The community is invited to help recognize its great educators with a prestigious award. Nominations are now open for the 2009 Crystal Apple Awards.

The 13th annual event recognizing excellence in education is set for November 12 at Salem’s historic Elsinore Theater.

All community members, students and parents are welcome to nominate any full or part-time employee of Salem-Keizer Public Schools or Salem or Keizer private schools. Nominations are accepted for three categories: teacher, administrator and support staff. District nominees must have been employed by Salem-Keizer Public Schools for at least three years prior to the current school year.

Find nomination forms at any school in the district, or download the form from the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation website: www.skeducationfoundation.org.

All nominations must be received by 5 p.m. on October 2.

A committee of parents, students past recipients, and business representatives will select the recipients.

The 2009 celebration will again feature a red carpet walk for nominees. Tom Hewitt, Judson Middle School drama teacher and local actor and comedian, will emcee.

The 2009 Crystal Apple Awards are presented by the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation in cooperation with Salem-Keizer Public Schools, the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the Keizer Chamber of Commerce.