10th Annual Crystal Apple Awards Recognize Teaching Excellence in Dublin and Pleasanton

For a decade Dublin and Pleasanton high school students of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have sacrificed sleeping in late to meet early, before school, to plan a very special event. On Sunday May 5, at the Pleasanton Stake Center, students, educators and members of the community gathered for an evening of giving thanks to teachers. The event featured student-led presentations introducing each Crystal Apple Award-winning teacher, along with emotional thank you’s from the Dublin High School, Valley High School, Amador Valley High School and Foothill High School teachers. The Crystal Apple Awards recognize teachers who take the extra time and care to look after each of their students and help them in their school career, while also giving guidance in living a good life.

During seminary, a religious study class held early each morning before school, students are given the opportunity to nominate a teacher that has not only made learning more meaningful, but also one who fosters character values they deem important to life.  The nominations are then considered by a committee comprised of students who review all nominations and then choose the recipients for the year. The emotional highlight of the event came with the recognition of retiring Amador Valley High School principal Jim Hansen. After four decades of service to students in Dublin and Pleasanton, Mr. Hansen fought off tears during his speech and was rewarded with both a Crystal Apple Award and a standing ovation.

The Crystal Apple Award recipients for 2013 are:

• Amador Valley High School (Pleasanton) – Tom Hall and Jon Grantham
• Dublin High School (Dublin) – Lisa Carhart and Kelly Beck
• Foothill High School (Pleasanton) – Chris Jones and Michael Leitz
• Valley High School (Dublin) – Laurie Sargent
• Special presentations to retiring Amador Valley High School principal Jim Hansen and Foothill High School principal John Dwyer (who is taking over as principal at Lynbrook High School)

A common thread in many of the speeches by teachers receiving awards was that the Crystal Apple Award is most special because the event is led by students. Foothill High School student Rachel Lanning on teacher Chris Jones: “He forces us to put in the effort required to learn and gain an understanding of the curriculum. He is a talented, passionate teacher, but what makes him outstanding is his concern for his students, both inside of school and out.” Dublin High School student Toni Shipp on teacher Lisa Carhart: “She is down to earth, relatable and kind. She’s wonderful at what she does and makes me actually pay attention in a history class!”

Given the response of the community for this special 10th anniversary event, it looks favorable that Crystal Apples will be feature on teachers desks for decades to come. Here are some of the student-authored comments for the recognized teachers.

Additional photos from the event are available here.

Dublin Unified School District 2013 Crystal Apple Award Recipients

Superintendent Hanke with teacher Lisa Carhart and Principal Carol Shimizu

Superintendent Hanke with teacher Kelly Beck and Principal Carol Shimizu

Valley High Principal Rinda Bartley with teacher Laurie Sargent and Superintendent Hanke

Pleasanton Unified School District 2013 Crystal Apple Award Recipients

Amador Valley High School teacher Tom Hall

Retiring Amador Valley High School principal Jim Hansen

Foothill High School teacher Chris Jones

Foothill High School teacher Michael Leitz

Past Crystal Apple Award recipients:

Chris, Becca and Michelle Jackson perform Medley of Praise to the Lord

Hally Hafford performs For Good from the musical Wicked