Salem-Keizer Public Schools
Community Honors 12 Educators With 2026 Crystal Apple Award Recognition
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Twelve local educators were honored with Crystal Apple Awards on Thursday night during the 27th annual celebration of excellence in education.
About The Crystal Apple Awards
Presented by the McLaran Leadership Foundation and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, the 2026 awards honored 108 nominees from the cities of Salem and Keizer for their dedication to students and their success.
“The Salem Chamber and our generous sponsors are deeply honored to host the 27th Annual Crystal Apple Awards. The communities of Salem & Keizer benefit substantially from excellence in both public and private education. As we prepare to celebrate the skilled men and women tasked with educating our students, we reflect on their vital roles each educator, administrator, and support professional plays in readying our future workforce,” said Tom Hoffert, chief executive officer of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce.
“On behalf of the McLaran Leadership Foundation, the Salem Chamber, and each of our amazing local sponsors who make the evening celebration possible, we are so pleased to recognize and honor excellence in education!”
Celebrating Teachers, Administrators and Support Staff
The Crystal Apple Awards celebrate and recognize teachers, administrators and support staff who demonstrate excellence in their profession, inspiring students and engaging the community in their work.
“These awards kick off a season of celebrating the incredible power of education in our communities,” said Superintendent Andrea Castañeda. “Tonight is about the 108 nominees and the stories of impact they bring to students every day. Regardless of who takes home a Crystal Apple, every person recognized tonight is here because of their deep commitment to kids. It’s the perfect way to celebrate our team before we jump full-swing into graduation season.”
The 2026 Crystal Apple Awardees
Stephanie Lassetter
TeacherMcNary High School
Billy Niebla
Student AdvocateMcKinney-Vento Program
Danny Ortiz
TeacherNorth Salem High School
Amy Faiman
TeacherSchirle Elementary School
Brandon Southward
Graduation CoachSprague High School
Toni Nanneman
Development DirectorBlanchet Catholic School
Adam Banducci
Behavior SpecialistRoberts High School
Marcus Luther
TeacherMcNary High School
Sydney Chisholm
Special Program Instructional AssistantYoshikai Elementary School
Ricardo Larios
PrincipalStephens Middle School
Jessica Miller
TeacherNorth Salem High School
César Bueno
CounselorSouth Salem High School
Thank You Supporting Sponsors
The 27th Annual Crystal Apple Awards were made possible thanks to the support of Mt. West Investment Corporation, Business for Community, McLaren Leadership Foundation, Maps Credit Union, Epping Family Foundation, CoolVu of Salem and Eugene, Sodexo, Western Oregon University, BRIC Architecture, Capitol Auto Group, Garrett and Hemann, Saalfeld Griggs P.C. and each of the supporting sponsors, Ameriprise Financial, Anthem Wealth Strategies, Gilbert House Children’s Museum, Neighborly Ventures, Rich Duncan Construction Inc. and Salem-Keizer Education Association.