On May 22, 2024, the 25 Annual Crystal Apple Awards were held at the Salem Convention Center. 97 staff members were nominated and 12 were honored with an award, two of them being from South Salem High School.
Overall, a counselor, two department staff, three support staff, and six teachers were honored. The recipients were Amanda Starkey, Christopher Feskens, Gabriela Acevedo-Solis, Keelana Meyer, Kellie Menghini, Ken Ramirez, Lisa Olson, Luis Oliva Barrientos, Max Price, Pat Ozenna-Lemay, Rubi Hovenden and Shayla Brown.
To decide who wins an award, the Crystal Apple Committee evaluated the submissions that fellow community members submitted. Based on what was said, each nominee was put on a scale to determine who was best for the award.
Nominees represented many schools across the Salem-Keizer Public School District, from preschool through high school. For instance, Morningside Elementary, Crossler Middle School, McKay High School and more. The honorees represented seven public schools and one private school within the district.
All nominees were able to walk down a red carpet for supporters and family members to cheer them on. Afterwards, anyone who bought tickets to watch the award ceremony was served a dinner made by South Salem High School and CTEC’s culinary programs. While eating, music was performed by the Crystal Apple Band.
