These 12 outstanding educators are 2024 Crystal Apple award winners in Salem, Keizer

Six teachers, three support staff, two department staff and a counselor received Crystal Apple Awards on Wednesday night at Salem Convention Center.

Family members, colleagues and friends gathered to celebrate the honorees at the annual gala celebrating excellence in local education. The Crystal Apple Awards recognize those who exceed expectations of their profession, inspiring students and engaging the community in their work.

The 12 recipients represented seven public schools and one private school in Salem and Keizer and were selected from a record 97 nominees, who all received red-carpet treatment.

"That is still only a small representation of all of the impactful teachers, support staff, administrators and other members of our Salem-Keizer team who make a positive difference in the lives of young people in our community,” Salem-Keizer Public Schools Superintendent Andrea Castañeda said in a press release.

The 25th annual awards were presented by the McLaran Foundation and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. Tickets for the dinner event sold out early, and organizers opened another room at Salem Convention Center for a livestream viewing party.

Here are the 2024 Crystal Apple honorees, as introduced by award presenters:

Amanda Starkey, teacher, North Salem High School

This honoree has spent the last nine years with the district at two schools but on only one block in town. When you walk into this honoree’s classroom, it is said you can’t help but feel welcomed and accepted. This honoree said that diversity of the student body at her school is what makes her most proud. She said that she “learns so much more from my students than you could every imagine, their life stories, their tenacity, their grit. They make me a better person every day for knowing them.”

When talking about this honoree, a student said that she is a spark of light when everything else seems so big and insurmountable. She continued on by saying, “as a newcomer to the United States, thrust quickly into the culture and a second language, small tasks and everyday life were somewhat overwhelming, but then there was Mrs. Amanda Starkey, always there, always available, listening, engaging, challenging me to be confident in my abilities, empowering me to be comfortable with myself and inspiring me into leadership. She is not only this for me, but I can see that she is it for all those who surround her."

Christopher Feskens, teacher, McKay High School

Now in his second career, this honoree has fallen in love with being a teacher. As a favorite among students and staff, a student shared that one thing this honoree is truly best at, is being honest, open and empathetic: “We all have times we want to give up, quit and leave all our hard work behind. When I open up about it, he tells me about the hardships and bittersweet lessons he has experienced throughout his life and isn’t afraid to show his soft side. It builds a safe space for many people when they are going through tough times.”

Beyond his commitment to his students in the classroom, this honoree finds the energy needed to be the game manager for five athletic programs at McKay. When detailing his dedication, his colleagues wrote that he also uses his additional earnings to support our athletic programs and student athletes. This includes purchasing ingredients to make dinners for our teams during home games, buying meals for student athletes at our away games, ordering customized warmup shirts for students, and buying an athlete’s shoes when he noticed that she was borrowing someone else’s shoes in order to participate. When asked why he is so committed to his job and his school, this honoree explains it simply, that this is just what our community deserves. It is said that for Chris that teaching is not a job it is a calling.

Gabriela Acevedo-Solis, teacher, Waldo Middle School

Growing up as an English learner, this honoree navigated two languages and experienced firsthand the impact of inspiring educators who made her feel supported, represented and valued through her bilingual education. Now this honoree has worked in education for eight years currently serving as a teacher at Waldo Middle School. In this honoree’s nomination, she was described as a lighthouse as they are often a bright light when others are having a hard time navigating obstacles in their life.

Through the work of wearing many hats, as not only a sixth-grade social studies and dual-language teacher, this honoree has dedicated herself to providing support to students as an AVID coordinator, a volunteer volleyball coach, in coaching chess, and in other mentoring avenues for youth of our community. She does all this while being affectionately referred by her students as “Happy Miss A,” known for always having a smile on her face. As a sixth-grade teacher this honoree supports students as they navigate the new and exciting world of middle school and does an excellent job of preparing them for what their future will bring. This honoree makes a positive impact on each and every student that she comes in contact with and improves the culture and sense of belonging for all students and staff each and every day.

