For the 27th year in a row, the Dream Builders Educational Foundation is excited to announce the honorees for this year's Tri-City Crystal Apple Awards for Excellence in Education. The nine honorees will be celebrated during the annual Crystal Apple ceremony set to take place from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, at Educational Service District 123.
The Crystal Apple Awards recognize outstanding educators from nine of our local school districts. The program looks to reward and spotlight excellence in education, while encouraging creative and quality instruction and the development of a positive learning environment.
This year's honorees are:
- Chelsea Taylor, P.E. teacher from Columbia Elementary School in Columbia School District
- Janae Bell, ELD teacher from Finley Elementary School in Finley School District
- Nathen Allington, Fire Fighting Instructor from Tri-Tech Skills Center in Kennewick School District
- Greg Jones, third grade teacher from Kiona-Benton City Elementary School in Kiona-Benton City School District
- Alisa Brasel, first grade teacher from Basin Elementary School in North Franklin School District
- Priscilla Tovar, counselor from Desert Oasis High School in Othello School District
- Gabriela Whitemarsh, math teacher from Pasco High School in Pasco School District
- Jeff Appelgate, history and leadership teacher from Housel Middle School in Prosser School District
- Kim Ward, instructional specialist teacher from Wiley Elementary School in Richland School District
The Crystal Apple Award program was initiated in 1999 by Dr. John Umbarger, the program was established to honor the education profession as a whole by identifying a few of the many individuals who have a positive impact on the lives and futures of their students. This award program, as of March 20, will have recognized 290 local teachers across the region. The program is also supported by community service groups, local businesses, and individuals who want to recognize and show their appreciation for the thousands of outstanding teachers in area public schools.
During the awards ceremony, superintendents from the nine represented districts - Columbia-Burbank, Finley, Kennewick, Kiona-Benton City, North Franklin, Othello, Pasco, Prosser and Richland - will present $1,500 cash awards, crystal apples and certificates to their winning teachers, along with other gifts.
The public is encouraged to attend the celebratory event on Thursday, March 20, beginning promptly at 4:30 p.m. in the Cascade rooms at ESD 123 in Pasco. A free reception will follow the awards ceremony.