Crystal Apple Awards honor exceptional Salem-Keizer educators for 23rd year

Educators from Salem-Keizer Public Schools were honored Thursday night with a Crystal Apple Award at the 23rd annual gala.

This year's 12 recipients — including teachers, administrators and support staff — were chosen from 53 nominees and celebrated before a full house at Salem's historic Elsinore Theatre. Pioneer Trust Bank was also recognized as the tenth annual Crystal Apple Business Partnership Award recipient. 

Out of the district's nearly 5,000 employees, these honorees receive the distinction for exceeding their regular duties, demonstrating best practices and improving the lives of students.

The Salem-Keizer Education Foundation, in collaboration with the school district and Salem and Keizer chambers of commerce, began the tradition in the mid-1990s. 

As they arrived, nominees — dressed to the nines — were given the red-carpet treatment. Fans crowded the entrance with cameras, customized T-shirts and musical instruments to get the celebration started. The line stretched down the block and spilled onto High Street. 

Phones were held in the air to get video and quick photos of the festivities. Supporters held posters of their favorite educators and chanted and cheered when they saw them.

When honoree Donna Duval walked toward the camera crew, about a dozen people in the crowd raised signs with her face on them, shouting "Donna! Donna! Donna!"

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This was the first awards event for the foundation's new executive director, Kelly Carlisle, since stepping into the role in August. He helped interview nominees as they entered the theater.

"It is an honor to continue the tradition of celebrating education in this community," Carlisle, a former Salem-Keizer assistant superintendent, said in a statement. "The teaching professionals we have in our district are truly worthy of this grand celebration."

Motivational speaker and community advocate Wally Ybarra emceed the program, taking the Elsinore stage to welcome the crowd.

He began by sharing his own story, one of trauma and hardship that led to substance use and life in a gang. It wasn't until he was taken into the care of someone who believed in him that he pursued and finished his education.

"Every point of my life that was supposed to end tragically was shifted because of people like you," he said. 

Here are the 2019 honorees:

Nominees are organized alphabetically by last name.

Yuriana Coronado

Community Specialist Outreach Coordinator, Auburn Elementary School

On any given day, you can find Yuriana Coronado talking with parents, comforting an upset child or out in the community getting valuable resources for Auburn Elementary School.

"I have personally seen Yuri organize fundraisers for students, take parents to the court house to obtain needed legal documents, problem solve transportation and financial needs, gather donations for housing items and supplies, and help our families access resources for emergency shelter," wrote Coronado's nominator. 

Coronado has been called 'magical' for her ability to develop deep relationships with everyone she encounters, and those who know her well say the joy she puts into her work is contagious. 

Supporters said she is always welcoming, never judgmental and a key part of why families feel comfortable at Auburn. Teachers can rely on her to help de-escalate students when they are in crisis mode, and Coronado has worked on grants to pay for clothes for children at the start a new year.

"In my worst moments of my life, she comes to help my family," said one parent in a hand-written note. "In her, I found trust, peace, friendship, support. I am more than blessed by her friendship."

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Joana Guevara Cruz

Teacher and English language facilitator, Hallman Elementary School

There have been many instances in the past 10 years, one supporter wrote, when Joana Guevara Cruz would have been justified in saying, "No, I can't." 

"But those words have not passed her lips," the supporter wrote. "What is good for the students is good for Joana."

For several years, Cruz has taken on 33 to 35 second and third graders, but her classroom always runs smoothly, they said. She has embraced the school-wide social and emotional learning work, and supporters described her as fierce, always willing to fight for and protect her students. 

As the building's English language facilitator, Cruz takes on extra responsibilities, ensuring the team never loses sight of the effects language development has on a student's ability to learn, one supporter wrote. 

"She is a testament to what it looks like for hard work to pay off ... evidenced by her students' success and feeling of belonging here at Hallman," the nominator wrote. "We are so lucky to have her and are so proud she is a Husky!" 

Shauna DeVos

Office manager, Jane Goodall Environmental Middle School

Shauna DeVos is described by her supervisor as the face and heart of Jane Goodall Environmental Middle School. 

DeVos is responsible for several initiatives and tasks, which her supporters say she executes flawlessly. But she's especially known for how she helps students, with one eighth grader writing, "She's too kind to not like."

"Shauna works diligently to make sure students are safe and comfortable," DeVos' nominator wrote. "She is the first to notice if a youngster is in need, whether it is warm clothing, a lunch or rain boots ... On many occasions, Shauna has filled the need from her own children's closets or her wallet."

DeVos is also known for going above and beyond for the kids at Oregon School for the Deaf, from which JGEMS leases their property.

"(A) neat thing happens at lunch," one supporter wrote. "Our kids start trying sign language. OSD kids will shyly wave 'Hi' to their JGEMS teammates. Some OSD students will even sit down at the same lunch table.

