Campus safety worker uses Connect 4 to help students at Leslie, South open up

Cesar Villareal, campus safety specialist at South Salem High School, mans the weapon detector on the school's lower level. (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter)

Ahead of the 2025 Crystal Apple Awards for outstanding educators on May 29, Salem Reporter is profiling several of the 101 nominees. The awards are presented by the McLaran Leadership Foundation and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce at the Salem Convention Center. Tickets are sold out, though viewing room tickets are available for $25.

When he finds students skipping school, Cesar Villareal sometimes challenges them to a game.

“If you beat me in Connect…

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