Quick look: County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean served as keynote speaker at The Wooden Floor’s 14th Step Beyond Annual Breakfast in Costa Mesa. The Santa Ana-based nonprofit helps students build confidence and opportunity through dance, academic support and college readiness
County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean delivered a message of resilience, gratitude and the power of community support Thursday as keynote speaker at The Wooden Floor’s 14th Step Beyond Annual Breakfast.
Held at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa, the annual event celebrated The Wooden Floor’s Class of 2026 and raised funds for the nonprofit’s college and career readiness efforts, including scholarships and student support services.
Based in Santa Ana, The Wooden Floor provides students with free after-school programs that combine dance instruction, academic guidance, college and career readiness resources, and family support. According to the organization, this year marks its 22nd consecutive graduating class in which 100 percent of seniors graduated high school on time and enrolled in higher education.
During his remarks, Bean shared his own journey, including his arrival in the United States through Operation Babylift in 1975. He reflected on the encouragement he received from family members, educators and mentors who helped shape his future as an English learner navigating school while living with a disability.
That list of mentors included Donald Geisinger, a sixth-grade teacher who recognized Bean’s natural communication strengths and encouraged him to give oral presentations throughout the year. That, he said, helped build confidence and changed the trajectory of his life.
“He saw the strength of me,” Bean said. “And what a remarkable gift that he gave me, the gift of communication.”
Bean connected those experiences to the work of The Wooden Floor, praising the organization for helping students overcome barriers and realize their own potential.
“That’s what you do in this room,” he said. “You are lifting all these graduates today. And I thank you for that.”
He encouraged supporters to continue investing in young people and reminded the audience that success is rarely achieved alone.
The Step Beyond Annual Breakfast brings together business leaders, educators, donors and community advocates in support of opportunities that help students thrive in college, careers and life.
For more information about The Wooden Floor, visit thewoodenfloor.org.