"Shauna and I always look at each other and smile. Inevitably, she will whisper to me, ' Watching our kids interact with the OSD kids is the best part of my day.' "

Donna Duval

Social studies and English teacher, CTEC law enforcement program

Donna Duval's supervisor began her nomination letter by saying: "When I say Donna Duval saves lives, it is not an exaggeration; it's an understatement." 

During her time as a teacher at North Salem High School, Duval's nominator said she created such genuine connections with students, she transformed them in just months. 

"While most humans are sleeping, Donna is awake researching some topic because a teen in one of her classes showed an interest in it, and she's hoping this just might be the thing that gets that one student to engage in school," the nominator wrote. 

Co-workers, students and more submitted letters of support on Duval's behalf, calling her their mentor, friend and above all, hero.

"Duval has helped me be more confident in myself," one student wrote. "(She's) shown me that I'm actually good at what I do and I need to see that and appreciate that. She's let me know that I'm helping my classmates a lot and that she's proud of us.

"In short, Duval is like a mom to many of her students, and we all care for her as much as she cares for us."

Jason Erickson

Music teacher, Clear Lake Elementary School

At Clear Lake Elementary School, Jason Erickson is known as the teacher who brings music into the lives of his students — in class, with before- and after-school activities, or even during recess.

But his impact is not confined within the school's walls. Erickson can be found leading outdoor school at Camp Cascade every year, connecting his students with the community by singing at local nursing homes and organizing students to perform neighborhood carols or concerts at the Oregon State Capitol.

He also provided his students an incentive to meet their jog-a-thon goal by growing out his hair and allowing them to shave it when the goal was met.

"Mr. Erickson was my music teacher over 15 years ago, and I will always remember the impact he has had on my life," one supporter wrote.

The then-student presented a song she'd written in second grade to Erickson. He offered to compose sheet music and had the first-grade class at the time perform the song for their class concert.

"After the concert, several parents asked me to autograph their programs, and I truly felt like I was a real musician," she wrote. "As an elementary educator now, I truly appreciate the interest Mr. Erickson took in each individual student, even though he saw hundreds of students a day."

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David Fender

Coordinator, Salem-Keizer's Office of Behavioral Learning

David Fender began his career in education as an instructional assistant before he earned his teaching license with a focus on special education. After teaching in a self-contained classroom, he became a behavior program assistant where he supported multiple special needs classrooms.

He eventually began working in various administrative roles, and now serves as the district's Office of Behavioral Learning coordinator. 

"As his career grew, he became aware of the intense need to address social, emotional and behavioral support for students," Fender's nominator wrote. "It was through this awareness that a vision sparked within him to create a department where all students receive the support needed." 

Fender is described by his supporters as "kind, compassionate and humble." His open-door policy results in his staff feeling supported, listened to and confident their needs will be met. Parents commented how much better their students are doing because of his work.

Fender's also known for his dedication to his family and impressive music skills.

"One might convincingly argue that his skills as an accomplished drummer generalize to his work as an educational leader," wrote one supporter. 

"He routinely sets both the tone and the rhythm for our collective work, gently slowing things down when we start to rush, picking up the beat when the complexity and heaviness slows us down, and leaving room for improvisation while reminding us to truly listen to the music of why we do what we do," he wrote. 

Larkin Smith Foley

Teacher and AVID coordinator, McKay High School

Magical unicorn. Superhero. Ally for the marginalized. Voice of reason. Someone who teaches you what it means to teach and what it means to care.

This is how the many individuals who wrote in letters of support for Larkin Smith Foley describe her. 

"All of these descriptive titles are true and do not fully convey how much Larkin Smith Foley is respected by anyone who has worked with her or had her as a teacher," a co-worker wrote. "I cannot think of a more deserving person in the field of education."

Through her work with AVID and the Link Crew freshmen mentoring program, Foley has touched the lives of many intimidated by the prospect of high school, as well as life after.

One supporter described a time over summer when Foley received a call. A recent graduate was headed to college, the first in her family to do so, but didn't have enough financial aid to cover her needs. 

"Larkin immediately went into rescue mode, and over the next few days she contacted every resource she knew of," the co-worker wrote.

The student was eventually able to attend, "thanks to Larkin, the trust she has built and her willingness to drop everything to fight for the future of every single student at McKay High School."

Kelly Greer

Counselor, Leslie Middle School

For one eighth grader, Kelly Greer isn't just a school counselor — "she is like a mom."

"She is always putting in 100% doing anything she can to make people happy," the student wrote. "(No) matter what mood I'm in, when I see her I get a little spark of hope that everything is going to be OK because I have her by my side."

Greer also serves as a volleyball and cross country/track coach, AVID coordinator, college and career readiness expert and a peer helper/leadership adviser. She's known to keep a calm presence and address all students' social, emotional and academic concerns. 

If a student can't afford to participate in an activity, Greer helps. If a sport needs a coach, she volunteers. If a student is in the hospital, she checks on the family and visits. 

