The Crystal Apple Awards, held during American Education Week each November, demonstrates the business communities' commitment to supporting local educators who are preparing our future leaders.

Since 1995, this regionally acclaimed county-wide event, is attended by local educators, administrators, previous recipients, candidates families, along with state and local dignitaries.

2025 marks the 30th Annual Crystal Apple Awards, and we need YOUR help in recognizing outstanding educators in our community!

Crystal Apple Committee Committee

The selection process is made up of three separate groups of three judges from the business community, past recipients, and educators.

• In the first round, a set of three judges evaluate and score anonymous written applications. The candidate pool is then reduced to twelve.
• In the second round, the next set of three judges conduct personal interviews reducing the pool to six. With balloons in hand, finalists are surprised by the judges with a visit to their classroom announcing their selection.
• In the final round, a new set of three judges conduct classroom evaluations.

Coordinating with the school systems, awards are given at a banquet announcing the three Crystal Apple teachers. Each receive $1,000, an iPad, crystal apple, lapel pin, and certificate; runners-up receive $250 and a certificate.

Crystal Apple Teachers