John T. Horner honored with 2022 President's Circle Legacy Award
by on Mar 8, 2022On March 3, in a packed room of the Morgan Hill Community Center, the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce welcomed their members and guests to their monthly “Good Morning” breakfast meeting.
The agenda was carried out as usual by its President and CEO Nick Gaich. After a brief teaser performance of “Cabaret,” and the enjoyment of a full breakfast by all attendees, Gavilan College’s Superintendent/President Dr. Kathleen Rose was called to the front of the room by Gaich. The morning’s agenda did not list her as a speaker or presenter, so the audience quickly paid attention, especially as she walked up carrying a box.
Dr. Rose described the Gavilan College President’s Circle Legacy Award and then surprised John Horner, CFO of the Edward Boss Prado Foundation and Morgan Hill Unified School District President of the Board of Trustees, to please join her at the front of the room. She opened the box to reveal a clear crystal award reading: Gavilan College President’s Circle Legacy Award, presented to John T. Horner. Quite surprised by this gesture and award, Trustee Horner displayed an air of infectious humbleness.
Handing him the award, Dr. Rose began the acknowledgement of Mr. Horner with:
“From serving as the CFO of the Edward Boss Prado Foundation, to President of the Morgan Hill Unified School District Board, and years of service to the Morgan Hill Chamber John, you have served and served and continue to serve. Every time I call you for something you always say ‘yes.’ At Gavilan you are on screening committees, you are a member of the Latino Advisory Committee, and care about the educational journeys of our students. We are so pleased to honor you with the President’s Circle Legacy Award. The community recognizes your strong commitment to education and support of families in your community.”
Taking a moment to admire the award and let it all sink in, Mr. Horner brought the crowd to roaring laughter when his first words were: “I did not know, otherwise I would have prepared a 20-page speech.”
When the crowd had calmed down, Mr. Horner, now adopting a more serious tone, shared his thoughts:
“Children are not only our future, but they are also our present. We say they are our future, but for them it’s every day. We each have a responsibility to be connected to that. My amazing wife Ann and myself have been blessed with only one child, but with the responsibility I have at Morgan Hill Unified, over 8,000 students depend on us every day to get it right. What an honor this is. A young lady told me: ‘You know you are kind of everybody’s dad.’ Other than that compliment, this is the best award I can get. Thank you so much!”
Those in attendance gave John T. Horner a standing ovation. The cheers, accolades and congratulations continued throughout the day and the rest of the week on social media, as the Gavilan College Facebook Live video was shared on other sites and personal profiles.
The Gavilan College President’s Circle Legacy Award is given to an outstanding community member for his/her exemplary work, dedication and commitment to education and community.