"Kelly works with students in some of their darkest times," wrote Greer's nominator. "She supports them as they deal with things no child should ever have to deal with.

"In the face of this darkness, Kelly is a light," she wrote. "She shares that light with all around her, and the staff and students who have been fortunate enough to know her are better for it."

Laura Hofer

Culinary arts/CTE teacher, South Salem High School 

Laura Hofer, known as Chef, has forever changed the lives of many she's worked with.

"My graduating class ... had approximately four students who, without the help of Chef, were going to drop out of high school completely, or not pass their classes required for graduation," a recent graduate wrote. "Chef's understanding of her students and how to most effectively educate them, while also working within a restricted budget ... will forever (amaze) me."

Hofer was also described as instrumental to getting the Salem Saturday Market Teen Chopped Challenge up and running. Community members and those who work with her at South describe her as going above and beyond to create a learning experience that is positive, creative and innovative.

They also said she challenges her students to grow and work together, saying she exemplifies "all students have the capacity to learn, despite all odds."

"Little did I know my culinary arts elective teacher ... would be responsible for my graduating high school with honors, signing with my Division 1 dream team and being the first in my family to attend a four-year university," the student supporter wrote. "I couldn't thank her enough after I walked across the (graduation) stage." 

John Scott

Social studies teacher and coach, Parrish Middle School

John Scott is commonly referred to at Parrish as "Coach," with his supporters saying he deserves this title for every aspect of his life. 

His co-workers described him as "an educator, a friend, a mentor and a fiery public servant," saying he embraces opportunities to mentor, educate and inform within every role he serves. 

And when it comes to how it affects the students — he's a game changer.

"Mr. Scott impacted my life as an athlete and as a human being," two students wrote in a joint letter. "He did this by showing me my rights and wrongs, and when I was wrong, he picked me up and showed me what I should have done and how I should've handled it.

"He doesn't leave anyone behind, always makes sure everyone is on the same page with each other and never lets anyone down."

Another student supporter wrote about Scott's work with her as a female athlete specifically. 

"Mr. Scott is the best coach ever," she wrote. "Although football and wrestling are sports mostly dominated by men, Mr. Scott loves to get girls to play because he believes that girls are capable of what they put their minds to, including playing football."

Taya Ramirez Woodall

Office specialist, South Salem High School 

Taya Ramirez Woodall's supervisor recalls one cold, foggy morning when they received a call about a student passed out on a pathway near the school. 

It was 6:45 a.m., the student wasn't wearing any warm clothing and their skin was blue. There were numerous issues that led to the scenario, the supervisor explained, and multiple people were involved in creating a plan for recovery.

"Yet it was Taya who stuck by her, Taya who has provided unconditional love, Taya who has created a safe space and Taya whom the student credits for being on track to graduate," she wrote.

"Because of Taya Woodall, this student's life trajectory has turned from having very little hope while taking an ambulance ride to having a bright journey ahead, high school diploma in hand," she wrote. "That's the Taya influence."

Woodall's supervisor and co-workers voiced their support for Woodall not just because she performs her day-to-day tasks well, but because of how "she makes South Salem a welcoming place to be."

One student spoke of being a front office aide when the two became friends.

Woodall would help with homework and ask about the student's new job. And when Woodall and a co-worker realized the student only had one pair of shoes, which were in bad shape, they went to Fred Meyer and bought a new pair.

"I didn't ask them to do that," the student wrote. "They did that because they genuinely care.

"Taya was with me through my darkest times in life. Even when she didn't know it."

Terry Woods

Bus driver, Salem-Keizer special programs 

When a student was recognized last year at Salem-Keizer's Turn Around Awards, she thanked her teacher, counselor, mentor, parents and her bus driver, Terry Woods.

Woods drives routes for Roberts High School's teen parent program and for many, plays a significant role in their educational experience.

The student went on to explain how getting on the bus with a 3-year-old used to be the hardest part of her day, but how Woods made it easier, if not something she and her son looked forward to.

"Every morning and afternoon, our bus drivers are present in our hallways, greeting students and helping ease the transition between home and school," Woods' nominator wrote. "Terry is often holding a baby while a student rearranges her book bag to a diaper bag as she transforms from student to mom. Young children reach out (to him) with raised arms, a true sign of deep trust." 

One former student wrote about being a teen parent and attending classes at Salem-Keizer's Career and Technical Education Center. Her son had to stay on the bus while she was in class, something she was nervous about until she saw how far Woods went to make sure she and her child were comfortable and cared for.

"A bus driver didn't give up on me; he gave me hope to believe in myself when it was hard," she wrote. "Without Terry, I am not sure I would be where I am today."

For more information and a complete list of the 2019 nominees, go to skeducationfoundation.org or call 503-364-2933.

Contact education reporter Natalie Pate at npate@StatesmanJournal.com, 503-399-6745 or follow Natalie on Twitter @Nataliempate or Facebook at www.Facebook.com/nataliepatejournalist.