Six Newberg School district employees were recognized for outstanding service to education at the district’s 14th annual Crystal Apple Awards on June 14th.

Outstanding Elementary Teacher – Rick Harris

The Ewing Young and Dundee PE teacher is know for his ability to draw out the very best effort from his students. In addition to teaching health and PE skills, Harris is consciously developing students who are critical thinkers, leaders, problem solvers and team players.

Outstanding Middle School Teacher – Tom Willing

Willing teaches 6th grade language arts and social studies classes Mountain View Middle School. It is his ability to connect with students, make learning fun and develop excellent writing skills. Willing retires this year after a 17 year career in Newberg schools.

Outstanding High School Teacher – Terry Coss
Coss teaches engineering and manufacturing classes at Newberg High School. Best know for his role as an advisor of the NHS Robotics Team, Coss has produced students with a high level of machining skills and a good understanding of technical principal – all making a positive impact on business and manufacturing in Newberg.

Outstanding Instructional Assistant – Tina Oathes

A dedicated and hardworking education assistant at Chehalem Valley Middle School, Tina Oathes’ work with special needs students earns her respect from students and staff. Even the most stubborn students respond to her firm, compassionate and humorous manner.

Outstanding Classified Employee – Grace Bolliger
Antonia Crater Elementary staff count on secretary Grace Bolliger to keep school systems organized and track a myriad of information. At the same time, it’s not unusual for her to stop and take time to listen to a student or offer assistance on a tough assignment.

Outstanding Administrator – Don Dorman
Dorman directs the district’s special programs. He’s a service-oriented leader committed to providing the best possible education for the district’s special needs students. Dorman is known for providing staff opportunities for growth and learning to deliver meaningful education to students.

Crystal Apple Award recipients are selected by a panel of community judges from nominations from parents, students, school staff and community members. Judges this year included:

• Rosita Seibel, First Federal and Newberg Kiwanis
• Mary Terry, Art Department Chairman at George Fox University
• Tom Struck, Joyful Servant Lutheran Churc
• Melinda VanBossuyt, Newberg School Board chairwoman
• Sandra Lawson, retired Newberg administrator
• Hanna Kinney, NHS graduate and student representative to the Newberg School Board.