More than 900 classified leaders and staff renewed their purpose for serving students at Region 7’s annual Fall Classified Educational Leaders Dinner. Guests gathered at the DoubleTree Hotel in Modesto on Oct. 15 for an evening of networking, food and fun.

Guests heard a welcome from ACSA President Dr. Daryl Camp and Region 7 CEL Committee Chair Marilyn Croft, who recognized each district in attendance. Tables erupted in cheers and a flurry of pom-poms when their district’s name was called out.

Attendees also experienced motivational speaker Kevin Bracy, who had attendees dancing, singing and embracing a positive mindset. He told classified school staff that what they do every day matters, whether they interface with students or not.

“You are the infrastructure of education. ... You hold it up!” he said. “You are a generational difference maker.”

Bracy spoke about his traumatic childhood and how teachers and school employees helped him keep his dreams alive.

“I had a village of people who loved me, who gave their life for the service and the greater good of our youth,” he said. “Friends in this room — you are special.”