Hundreds turned out for this year's John Young History Maker Celebration honoring Chief Judge Belvin Perry.
The ceremony was held Thursday night at the Alfond Inn on East New England Avenue.
The prestigious award is named after the longest serving NASA astronaut, Capt. John Young. It is bestowed upon history makers who make a huge impact in the lives of Central Floridians.
The evening started with a posthumous award given to William C. "Bill" Coleman Jr., who served in our nation's military as an Army paratrooper with the 101st Airborne.
But the man of the hour was Perry, who described his life when presiding over the Casey Anthony trial.
"Someone spends his day in the pressure cooker, I'm not the easiest person when I get home," Perry said.
But Judge Perry has contributed so much more, serving as the chief judge of the Ninth Judicial Circuit since 1995.
Orlando Magazine chose him as one of the 20 most powerful people in Orlando.
Ebony magazine also recognized Perry on their Power 100 list.
During his remarks, Perry reminded everyone why Central Florida is so great.
"And the reason this community is great because of the people in this room,” Perry said. “People who are willing to make the sacrifice to be involved, to try to leave this place better than what they found."
Former News 13 anchor Scott Harris, who passed away in 2011, was also honored.
The $2,500 Scott Harris Memorial Scholarships were awarded to two Orange County high school students.