SHERYL LEE RALPH: The internationally acclaimed star of stage and screen, above left, showed off her champion of education chops with inspiration, humor and thought-provoking messages regarding overcoming challenges, as she interacted with Mistress of Ceremonies Angela Rozier and her audience. ERNA DELICE PHOTO FOR SOUTH FLORIDA TIMES

Special to South Florida Times

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Award-winning actress, singer and keynote speaker Sheryl Lee Ralph was a font of wisdom for the benefit of the students and others among the 500 in the audience during the 16th Annual My Teacher, My Hero Awards Gala, Saturday at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach.

“I love me l. I believe in me. I encourage me,” the internationally acclaimed motivational and inspirational speaker commented to Mistress of Ceremonies Angela Rozier, an award-winning local broadcast journalist at WPBF Channel.

“I do not let other people’s lies become my truth,” Ralph said. “I believe in me and my ability and I put in the work.”

The black-tie scholarship fundraising event once again drew dozens of students and teachers and hundreds of guests ranging from elected officials to everyday champions of education.

It was a night to recognize ideal teachers who were nominated in various categories by their students in Palm Beach County.

The awards for the gala, hosted by the Inlet Grove Community High School Foundation, were judged by the Education Committee members from the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, led by Kathleen Joy, director of community engagement.

The 2023 My Teacher, My Hero Award categories and winners, announced by student participants are:

• Passion for Teaching: Sheneka Lunford, Pahokee High School

• Empathy for Students: Christopher White, SouthTech Academy

• Effective Discipline: Lynn Moran, SouthTech Academy

• Intellectual Humor: Damian Conti, SouthTech Academy

• Educational Visionary: Janice James, Crossroads Academy

• High Expectations: Robert Weiner, Santaluces High School

• Champion of Reading: Eric Wilson, SouthTech Academy

• Communication with Parents: Karenza Harvey, Pahokee High School

• Educator of the Year: Ayhan Lambaz, Inlet Grove High School

In a highlight of the night, students and other audience members participated in a Q&A session with Ralph and Rozier.

One question referenced the song, “Endangered Species,” for which Ralph won rave reviews after singing it during the 2022 Emmy Awards, after winning Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in the “Abbott Elementary” TV series. Ralph responded to the question by also treating her convention center audience to a spirited a cappella rendition of the song.

Ralph at one point also elaborated on how college isn’t for everyone, but “There is nothing like higher education,” she said. “There is nothing like a mind that’s able to expand itself.”

To end the night, the gala’s student participants performed “We are the World,” as Chemistry teacher Abigail Milce lifted the crowd with his saxophone skills.

The 17th Annual My Teacher My Hero Awards Gala is set for the convention center on Saturday, May 18.