Crystal Apple graphic courtesy of Salem Keizer Communications Department.
The 25 Annual Crystal Apple Awards are coming on May 22, 2024. Teachers, administration and support staff are nominated to help their students have a beneficial learning environment.
Nominations were open until March 4, 2024. Any staff member, such as teachers or administration workers, could be nominated. When nominating someone for the Crystal Apple Awards, a fellow voter will fill out a packet about an employee in the Salem-Keizer Public School District. The employee needs at least three years of consecutive employment. When filling out the packet, there will be three letters of recommendation from various people that the employee associates with.
If a staff member gets nominated, they get to experience an award show-like event. Staff walk down the red carpet into a venue with music and formal tables. During the event, dinner is served while award winners are revealed. When a staff member wins, they get a Crystal Apple trophy and present a short speech. In 2023, 89 employees were nominated and 15 were awarded. Those who were awarded last year were Harry Ahn, Jacqueline Pope Brothers, Micheal Cape, Micheal Daniels, Sheila Gebhardt, Dennise Pozos González, Maricela Ruiz Herrea, Sarah Keck, Denny McCarthy, Carl Mucken, Jeremy Parker, Denise Proudfoot, Megan Spickerman and Gabriella Steinicht.
Those who are nominated show support to create a positive learning environment for students. When they walk down the red carpet, supporters are there cheering them on and if they win, a speech is given regarding their actions and accomplishments.
Voters can nominate a teacher, principal, instructional assistant or administrative office worker who helps benefit the Salem-Keizer Public School District by visiting the nomination form.
