Rhode Island Department of Education to Host September 27 Full WaterFire Lighting, in Celebration of Rhode Island Educators

Rhode Island Department of Education to Host September 27 Full WaterFire Lighting, in Celebration of Rhode Island Educators

Published on Thursday, September 25, 2025

Governor Dan McKee and Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green today announced that the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) will once again host WaterFire: A Salute to Rhode Island Educators, a celebration which honors Rhode Island educators for their service and dedication to their students.

The award ceremony, which honors approximately eighty-five (85) Rhode Island District Teachers of the Year, will begin at 5:00 pm on Saturday, September 27 at Memorial Park in downtown Providence.

The celebration will include a Luminaria display in Memorial Park. Honorees will have the opportunity to make wishes and dedication as they light their individual Luminaria lanterns.

The ceremony will be followed by a torch procession of the honored educators, with a full WaterFire lighting beginning at Sunset, approximately 6:40 pm. The fires will burn until midnight.

"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."

"Everywhere I go, students tell me about their amazing teachers who help them see their own potential, who take the time to help them feel like they belong," said Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. "Our teachers inspire us every single day. I look forward to this year's Salute to Rhode Island's Educators WaterFire, so that we, as a community, can celebrate our teachers and thank them for their commitment to our students."

The event will also feature performances from the Narragansett High School Jazz Band, the Narragansett High School Drum Line, and the Beacon Charter High School's Living Statues.

"It's humbling to represent so many thoughtful, enthusiastic, and committed educators here in the Ocean State," said Sarah Dully, Rhode Island's 2026 Teacher of the Year. "Education isn't defined solely by data points; it's the soul of the school that lies in relationships, experiences, and connections. Every single day, it's a privilege to be a teacher and to work with amazing colleagues and students," Ms. Dully concluded.

Catering will be provided by culinary students and chef instructors from Career and Technical Education programs including East Providence High School's Food Truck, Pawtucket High School's Food Truck, Coventry High School's Culinary program, Providence Career and Technical Academy (PCTA) Culinary program, and William M. Davies, Jr. Career and Technical High School's culinary program.

Additionally, PCTA Cosmetology students will provide mini manicures, face painting, and hair braiding to guests during the reception. PCTA Carpentry and Graphic Design students have designed and crafted signage and other items for the celebration. North Kingstown High School's DECA students will serve as volunteer student ambassadors during the celebration.

RIDE is grateful to the event sponsors including AAA Northeast, Amica Insurance, Delta Dental, Dunkin', and The XQ Institute. Their support, along with many other generous community partners, makes this celebration possible.

All honorees will receive a gift bag which includes items generously donated from Anchor Toffee, Bananagrams, Delta Dental, Del's Lemonade, Dunkin', Ellie's, Granny Squibb's Organic Iced Tea, OrangeTheory Fitness, RocketBook, Sweenor's Chocolates, and Xaco Taco. Additional in-kind donations were generously provided by Dave's Fresh Marketplace, Epic Promotions, and Le's Isle Rose.

As Rhode Island honors educators, RIDE encourages you to join the conversation. Share what you love about our Rhode Island educators - and our schools -using the hashtags #ThankaTeacherRI, #AttendanceMattersRI, and #Back2SchoolRI.

Visit https://www.waterfire.org for more information.