GREENVILLE, Wisconsin. – School SpecialtyA leading provider of learning environments and supplies for the PreK-12 education market, today announced the 2024 winners of its annual Crystal Apple Awards, celebrating teachers who embody inspiration, leadership and passion in teaching.
Each year, students, parents, administrators, fellow teachers, family and friends nominate teachers who go above and beyond to touch the lives of students every day. School Specialty selects 10 finalists from the nominees and then three winners are selected by public voting. The school specialty received a record 611 nominations this year, nearly double last year's total. Each of this year's winners will receive a personalized trophy and a $500 School Specialty gift certificate for themselves, as well as a $250 School Specialty gift certificate for their school. They are:
- Typhani Russo, of Commonwealth Charter Academy in Harrisburg, PA, is the founder of Bookworms Against Bullies, a nonprofit organization that inspires students with stories about overcoming bullying;
- Mercedes Salas of Uvalde Elementary School in Uvalde, TX, whose constant love, kindness, and support has impacted so many students; and
- Julie Pfeifer of Abraxas School of Ohio in Mansfield, OH, who launched a book club, a body shop club, and a 3D printing club while seeking to engage students using their own interests and drafted lesson plans for new courses, allowing them students earn certificates they can use after graduation.
To read the full stories of this year's winners, visit EscuelaSpecialidad.com.
“Having witnessed firsthand the immense efforts and lifelong impact that educators have on students, I am deeply honored to be a part of the Crystal Apple Awards,” said Sue Ann Highland, PhD, national education strategist at School Specialty. “Teachers are the cornerstone of our educational system and are wholeheartedly dedicated to creating enriching experiences and safe havens for our students. “Recognizing their dedication and exceptional contributions is extremely important and one of the most rewarding aspects of my role at School Specialty.”
Crystal Apple Awards finalists receive a $100 school specialty merchandise certificate for themselves and an additional $100 certificate for their school. This year's finalists are:
- Lisa Longino of Mayfair Elementary School in South Euclid, OH;
- Claudette Henson of the Creative Environment Day School in Fayetteville, New York;
- Debra Cline of Manatee School of the Arts in Palmetto, FL;
- Holli Herndon of Pleasant Grove Elementary School in Inverness, FL;
- Meghan Bodie of Edison Elementary School in Milan, OH;
- Kaylie Morgan of Uwharrie Charter Academy in Star, North Carolina; and
- Michelle Morgan from Nichols Elementary School in Huntington, WV.
For more information about Crystal Apple Awards, visit EscuelaSpecialidad.com.
About Specialty School, LLC
With a 60-year legacy, School Specialty is a leading provider of comprehensive learning environment solutions for the K-12 educational market in the U.S. and Canada. This includes essential classroom supplies, furniture and design services, educational technology, sensory spaces with Snoezelen®, science curriculum, learning resources, professional development and more. School Specialty believes that every student can thrive in an environment where they are engaged and inspired to learn and grow. To support this vision of transforming more than the classroom, the company applies its unmatched team of subject matter experts and designs, manufactures and distributes a wide variety of proprietary and branded products. For more information, go to EscuelaSpecialidad.com.
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