Cupertino honors its STARs of the year

Mike Appio, a longtime instructor and chair of De Anza College’s Design and Manufacturing Technologies (DMT) Department, has been named this year’s De Anza College Educator of the Year by the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce, which presents annual STAR awards to individuals who make outstanding contributions to the community.

The award recognizes Appio as a student-focused instructor who helped build the DMT program, which prepares students for highly skilled manufacturing jobs.

Appio’s “deep commitment and dedication to our students extend beyond the classroom,” Manisha Karia, dean of Business, Computer Science and Applied Technologies, said in a release. “He often arrives early and leaves late so his students have the opportunity to work on their projects. He ensures that they are not only gaining knowledge but also trains them to gain confidence and skills they need to succeed in the industry.”

The Chamber of Commerce will honor Appio, along with Anna Kirsh, the Fremont Union High School District Educator of the Year, and Leslie Mains, this year’s winner for the Cupertino Union School District, at a black tie event on Friday, Nov. 8, 5-8 p.m., at the Hyatt House, 10380 Perimeter Road in Cupertino. Tickets are $95 at https://cupertino-chamber.org/calendar.

Other STAR award winners are STARS of Cupertino Catherine Chen and Claudio Bono, Citizens of the Year Chuck and Nancy Harper and Lifetime Achievement honoree Jim Walker. Businesses of the Year are KeyPoint Credit Union and Vardy’s Jewelers. Public service award winners are city employees Bill Mitchell and Tom Chin, Jeffrey Reihl of the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office and Rob Campbell of the Santa Clara County Fire Department.