Celebrate San Juan Education Foundation’s 2026 STARS Honorees on Oct. 9

Each year, the San Juan Education Foundation recognizes exceptional San Juan Unified School District alumni and former staff at the “An Evening with the STARS” gala. 

The STARS Hall of Fame honors alumni who show excellence and creativity in their careers, inspired by a San Juan Unified education.

The 2026 STARS Hall of Fame inductees are:

• Kevin McCarty, El Camino Fundamental High School 1990 - Mayor, City of Sacramento
• Aomboon Deasy, El Camino Fundamental High School 1994 - Entrepreneur, Pomet
• Mark Hoffmann, Mira Loma High School - President, Sports Leisure Vacations

Longtime San Juan Unified educator and Executive Director of the San Juan Teachers Association, Shannan Brown, will receive the Legacy STARS Award. The Legacy STARS Award honors former educators for their commitment and impact on students, colleagues and the larger community.

This year’s Bryan McKrell Shining STARS Award will be awarded to Vera Vaccaro. Honoring her impact at Mesa Verde High School, Del Campo High School, the Kiwanis Club of Carmichael and the San Juan Education Foundation Board of Directors. The Bryan McKrell Shining STARS Award honors extraordinary individuals and organizations whose commitment to public education makes a lasting impact.

The San Juan Unified community is invited to celebrate the honorees at the “An Evening with the STARS” gala on Friday, Oct. 9 at Northridge Country Club at 6 p.m. 

The gala not only celebrates and honors individuals who have made an impact on the district but also supports the San Juan Education Foundation by raising funds to provide San Juan Unified teachers and students with the resources and opportunities essential to academic success.

Click here to learn more about the event and purchase tickets for the gala.