Keelana Meyer, CTE liaison, South Salem High School

From once thinking she would never work in education, this honoree has now served Salem-Keizer students for more than five years, a path she attributes to the teachers who went above and beyond for both inside and outside of the classroom. This honoree was described in many ways by the students, parents and colleagues who supported their nomination. But to name a few, this honoree is dependable, dedicated, and an overall advocate for the success of all students in the school’s many career and technical education programs.

This honoree serves as the backbone of South Salem High School’s CTE programming, supporting thousands of students and staff to grow and effectively run their programs to their full potential. From supporting tedious funding requirements, to coordinating events or field trips to jumping into support students this honoree as one student described them is not afraid to get dirty. This student described this honoree as "consistently jumping in to help students learn life lessons and acting as the helping hand of grace to show students how to be a Saxon and an outstanding person by learning much needed skills for their futures."

Kellie Menghini, teacher, McKay High School

Known as a warm demander and a consistent and motivational member of McKay High School’s team, this honoree has served Salem Keizer students for more than a decade. As a cornerstone in the academic success of many students, this honoree has led McKay in the classroom, in community and on the court as an educator, leadership teacher and coach. To her colleagues, this honoree has mentored countless new to McKay staff, facilitated professional development for McKay and others in the region and continues to open her classroom to visitors who are seeking inspiration.

One colleague shared that this honoree’s attention to detail combined with her expertise and understanding student and adult behaviors has had an immeasurable influence on the McKay community. From building systems that support holding students to high academic and behavioral standards this honoree creates a space where all students are seen, motivated and inspired. This honoree describes her work as rewarding because it allows her to use her skills for a much higher purpose than herself in service to others. She credits McKay students both past and present for inspiring her.

Ken Ramirez, security field coordinator, Safety and Risk Management Services

This honoree believes that sometimes all we need is just one person who believes in us and will never give up on us, someone who knows that though we walk in darkness we can still find our way into the light.  This honoree encourages everyone to be that someone for another person. By sharing his own story of overcoming obstacles and achieving success despite facing adversity he serves as a role model for resilience, determination, and perseverance, showing students that they have the power to change their circumstances and create a better future for themselves.

Through his compassionate and empathetic approach, this honoree builds trust and rapport with students, creating a positive and encouraging environment where they feel motivated to strive for excellence. A student in support of this nominee wrote: “He wants to be that person he wished he had when he was young. He reminds me of a second chance. He motivates me to believe I can have a second chance. As our deputy superintendent stated, ‘Kenny is a lifeline to our greater school community.’ ”

Lisa Olson, library media instructional assistant, Chapman Hill Elementary

Our next honoree notes that this job brings life full circle for her. She wrote: “I was the student who pushed the limits in behaviors at school. I needed to be on a tracker, skipped school, failed a lot of tests and a lot of classes. But I had parents and teachers who poured into me, believed in me, and never gave up. Now, on a day-to-day basis, I have the great privilege and honor to give back, pouring into the students.” When this honoree sees a need she steps in without hesitation. She strongly believes in all students, communicating with them how much she believes in them, and becoming everyone’s biggest cheerleader in life.

A parent of a Chapman Hill student closed her letter of support by saying: “I write this letter with tears in my eyes, thinking of all the ways Lisa Olson has shaped children’s lives for the better and in turn changed the future of our world for the better. I smile thinking of all the people’s mornings that she has started off brightly and of all the evenings children have rested easily knowing that someone like her is looking out for them each and every day.”

Luis Oliva Barrientos, bilingual special education assistant, Chavez Elementary School

Inspired by their eighth-grade AVID teacher, this honoree embarked on their path in education six years ago and now serves students as a bilingual instructional assistant for the past four years. This honoree is described by his colleagues as kind, empathetic, patient and positive while holding all students to a high level of academic and behavioral expectations. They even referred to him as the "kid whisperer" as he knows how to connect with all students from diverse backgrounds at Chavez Elementary School, which supports more than 500 students in grades K through 5. This honoree not only serves students to reach their academic goals but also on the field as the school’s soccer coach.

