In what UFT District 26 Representative Mary Vaccaro described as “the best event ever,” 320 guests gathered to honor educators in the Queens district on May 22 at The Inn in New Hyde Park.

The eighth annual event raised money for scholarships for students in District 26. It had to be moved to a larger venue to accommodate all the teachers, school support staff, administrators, and community and political leaders who attended.

A contingent of teachers from Martin Van Buren HS turned out to honor student Nickolette Emptage, who won one of the three Firefighter Henry Miller Jr. Memorial Scholarships. The award was presented by Janice Testa, the chapter leader at PS 159, who established the scholarships as a memorial to her brother who died on 9/11.

PS 94 was honored for 100 years of educational excellence and PS 186 for 60 years of excellence. The UFT Union Leadership Award was presented to Fran Bosi, the chapter leader at PS 205.

Vaccaro credited the success of the evening to a “true spirit” of collaboration in the district between the UFT and the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators.