It was likely the largest gathering of teachers, principals and administrators in recent memory, but when East County educators gathered to recognize their peers’ achievements at the recent Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) recognition dinner, the mood was decidedly non-academic.

“Behind every successful administrator there is a confidential employee,” joked Jerry Glenn, superintendent of the Liberty Union High School District (LUHSD). “And for me that is Pat Kanyuh. When I was taking over from my predecessor (former Superintendent Dan Smith), Dan would say to me, ‘Don’t worry about that; Pat will take care of that.’ Or ‘ask Pat; she’ll know what to do.’ And he was right. She’s my go-to coach for everything. She handles everything with such grace.”

The annual ACSA Region 6 Delta Charter event, held this year at the Lone Tree Golf and Event Center in Antioch, was an evening of accolades, honors and well-wishes as educators took a night off from the classrooms and board rooms to celebrate each other.

The evening included dinner, presentations and live music from the Bristow Middle School band under the direction of former Teacher of the Year Mark Morello.

But the real stars of the show were the honorees: executive directors, technology coordinators, business officers and principals, all feted for their ongoing work and commitment to public education.

Tim Forrestor was honored for his work as executive director of the Antioch Unified School District, and thanked his colleagues for the recognition. “When I look around at all of these people here tonight,” said Forrestor, “it is truly an honor to be here.”

Bob Sanchez, principal at Dallas Ranch Middle School in Antioch, was grateful for the acknowledgement but recognized the serious side of education as well. “It’s a very tough job to be in education today,” said Sanchez. “It’s a very demanding job and it’s only going to get worse, but it’s an important and worthwhile job.”

AUSD Executive Director Robin Schmitt agreed with Sanchez. “I’m humbled every day because I get to go to work and work with the people I do,” said Schmitt. “It’s the little things we do every day and it’s about the kids.”

“It takes a community to do what we do,” said Edna Hill Principal Kristen Jobb. “And I am lucky enough to have people around me who are willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done – and I thank them for that.”

Tom Wilson, coordinator of technology for the Brentwood Union School District, remembered a very different district when he first came to town more than a decade ago. “When I came to the district, my office was up a flight of stairs in the old hardware store,” laughed Wilson. “And I’m still known as the man upstairs.”

Ken Jacopetti, Byron Union School District superintendent, had “two shining stars to honor”: Vickey Corker, student services secretary, and Danielle Storey, vice principal at Excelsior Middle School and soon-to-be principal at Discovery Bay Elementary. “Vickey has served as my right-hand person and she is such a team player,” said Jacopetti.

“The staff at Bryon has inspired me so much,” said Storey. “I do believe it takes a village to do what we do, and Byron is my village.”

Karen Clark was honored for her work as an elementary school principal in the Pittsburg Unified School District, and credited her recognition to her associates. “I really feel I got this award because I have a great, great team,” said Clark. “I want to thank everyone for this honor.”

Debra Fogarty, assistant superintendent of Business Services for the Oakley Union School District, thanked the district and its staff for her award. “This is the best district I have ever worked with over the years,” said Fogarty. “There is not a better group of people anywhere. I just want to say thank-you to everyone.”

And the Partner in Excellence Award – given to a group or individual who contributes to education on a variety of levels – Lisa McBride, founder of the Special Kids Foundation, was this year’s honoree. “I’m really, really grateful for the honor,” said McBride, whose organization is dedicated to special-needs children and their families.

“It’s important to know that you (special-needs families) are not the only person in the world, and that’s why we’re here. Thank-you to all of you who support us and have continued to support us all these years.”