Through this work, this honoree guides students on consistent expectations and accountability for students while building lasting relationships. One parent shared that no matter the skill, ability or experience of students, this honoree makes sure that the team is a place for all students. They shared how special this work has been for their child because "they have seen a positive change in their son since being on the team through perfect attendance, engagement with friends and a boost of self-confidence. We know this honoree will continue to inspire and educate students for years to come as they embark on their path to becoming a licensed educator."

Max Price, teacher, South Salem High School

Inspired in high school by his peers, teachers and coaches, this honoree knew early that his calling was to become a teacher and a coach. Outside of his official titles, this honoree and their impact is often more accurately described as a community leader, advocate and culture shaper. The principal of this honoree notes that Max’s popular acronym, LWYC, can be found throughout the fabric of his baseball program. The acronym stands for “Lift When You Climb,” or in other words, lift up those around you while you are focusing on your own personal development.

This saying teaches humility and encouragement and promotes a team-centered approach in which all members are valued, focusing on the collective rather than the individual. “In education, we are playing the long game,” his colleague wrote. “Sometimes the biggest lesson a student can learn is that their teacher cares about them and they belong in the classroom on their best and worst days. Max Price demonstrates it better than anyone.” By the way, Max is joining us after his Saxons led themselves to a victory over the McNary Celtics in the second round of the state playoffs.

Pat Ozenna-Lemay, teacher, Cummings Elementary

At the end of the school year, this honoree is closing the chapter of her teaching career after 40 years in education. Even after so many years in education, a colleague shared that this honoree hasn’t stopped her own education, writing that “What amazes me is her continued dedication to improving her own practice and her vision for supporting other educators as well.” In addition to mentoring many student teachers over the years, she also invited teaching colleagues into her classroom to observe and learn.

This honoree’s principal shares that she brings a joy to her classroom that is unparalleled. She has structures and routines for her students that allow them to grow and thrive. Students in her classes quickly understand that learning and family are the top priorities in her class. Family being a priority isn’t just felt in this classroom, but it is seen. Along the wall, you will find class photos from her years of teaching. Alongside them are photos of past students on their wedding days and even photos of her current students who are the children of her previous students. A colleague closed her letter of support saying: “Pat exemplifies the heartbeat of who we are and strive to be as educators.

Rubi Hovenden, program associate, Curriculum and Instruction

The personal journey of this honoree, being born in Mexico and navigating the challenges of an English language learner, serves as the foundation of her mission for supporting and inspiring students of diverse backgrounds. This honoree has served many roles within her time in the district. She has been an elementary bilingual teacher, a district mentor, a reading specialist, and now an elementary program associate. Her teaching style, characterized by a warm yet demanding approach, paired with an unparalleled sense of urgency and a perky pace has been pivotal in establishing a classroom atmosphere where every minute is utilized with purpose.

Her colleagues shared that, “Rubi’s talent in connecting with students on a personal level while adeptly managing the entire class ensures that our students are not just on task but highly engaged, productive and in sync. This dynamic approach empowers our students and propels them to reach their fall potential.” This honoree’s apple didn’t fall far from the tree with her father being a past Crystal Apple Award honoree and her mother being nominated this year as well.

Shayla Brown, counselor, Blanchet Catholic School

With more than 25 years in education, this honoree has made a lasting impact in the lives of local students, supporting academic success, college and career development, and growth socially and emotionally. Through this honoree’s role as a counselor, their empathetic nature and strong communication skills have created a safe space for students to express themselves, fostering trust and openness.

She is dedicated to actively engaging with students to understand their aspirations, challenges and unique learning styles to support their academic success. In her nomination, one senior from Blanchet Catholic School shared the following about this honoree: "Just as the sun provides the essential elements for a plant to grow, Miss Brown’s steady reassurance and unwavering support are the roots necessary for every student to blossom. As the sole counselor for nearly 400 students, this honoree exemplifies her daily care and dedication to each and every student she serves."

Capi Lynn is a senior reporter for the Statesman Journal. Send comments, questions and tips to her at clynn@statesmanjournal.com, and follow her work on X @CapiLynn and Facebook @CapiLynnSJ.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: These outstanding educators are 2024 Crystal Apple award winners