The Palm Beach State College Emerald Torch Awards Gala 2025 was nothing short of spectacular—a dazzling green and gold soirée held at the SoFi Center on the Palm Beach Gardens campus. Now in its third year, this gala has quickly become a highly anticipated fixture in Palm Beach County’s social and educational calendar, celebrating not only outstanding alumni and community leaders but also highlighting the college’s significant role as an engine of opportunity for the region.
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Among the luminaries lighting up the evening were some of the county’s most influential movers and shakers. Noel Martinez, President and CEO of the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, was accompanied by his stunning wife, Heather. Talk about a power couple who know how to work (and dress) the room.
Michele Jacobs, who runs the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, truly lived up to her bad ass reputation by showing up dressed to kill—this CEO means business and style.
The crowd was also graced by Palm Beach County Vice Mayor Sara Baxter, always a head-turning presence, County Commissioner Bobby Powell (not pictured), who wins the award for best smile, along with State Representatives Ann Gerwig (not pictured), who is also the former Mayor of Wellington, and Tae Edmonds (not pictured), who runs the nonprofit Suits for Seniors. All brought a notable dose of political savvy to the evening’s proceedings.
County Mayor Maria Marino stole a playful moment by declaring she will only wear green—in honor of Palm Beach State College. Speaking of green, none sparkled more than Palm Beach State College President Ava Parker and her husband, former State Representative Joe Gibbons, who both turned heads dressed head-to-toe in emerald.
The Board of Trustees Chair, Daniel Epstein, kept the mood light and memorable with a Darth Vader-themed introduction that he did for his adorable son. His wife, Yael, was proudly by his side, always with a warm smile on her face.
Other trustees, including Michael Barnett and Tracy Caruso. Caruso, wowed in her emerald green gown, and Student Trustee Michael Derilus, who is an absolute role model all students should look to for inspiration, added to the air of leadership and inspiration.
Note: Tracy Caruso is the Editor at Large for Florida Jolt, and she wrote this article. However, her opinion about wowing in her dress is an entirely unbiased and accurate representation of the events as they unfolded in her mind and should be questioned by no one.
The PB State Foundation was strongly represented by CEO Andria Cunningham and board member and former trustee Pat Bishop, while Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and his wife, Dorothy, brought a touch of law-and-order class to the gala.
A friendly competition for the best-dressed and longest professional title saw heavyweight contenders like Peter Cruise, Affiliate Professor at FAU’s School of Public Administration; Madison Andrews, Assistant Director of Local Relations at FAU; and Ryan Britton, FAU’s Vice President for Government Relations and Economic Development. Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Mike Caruso, impeccably dressed in a black tux, was also in the mix and is a contender for the world’s longest professional title as well. This group made a gleaming sea of formalwear and bona fide brainpower.
The Emerald Torch Awards Gala continues to honor those who embody excellence and dedication. It’s a celebration not only of individual achievement but also of Palm Beach State College’s undeniable impact on the growth and success of Palm Beach County. This was a night to remember for 2025, and this season is just getting started.
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