Five Newberg School District employees were recognized for outstanding service to education at the district’s annual Crystal Apple Awards last Monday, June 11th. Three teachers, an instructional assistant and a classified employee were honored with crystal apples. Recipients were selected through a nomination process involving students, parents, community and school district staff.

Two district employees received the Superintendent’s Award. Superintendent Paula Radich presented Nancy Poetzman, payroll clerk, and strings teacher Gwen Gilbertson with plaques for excellent service.

The 2012 Crystal Apple Award recipients are:

Margaret Barry, Edwards Elementary Title I teacher, was named Outstanding Elementary Teacher. Barry is an integral part of student success at Edwards and supports school staff with research-based staff development and strategies for reading, assessment and intervention.

Diane Williams, Chehalem Valley Middle School eighth grade language arts/social studies teacher received the Outstanding Middle School teacher award. Williams is widely respected by students and staff for challenging students to grow academically and as individuals. Williams retires this year after teaching for 32 years.

Cindy Phelps, Yellow School Spanish teacher is the 2012 Outstanding High School teacher. Witty, knowledgeable and enthusiastic, Phelps is a veteran Spanish teacher known for engaging and rigorous instruction and her generous support of colleagues.

Kathi Senecaut received the Outstanding Classified Employee award. The Joan Austin Elementary School kitchen manager never fails to put students need first and is always educating students about making good choices. According to the school staff, Senecaut is dedicated to providing healthy, nourishing, homemade meals on a limited budget.

Debi Adamski, an instruction assistant at Dundee Elementary, was named Outstanding Instructional Assistant. Adamski serves as the school testing coordinator but wears multiple hats in support of the school staff and Dundee students.