In an April 12 ceremony before more than 130 educational administrators from within the Pacific Union territory, Dr. Andrea Luxton, associate director of the Department of Education, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, presented five Pacific Union administrators with the Award of Excellence, the second highest award conferred upon educators.

The Award of Excellence recognizes at least 20 years of denominational service in educational leadership; a clearly felt impact in at least two union conferences or educational institutions within the North American Division; the broadly-recognized modeling of professional excellence integrated with a dynamic Christian faith; and specific evidence of an enduring contribution to Adventist education through program implementation, development of new educational tools, or establishing new institutions.

Alan Bowman, David Escobar, Chuck McKinstry, Floyd White and William Wright for the honor this year. Together, these exemplary educators represent more than 190 years of service to the youth of the Adventist church.

Bowman is retiring as a associate superintendent, Southeastern California Conference, with experience in elementary and secondary teaching and administration.

Escobar retired as superintendent, Northern California Conference, after teaching and administrative service in the North Pacific, Lake, and Pacific Union conferences. He was superintendent in the Wisconsin, Washington and Hawaii conferences before serving in Northern California.

McKinstry has transferred to director of Trust Services and In-House Counsel in the Southeastern California Conference where he served for 17 years as superintendent. Prior service included teaching and administrative positions, all within one conference. McKinstry’s expertise as an attorney/educator has benefited education throughout the North American Division.

White is retiring after over 40 years of experience in the North Pacific and Pacific Union conferences as an elementary teacher, elementary and secondary principal, and associate superintendent, a position he held in the Northern California Conference for 20 years.

Wright served in three union conferences as an elementary and secondary teacher, administrator and conference superintendent. He retired from his position as junior high school principal at Loma Linda Academy last year.