Here are the 12 Salem, Keizer educators honored with 2025 Crystal Apple awards

Educators who went above the call of duty with 5:45 a.m. van pick-ups, leading school clubs and tracking booster seats for families in need were honored Thursday at the Crystal Apple awards.

Teachers, parents, principals and students put forward 101 outstanding local educators as contenders for the 2025 awards.

The annual gala event recognizes the people who make a difference in students’ lives, from office support workers to experienced teachers.

A dozen received the top honor at the Salem Convention Center.

“Our schools in the cities of Salem and Keizer, both public and private, are absolutely chock-full of skilled and influential educators and support staff professionals who are committed to bettering the lives and academic aptitude of local young people in our community,” said Tom Hoffert, chief executive officer of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, in a statement.

The Chamber puts on the event alongside the Salem-Keizer School District. Nominees include public and private school educators.

Here are the educators selected, with a excerpt from their nomination packet explaining why.

Robert Hunter, science teacher, Crossler Middle School

Hunter is the “keystone specie of the Crossler school ecosystem,” as one teacher put it. A former instructional mentor who helped guide other teachers, his collegues said he still serves as a leader and resource for them through his focus on guiding each student toward success.

Last year, he led the school through an initiative to increase the amount of time students spent talking in class – an effort to give students more ownership over their learning, principal Jen Williams said. Data showed it was successful.

“Robert has a deep belief that the more we hear from our students the more we understand their challenges and can create pathways to success,” Williams wrote.

Bryndle Jarvis, third grade teacher, Western Christian School

Jarvis might be found donning a Viking helmet for a history lesson or challenging her students to read for more time than she does on school breaks.

Students and fellow teachers said she makes learning fun and organizes events for her class and the entire school to celebrate events like Earth Day and Read Across America week.

“Bryndle has this uncanny ability to make each student feel like they’re the only one in the room—even when the room is buzzing with 16 third graders, a lot of big emotions, and one (or two) overly enthusiastic glue sticks,” parent
Analiese Goforth wrote. “She takes the time to understand each learner’s background, strengths, and challenges both while at school and at home and tailors her approach, so every child feels seen, supported and celebrated. Her classroom is where academic growth and emotional safety collide gracefully —a reflection of her compassionate and intentional teaching philosophy and what I believe to be her calling in this lifetime.”

Jaimie Murphy, English teacher, McNary High School

Murphy created a Student Advisory Committee to help empower students to give input about the school, and pioneered a “seminar” class for students to discuss current issues.

She’s a teacher every student at the schools knows by reputation, whether they’ve had her or not, and encourages students to speak their minds.

“Walking into Jaimie Murphy’s classroom is an experience unlike anything else. Aesthetically speaking, the room is decorated like a café, a library, a living room, a safe space—each corner a symbol of love for her students and passion for her job,” wrote Andrea James, a McNary teacher.

Jennifer Wilson, instructional assistant, Parrish Middle School

Wilson stepped up as an assistant wrestling coach despite not knowing anything about the sport, picking students up at 5:45 a.m. so they could make it to before school practices.

“Ms. Jen has helped me to become a better student, “one student wrote. “Last year in sixth grade I struggled to stay in class and do work. Ms. Jen checked in with me every day to talk about my home life and what could hep change my behavior at school. She set up a system where I could use journaling to get out my feelings, share my journal with her and she would write back with messages of support.”

“She is truly an example of what it means to support students in every way possible,” office manager Andrea Fadling wrote.

Josh Kuor, physical education teacher, Auburn Elementary School

Kuor helped establish the school’s Islander Club and created a partnership with a local nonprofit to get a van so students could get to school before classes began for club meetings.

“Each week, Josh would voluntarily wake up early, pick up the vehicle, and personally transport 10-12 students from their homes to school, often making multiple trips to ensure every student had a ride,” Ken Ramirez, a security coordinator for the district, wrote.

One parent wrote that Kuor has helped her son by giving him someone to look up to. Her son told her Kuor “is a very good mentor in teaching me how to do things I don’t want to do, like school work. This shows me that he cares and that everyone is nice in their heart.”

Kayly Muniz, fifth grade teacher, Highland Elementary School

Muniz coaches after school soccer, organizes science and technology-themes nights for families and otherwise works to engage students and families at Highland.

