Congratulations to Jessica D’Orsi, Honored at WaterFire’s Salute to Rhode Island Educators

The fires along the Providence River burned Saturday night in honor of Rhode Island’s teachers, and East Providence High School’s Jessica D’Orsi was among the honorees.

D’Orsi, our 2026 District Teacher of the Year, joined approximately 85 district Teachers of the Year from across Rhode Island in a ceremony presented by the Rhode Island Department of Education. The ceremony stepped off at 6 p.m. in Memorial Park as part of a full WaterFire lighting dedicated entirely to the state’s educators.

Now in her 19th year at EPHS, Mrs. D’Orsi teaches English with a focus on Multilingual Learners — students who are learning a new language, a new school, and a new country all at once.

“I have students from all over the world. They left their homes and moved to a new country where they had to learn a new language and culture, yet they never give up. I greatly admire their perseverance, strength, and courage. At the high school, we have built a community for these students. They feel welcomed, appreciated, and seen.”
— Jessica D’Orsi

Her work extends far beyond the school day. Mrs. D’Orsi runs an after-school program where MLL students get support with coursework, college applications, scholarships, and credit recovery. She also helps coordinate the Gingerbread Express holiday gift drive and the annual Prom Dress Giveaway, which expanded this year to include makeup and nail products.

Named EPHS Teacher of the Year on May 4 and District Teacher of the Year on May 12, Mrs. D’Orsi is also a 2023 recipient of the Golden Apple award from WJAR Channel 10 and RIDE.

Please join us in congratulating Mrs. D’Orsi on this well-deserved recognition. Townie Pride!