Commissioner of Education Angélica Infante-Green | Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) will host "WaterFire: A Salute to Rhode Island Educators" on Saturday, September 27, at Memorial Park in downtown Providence. The event is organized to honor approximately eighty-five district Teachers of the Year for their dedication and service to students.
The ceremony begins at 5:00 pm and includes a Luminaria display where honorees can light lanterns and make wishes or dedications. Following the ceremony, educators will participate in a torch procession before the full WaterFire lighting at sunset, around 6:40 pm. The fires are scheduled to remain lit until midnight.
Governor Dan McKee commented, “We are excited to gather at WaterFire to celebrate the educators who make a lasting impact in Rhode Island each and every day. 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.”
Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green stated, "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. 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 celebration will feature performances from local high school groups such as the Narragansett High School Jazz Band, Drum Line, and Beacon Charter High School's Living Statues.
Sarah Dully, named Rhode Island’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, added, "It’s humbling to represent so many thoughtful, enthusiastic, and committed educators here in the Ocean State. 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."
Culinary services will be provided by students from Career and Technical Education programs across several schools including East Providence High School’s Food Truck and others from Pawtucket High School, Coventry High School Culinary program, Providence Career and Technical Academy (PCTA), and William M. Davies Jr. Career and Technical High School.
Students from PCTA Cosmetology will offer mini manicures, face painting, and hair braiding during the reception. PCTA Carpentry and Graphic Design students have prepared signage for the event while North Kingstown High School DECA students will serve as volunteer ambassadors.
Sponsorship support comes from organizations such as AAA Northeast, Amica Insurance, Delta Dental, Dunkin’, The XQ Institute as well as other community partners.
Gift bags containing items donated by various businesses—including Anchor Toffee, Bananagrams, Del’s Lemonade—will be distributed among honorees.
More information about WaterFire events can be found on www.waterfire.org.
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