Celebrating Exceptional Educators with Crystal Apple Awards
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. This award program aims to celebrate teachers who exemplify exceptional inspiration, leadership, and passion in their teaching roles.
Each year, an impressive number of individuals—including students, parents, administrators, and fellow educators—nominate teachers who significantly influence and inspire their communities. This year alone, over 500 nominations were submitted. From these, School Specialty selects 16 finalists, culminating in five winners determined through public vote. Each recipient is awarded a personalized trophy and two merchandise certificates: one valued at $500 for personal use and another worth $250 to enhance resources at their school.
The 2025 awardees have shown unwavering commitment to their students, striving to create a nurturing and impactful learning environment. School Specialty is honored to recognize these educators as this year's award winners:
The 2025 Crystal Apple Award Winners
- Sophia Hedrington, Dothan City Early Education Center
- Michelle Krehl, The Nurtury Preschool
- Mindi Maturin, Brabham Middle School
- Amy Moran, Edward R. Martin Middle School
- Dan Schmidt, North Harrison Middle School
Dr. Sue Ann Highland, Lead National Education Strategist at School Specialty, commented, "School Specialty takes great pride in championing the vital work of those who share our passion for enhancing student outcomes and fostering thriving school communities. These dedicated educators are instrumental in shaping the future, and this award reflects our support for their relentless commitment in the classroom."
In addition to the winners, finalists for the Crystal Apple Awards are also recognized. Each finalist receives a $100 merchandise certificate for personal use and an additional $100 certificate for their school. This year, the finalists include:
Crystal Apple Awards Finalists
- Donna Clark, Miguel Juarez Middle School
- Andria Devlin, Lawrence Arts Center Early Childhood
- Lauren Finizia, New Milford High School
- Cecelia Gillam, Benjamin Franklin High School
- Amina Khan, Astronaut Jose M Hernandez Academy
- Amy Klein, Apple Creek Elementary
- Jenn McElveen, Batavia High School
- Erin Merrill, Pennington Traditional School
- Tanna Nicely, South Knoxville Elementary
- Priscilla Sanchez, Ferdinand Herff Elementary School
- Andy Yung, P.S 244Q The Active Learning Elementary School
The Crystal Apple Awards highlight the incredible contributions of educators across the nation. By shining a light on their achievements, School Specialty aspires to inspire others and elevate the teaching profession as a whole.
About School Specialty, LLC
With a background of 60 years in the field, School Specialty stands as a prominent provider of learning environment solutions tailored for the pre-K–12 education sector. The company offers a comprehensive array of essentials—from classroom supplies to furniture, technology, sensory spaces, and professional development resources. School Specialty is dedicated to helping every student thrive in dynamic and supportive educational settings. To further this mission, the company applies the expertise of its knowledgeable teams to design and provide a diverse catalog of both name-brand and proprietary products. For more details, visit SchoolSpecialty.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Crystal Apple Awards?
The Crystal Apple Awards are given annually to recognize exceptional teachers who inspire and impact their students and communities.
Who is eligible for the Crystal Apple Awards?
Teachers who demonstrate outstanding influence, vision, and dedication are nominated by students, parents, and fellow educators for these awards.
How are the winners selected?
Winners are chosen from a pool of finalists based on public votes, after a selection process that begins with nominations.
What do winners receive?
Each winner receives a personalized trophy, a $500 merchandise certificate for personal use, and a $250 certificate for school resources.
Who were the finalists for this year's awards?
This year’s finalists included educators from various schools across the country, each recognized for their exceptional contributions to education.
