Twelve educators take home Crystal Apples
Salem-Keizer's annual gala celebration of education excellence saw twelve local educators honored with Crystal Apples Thursday night (November 12, 2009).
The honorees -- including teachers, support staff, a pass room supervisor, and the district's chief of staff -- were chosen from a list of 55 nominees. Mary Paulson, Chief of Staff of Salem-Keizer Public Schools, was surprised by the prestigious award as her nomination had been kept secret until the moment of the announcement.
The recipients were honored before a packed house during the 13th annual Crystal Apple Awards ceremony at Salem's historic Elsinore Theater.
The annual event recognizes local educators who provide students with educational options, go beyond their regular job duties to benefit students, and demonstrate best practices. Nominations come from community members, students and parents.
"We can all be proud of the caliber of educators we have in this community," said Chuck Swank, President of the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation. "These honorees go above and beyond the call every day to provide the very best education for students in the district."
The Crystal Apples were handed out by Swank, Salem-Keizer Schools Superintendent, Sandy Husk, John Zielinski President of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, and Dennis Koho, President of the Keizer Chamber of Commerce.
The event also showcased two scholarship awards: the Guido Caldarazzo Memorial Scholarship and the Western Oregon University Crystal Apple Award Scholarship.
Heather Mischke, a 2009 South Salem High School graduate, was given the WOU scholarship. Funded by College of Education donors, the scholarship awards $1,200 to a qualified Salem-Keizer graduate preparing to enter
the teaching profession.
Mischke earned a 3.9 GPA and academic honors at South Salem High School. In addition to her involvement with the National Honor Society, Mischke worked as an area director at the Gilbert Ranch Team. She was involved with a local dance school where she also supervised groups of children and participates in productions. Mischke is described as intelligent, compassionate, creative, responsive and motivated, all characteristics befitting her chosen profession.
Tom Hewitt, Judson Middle School drama teacher and local actor and comedian, again served as emcee for the event. Arriving nominees were treated to a red carpet walk broadcast live inside the theater.
In 1996, Salem Chamber business representatives teamed with local educators to begin the Crystal Apples as a way to encourage and recognize education excellence in Salem-Keizer schools.
Presented by the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation in collaboration with the Salem-Keizer School District and the Salem and Keizer Chambers of Commerce, the Awards celebrate and recognize those teachers,administrators and support staff who exceed all expectations of their profession and who engage community in their work. Since its inception, the Crystal Apple Awards has been replicated in communities throughout
the United States.
13th Annual Crystal Apple Awards
Recipients:
- Stacie Creighton, Teacher, North Salem High School
- Brian Eriksen, Teacher, South Salem High School
- Adria Farina-Miller, Teacher, Richmond Elementary School
- Melinda Freshour, Instructional Assistant, Yoshikai Elementary School
- Brenda Hauswirth, Teacher, West Salem High School
- Lee Horton, Instructional Assistant, Houck Middle School
- Mary Kruger, Teacher, Kennedy Elementary School
- Scott May, Teacher, Crossler Middle School
- Julie Nordlien, Instructional Assistant, Parrish Middle School
- Janice Olinger, Teacher, Brush College Elementary School
- Christina Tracy, Teacher, Howard Street Charter School
- Mary Paulson, Chief of Staff, Salem-Keizer Public Schools
About the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation
The Salem-Keizer Education Foundation is a catalyst for enhancing the education of Salem-Keizer public school students by providing resources for creative and innovative programs and materials, educating and
mobilizing the community, and sustaining collaborative partnerships that support its goals.
The Awesome 3000 all-youth fun run is the organization's signature event. The annual event is recognized as one of the largest children's runs in the nation. Awesome proceeds and foundation sponsorships go toward some $50,000 in grants each year for original and motivational school programs. More than 800 grants totaling over $750,000 have been
awarded to educators since 1982.
For more information about the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation, visit the website: www.skeducationfoundation.org
