Woodburn Independent Online

Crystal Apples given to local educators

Twenty-one educational employees awarded Crystal Apples

• By: Rachel Cavanaugh  
• Published: 11/13/2009 3:20:20 PM
• Last Updated: 11/16/2009 8:07:19 AM

Photo By: Rachel CavanaughRecognition
Bruce Thomas, of Yes Graphics, presents Det. Rick Puente with a Crystal Apple Award on Nov. 12.

WOODBURN — Every chair was full and buffet lines wrapped around two walls at the eighth annual Crystal Apple Awards Thursday night.
 
The yearly event, which honors local teachers and educators, drew a crowd of about 235 people, topping last year’s turnout.
 
“I think it was the best ever,” said Don Judson, executive director of the Woodburn Area Chamber of Commerce, which hosted the event. “(It was) the combination of the excellent nominees, spectacular award winners, and, I’d have to say, the support from the business community.”
 
Det. Rick Puente, of the Woodburn Police Department and the school resource officer for the Woodburn School District, gave the keynote speech. He talked about the theme of honoring local heroes.
 
“We are all here tonight because in the eyes of our students and peers and the community we have shown our love, compassion, passion and dedication to what we do, and that is teach,” said Puente.
 
The school resource officer quoted a biblical passage, noting how teachers too “lay down their lives for others” every day.
 
In this context, Puente said, it doesn’t mean dying, but rather giving greatly of themselves.
 
“It is a voluntary and selfless act,” Puente said. “You do that every day when you walk into that school building or that classroom. You are putting others before yourself. You have made the choice to lay down your life and put someone else’s needs before your own. … I have seen teachers give up their lunch hours to tutor and help a student, or stay late after school and provide them support.
 
“I have seen teachers come in early to be a resource to these students who are struggling in class. I’ve seen administrators embrace students, trying to provide comfort in times of students’ personal pain. I have seen school personnel embrace each other when the going gets tough and the challenges increase,” Puente continued.
 
“This is the laying down of one’s life that I am talking about: the sacrifices made by many to ensure their students get the education they deserve. And for that, you are heroes.”
 
Judson also spoke at the event, along with Woodburn School District Superintendent Walt Blomberg, Gervais School District Superintendent Rick Hensel, North Marion  School District Superintendent Linda Reeves, St. Luke Catholic School Principal David Guile and Lord High School teacher Ernie Sowards.
 
“What you do is important,” said Hensel, talking about how he still remembers the name of every teacher he had growing up.
 
Twenty-one awards were given out in total.
 
In the Gervais School District, awards went to Michael Mulkerin, Linda Rodriguez and Michele Paton. At Lord High School, one went to Scott Harris.
 
In the North Marion School District, awards went to Sharon Baum, Sally Holstad, Barb Kahle, Linda Murray and Joe Shepherd. At St. Luke School, one went to David Shultz. In the Woodburn School District, awards  went to Jim Barnes, Yolanda Lopez, Rusty Naber, Helen Peynado, Rick Puente, Elizabeth Schlessman, Freda Schmelzer, David Sheldon, Edward Tabet, Irene Velichko and Denise Zauner.
 
The committee also announced a special Crystal Apple Award for Walt Blomberg.
 
“One thing that I have learned about this gentleman is that he does value and celebrate diversity, not only in the school that he takes charge over but also in everything that he does in his life,” said Ruby Wolfer, chair of the event, in presenting the award to Blomberg. “He builds relationships with students and families.”
 
The award banquet was held at Wellspring Center for Extraordinary Living.

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