Posted on 3/17/2023

School District of Palm Beach County leadership, board members, as well as business and philanthropic community leaders, came together for the Distinguished Alumni and Leadership Awards on March 15. The special event is a collaborative partnership between the School District, the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, and the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, to celebrate the importance of investing in today's students as tomorrow's leaders.

Palm Beach County Administrator, Verdenia C. Baker was honored with the Outstanding Business Partner Award to acknowledge her dedication to the community and for exceeding expectations in her leadership role. She was instrumental in establishing the Fire Science Academy at Palm Beach Lakes Community High School and the Digital Inclusion Initiative to equip families with high-speed internet at home.

Additionally, Gary S. Lesser, Managing Partner of Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith and a graduate of Forest Hill Community High School, received the Ed Tancer Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of his noteworthy professional success, personal accomplishments, and devotion to community service.

The keynote presentation during the evening was given by Dwayne Dennard, the Principal at Pahokee Middle-Senior High School and the 2023 Principal of the Year for the District. He spoke about innovation and the importance of businesses investing in education, something his school has embodied since he became Principal in 2016.

Through his leadership and partnerships with the business and philanthropic community, Pahokee Middle-Senior High provides multiple opportunities for students to engage in high-quality learning experiences, in addition to receiving the guidance they need to pursue their college and career goals.