Christopher M. De León
Director of Jazz Studies, Dreyfoos School of the Arts
Christopher M. De León’s passion for music is reflected in the success of his students. Within his role as director of jazz studies at Dreyfoos School of the Arts in West Palm Beach, he directs and teaches three jazz ensembles, combos, and improvisation. The school’s flagship jazz ensemble, the Dreyfoos School of the Arts Ensemble 1, is one of the nation’s premier high school ensembles. With De Léon as director, the ensemble placed third at this year’s prestigious Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival in New York City.
“As an educator and a musician, I love seeing my students face challenges by rising to the occasion and demonstrating the very qualities that great jazz demands: precision, passion, and trust,” says De León. “That’s what brings me the greatest joy.”
His students have performed and studied with Grammy-winning and -nominated jazz musicians and members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, led by Wynton Marsalis. They’ve also earned state and national honors and accolades. Earlier this year, Downbeat magazine named Ensemble 1 as the top performing arts high school large jazz ensemble in its annual Student Music Awards. But for De León, the greatest reward lies beyond trophies.
“They’re learning how to be part of a community where they develop reliability and accountability,” he says. “I’m honored by this nomination but prefer giving the spotlight to my students. It’s incredibly hard to learn this art form, and for them to master it at their age is truly impressive.”
Jennifer Spear
Fifth Grade History Teacher, Jupiter Christian School
Jennifer Spear has a remarkable gift for bringing history to life and turning textbook lessons into immersive experiences that inspire curiosity, patriotism, and a lifelong love of learning. From playing pioneer games during colonial studies to celebrating the Constitution and the birth of the nation with a classroom birthday party, her creativity makes history vivid, relevant, and unforgettable.
“U.S. history is my absolute favorite thing to teach,” says Spear. “I’m in my dream job.”
Beyond historical facts, Spear cultivates informed, engaged citizens through classroom elections, visits from local leaders, and Jupiter Christian School’s popular “Night at the Wax Museum,” when students dress up and deliver presentations on historical figures.
Spear’s peers describe her enthusiasm as contagious. “My passion for this country is what I want to pass on to these kids,” Spear says. “I want them to understand that it’s more than fireworks on the Fourth of July. It’s about the sacrifices, determination, and vision of the people who secured the freedoms we enjoy today.”
Bo Lint
Director of Speech and Debate, American Heritage Schools, Palm Beach Campus
Since joining American Heritage Schools at its Palm Beach Campus in Delray Beach in 2018, Bo Lint has grown the speech and debate team from a 30-student program into a nationally recognized powerhouse with more than 200 competitors.
“This truly is my calling,” says Lint, whose leadership has helped more than 175 students qualify for the prestigious National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) National Tournament. The American Heritage Schools, Palm Beach Campus has also earned the NSDA Schools of Outstanding Distinction designation, which is awarded to the top 10 performing schools at the tournament.
But success is measured by more than honors. Lint points to the real-world skills his students develop as the true payoff for their hard work. “We are giving students the ability to advocate for what matters to them,” he says, “to articulate their ideas and engage in respectful conversation.”
Beyond competitions, Lint has watched students graduate with confidence, purpose, and the communication skills needed to succeed in any career. In a world that often feels divided, he believes debate offers a powerful reminder of hope. “If you get discouraged by the news, come to one of our our weekend debate tournaments,” he says. “By the time you leave, you’ll feel so much better.”
Jim Gramentine
Fourth Grade Teacher, Palm Beach Day Academy
Few educators leave behind the kind of legacy Jim Gramentine has. Over more than 40 years in education, “Mr. G” has inspired and mentored generations of students. During his 37-year tenure at Palm Beach Day Academy, he taught third and fourth grade and served as interim head of the Lower School from 1999 to 2000 and head of the Upper School from 2006 to 2012. He retired in June.
“Teaching really isn’t about delivering information,” Gramentine says. “It’s about helping young people discover who they are becoming, which is extraordinary to be a part of.”
That philosophy shaped every aspect of his classroom, where students were encouraged to embrace challenges, build confidence, and find joy in learning. “The real joy isn’t teaching grammar or fractions,” he says. “It’s helping children become more confident, curious, and willing to take risks.”
Gramentine also embraced what he calls the school’s “hidden curriculum.” “We teach math, writing, and literature, but we’re also teaching perseverance and kindness, confidence and empathy.”
Although retirement closes a wonderful professional chapter for him, his love of education remains. “When I look at our young faculty, I get a little choked up and think, ‘I wish I could be you again.’”
Ashley Federico
Literacy Coach
Lake Worth Community High School
For Lake Worth Community High School’s Ashley Federico, few moments are more gratifying than watching the students she works with cross the graduation stage alongside their classmates. In her capacity as a literacy coach, Federico interacts with a diverse population, including English Language Learners (ELLs) whose educational backgrounds vary. Milestones like these reflect the undeniable impact she has on student achievement.
“It’s like opening a door they didn’t even know existed,” Federico says.
That commitment to helping students succeed, as well as Federico’s instructional leadership and collaboration with her fellow teachers, have helped fuel impressive gains across the school. English achievement levels have shown steady improvement over the past three years, contributing to a graduation rate above 95 percent.
Whether mentoring students or championing literacy, Federico leads with equal parts compassion and high expectations. “We always set the bar super high,” she says. “But we can’t forget where students are coming from and the gaps they have. It’s why I love giving them a voice and being their advocate.”
One of our Educator of the Year finalists, Marsia Tucci of Jupiter Elementary School, was unable to attend our photo shoot. Read about her at palmbeachillustrated.com/educators2026.
Story Credits:
Shot by Palm Beach Illustrated on location at Schoolhouse Children’s Museum, Boynton Beach
