Following inspiring performances at the community level, we are thrilled to announce that our winner is Sage Ponchock from The Benjamin School. Sage will go on to represent the Palm Beach Branch at the National Shakespeare Competition in New York City this April, where she will perform her monologue and sonnet before a distinguished panel of judges and fellow competitors from across the nation.

During the National Finals weekend, Sage will participate in acting masterclasses led by theater professionals, attend educational workshops, tour New York City, and enjoy a Broadway performance. The weekend culminates with finalists performing at Lincoln Center’s Mitzi Newhouse Theater, an extraordinary opportunity to take the stage in one of the country’s most iconic performance venues.

We are incredibly proud of Sage’s artistry and we look forward to cheering her on as she takes the stage at Lincoln Center for this unforgettable national celebration of Shakespeare! 

 

English Speaking Union – Palm Beach Branch’s Reception for T-Lab Scholarship Grant Winners was held at the home of Sally Alice Smith in Palm Beach, FL on February 8, 2026. Invitees included T-Lab Scholars from the past 10 years and teachers who will study abroad in July, 2026. 

 

Teachers from Palm Beach County High and Middle Schools are selected annually to study in the UK in Summer at Edinburgh, Oxford and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. This work is done to enhance their skills and their students’ learning of English, History and Drama. ESU’s Palm Beach Branch was formed in 1957 and is the second largest branch in the U.S. after New York. Applicants interested in study abroad through ESU’s T-Lab Program during the Summer of 2027 may contact Karen Butler at karenbutler1060@gmail or Alice Uhl at auhl@esuus.org for further information.