The Intermountain Education Service District has honored a number of area educators with the 2017 Crystal Apple “Excellence in Education” Awards.
A total of 44 individuals were honored this month from the IMESD’s component school districts in Eastern Oregon. The 2017 events mark the 18th annual Crystal Apple Awards for Umatilla and Morrow counties and the sixth annual for Union County.
Union County winners were honored on May 8 at Eastern Oregon University in La Grande. Morrow and Umatilla county winners were recognized on May 15 at the Red Lion Hotel in Pendleton.
“We congratulate all of this year’s Crystal Apple winners and are honored to celebrate these wonderful educators who are making a difference every day for students,” said Michele Madril, IMESD Director of Communication and Print Solutions.
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. Nominations are submitted over a two-month period by administrators, coworkers, parents, students and community members. Winners are selected from these nominations by school district administration.
At the Pendleton awards ceremony on May 15, the IMESD also named the recipient of the 2017 Community Partner Award, which is Umatilla County Public Health. This agency has been a key leader in the area of school-based health through the creation of Wellness Hubs. These hubs provide on-site support in the areas of nursing, mental health, oral health and system navigation in schools across the region. The innovative Hub design utilizes braided resources to expand capacity — a model built for replication across the state.
“Umatilla Public Health is highly committed to Eastern Oregon families. By partnering with other agencies that serve the public, they have increased capacity for students and families in need. Public health is always willing to come to the table, innovate and allocate resources in a creative way,” said Dr. Mark Mulvihill, IMESD Superintendent.
Finally, Heidi Sipe, superintendent of the Umatilla School District, won the Doug Flatt Memorial Leadership Award for 2017. Sponsored by Mid Columbia Bus Company, this award honors an administrator who exemplifies qualities of leadership, attention to detail, service to community, interpersonal relationships and customer service.
The IMESD would like to thank the 2017 Crystal Apple Award sponsors: Bank of Eastern Oregon, Capps Broadcast Group, CHI St. Anthony Hospital, First Community Credit Union, Mid Columbia Bus Company, Red Lion Hotel Pendleton, Rotary Club of Pendleton and Wheatland Insurance.
For the full list of winners, click here.
