-Related Employee of the Year, who will represent the district at the state level.

Why it matters

The awards highlight the dedication and impact of educators in the Palm Beach County school system, which maintains an 'A' rating and nearly 23,000 employees. The honorees are credited with driving student achievement, expanding educational opportunities, and fostering strong school communities.

The details

Dr. Tameka Robinson of Santaluces Community High School was named the 2026 Principal of the Year after leading her school to an 'A' rating and 97% graduation rate. Assistant Principal Syrenthia Boldin of Pahokee Elementary implemented programs that resulted in the school's first 'A' rating in over 15 years. Teacher LaWanna S. Jackson of Galaxy E3 Elementary nearly doubled student math proficiency, while Connie Sterling of Equestrian Trails Elementary was recognized for her critical operational and community leadership.

  • The fifth annual 'Celebrate the Great' awards ceremony was held on January 30, 2026.

The players

Dr. Tameka Robinson

Principal of Santaluces Community High School and the 2026 Principal of the Year.

Syrenthia Boldin

Assistant Principal of Pahokee Elementary School and the 2026 Assistant Principal of the Year.

LaWanna S. Jackson

Teacher at Galaxy E3 Elementary School and the 2027 Teacher of the Year.

Connie Sterling

School-Related Employee of the Year from Equestrian Trails Elementary School.

Michael J. Burke

Superintendent of the School District of Palm Beach County.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

The awards ceremony showcases the exceptional educators who are driving academic success and fostering positive school communities across the Palm Beach County school district, which maintains an 'A' rating thanks to the dedication of its nearly 23,000 employees.