Counselors who inspired struggling students, teachers who got creative and those who developed innovative community-building programs were among the 12 educators honored at the 27th annual Crystal Apple Awards this weekThe awards honor staff in the Salem-Keizer School District for their excellence i n leading, inspiring and connecting with students. They were presented by the McLaran Leadership Foundation and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce during a red carpet event Thursday, May 14.   This year, the public nominated 108 outstanding educators for their work. Earning a nomination requires at least three letters of support from colleagues, students, parents or others in the community.Meet the winners below. Quotes and details come from their nomination packets and letters of support, provided to Salem Reporter by the school district. Quotes have been lightly edited for style. Adam Banducci  Roberts High School behavior specialistBanducci was nominated for his empathy and problem-solving skills while working with students in alternative education. His office is a safe place for students, many of whom are experiencing poverty, instability at home or issues with mental health.“I was blessed enough to be asked to write this (letter of support) because I am unsure I will ever be able to tell him to his face how much I respect, honor and truly thank him for his service to not only me, but all of our school. If we want to represent where our schools need to move to we must not see past Adam Banducci,” student Jessi Redtail Soliz Jr. said. César Bueno South Salem High School counselor Bueno’s calm, stable presence and patient approach to counseling have helped students regain confidence, improve grades and attendance and get hopeful about their futures. He also created a space for Latino school counselors to connect and share advice, a group which serves thousands in the district. A former student, Aruna Sunflower, wrote that during a challenging time in her life, Bueno gave her a sketchbook, markers, fruit snacks. It also included a box of crayons with words of affirmation written on them which, as an adult, she only uses for special occasions. “Not only did he support my education, but through his actions, he taught me that sometimes the simplest gesture of kindness can be what changes someone’s life forever. As I reflect on the dark time I had in high school, I will always remember the light that Mr. Bueno shined,” Sunflower said. Sydney Chisholm Yoshikai Elementary School special program instructional assistant Chisholm works with students who have significant disabilities and challenges communicating, and approaches each of them with a steadfast belief that each can grow and thrive. She also stepped up, volunteering personal time, to meet the need amid staffing shortages in the program this year. “Because of Sydney’s consistency and expertise, the results have been profound. Students who once could not enter the classroom are now participating alongside peers. Students who would not sing or engage in play are now singing, playing and interacting. Students who refused to sit at a table for instruction are now joining small-group learning with confidence. The academic and social growth in this classroom is remarkable — and it is directly tied to the safe, structured and nurturing environment Sydney supports every day,” her supervisor Jesse Leonard wrote in her nomination form. Adam Banducci, a behavior specialist at Roberts High School, receives a Crystal Apple Award from Superintendent Andrea Castañeda at the ceremony at the Salem Convention Center on Thursday, May 14, 2026. (LAURA TESLER/For Salem Reporter) Amy Faiman Schirle Elementary School teacher Faiman’s teaching style engages each student, teaching them how to communicate and collaborate and think critically. Each year, she hosts a “reading restaurant,” where her second graders serve book reports in menu form to their families. She’s also served as Schirle’s TAG and STEAM coordinator for over a decade, and for the past two years has co-led the school’s Math Strategic Planning Team.  “Instructionally, Amy sets a gold standard at a time when reading proficiency is a district and statewide priority. Her literacy lessons are clear, explicit and purposeful. Through gestures, chants, visual supports and intentional listening, she maximizes participation and ensures students self-correct and take ownership of their learning. The independence her students demonstrate is not accidental – it is the result of deliberate, skillful teaching,” Principal Kelsey Daniels wrote. Ricardo Larios Stephens Middle School PrincipalLarios is approachable and encouraging to both students and staff, greeting everyone in the halls during each passing period. Since becoming principal in 2023, he’s helped the school maintain a designation as an AVID Demonstration School, for meeting proven teaching strategies and college preparedness metrics.“Ricardo could have been one of our students. He was that kid that didn’t always take school seriously. He was that kid that didn’t always get his homework turned in or get good grades. He was the kid that came to school for a connection to his community. He was a multi-lingual learner,” Stephanie Hodges, an AVID coordinator, wrote in her nomination form. “He is able to speak to our students in a way that leads them to know that he truly gets them. He honestly understands what they are going through, and he is always there to help them. We are so lucky.” Ricardo Larios, principal of Stephens Middle School, receives a Crystal Apple Award from Superintendent Andrea Castañeda at the ceremony at the Salem Conference Center on Thursday, May 14, 2026. (LAURA TESLER/For Salem Reporter) Stephanie Lassetter McNary High School teacher Lassetter greets her students with a “Good morning, sunshine!” then teaches data science and Algebra II with innovation, care and strong instruction. Students record data from shooting basketballs in the gym and growing plants. She also helps guide students navigate decisions about colleges and careers beyond high school.