By Richard Bammer

Vacaville High instructor lauded by educators as extraordinary and a “powerful, positive presence” has been named Vacaville Unified’s Teacher of the Year.

A tearful and appreciative Ana Farina accepted the award from Principal Ed Santopadre, expressing gratitude for her “family” of colleagues during an impromptu staff meeting Wednesday at the West Monte Vista Avenue campus.

“It was emotional and I get emotional thinking about it,” Farina, 34, said Thursday during an interview at The Reporter.

The Vacaville resident and a former teacher of the year in Fairfield-Suisun Unified was completely surprised by her latest honor, saying no teachers knew the reason for the sudden staff meeting.

via . The Reporter