The InterMountain Education Service District (IMESD) and its component school districts are proud to announce the winners of the 2022 Crystal Apple Awards for “Excellence in Education.”
At total of 44 Crystal Apples will be presented in early May to deserving education staff in eastern Oregon.
Winners from Union County school districts will be honored today at the event at Eastern Oregon University in La Grande. Winners from Morrow County and Umatilla County school districts will be honored at the event at the Pendleton Convention Center on Monday, May 9. 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. 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.
“Celebrating the hard work that school district employees do each and every day in our region is always exciting during the Crystal Apple Awards. But it’s especially wonderful this year, since we can return to in-person award events,” said Dr. Mark Mulvihill, IMESD duperintendent.
2022 Crystal Apple Award Winners
Morrow County
Ione School District
- Superintendent: Kevin Dinning
- Tracey Johnson (Principal), Ione Elementary School
- Stephanie McElligott (Preschool/Instructional Aide), Ione School
Morrow County School District
- Superintendent: Dirk Dirksen
- Katie Burton (Counselor), Sam Boardman Elementary School
- Michelle Gale (Special Education Assistant), A.C. Houghton Elementary School
- Lori McCabe (Head Cook/Assistant Custodian), Heppner Jr/Sr High School
- Laura Winters (6th Grade Teacher), Windy River Elementary
Umatilla County
Athena-Weston School District
- Superintendent: Ann Vescio
- Ashley Tompkins (Agriculture Science Teacher), Weston-McEwen High School
- Karen Webb (Secretary/District Kitchen Supervisor), Athena Elementary/District Office
Echo School District
- Superintendent: Raymon Smith
- Anna Bench (Classroom Aide), Echo School District
- Shana Schmidt (Science Teacher), Echo High School
Helix School District
- Superintendent: Brad Bixler
- Tim Kahl (Language Arts/Social Studies Teacher), Helix School
- Katie Zmuda (School Cook), Helix School
Milton-Freewater Unified School District
- Superintendent: Aaron Duff
- Melissa Cunnington (Choir/Drama Teacher), McLoughlin High School
- Steffany Esser (Social Studies Teacher), McLoughlin High School
- Jennifer Kessler (Lead Cook), Gib Olinger Elementary School
- Heather Vaughn (Special Education Teacher), Gib Olinger Elementary School
Pendleton School District
- Superintendent: Chris Fritsch
- Tammy Hillmick (Paraprofessional), Sherwood Heights Elementary School
- James McDonough (Maintenance), Pendleton High School
- Karen Smith (Special Education Teacher), Sherwood Heights Elementary School
- Fred Wolotira (Math Teacher), Sunridge Middle School
Pilot Rock School District
- Superintendent: Troy Jerome
- Lela Thieme (Science/Wellness Teacher), Pilot Rock Jr/Sr High School
- Jacob Try (Music Teacher), Pilot Rock School District
Stanfield School District
- Superintendent: Beth Burton
- Adam Lemmon (PE Teacher), Stanfield Elementary School
- Michelle Reeser (Kindergarten Teacher), Stanfield Elementary School
Ukiah School District
- Superintendent: Jim Reger
- Thomas Conner (Athletic Director/Basketball Coach), Ukiah School
Umatilla School District
- Superintendent: Heidi Sipe
- Danette Prindle (Paraprofessional), McNary Heights Elementary School
- Tim Young (5th Grade Teacher), McNary Heights Elementary School
InterMountain ESD
- Brandi Audis (Educational Assistant), Early Intervention/Early Special Education Program
- Rhonda Dockweiler (Administrative Assistant), Teaching & Learning Dept.
- Rachael Olson (3rd-4th Grade Teacher/Special Program Liaison), Virtual Learning Academy
- Jennifer Richardson (Graphic Design Specialist) Communication & Print Solutions Dept.
Union County
Cove School District
- Kelli Langford (3rd Grade Teacher), Cove School
- Kelsey Stitzel (Secretary), Cove School
Elgin School District
- Dena Ledbetter (5th Grade Teacher), Stella Mayfield Elementary
- Tucker Murphey (Music Teacher), Elgin School District
Imbler School District
- Tony Haddock (Math/PE Teacher), Imbler High School
- Chrissy Wilhelm (Secretary/Substitute Bus Driver), Imbler High School
La Grande School District
- Shawn Brooks (5th Grade Teacher), Central Elementary School
- Amber Kessinger (Behavior Intervention Assistant), La Grande Middle School
- Cindy Malone (Paraeducator), La Grande High School
- Amy Pennington (School Nurse), La Grande School District
North Powder School District
- Nancy Simonis (Paraprofessional), North Powder School District
Union School District
- Karolyn Kelley (Agriculture Teacher/FFA Advisor), Union High School
- Jodi Seale (4th Grade Teacher), Union Elementary School
The 2022 Crystal Apple Award sponsors were CHI St. Anthony Hospital, First Community Credit Union, Rotary Club of Pendleton and Wheatland Insurance.
