The Crystal Apple Awards Show is an award show hosted by the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation at Elsinore Theater. This event was started to recognize educators in our community that have been role models, and have made an impact in the community. This event started in the 1990’s with a goal to honor educators for their hard work.
To be nominated educators must have already been a teacher for three years in Salem-Keizer Public Schools [SKPS], or a private school. These nominees are picked by students, co-workers, parents, or community members that think they have made a big impact in children’s lives throughout their years teaching. The public can choose from teachers, administrators, or support staff that they believe deserve to be recognized at this award show.
South this year had three nominees: Shelby McGrath, Scott Dufault, and Brennan Young. McGrath is a instructional assistant,and Dufault and Young are both teachers at South.
“ I was humbled and overwhelmed, it was a huge compliment to be nominated. I love working with kids, I always have,” McGrath said.
McGrath has been teaching at South for 8 years, this is this first time she was nominated for a Crystal Apple.
This is the twenty-second year that the award show has been hosted to recognize teachers,the event took place on Nov. 1. More than 61 nominees in the Salem-Keizer District were nominated, and 12 of those were chosen as award recipients.
This year the awarded recipients were Phil Decker, Brad Dixon, Barb Bamford, Jacqueline Benavides, Alyssa Darnell, Laura Hoagland, Beth Tinseth, Mike Melting, Lisa McIntyre, Chris Lieder, Lee King, and Katrina Hull. All of the winners were chosen due to their hard work, and dedication they have had through the years as teachers, administrators, or support staff.
