In all the sparkle and flair of a Hollywood awards ceremony, the Educational Employees Credit Union and the Madera County Office of Education, hosted the inaugural Madera County "Excellence in Education" Award Ceremony last Thursday. The event was again held at the Madera Municipal Golf Course.</p><p>This yearly event is a countywide award with selected nominees competing with other nominees from the districts in Madera County.</p><p>There are three categories of nominations. They include administrator/manager, teacher and school employee</p><p>Master of Ceremonies for the evening's program was John Wallace. He welcomed the nominees, honorees and guests.</p><p>The presentation of colors was made by the Madera County Office of Education Honor Guard.</p><p>The Chawanakee Unified School District musical ensemble presented the National Anthem.</p><p>Wallace announced the entrance of previous honorees which was followed by the introduction of this year's nominees and finalists.</p><p>Madera County Superintendent of Schools Sally Frazier greeted the crowd.</p><p>"Thank you for joining us this evening to honor our nominees and finalists," she stated. "This is a thrilling event and a wonderful opportunity to joyously celebrate the many fine accomplishments made by the people who help our children grow, learn and prosper."</p><p>Frazier commented on the commitment to students, service to others and the passion each of the nominees has for the work they do.</p><p>Next to speak was Elizabeth Dooley, president and CEO Educational Employees Credit Union. Dooley said we are proud to team up with the Madera County Office of Education to sponsor Excellence in Education.</p><p>"We salute this year's nominees and acknowledge their many achievements and contributions to education," Dooley stated.</p><p>Representing Chowchilla in the Excellence in Education Program was Chowchilla Union High School and Chowchilla Elementary School District.</p><p>Nominated in the Administrator of the Year Category was Terry Barnes from CESD and Mary Derryberry from CUHS.</p><p>Barnes is the Principal of Fairmead Elementary School. Derryberry is the Director of Food Services for CUHS.</p><p>The Administrator of they Year award went to Scott Teffi, principal of Sierra View Elementary in the Golden Valley Unified School District.</p><p>There were seven nominees in the Teacher of the Year category.</p><p>Representing CESD was Melissa Esquivel. She is a teacher at Fairmead School.</p><p>Sandra Seals was nominated for the Teacher of the Year. She is a teacher at CUHS.</p><p>The winner in the Teacher of the Year went to Julie Lara. Lara teachers at George Washington Elementary in the Madera Unified School District.</p><p>Serving on the selection committee from Chowchilla was Bob Houston.</p><p>Debbie Babshoff with the Chowchilla Elementary District and Teena Blair with the Chowchilla Union High School District were on the planning committee.