The 11th annual Sunshine awards, hosted by the Special Education Community Advisory Committee (CAC), celebrated the teachers, aides, specialists, and staff members whose compassion and dedication make a lasting impact on students.
Each year, parents, family members, and friends are invited to nominate the educators and support staff who have positively influenced the lives of students with special needs. Through heartfelt letters, families share stories of encouragement, patience, advocacy, and care shown by those who help students grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
During the ceremony, honorees were recognized before an audience of families, colleagues, and community members and presented with certificates in appreciation of their outstanding service. Several parents took to the stage to read excerpts from their nomination letters, offering emotional tributes to the educators who have helped their children succeed and feel supported. The evening also featured inspiring music and dance performances by special education students, highlighting their talents and bringing joy to the celebration.
For the third year, the CAC also presented its prestigious Big Kahuna Award, which recognizes extraordinary achievement and advocacy in support of special education students and programs. The CAC shared that in the 11 years of the Sunshine Awards, there have been more than 1,500 nominations. Wendy Park, a STARS teacher at Philip Reilly Elementary, received the Big Kahuna award this year. She has received a Sunshine Award in 10 of the 11 years of the program.
