Temecula Valley Unified School District Superintendent Timothy Ritter was among nine educators who were honored Tuesday at the annual Celebrating Educators Luncheon in Palm Springs.

Ritter, who has served as the district's superintendent since 2010, has worked in the education field for 29 years, starting as a high school biology teacher and football/softball coach at Etiwanda and Rancho Cucamonga high schools. He also served as the principal of Chaparral and Great Oak High School in Temecula and assistant superintendent of education support services.

"I and every Great Oak graduate owe a great deal to Mr. Ritter," he said. "He created an environment that fostered our growth through synergy that will prepare us for any of the tumultuous twists and turns that life throws in our path."