Presented by the McLaran Leadership Foundation and the Salem Chamber, the 2023 Crystal Apple Awards featured a raucous red carpet, 89 incredible nominees, 15 winners, and nearly 800 attendees at the Salem Convention Center on Friday, February 10, 2023.

We thank all of them for bringing their energy and spirit in supporting our region’s educators, administrators, and support staff as we continue to support and promote true excellence in education.

We also congratulate the winners:

  • Sarah Keck, Teacher at South Salem High School
  • Harry Ahn, Teacher at Blanchet Catholic School
  • Micheal Cape, Transportation Field Coordinator, Salem-Keizer Public Schools
  • Michael Daniels, Technology Support Specialist, Salem-Keizer Public Schools
  • Sheila Gebhardt, Administrative Specialist, Salem-Keizer Public Schools
  • Denny McCarthy, Principal at Straub Middle School
  • Carl Mucken, Principal at Queen of Peace Catholic School
  • Hortencia Navarrete, Bilingual Instructional Assistant at Bush Elementary School
  • Jeremy Parker, Teacher at Auburn Elementary School
  • Jacqueline Pope Brothers, Teacher at Sprague High School
  • Dennise Pozos Gonzalez, Teacher at West Salem High School
  • Denise Proudfoot, Nurse at South Salem High School
  • Maricela Ruiz Herrera, Bilingual Instructional Assistant at Douglas McKay High School
  • Megan Spickerman, Instructional Support Assistant at Chapman Hill Elementary School
  • Gabriella Steinlicht, Bilingual Instructional Assistant at Kennedy Elementary School

We also thank our sponsors for making this incredible night happen, including Presenting Sponsor, Mountain West Investment Corp; and Major Sponsors, Maps Credit Union and the Larry and Jeanette Epping Family Foundation.

Thank you to Salem-Keizer Public Schools and to our Crystal Apple Awards Committee for amazing partnerships in coordinating, organizing, and returning this beloved tradition to the Salem community.

Thank you to our MC, Zach DuFault, and to our awards presenters, Kathy Gordon, Melissa Mason, and Diane McLaran.

Finally, thank you to Allied Video Productions, the Crystal Apple Band (featuring talented singer and Enlightened Theatrics Executive Director Jessica Lynette Peterson), our own Chelsea Lynch, and Capital Community Media for bringing the event to life through visuals and music.

See photos from the event by viewing our gallery on Facebook!

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