School staff paid tribute to five Newberg Public School employees for outstanding teaching and service at the district's 15th annual Crystal Apple Awards recognition program on Friday, June 13th. Each had been nominated by parents, colleagues or students. Recipients are:

Drea Ferguson - Outstanding High School Teacher
The high school theater teacher known for the positive impact she makes on the personal and academic life of students, her commitment to high quality education and the outstanding opportunities she provides students.

Mike Alpert - Outstanding Middle School Teacher
Described as an engaging,  funny yet serious teacher who "makes us want to come to school to learn," Alpert is a 6th grade language arts and social studies teacher at Mountain View Middle School.

Lisa Auld - Outstanding Elementary Teacher
An engaging, creative and enthusiastic teacher who inspires children to learn and makes learning relevant, Lis Auld, Antonia Crater 5th grade teacher, received the 2014 Crystal Apple for Outstanding Elementary Teacher.

Paula Kriz - Outstanding Instructional Assistant
Her dedication to helping students with special challenges succeed academically and emotionally earned this Blue School special education assistant recognition from her colleagues and parents.

Shelley Thomas - Outstanding Classified Employee
This Dundee Elementary School secretary was cited for her gracious, friendly professionalism and skills as a problem solver, multi-tasker and relationship building. Shelly joined the proceedings from California via iPad.