Both a parent and student cited her sense of humor as a tool to connect to students and help them learn.

“I can remember the day before Thanksgiving break I was dealing with things at home so Ms. Kayly wrote me a letter with encouraging words in it to help me through a break!” a student wrote. “Oftentimes Ms. Kayly does things like this for our class when we need it, so we know she cares!”

Lilia Reyes, testing coordinator, McKay High School

Reyes has helped McKay lead other high schools in the share of students who take state standardized tests and earn Seals of Biliteracy. One student wrote a supporting letter calling her the best teacher at McKay.

“It’s not easy to find a teacher like her—someone who understands us, helps us, and listens to us. She also makes us feel like we can always count on her, even after graduation. She deserves to be celebrated for all the hearts she’s touched, including mine,” the student wrote.

She’s particularly connected with newcomer students, recent immigrants and refugees who are new to McKay.

“She makes these kids feel a sense of family in her room that allows the students to take this as a motivation to do good in her name. Some of the students she connects with are far away from their families, and having her as a support has proven to me that she is an amazing role model,” library assistant Maycol Diaz wrote. “Her testing room is full of pictures from previous graduates of the countless kids she has helped and crossed paths with and I have no doubt that she will continue to impact many more lives. “

Linda Beardsley, math teacher, Stephens Middle School

Beardsley has achieved something often considered impossible in education: getting middle school students to enjoy math. Twelve sixth graders signed a letter in support of her nomination, saying she helped them learn division and made math interesting and accessible.

Fellow teachers said she’s served as a mentor and helped set up a system where struggling students can get help at Stephens through the school’s Homework Club, restarting Saturday School and more.

“She is in the business of helping kids NOT GIVE UP,” fellow teacher Dena Turner wrote.

Martha Specht, third grade dual language teacher, Washington Elementary School

Specht mentors other teachers in bilingual education, including regular visitors from other school districts who want to learn from her. She also helps foster community at Washington by helping parents get involved through activities like family nights and classroom volunteering.

“She doesn’t just teach – she is the heart of Washington. From attending every school event to cheering on students outside the classroom, she models dedication, service and school pride,” principal Erica Manzo wrote.

Michael Weis, special education teacher, West Salem High School

Weis leads the Emotional Growth Center, a special education classroom for students with behavioral and social challenges. Multiple administrators wrote about his ability to help students reach their potential and navigate challenging outbursts in ways that respect everyone and keep them safe.

“One student who came from middle school as someone who regularly eloped from campus (and) had verbal and violent outbursts with staff left Mike’s classroom after four years with a great sense of humor, an ability to advocate for themselves, having found a passion for art, and fully employed,” assistant principal Michael Simental wrote.

Weis also runs a Military Connections club to support students with family in the military.

Yeni Perez Tover, office specialist, health assistant and school outreach coordinator, Lamb Elementary School

Perez Tover wears many hats at Lamb and makes sure families and students have what they need to get to school, according to the colleagues who nominated her. She checks in with students through the school’s Attendance Club daily and daily picks student up to bring them to school when they’re struggling to get there. She also administers

“When families contact the school for help due to emergencies or other unforseen circumstances, Yeni works magic!” school counselor Ila Markley wrote. “She’s helped find things like car seats, booster seats, furniture, blankets, small appliances…Whether it involves delivering a box of food, coordinating furniture deliveries, making numerous attempts to connect with family, or simply providing an empathetic ear on the telephone – Yeni never quits.”

Brittany Stanley, office specialist, Schirle Elementary School

Colleagues described Stanley as setting the tone for Schirle by knowing every student’s name, making families feel welcome and working one-on-one with students who are struggling. She invites students to come to the office to show her a piece of work or test they’re proud of.

“A previous student of mine struggled from time to time in math and would get very down on himself. Brittany allowed him to come to the office to get a fresh setting and to try again,” wrote teacher Jessica Kirkpatrick. “If there was ever a time that he was needing some extra practice she would go home and look up tricks and fun ways to practice. She made such a difference for this student and helped him regain confidence in his schoolwork.”

Contact reporter Rachel Alexander: [email protected] or 503-575-1241.

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