Five outstanding teachers honored for going above and beyond to touch the lives of their students
School Specialty, a leading provider of learning environments and supplies to the pre-K-12 education market, is proud to announce the five winners of its 11th annual Crystal Apple Awards ahead of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5-9). The award program aims to celebrate teachers who embody exceptional inspiration, leadership and passion in teaching.
Each year, students, parents, administrators, fellow teachers, family and friends nominate educators who demonstrate outstanding influence, vision and devotion, with over 500 nominations submitted this year. School Specialty selects 16 finalists from the nominees, and five winners are then selected by public vote. Each winner receives a personalized trophy, a $500 merchandise certificate from School Specialty for personal use and a $250 School Specialty merchandise certificate to support resources for their school.
The 2025 honorees demonstrate an unwavering commitment to their students, going above and beyond to foster a positive and impactful learning environment. School Specialty is honored to celebrate the following educators as this year’s award winners:
- Sophia Hedrington, Dothan City Early Education Center – Dothan, AL
- Michelle Krehl, The Nurtury Preschool – Sherman Oaks, CA
- Mindi Maturin, Brabham Middle School – Willis, TX
- Amy Moran, Edward R. Martin Middle School – East Providence, RI
- Dan Schmidt, North Harrison Middle School – Ramsey, IN
“School Specialty is proud to champion the vital work of those who share our passion for improving student outcomes and helping school communities thrive,” said Dr. Sue Ann Highland, Lead National Education Strategist at School Specialty. “These educators play a crucial role in shaping the future, and this award is our way of supporting their relentless dedication in the classroom.”
Finalists for the Crystal Apple Awards also receive a $100 School Specialty merchandise certificate for themselves and an additional $100 certificate for their school. This year’s finalists are:
- Donna Clark, Miguel Juarez Middle School – Waukegan, WI
- Andria Devlin, Lawrence Arts Center Early Childhood – Lawrence, KS
- Lauren Finizia, New Milford High School – Belleville, NJ
- Cecelia Gillam, Benjamin Franklin High School – New Orleans, LA
- Amina Khan, Astronaut Jose M Hernandez Academy – Stockton, CA
- Amy Klein, Apple Creek Elementary – Bismarck, ND
- Jenn McElveen, Batavia High School – Batavia, OH
- Erin Merrill, Pennington Traditional School – Manassas, VA
- Tanna Nicely, South Knoxville Elementary – Knoxville, TN
- Priscilla Sanchez, Ferdinand Herff Elementary School – San Antonio, TX
- Andy Yung, P.S 244Q The Active Learning Elementary School – Flushing, NY
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