Twenty-two teachers, couselors and support staff were celebrated for their contributions to public education at the school district's annual Crystal Apple Awards.

"These are the heroes winning the battle for education," said Superintendent Paula Radich. "They are leaving behind readers, writers, mathemeticians, curious minds and students ready for the next step."

Retiring staff members are:

Dennis Johnson, Custodian  at Joan Austin Elementary - 8 years
Stan Brown, Counselor at Chehalem Valley MS - 8 years
Jan Terfer, Custodian at Ewing Young  - 13 years
Jan Bortnem, 2/3 teacher at  Ewing Young - 13 years
Jan Ellis, DO asst. receptionist and Edwards crossing guard - 20 years

Joanne Casey, Lanugage arts and social studies teacher at chehalem Valley MS  - 20 years
Carol Purcell, 1st grade  teacher at  Joan Austin - 20 years
Kevin Purcell, Principal at Ewing Young - 20 years
Ken Clark, Director of Bands at Mountain View MS - 20 years

Kathy Donohue. Lanugage arts and social studies teacher at Mountain View MS - 20 years
Martin Frost, Custodian at Mountain View MS - 21 years

Gayle Bingham, Secretary at  Edwards - 22 years
Dennis Bischof, Custodian at Chehalem Valley MS - 23 years
Ray Jacobs, Custodian at Mabel Rush - 23 years
Mary Lou Gouger, 1st grade teacher at EY - 23 years
Judy Elliott, 3rd grade teacher at Antonia Crater - 25 years
Rita Daugherty, Lanugage arts and social studies teacher at Mountain View MS - 26 years
Katrina William, 1st grade teacher at Mabel Rush - 28 years
Barb Engelen, Counseling secretary at Chehalem Valley MS - 30 years
Claudia Kroese, Lanugage arts and social studies teacher at Mountain View MS - 32 years
Jackie Nissen, Math teacher at  Mountain View - 32 years
Toni Wyss,  Administratice assistant to the Superintendent and School Board - 32 years
Dwight Zirschky, 4/5 teacher at Ewing Young - 33 years