CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – The men and women devoted to educating the county’s youngest students were honored at an awards ceremony earlier this month.

The Lake County Child Care Planning Council hosted its annual Early Childhood Educator of the Year Awards on Saturday, May 6, at the Clearlake Oaks Moose Lodge.

Thirteen awards were given out in a variety of categories to early educators who went above and beyond this year.

“We received 68 nominations this year and our selection committee was so blown away by nominations that they created extra categories to honor nominees,” said Planning Council Coordinator Colleen Campbell.

The 2017 award winners were:

• Opening Act Award: Amber Daugherty.
• Rock Around the Clock Award: Regina Stillman.
• Educator of the Year – Infant/Toddler: Maria Jaimes and Rebecca Bondi.
• Educator of the Year – Family Child Care Home: Debbie Nutt.
• Educator of the Year – Preschool: Aldo Rodrigues.
• Advocate of the Year: Jaleen White.
• Most Inspirational: Molly Keithly.
• Educator of the Year – Special Needs: Brian Marrier.
• Educator of the Year – All Inclusive: Edgar Ontiveros.
• Team Player: Susan Killian.
• Longevity and Dedication: Rosa Mora.
• Jukebox Hero: Darcie Schmidt.

“It is incredible to see all of this recognition on a special night where this group of people can connect and congratulate each other for a job well done. It truly is a highlight of my position to be able to put on this event,” Campbell said.

Educators and guests arrived in their best 1950s attire as they enjoyed mingling, dining and dancing.