There are so many people in our local schools who help students feel encouraged, supported, and seen. The annual Crystal Apple Awards give the Salem-Keizer community a chance to celebrate those everyday efforts in a big way!
This year, 108 educators and staff members from public and private schools across Salem and Keizer were nominated for the 27th Annual Crystal Apple Awards, a longtime local tradition that recognizes excellence in education.
A Meaningful Community Tradition
The Crystal Apple Awards are presented by the McLaran Leadership Foundation and the Salem-Area Chamber of Commerce, with Salem-Keizer Public Schools also involved in the annual program.
What makes these awards especially meaningful is the nomination process. Any community member, student, parent, co-worker, or supervisor can nominate an eligible employee, and each nomination packet must include three letters of support describing how that person creates a positive learning environment and inspires students.
This recognition goes beyond classroom teaching. Award categories include teacher, administrator, and support staff, which means the program honors the many different people who help local schools thrive. That includes everyone from licensed educators and principals to instructional assistants, office staff, custodians, and bus drivers.
About This Year’s List of Nominees
According to Salem-Keizer Public Schools, this year’s nominee list includes 108 individuals from schools and departments across the area. The district described the awards as a chance for Salem and Keizer to celebrate and honor the work of more than 100 local educators as the event returns for its 27th year.
That broad recognition says something special about this community. Great schools are built by caring people in many different roles, and this awards program reflects that. It shines a light on the teachers who guide students each day, the support staff who keep schools running smoothly, and the administrators who help create strong learning environments behind the scenes. This is one of those moments when the community gets to say “thank you” out loud.
When and Where the Celebration Happens
The 27th Annual Crystal Apple Awards will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Salem Convention Center. Salem-Keizer Public Schools says final recipients will be announced during the event, which is scheduled from 7 PM to 9 PM. The district has also shared that banquet room tickets will go on sale in April.
The event has become known as a feel-good community celebration. It’s not only about who receives the final awards, but also about recognizing the dedication, care, and consistency that local school employees bring to students and families year after year.
Eligibility guidelines require nominees to be current employees with at least three consecutive years of employment with their current district or private school employer before the 2025-26 school year.
A Well-Deserved Spotlight on Local Schools
In a strong community, schools play a huge role. So do the people who make them welcoming, safe, and encouraging places to learn. The Crystal Apple Awards remind us that the impact of local education is shaped by many hands and many hearts. From classroom instruction to student support to day-to-day operations, these nominees represent the kind of care that helps young people in our community grow.
Congratulations to all 108 Salem-Keizer nominees for the 2026 Crystal Apple Awards! Your work is making a difference across the community, and this recognition is a meaningful way to celebrate the people who show up for local students every day.
You can find the full list of nominees here.