Program Summary
In 2016, Pine Grove Elementary Principal Joe Peccia wanted to honor the Delray Beach school’s teachers who helped his students achieve success. Originally called “The Snickers Awards,” Principal Peccia asked Delray Beach residents Chuck Halberg and Stephen Greene to provide funding for these awards. Each award recipient received a brown paper lunch bag with a SNICKERS® bar attached. When Roots and Wings’ Founder and President, Ted Hoskinson, heard about the awards, he joined his friends in honoring the three teachers Principal Peccia had chosen.
When Ted’s wife Anne passed away suddenly later that same year, Ted asked his friends if he could change the name to the Above and Beyond Awards and expand the program to the other elementary schools in Delray Beach. Soon thereafter, the program expanded to other elementary schools in Delray Beach, Boca Raton, and Boynton Beach. Today, the Above and Beyond Awards honors public school teachers and staff at 16 elementary schools in South Palm Beach County. We also honor six teachers and four staff members at each of the schools during special annual award ceremonies.
Teachers, staff, and administrators from each participating school nominate their colleagues who they feel are deserving of the awards. Once the award recipients have been selected, members of the Roots and Wings board along with donors, business partners, community leaders, and interested members of the public attend the award presentations to demonstrate gratitude and support. Each award recipient is presented with a canvas bag bearing the words “Dedicated Educator” and filled with gift cards, gifts, and cash valued at over $1,200. Roots and Wings has presented over 1,500 awards since the program’s inception.
Testimonials
“With Roots and Wings’ support, we are able to recognize deserving teachers and staff members throughout the year. They come bearing gifts and treats to ensure the teachers and staff members know the impact they have made. I am so thankful for the Roots and Wings family, extremely proud of the work they continue to do at Pine Grove and many other schools in our district.”
“Roots and Wings has been an incredible educational partner to our schools. The Above and Beyond Program has made an indelible impact, creating a sense of pride and accomplishment for our teachers and staff.”
“Roots and Wings is such an asset to our community. We love that Roots and Wings’ Above and Beyond Awards support our true community heroes—the teachers!”
“Typically, teachers are overlooked for their dedication and commitment. It has never been more apparent than during the pandemic how critical our teachers are. Roots and Wings’ Above and Beyond Awards are making a difference in the classroom by acknowledging teachers and all they do for our future generation.”
“I have had the honor of participating in the Above and Beyond Awards recognition program acknowledging outstanding teachers in local schools. These recognition awards for teachers fill a void that results in them feeling supercharged and students feeling great pride in their teachers and the learning process.”
