10TH Annual Crystal Apple Awards Ceremony Thursday Night

The awards event will also feature music from its own Crystal Apple Band and entertainment by nationally recognized inspirational comedian, and speaker, Judson Laipply.

Crystal Apple Awards nominee Gay Hopkins 2nd Grade Teacher Keizer Elementary School. Photo: Salem-Keizer School District

(SALEM) - The 10th annual Crystal Apple Awards dinner and ceremony will take place Thursday at the Historic Elsinore Theatre. The event will be a theater-style evening with a “Live from the Red Carpet Show,” starting at 6:30 PM, with the program beginning at 7:00 PM. The Crystal Apple Awards® gives the Salem area business community the opportunity to honor Salem-Keizer area educators for making significant contributions in the lives of children.

Since 1997, the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with Salem-Keizer Public Schools, and Salem-Keizer Education Foundation has recognized excellence in education, specifically among teachers, administrators and support staff.

As part of the Awards, sponsors visit each nominee’s employment site to present them with a certificate on behalf of the business community.

The awards culminate with a first-class, community-wide event where nominees and recipients are honored for their contributions in the lives of Salem-Keizer youth. Education is a vital part of the foundation of the American society.

Over time, the demands on educators have changed dramatically. An ever-increasing number of children come to school from a family environment where basic needs are not met.

The education community has taken on more duties as “surrogate parents” and “social workers”. As one way to reestablish community appreciation and respect, local educators and business representatives sought to increase the understanding and awareness of education and its changing demands as well as showcase the dedication of district and private school employees through a city wide recognition event: The Crystal Apple Awards®!

Salem-News.com congratulates all 53 Crystal Apple Award® Nominees!

• Ann Leininger, Abiqua School
• Tina Pearson, Blanchet Catholic School
• Danielle Wise, Blanchet Catholic School
• Steve Bulen, Brush College Elementary
• Melissa Cole, Claggett Creek Middle School
• Susanne Riley, Clear Lake Elementary
• Olga Cobb, Compensatory Education
• Olga Gloria, Compensatory Education
• Kay Edwards, Curriculum & Instruction
• Ron DeWilde, Facilities
• Julie Staten, Four Corners Elementary
• Deborah Maloney, Grant Community School
• Angelica Ramirez, Grant Community School
• Michelle Halter, Harritt Elementary
• Jon Penhollow, Harritt Elementary
• Tony Brandt, Houck Middle School
• Molly Goldstein, Howard Street Charter
• Gay Hopkins, Keizer Elementary
• Linda St. Pierre, Keizer Elementary
• Christi McAfee, Kennedy Elementary
• Steve Faber, Liberty Elementary
• Dee Myers, McKinley Elementary
• Sarah Gander, Miller Elementary
• Dan Blus, North Salem High School
• Barbara Narkaus, North Salem High School
• Sue Speckman, North Salem High School
• Joy Thayer, North Salem High School
• Cathy Judson, Parrish Middle School
• Marni Watts, Parrish Middle School
• Kathie Bridges, Pringle Elementary
• Pam McHugh, Queen of Peace
• Jimmy Lee Johnson, Roberts High School
• Chau Young, Roberts High School
• Karen Hannegan, Salem Heights Elementary
• Traci West, Salem Heights Elementary
• Kathy August, South Salem High School
• Sheri Bond, Sprague High School
• Mary Leach-Provancha, Sprague High School
• Philip Rodin, Sprague High School
• Mari Pat Brooks, St. Joseph Catholic School
• Theresa Kelley, St. Joseph Catholic School
• Meghan Lavis, St. Joseph Catholic School
• Jeanette Teta, Stephens Middle School
• John Van Dreal, Student Services
• Tim Lewis, Sumpter Elementary
• Yvonne Medrano, Waldo Middle School
• Darlene Spencer, Waldo Middle School
• Rick Hartwig, Walker Middle School
• James Henry, West Salem High School
• Dennis Lewman, West Salem High School
• Shawn Stanley, West Salem High School
• Matt Faatz, Whiteaker Middle School
• Larry Goss, Whiteaker Middle School