Rhode Island Department of Education to Celebrate Educator Excellence at September 21 WaterFire
Rhode Island educators to dedicate luminarias at special recognition event
PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee, Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) will once again honor Rhode Island educators for their outstanding service and dedication to the profession and to their students with WaterFire: A Salute to Rhode Island Educators. The award ceremony and torch procession are scheduled to begin 4:30 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, September 21 at Memorial Park in downtown Providence, rain or shine. The full lighting is expected to begin at sunset, approximately 6:40 p.m. Approximately 85 District Teachers of the Year and educators identified for excellence in their professional areas will be recognized.
“We are excited to gather at WaterFire to celebrate the educators who make a lasting impact in Rhode Island each and every day,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Thanks to the hard work of our educators, Rhode Island is improving student outcomes and setting our students up for success. I look forward to recognizing these exceptional individuals at this special event.”
All honorees will dedicate a luminaria, or paper lantern, with a commemoration, hope, or wish as we begin the new school year. The educators will light the lantern’s candle to illuminate the park. All dedication cards are saved and preserved in a book at WaterFire.
“Rhode Island’s educators play an invaluable role in the academic, social, and emotional growth of our students. Their dedication and expertise have not only advanced student achievement but have also fostered a sense of belonging and resilience in classrooms across the state,” said Commissioner Infante-Green. “Thanks to their unwavering commitment, we continue to move forward together, building a brighter future for every child. We look forward to celebrating their achievements at WaterFire.”
The event will also feature performances from the Toll Gate Jazz Combo. Catering will be provided by culinary students and chef instructors from: Beacon Charter High School for the Arts, Coventry Regional Career and Technical Center, East Providence Career and Technical Center, Lincoln High School, Providence Career and Technical Academy (PCTA), William M. Davies Career and Technical High School, and Woonsocket Area Career and Technical Center. Additionally, PCTA Cosmetology students will provide mini manicures, face painting, and hair braiding to guests during the reception. PCTA Carpentry and Graphic Design students also designed and crafted signage and other items for the event. North Kingstown High School’s DECA membership will serve as volunteers during the reception. RIDE extends its gratitude to event sponsors including the XQ Institute and many other generous community partners.
“I am incredibly proud to stand alongside so many talented individuals at this special salute to Rhode Island educators,” said 2025 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year Milissa O’Neil. “This is a celebration of the passion, dedication, and hard work that educators across our state bring to their students and communities every day. We hope you’ll join us for this memorable evening and show your support for the educators who inspire Rhode Island’s future.”
“WaterFire staff and volunteers are excited for ‘A Salute to Rhode Island Educators’ and honor the dedicated teachers who make such a profound impact on our community. This annual event is a celebration of their hard work, passion, and commitment to shaping the future of our students. This evening shines a light on those who help build brighter futures for all of us,” said Kristina McKenzie, Interim Director of Events & Operations at WaterFire Providence.
As Rhode Island honors educators of all kinds, RIDE encourages everyone to join the conversation. Share what you love about our Rhode Island educators and our schools using #ThankaTeacherRI and #Back2SchoolRI. Additionally, we are asking communities to continue to promote good attendance this school year using #AttendanceMattersRI. A variety of attendance resources can be found at www.attendancemattersri.org.
