More than 300 teachers, students and parents attended the ninth annual District 26 Scholarship Dinner Dance at the New Hyde Park Inn on May 21. The focus of the evening was on high school students and teachers who excel in the classroom, but the youngest students also had representatives for the occasion: two pre-K students were charged with making sure presenters had the awards in hand to give honorees. “We created the role of prekindergarten ambassadors,” said Denise Palmeri, a teacher at PS/IS 266 in Bellerose who was the chairperson of the event. UFT President Michael Mulgrew praised teachers who are marking 30- and 40-year milestones in the classroom. “You have persevered in a tough job, and that is why you make a difference in the classroom every day,” he said. Janice Testa, the chapter leader at PS 159 in Bayside, was awarded the UFT Leadership Award. Bayside teachers Joan Ellen Mikelus of MS 158 and Sandi Plotkin at MS 74 were honored for 40 years of educational excellence. The following educators with 30 years of service were recognized: Ethel Fraser Brown, PS 46 in Oakland Gardens; Gina DeRise and Lori Rand Marder, PS 173 in Fresh Meadows; Irene Grosse, PS 159 in Bayside; Michael McAliney, PS 115 in Glen Oaks; Patricia Weber, PS 188 in Hollis Hills; Susan Singer, PS 162 in Bayside; and Victoria Elliott, MS 158 in Bayside. The Council of School Supervisors and Administrators Leadership Award was given to Superintendent Danielle Giunta. Twin brothers at Martin Van Buren HS in Queens Village, Kastrin Paul and Kastrone Paul Thevasahayam, were awarded the September 11 Firefighter Henry Miller Jr. Memorial Scholarship.