Crystal Apple Awards Go to 3 Teachers; 65 Recognized

Three Murrieta high school teachers were presented Crystal Apple Awards Sunday when the Murrieta Stake of held its sixth annual Crystal Apple Awards Ceremony.  

teacher Hyun Teddy Ko,  teacher Randy Forgette, and Michael Shoemaker were each honored with the prestigous award, according to a news release.

Teachers are honored annually by students who attend Murrieta public high schools and are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, according to Kathryn Skaggs, a spokesperson for the Murrieta Stake.

"Teachers are nominated by LDS students who attend 'seminary' (Bible study) at 6 a.m. every day prior to going to their high school classes," Skaggs said. "Nominated teachers exemplify dedication to quality teaching and whom uphold and encourage students’ moral values and high ethical standards."

This year, 65 teachers were nominated and recognized. Three top finalists from each school were given special recognition by students at Sunday's ceremony, with one teacher from each school presented the Crystal Apple Award.

Brian Connors, member of the Crystal Apple Awards committee, welcomed those in attendance and shared these heartfelt comments submitted by LDS students along with their nominations:

"I feel I can talk to her about anything that has to do with English or even moral standards...She is one of those teachers who pushes students to their limits...He has made a great impression on my life and has taught me to never give up...She doesn’t tolerate bad language or immodest dress and plays uplifting music in her classroom...He loves every student he has worked with and is never too busy to listen...He always tells us, if we want to change something, stop talking about it and do something...amazing teacher...I love her stories and jokes...he’s inspiring...she makes everything fun and exciting...she respects my standards...he cares about me."

Connors said: "This evening we applaud your efforts and are indeed grateful for your faithful service to the youth of today. It’s teachers like you that make a difference in a world that so desperately needs positive influences."

Among those who attended the ceremony were Murrieta Valley Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Stan Scheer, School board President Paul Diffley, and school board members Ken Dickson and Margi Wray.

They were accompanied by Vista Murrieta Principal Darren Daniel, Murrieta Valley Principal Renate Jefferson and Murrieta Mesa Principal Mary Walters.

Mt. San Jacinto College trustee Joan Sparkman also attended. 

"What a wonderful opportunity, to give the children of the church, a way to say 'thank you' to people that have touched their hearts," Superintendent Scheer said. "You have no idea how much we appreciate that you have embraced public education."

Skaggs said the Murrieta Stake considers its annual Crystal Apple awards ceremony to be among the most inspiring events it organizes yearly.

"Reaching out into the community is an important part of the way Mormons serve and give back to others," Skaggs said. "This year’s Crystal Apple awards ceremony was filled with laughter, gratitude and tears among both students and nominees."

Crystal Apple recipient Ko from Murrieta Mesa thanked the students.

"The lessons I’ve learned from students is more than I will ever teach them," Ko said.

Thomas S. Smith, president of the Murrieta Stake, said he was inspired "to hear students acknowledge teachers and the good work that they are doing here in Murrieta."

“There is no greater call, on earth, than to be a teacher. On behalf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Murrieta, 'thank you' for the extraordinary impact that you have on the students of Murrieta," Smith said.

The top finalist nominees were: Robin Davis and Donna Jarvie from Murrieta Mesa High School; James Furleigh and Michelle Pardue from Murrieta Valley High School; and Carol Cape and Cory Finch from Vista Murrieta High School.

All Murrieta Mesa High School nominees:

Aaron Ballou, Kathleen Brooks, Robin Davis, Sean Eagan, Denise Guzman, Donna Jarvie, Hyun Teddy Ko, Christopher Ryan, Mandi Sather, Katherine Stone and Tiffani Thunstrom

All Murrieta Valley High School nominees:

Anthony Aguilar, Victoria Barr, Christine Boulos, Karrie Carlson, Kathleen Debord, Stephanie Webster-Dominguez, Randy Forgette, James Furleigh, Brad Henegar, Diana Hess, Todd Hilton, Harry Hutcheson, Julie Inouye, Renate Jefferson, Jaclyn Johnson, Rick Lockwood, Deborah Lewis, Scott May, Christopher Mitchell, David Marrett, Geniel Moon, Erin Olson, Michelle Pardue, Carly Watson, Scott Widner and Laurie Withers 

All Vista Murrieta High School nominees:

Arch Aitcheson, Anthony Byrd, Coley Candaele, Karen Candaele, Carol Cape, Elizabeth Carillo, Cory Finch, Ellen Filar, Will Gainer, Suzanne Gonzales, Peter Gomez, Sunny Hipp, Scott Kneeland, Jennifer Linden, Kathleen Myers, Howard Nelson, Hein Nguyen, Anna O’Connor, David Olson, Kurt Olson, Markela Parsons, Michael Pattison, Josh Reed, Susan Rhine, Betty Romo, Michael Shoemaker and Brad Stein