Left to right: “Empire” actress Grace Byers, award-winning teacher Christopher White, and Grace’s husband and fellow “Empire” star, Trai Byers at My Teacher My Hero Awards.

PHOTO COURTESY OF C.B. HANIF

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Husband and wife stars of the hit television series “Empire” Grace and Trai Byers excitedly congratulated Christopher White of South Tech Academy in Boynton Beach for winning the Positive Authority Figure award at the 2017 My Teacher My Hero Awards Gala, sponsored by the Inlet Grove Community High School Foundation, May 20 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

Grace served as a keynote speaker for the annual black-tie event that pays tribute to dozens of exemplary teachers who are nominated by the students of Palm Beach County schools for their knowledge, vision, passion and empathy.

The My Teacher My Hero banquet also provides thousands of dollars in scholarships for seniors.

The event convened hundreds of teachers, students and education advocates from all walks of life including Grace, who is a University of South Florida and University of California grad.

Dr. Emma Banks, the foundation CEO and president, thanked everyone and encouraged them to save next year’s date, May 19, 2018. She said it is important “to support our students and our teachers.”