The 2026 OCMAA Awards will honor arts educators, administrators and advocates from across Orange County this February at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Hosted by OCDE, the event will include new award categories and recognize excellence in multiple arts disciplines.
The California School Boards Association honored Suzie R. Swartz as its 2025 Board Member of the Year, recognizing her 25 years of service and leadership on behalf of the Saddleback Valley Unified School District.
County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean was named the 2025 Community Pillar of Influence for Education, joining four leaders recognized for strengthening Orange County. He was also recently honored by the Orange County Council of the Boy Scouts of America and the California Association of Asian and Pasifika Leaders in Education.
Twelve Orange County educators and partners were recognized Wednesday for their innovation, leadership and commitment to advancing science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.