The Newport Public Education Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2026 Noreen Stonor Drexel Education Awards, to be presented Oct. 22 at Innovate Newport during the foundation’s annual fundraiser.
FabNewport receives the Friend of Education award. Founded in 2013 as a fab lab in the North End, it has grown into a youth development organization offering hands-on learning in making, coding, design, environmental science and entrepreneurship, with paid internships and mentorship for Newport students.
newportFILM receives the Partner in Education award for newportFILM EDU, which brings documentaries, visiting filmmakers and in-school screenings to Newport students.
Barbara and Jimmy Winters receive the Unsung Heroes award. The couple founded the Newport Housing Hotline in 1978 and, according to the foundation, have helped more than 100,000 individuals and families across Newport County find emergency shelter and assistance.
The foundation will also honor three educators: Diane McBrier, Newport Public Schools Teacher of the Year; Anthony Hanos, Rhode Island Computer Science Teacher of the Year; and Chef Matthew Reilly, Rhode Island Hospitality Teacher of the Year.
“Newport’s public schools are strengthened by an entire community of people who show up for our students — as partners, as neighbors, and as educators,” said Dr. Kimberly Behan, the foundation’s president.
Ticket information will be announced later.
