Vera Vaccaro has spent 37 years helping students thrive—as a teacher, principal, coach and champion of public education. She began her career as a physical education teacher at Mesa Verde High School and later served as principal of Del Campo High School.
Throughout her career, Vera earned recognition for both teaching and coaching. She received the Outstanding Teacher Award from the California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance and was named Coach of the Year in 1985 and 1987 by The Sacramento Bee and The Sacramento Union. Vera led Mira Loma High School’s girls’ softball team to section championships in 1985 and 1987.
Today, Vera continues to serve her community through the Kiwanis Club of Carmichael, particularly its Youth Services Committee. Vera also gave four years of leadership to the San Juan Education Foundation Board of Directors, completing her final term as vice chair. She believes every child deserves a quality education that helps them reach their full potential and inspires them to serve others. Her continued commitment to students, schools and the broader community makes Vera a shining example of the kind of service and leadership the STARS Awards were created to celebrate.
We are proud to recognize Vera with the Bryan McKrell Shining STARS Award for her lasting commitment to San Juan Unified and the greater community.