#United States #Crystal Apple #School Specialty #Education Awards #Greenville, WI

Honoring Exceptional Educators at the Crystal Apple Awards

The 12th Annual Crystal Apple Awards, hosted by School Specialty, brought together a remarkable community of educators dedicated to shaping the lives of students across the United States. Announced in anticipation of Teacher Appreciation Week taking place from May 4-8, this year’s awards honored five winners recognized for their exceptional teaching practices and commitment to student success.

School Specialty, a leading provider of learning environments and supplies for the pre-K-12 education market, received numerous nominations from students, parents, and fellow educators alike. These nominations highlighted teachers who demonstrate extraordinary vision, dedication, and creativity within their classrooms, serving as models for leadership and innovation in education.

The 2026 Winners

From an impressive pool of candidates, 16 finalists were chosen, leading to a public vote that selected five exceptional teachers as winners. Let’s take a look at this year's honored educators:

• - Donald P. Babiano, Tuscano Elementary School, Phoenix, AZ
• - Nyssa Grzyb, Joliet Central High School, Joliet, IL
• - Quintarries Upshaw, Workman Middle School, Pensacola, FL
• - Dana Harris, Bruning Elementary School, Wilmington, IL
• - Erin Andrade, Center for Advanced Research Technology High School, Clovis, CA

Each of these winners was awarded a personalized trophy, a $500 merchandise certificate for classroom supplies, and an additional $250 designated for school-wide resources. Their contributions extend beyond the classroom, fostering environments where future generations are inspired and equipped to learn.

Significance of the Awards

At the heart of the Crystal Apple Awards is a commitment to recognizing those educators who go above and beyond. Dr. Sue Ann Highland, National Education Strategist at School Specialty, expressed the organization's privilege in supporting educators dedicated to transforming student outcomes. "These individuals are instrumental in guiding the next generation of learners, and these awards allow us to give back to those who give so much of themselves in the classroom every day,” she stated.

Finalists, too, received acknowledgment for their hard work and dedication, with each gaining a $100 merchandise certificate for personal use, as well as a matching $100 certificate for their schools. The finalists for this year's awards included:

• - Meghan Schletty, North Shelby School, Shelby, NC
• - Sally O'Donnell, Forest Elementary, Forest, VA
• - Leah Shuck, West Allegheny High School, Imperial, PA
• - Jessica Ossen, A.I. Prince Technical High School, Hartford, CT
• - Seretta Davis, Carver STEM Academy, Detroit, MI
• - Charles Fanning, Heritage High School, Maryville, TN
• - Dr. Keavon Runnels, Stephen F. Austin High School, Houston, TX
• - Katya Riley, Acceleration Academies, Las Vegas, NV
• - Dona Esplund, Minneola Grade School, Minneola, KS

A Legacy of Support for Educators

School Specialty has been a staple in the education community for over sixty years, providing a comprehensive range of learning environment solutions. Their holistic approach includes classroom supplies, furniture, educational technologies, and professional development resources aimed at creating engaging and motivating spaces for students.

With an emphasis on inspiring learning experiences, School Specialty's commitment extends beyond just products; it embodies a philosophy that every student can flourish in an environment where engagement and support are prioritized. The Crystal Apple Awards is a testament to that philosophy—a celebration of those educators who embody the spirit of transformation within their schools.

To learn more about this year's exceptional winners and finalists, visit School Specialty's Crystal Apple Awards website. With continued initiatives like these, School Specialty shows its unwavering support for the educational community and the vital role teachers play in shaping the future.