Six Newberg School district employees were recognized for outstanding service to education at the district’s 13th annual Crystal Apple Awards on June 16th.

Outstanding Elementary Teacher – Lori Klaus
Klaus is a Learning Resource Center teacher at Ewing Young Elementary School. She is known for her exceptional abilities in helping learning disabled students achieve high expectations.

Outstanding Middle School Teacher – Riff Canaday
Canaday teaches science at Mountain View Middle School. A student-favorite, Canaday thrives on sharing his love for science through active, entertaining and engaging experiential learning.

Outstanding High School Teacher – Pam Sherman
Pam Sherman teaches math in Silver School. She is a veteran teacher who continues to seek new ways to improve teaching and motivate students to be successful. Sherman exemplifies a lifelong dedication to learning and a remarkable love of teaching that is modeled daily.

Outstanding Instructional Assistant – Marcia Windsor
Marcia Windsor is the librarian at Antonia Crater Elementary School. A key resource for students and teachers alike, Windsor creates an  exciting, welcoming learning environment for students to develop a love of reading, learning and knowledge.

Outstanding Confidential Employee – Toni Wyss
Toni Wyss is the administrative assistant to the superintendent and the Newberg School Board. While she is well-regarded for her organization and support, Wyss is best known for her genuine interest and caring for people. Wyss, who is retiring after 32 years of service, also received the Superintendent’s Award, which is presented annually to a staff member at the Crystal Apple Awards.

Outstanding Administrator – Sue Luthra
Sue Luthra is the principal at Edwards Elementary School. Luthra’s smart use of resources, exceptional staff development and effective leadership has lead to statewide recognition for best practices and rising test scores.

Crystal Apple Award recipients are selected by a panel of community judges from numerous nominations from parents, students and school staff members. Judges this year included Barb Van Amerongen, PCC Newberg Center; Richard Lee, Bank of America and Chehalem Cultural Center Board; Deona Twenge, Newberg School Board member; and Anne Wylie, retired administrator with the school district.

Providence Newberg Medical Center was a major sponsor of the school district’s annual awards program.