Temecula Teachers Honored By Students

News release from the Temecula Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

The ninth annual Crystal Apple Awards set out to honor 118 Temecula teachers on Sunday, May 5, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Hundreds of people filled the seats of the LDS chapel on Pauba Road, anxious to recognize some of Temecula’s finest teachers. This year’s Crystal Apple recipients were Emmett Keith-Jones from Chaparral High School, Teresa Wells from Great Oak High School, and Jennifer Nolte from Temecula Valley High School.

The polished apple has been a symbol of the teacher-student relationship since it was first introduced in the 1920s. Adding to that the transparent brilliance of the crystal, selected nominees receive an apple made of crystal with their name engraved on the award.

Speaking to the recipients of the award, the Temecula LDS Director of Public Affairs, Lanae Turley-Trejo said, “You teachers have been invited here tonight because, like the crystal apple, you are of a fine quality and brilliant to your students. Thank you for polishing their future.”

These teachers were accompanied by their principals including: Chaparral’s Co-Principal, Penny Kubly, Great Oak’s Principal, Keith Moore, and Temecula Valley’s Principal, Dr. Richard Lawrence. Also in attendance with the recipients of the Crystal Apple was Aaron Adams, the Interim City Manager for the City of Temecula, and Tim Ritter, Superintendant of Temecula Valley Unified School District.

Rick Shafer, a TVUSD Board Member said of the event, “In these times of seemingly unending moral decay, I appreciate the LDS for their support of family and spiritual values. The Crystal Apple Awards are just another great example of walking the talk.”

This student driven annual ceremony was conducted by Temecula Valley’s ASB President, Brittany Armstrong, who is also a member of the LDS church. Early morning seminary students from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints nominate a teacher with a detailed explanation of how that teacher made a difference in their lives, how they inspired and supported students to live according to their values, and how they inspired the student’s academic vision. Winners are chosen from among the hundreds of nominations.

Several teachers were also finalists including Chaparral’s Candi Canizales and Kristi Baron, Great Oak’s Kurt Herbst and Marci Knoll, and Temecula Valley’s Karen Moreland and Sandy Huth. All 118 teachers were recognized with a certificate that included the remarks from the student that nominated them.