IMESD announces 2024 Crystal Apple Award winners
LA GRANDE — Forty-seven educators in Eastern Oregon are winners of the 2024 Crystal Apple Excellence in Education awards.
“Every spring, we are excited for Crystal Apple time,” IMESD Director of Communication Michele Madril said. “Recognizing the amazingly talented and dedicated employees who serve students in our districts is a highlight of the end of the school year in our region.”
The InterMountain Education Service District on May 3 announced the 2024 winners. An event May 6 at Eastern Oregon University in La Grande honored the winners from Union County school districts. And Morrow County and Umatilla County winners get their due May 14 at a ceremony at the Pendleton Convention Center.
The events include receptions, and winners’ families and friends and school district staff are invited.
Each year, the IMESD partners with its school districts to recognize outstanding administrators, teachers, educational assistants and office and building staff for their dedication and commitment to students and for their willingness to go above and beyond their regular duties, according to the press release.
Administrators, coworkers, parents, students and community members submit nominations during a two-month period. School district administrations select winners from the nominations.
The following is the list of this year’s winners.
Morrow County
Union County
Elgin School District
Tom Sorensen (principal), Stella Mayfield Elementary
Amanda Welch (art teacher), Stella Mayfield Elementary
Imbler School District
Melissa Bonanno (English/Social Studies Teacher), Imbler Junior High School
Talia Mayo (paraprofessional), Imbler Elementary School
La Grande School District
Carla Arnold (music teacher), Central Elementary School
Kristi Mendoza (special education teacher), Central Elementary School
Kinsey Smith (reading teacher), Greenwood Elementary School
Micah Tibbetts (data specialist), district office
North Powder School District
Matt Richardson (math teacher), North Powder School District
Minnie Shoemaker (head cook), North Powder School District
Union School District
Toni Huston (special education assistant), Union Elementary School
John Townsend (career and technical education teacher), Union High School