“Our students flourish under her care. Our staff feels valued in her presence. Our programs thrive because of her leadership. For the warmth, brilliance and life she brings to education every single day, she is more than deserving of the Crystal Apple Award,” wrote teacher and AVID co-coordinator Lauren Sears. Marcus Luther  McNary High School teacher Luther is an organized, rigorous English teacher who sets high expectations for his students while guiding them to meet them. He has led staff discussions on helping students be successful, improving the way the entire school approaches teaching. His classroom has over 200 excerpts of student writing pinned to the wall, titled the “Beautiful Language Wall.” “Marcus prioritizes timely feedback and student reflection that enables this type of student ownership and, consequently, leads to higher engagement, higher motivation and overall academic excellence. Additionally, everywhere in his classroom students can see their own potential,” wrote teacher Jaimie Murphy in her nomination form. Jessica Miller North Salem High School teacher  Miller teaches physical education and co-founded the United Champion Schools program at North Salem, which brings together students with and without disabilities for sports, and received national recognition for its impact. She has created several Unified programs, including weights training and the “Viking Games,” and leads with empathy and inclusiveness. “She is an inspiration for all staff but most importantly for the students. Through her work in the Unified Program I know of a student who has decided they want to be a special education teacher and another student who has decided they want to work with adults with disabilities when they graduate. She is truly teaching these students how we as a community and as humans should be towards everyone,” wrote her co-coach Lesa Stewart.  Toni Nanneman Blanchet Catholic School development directorNanneman is a dedicated teacher who arrives early and stays late, encouraging students to take risks, ask questions and push themselves to reach their full potential. She founded the Glamour Gals club at the school which brings students to socialize with local nursing home residents over crafts. She also created a mentorship program bringing older and younger students together.“Toni demonstrates an unwavering commitment to our students and our school’s mission. Her infectious enthusiasm creates an environment where both students and staff feel valued and inspired. Whether she is working directly with students, collaborating with faculty or engaging with families and donors, Toni approaches each interaction with genuine care and a desire to make a meaningful difference. Her ability to connect with people and inspire them toward our shared goals is truly remarkable,” school President Bob Weber wrote. Toni Nanneman, development director at Blanchet Catholic School and a Crystal Apple Award winner, gathers with some of her fan club before the start of the red carpet walk at the 2026 Crystal Apple Awards held at the Salem Conference Center on Thursday, May 14, 2026. (LAURA TESLER/For Salem Reporter) Billy Niebla North Salem High School McKinney-Vento Program student advocate  Niebla has devoted 14 years to the school’s McKinney-Vento program, which connects families experiencing homelessness and housing instability with community resources and basic necessities. He’s known for treating students with patience, empathy and respect.“Whether coordinating transportation, connecting families to community resources or simply being a dependable adult who listens, he ensures that students have what they need to learn and thrive. His reliability and problem-solving skills turn challenges into opportunities for growth, and students frequently express how much comfort and confidence they gain from knowing he is in their corner,” wrote Alyssa Lopez, student advocate for Sprague and West high schools. Danny Ortiz North Salem High School teacher Oritz, a science teacher, encourages his students to work together and problem-solve, creating a classroom environment that feels inclusive and motivating. He teaches the International Baccalaureate Physics courses, helping students navigate challenging concepts. He teaches it in two languages, helping students thrive where they otherwise may not have had access.“What truly distinguishes Danny is his reflective practice. He continually evaluates his instruction, seeks feedback and refines his approach to better serve his students. He thoughtfully integrates new strategies, collaborates with colleagues and remains open to growth,” wrote Assistant Principal Adilene Montejano. Brandon Southward Sprague High School graduation coach Southward thinks creatively, and is a mentor who pushes students to be the best versions of themselves. His office is a place for students to get advice, and his work implementing new programs for students has fed their families over the holidays and created internship opportunities and places to get tutored at their own pace. “What is education if not teaching students to see the potential in themselves and then helping blaze a trail so they can learn to walk it out. Brandon has a unique ability to motivate students to be better versions of themselves while still maintaining a relationship where the student knows, even when they are pushed outside their comfort zone, that Brandon will be there to secretly well up when they succeed, or pick them back up when they fall, dust them off, give them a snack and help them move forward,” wrote teacher Chris Trammell. “I believe Brandon is not only deserving of this award, but needs to finally see and believe that he is.” Brandon Southward, a graduation coach at Sprague High School, receives a Crystal Apple Award from Superintendent Andrea Castañeda at the ceremony at the Salem Conference Center on Thursday, May 14, 2026. (LAURA TESLER/For Salem Reporter) Contact reporter Abbey McDonald: [email protected] or 503-575-1251. SIGN UP: Independent reporting gives Salem a stronger voice and holds those in power accountable on issues ranging from homelessness to health care. 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