Fans at Sutter Health Park cheered as the Sacramento River Cats paid tribute to the District Teachers of the Year 2024 before the game against the Las Vegas Aviators on April 28. On a beautiful spring afternoon, the Giants Triple-A Affiliate helped the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) recognize the 14 Teachers of the Year who had been selected to compete at the county level. The celebration honored the dedication and achievements of Sacramento’s top teachers while giving the community an opportunity to publicly recognize the importance of education.
The teachers got to walk onto the baseball diamond to be recognized by the crowd. Kristin Chavez (one of the two Elk Grove Unified School District Teachers of the Year) also threw a ceremonial first pitch. Following the public recognition, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union hosted a reception for honorees and their guests, treating them to a private suite where they watched the game in style. Along with well-deserved accolades and much appreciation for their dedication to education, SchoolsFirst also gave the honorees a keepsake River Cats baseball cap to commemorate the day.
Josh Smith, SchoolsFirst Vice President of School and Community Relations, and Julie DePrada-Schott SchoolsFirst School and Community Relations Specialist, joined County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon in congratulating the teachers. “Recognizing and celebrating the crucial role of education is essential. It fosters community engagement and inspires more individuals to want to become educators where, together, we can make a positive impact,” said Superintendent Gordon. “This fun event enhances the visibility of teacher passion, expertise, and dedication. We truly appreciate our partners helping us recognize our finest teachers.” Sacramento County Board of Education Vice President O. Alfred Brown, Sr., and Trustees Joanne Ahola and Paul A. Keefer also helped congratulate the teachers.
The River Cats have recognized local teachers each year since 2007 with an event dedicated to the Teachers of the Year. The Sacramento County Teachers of the Year Program is coordinated annually by SCOE to recognize the achievements of local educators and to raise awareness of the valuable role that teachers play in the lives of their students.