A longtime community leader, coach and educator has been given the top honor of the year in Carpinteria.

Saturday night, Lou Panizzon was chosen as the "Carpinterian of the Year."

The honor was announced after guests at a Chamber of Commerce dinner heard about Panizzon's long list of accomplishments.

Over the years he has been a championship football coach, and a member of both the school board and fire protection districts.

Panizzon accepted the surprise award with tears in his eyes and said he's Italian so it's "ok to cry"  at the event.