On Saturday, May 6, Hopewell Valley School District will host “Boots and Bling,” an evening celebrating the strength of its public schools and honoring exceptional teachers and a local business that has been a longstanding community ally. The event will take place at Glemoore Farms.

The gala will benefit the Hopewell Valley Education Foundation (HVEF) in a less formal format than in previous years.

“The Hopewell Valley Education Foundation is thrilled to bring together residents across the region at the Above and Beyond gala to showcase our incredible schools, educators, and local education champions,” said Kevin Kuchinski, HVEF president. “Every year, this event generates significant support that — through Foundation grants — gives district educators the funds to innovate and teach at their best in the classroom. Our collective efforts are transforming public education for the better and helping every Hopewell Valley student reach his or her highest potential.”

A highlight of the event is the presentation of Golden Apple awards to six outstanding teachers who were designated New Jersey Governor’s Educators of the Year. The are David Sherwin of Central High School, Lynnel Joy Jenkins of Timberlane Middle School, Kelly Stingel of Bear Tavern Elementary School, Lauren DiGaetano of Hopewell Elementary School, Matthew Close of Stony Brook Elementary School, and Amber Miller of Toll Gate Grammar School.

“We are pleased to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of these very special individuals who work hard every day to make a difference in the lives of our students. In the challenging field of education, these six have been nominated by peers, students, and parents to represent their school as the 2016-17 Educator of the Year,” said Superintendent of Schools Thomas A. Smith, EdD. “As a school district, we take pride in their accomplishments and we are proud that they have chosen the Hopewell Valley as their home.”

The Foundation gala each year also recognizes the outstanding contributions of a local business. This year, HVEF will honor downtown Pennington’s Emily’s Café and Catering. James and Emily Matticoli, parents of two sons who are students in the district, established Emily’s in 2004. Over the years, it has grown into a thriving business and the Matticoli’s have consistently responded enthusiastically in support of events and causes that benefit the schools and community at large.

The event will run from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. and will feature gourmet barbecue and drinks, as well as an auction allowing bidders to compete for items including Walt Disney World “park hopper” passes, an autographed New York Giants jersey, and a stay at a Florida vacation home. Tickets can be purchased at http://abb2017.eventbrite.com; special rates are available for teachers, and early-bird pricing is available through March 31.