Excellence Unveiled: The 19th Annual Crystal Apple Awards Nominees Revealed

Washington County Chamber of Commerce Celebrates the Best in Education

Hillsboro, OR – In partnership with OnPoint Community Credit Union, the Washington County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the 29 nominees for the prestigious 19th Annual Crystal Apple Awards. This celebrated event, dedicated to recognizing the remarkable efforts of educators, administrators and support personnel in Hillsboro, is set to take place on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at The Venetian in Hillsboro. The ceremony is a testament to those individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of education, thereby shaping the minds and futures of our youth.

“OnPoint was founded by teachers, and we know how critical education is to helping our community thrive. The Crystal Apple Awards celebrate the dedication and passion of those who commit themselves to nurturing and empowering the next generation. We’re honored to help recognize these individuals and reinforce the importance of educators to the future of our community,” said Tim Clevenger, Chief Marketing Officer at OnPoint Community Credit Union.

With 30 nominations this year and 29 nominees, the Crystal Apple Awards spotlight the dedication and achievements of a diverse group of licensed staff, administrators, and educational support professionals within the community. Recipients of the Crystal Apple Award will be revealed at the awards ceremony. *The 2024 Crystal Apple Award nominees are listed below:
Matt Atkinson, District Electrician, Glencoe High School
Carrie Bertram, Library Media Assistant, Minter Bridge Elementary
Alesha Brock, 5th Grade Teacher, Patterson Elementary
Casey Connor, P.E. Teacher, Witch Hazel Elementary
Marrea Croarkin, Special Education Assistant 3, Hillsboro High School
Michelle Davis, Administrative Support 1, Liberty High School
Evan Donnelly, 1st Grade Dual Language Teacher, Minter Bridge Elementary
Francesca Sinapi, Equity, Access, Engagement Officer, Hillsboro School District
Crystal Ferrante, 5th Grade Teacher, Ladd Acres Elementary School
Julio Galian, Social Studies Teacher and Department Head, Hillsboro High School
Heather Giard, 2nd Grade Teacher, Patterson Elementary
Cindy Gillis, Instructional Assistant, Hillsboro School District
Jim Hill, Bus Driver, Hillsboro School District
Yesica Jacobo, Special Education Assistant, Orenco Elementary School
Alex Keister, Head Custodian, West Union Elementary
Sharon Kerbs, Spanish Teacher, DL Biology Teacher, Liberty High School
Amy Kunz, Special Education Assistant, Liberty High School
Reyna, French and AVID Teacher, Century High School
Lauren Lawson, Math Teacher, Evergreen Middle School
Perla Lopez Alverez, Custodian, Indian Hills Elementary
Marla Lyle, School Counselor, Hillsboro High School
Una Maher, Kindergarten and 1st Grade Teacher, Hillsboro Online Academy
John Matsuo, Assistant Principal and Athletic Director, Hillsboro High School
Peggy Meeuwsen, Office Manager/Administrative Support 3, Century High School
Lourdes Nelson, Bus Driver, Poynter Middle School
Katie Russell Willis, Communications Specialist, Hillsboro School District
Matt Wear, 5th Grade Teacher, Patterson Elementary
Kristin Volk, 1st Grade Teacher, Patterson ElementaryShannon Witman, Language Arts & Leadership Teacher, Liberty High School

“The Crystal Apple Awards embody the Washington County Chamber of Commerce’s unwavering commitment to education,” said Deanna Palm, president and CEO of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. “Since 2005 the awards have shined a light on how excellence in education shapes the leaders of tomorrow. This event is the Chamber’s way of acknowledging the hard work, dedication, and inspirational efforts of those who play a pivotal role in the development and success of our students and the future of our community.”

The evening will begin with a VIP reception in the Whiskey Room at The Venetian. This reception serves as a prelude to the main event, offering a moment to celebrate the nominees’ accomplishments in a more intimate setting. Those attending the VIP reception must be 21, and over.  VIP reception admission is $50 per person and includes access to the awards ceremony.

Following the reception, the awards ceremony will commence at 5:00 p.m. It will feature open seating to welcome attendees from throughout the community, including students, educators, and community members. This ceremony is not just an event, but a community celebration of the passion, innovation, and resilience displayed by those at the forefront of education. Admission to the awards ceremony is $25.

The Washington County Chamber of Commerce invites the community to join in this grand celebration of excellence in education. It is an opportunity to express gratitude and recognition for the remarkable individuals devoted to educating and empowering our future leaders.

Event Details:
Date: Thursday, April 25, 2024
Venue: The Venetian Hillsboro
Address: 253 E Main St, Hillsboro, OR 97123
VIP Reception: 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM – $50/person
Awards Ceremony: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM – $25/person
Registration & Information Link: https://www.washingtoncountychamberor.com/crystalapple/

Press Passes for the awards ceremony are available upon request.

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About the Washington County Chamber of Commerce: The Washington County Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) is a 501(c)6 nonprofit membership organization that serves the businesses of Washington County, Oregon. With over 825 members, WCCC advocates for a vibrant regional economy and strives to improve the community’s quality of life by strengthening our member businesses. The WCCC is the major community catalyst and convener, creating an equitable, diverse, inclusive, and sustainable business environment that encourages job growth, workforce development, and economic prosperity for all. Learn more about WCCC at WashingtonCountyChamberOR.com.

About OnPoint Community Credit Union: OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving over 554,000 members and with assets of $9 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at www.onpointcu.com or 503-228-7077 or 800-527-3932.