Locals celebrated at 64th annual community gala

PHOTOS BY ROBIN KARLSSON

The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce honored local students, educators and leaders at its 64th annual Carpinteria Community Gala Saturday, celebrating the awardees’ accomplishments and contributions to the community.

The recipients of the Carpinterian of the Year and the Junior Carpinterian of the Year awards were also announced, with the latter chosen from three finalists announced earlier this month: Hugo Alvarado Carmona Aldair, Monica Adriana Delgado and Stephanie Ramirez Garcia, all Carpinteria High School seniors. Garcia was awarded the 2022 Junior Carpinterian of the Year title, and recipient of the $10,000 award money. As the runners-up, Aldair and Delgado will each receive $3,000.

“I want to thank all the people that have helped me here,” Garcia said, thanking her elementary and secondary teachers who supported her throughout her education. “It means a lot as a first-generation student, and especially thank you to my parents.”

Former Carpinteria City Councilmember Gregg A. Carty and his wife Geri Ann Carty won 2022 Carpinterians of the Year – one of four couples to ever receive the award as a pair.

Others honored at Saturday’s gala included the two recipients of the 2023 Educator of the Year award, Jennifer Foster, a math teacher at Carpinteria Middle School, and Matthew McPherson, a Special Education Teacher at Aliso Elementary School. Dave Durflinger, the longtime Carpinteria City Manager who recently announced his upcoming retirement, was also honored at the gala for his years of service.