2026 Gala

CEF Gala 2026

Date: September 23, 2026 (Wed)
Location: The National Press Club

Click Here for the 2026 Digital Gala Program

Honorees & Speakers from the 2026 Gala:

CEF was proud to honor two education champions and hear remarks from a fabulous keynote speaker at the 2026 Gala. 

• Honorees:

  • The Honorable Jeff Merkley, Senator from Oregon, William H. Natcher Service Award
  • Sarah Abernathy, former Executive Director of CEF, Charles Wilson Lee Citizen Service Award
   
  Keynote Speaker:
  • Ashlie Crosson, 2025 National Teacher of the Year