WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AUGUST 22, 2025) — The Williamsport Area School District Education Foundation (WASDEF) is pleased to announce Joyce M. Abbott as the keynote speaker for its third annual Cherry + White Appreciation Night — an evening dedicated to celebrating the contributions of WASD educators.
The event will be held Thursday, Sept. 25, at the Michael Ross Event Center in downtown Williamsport. In addition to Abbott’s address, the evening will include the induction of this year’s class of Williamsport Area High School Distinguished Alumni.
Abbott, a celebrated retired educator from Philadelphia, is best known as the real-life inspiration behind the hit ABC sitcom “Abbott Elementary,” created by her former student Quinta Brunson. A U.S. Army veteran and former staff sergeant, Abbott transitioned into education through the Troops to Teachers program following a decade of military service, including a tour in the Persian Gulf War.
She joined the School District of Philadelphia in 1996 and earned numerous accolades, including recognition in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers and features in outlets such as the Philadelphia Inquirer, Los Angeles Times and “Good Morning America.”
Abbott retired in 2022 as climate manager at Andrew Hamilton School, where she led initiatives that earned districtwide recognition for improving school climate and culture. In recognition of her impact, the city of Philadelphia named a street in her honor — Joyce Abbott Way — and proclaimed Sept. 26 as “Joyce Abbott Day.”
Her first book, “Teaching, the Ms. Abbott Way: Lessons in Learning, Leadership & Life,” was released last fall.
“We are honored to welcome Ms. Abbott to Williamsport for this year’s event,” said Greg Hayes, executive director of WASDEF. “Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact that great educators can have on students. We’re looking forward to having her here with us to celebrate and recognize our own dedicated educators who continue to make a difference in the lives of our students as well as our distinguished alumni.”
Attendance is limited to WASD educators and administrators.
WASDEF is the recognized nonprofit affiliate of the Williamsport Area School District. The foundation facilitates charitable giving and legacy contributions in support of educational innovation, the arts, athletics and scholarships. For more information, visit www.wasdeducationfoundation.org.
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