Crystal Apple award winners and gallery
Salem-Keizer's annual gala celebration of educational excellence saw twelve local educators honored with Crystal Apple Awards on 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.
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.
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:
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