The 15th Annual WAVE (We Are Venice Education) Awards, presented by the VCC Education Committee, celebrates our local educators’ hard work and dedication.
Join us for an evening of recognition and appreciation as we honor the teachers who continue to inspire, educate, & motivate our local students.
Location: California Yacht Club
Date and time: Thu, May 8, 2025 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Enjoy Dinner, Refreshments & a Hosted Cash Bar
- Seats are Limited. Register Today!
- Early Bird Tickets $60 – Sale Ends Friday 05/02
- Regular Tickets $80
This year’s theme is: “Cultivating Character”. We will honor teachers who inspire and develop integrity, kindness, and resilience in their students. Teachers who understand that cultivating character is as equally important as academics and their students have demonstrated their responsibility and compassion within their school community. This year has already shown us the importance of fostering empathy in times of strife or conflict. Your nominee should exemplify the characteristics that he, she, or they have imparted to their students in their classroom
About the WAVE (We Are Venice Education) Awards:
These educators go above and beyond to provide excellence in education and help our children reach their full potential. This is an opportunity to show our appreciation, celebrate their passion and hard work, and acknowledge their positive impact on our children’s lives.
Whether you are a parent, student, or community member, this event is the perfect way to express your gratitude and support for these exceptional educators. We look forward to sharing this unforgettable evening with you. You will hear inspiring stories, meet incredible teachers, and witness the transformative power of education firsthand.
Get your May 8th tickets now!
,
Check out photos from last year’s 2024 WAVE Award by Venice Paparazzi.
- Need photographers or a photo booth for your next event? Hire your local photographers Venice Paparazzi
2024 WAVE Awards honorees:
- Beethoven Elementary School | Claudia Mancilla
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Venice | Luz Alvarado
- Broadway Elementary | Wenwei Liu
- Ecole Claire Fontaine | Yolande de Renesse
- Mark Twain Middle School | Jenny Burman
- Neighborhood Youth Association | Abigail Vibiano
- New Roads School | Sarah (Sadie) Yarrington
- Short Avenue Elementary | Carly McMahon
- Venice Arts | Jennifer Lyn Browne
- Venice High School | Jennie Jackson
- Venice Skills Center | Elizabeth Espinosa
- Walgrove Elementary | Ana Lima
- Westminster Elementary School | Beth Clark
Bud Jacobs, Laura Alice, Sunny Bak, Donna Lasman, Chantel (Chair of the Education Committee), Theresa Ireland, and Venice Paparazzi’s Alex Stowell
Joëlle Dumas’ daughter Gwendoline Pere-Lahaille
Congratulations to Joëlle Award honoree Tim Rudnick, Founder of Venice Oceanarium:
Tim Rudnick, the visionary behind the Venice Oceanarium, was named the second recipient of the prestigious Joëlle Award for Excellence in Education by the Venice Chamber of Commerce. The award, named in honor of Joëlle Dumas, recognizes individuals who embody Dumas’ dedication to community, educational excellence, and student support.
Counclwoman Traci Park
Venice Art Crawl President Sunny Bak
LAUSD board member Nick Melvoin
Tim Rudnick, Founder of Venice Oceanarium.
Venice Paparazzi’s team leader Alex Stowell. Edizen’s best buddy. 
Check out Venice Paparazzi’s 2021 interview with Tim Rudnick, Founder of Venice Oceanarium.
Venice Paparazzi’s Edizen steps in front of the camera to take a photo with Venice Chamber, 2024 Wave Honoree Tim, and Councilwoman Traci Park. Go team Venice!
- VP FUN FACT: Venice Paparazzi has covered the WAVE awards every single year since it started in 2011. Go down memory lane with Venice Paparazzi photos! View 2011-2024 all photo galleries by Venice Paparazzi.
Get your May 8th tickets now!
