Rahel Owenya serves as interpreter, transportation coordinator, tutor, emotional support and more for Swahili-speaking families in local schools. She’s one of 89 local educators nominated for a 2023 Crystal Apple award.
Rachel Alexander
CRYSTALS: A former ‘fidget kid’ keeps it real while mentoring newer teachers
Margaret Hill has taught fifth grade for a decade at Bush Elementary School, bringing humor, honesty and high expectations to her classroom. She’s one of 89 local educators nominated for a 2023 Crystal Apple award.
CRYSTALS: ‘Fate’ led alternative school counselor to her calling
Jeanette Aguirre started at Roberts High School as an office worker, but found students crowded around her desk after learning she could relate to their experiences. She’s one of 89 local educators nominated for a 2023 Crystal Apple award.
CRYSTALS: A dual language teacher’s American Dream comes true at West Salem High School
Dennise Pozos Gonzalez is known for elaborate, interactive history lessons taught in Spanish and her efforts to make all students feel welcome and supported in class. She’s one of 89 local educators nominated for a 2023 Crystal Apple award.
McKay thespians give a nod to Disney villains in “Descendants”
The musical, which follows three villain’s children as they adapt to attending boarding school with the children of Disney heroes, opens Friday, Jan. 20.
Salem seeks help with public safety costs, homeless services during 2023 session
As legislators return to the Oregon Capitol, city leaders are pushing for bills that would help Salem balance its budget and get regular payments from the state for the extra fire and medical costs incurred from being the state capital.
Salem fourth-grader pens horror book
“Camp Turmoil” is the story of three brothers whose plans for a fun summer camp on the site of an abandoned theme park go awry. Author Hudson Siemens, a Four Corners Elementary School student, self-published the book through Amazon.
Salem’s new flag earns a rare “A” grade
The North American Vexillological Association, a group of flag enthusiasts, graded over 300 city flags around the U.S. adopted since 2015. Salem’s was listed in the top 25.
Salem-Keizer board director banned from games following referee confrontation
Osvaldo Avila won’t be allowed to attend school athletic events through the end of September after a district investigation found he touched a football official on the back while disputing officiating calls following his son’s football game last fall. Avila apologized for his actions at a school board meeting Tuesday night.
Officials dodge questions over handling of state official’s assault conviction
Emails show top state officials were content to let Reginald Richardson retire with months of state pay after he pleaded guilty to assaulting a child at a Salem after school program last year.