• Crystal Apple

    Crystal Apple Awards

    Crystal Apple "Excellence in Education" Awards are regional awards given to certified employees in local districts. The awards are coordinated by Education Service District 123 and sponsored by hundreds of local businesses, organizations, and individuals committed to recognizing outstanding instructional leadership. In addition to a bounty of donated gifts and a crystal apple award, recipients are presented with $1,000 to use towards anything they wish. The Crystal Apple Awards are presented in March by area superintendents. 

  • Miguel Taboada Named PSD 2023 Crystal Apple Award Winner

    We are pleased to announce Miguel Taboada, Stevens Middle School English Language Development Math and Science Teacher, is this year's Crystal Apple Award winner.

    Michelle Whitney, Superintendent, district staff, co-workers, and family members surprised Mr. Taboada with the news, a plant, and a $100 gift card from Stevens PEAK! Partner, Gesa Credit Union.

    Several people nominated Mr. Taboada for the Crystal Apple Award, and the nominations voiced a similar theme. He is an educator who motivates students to overcome obstacles in their personal lives and school.

    He has an excellent way of celebrating his students' cultures and native languages and using those assets to build their foundation in English. He has transitioned many newcomer (students who have limited English proficiency and/or no formal education in their native countries) students from middle school grade-level general education math classes to advanced high school math courses. Not only have students accessed these courses in middle school, but they have also been able to continue to take college-level math courses upon entering high school.

    Miguel was presented with a Crystal Apple Award on March 9 at the Educational Service District (ESD) 123 in Pasco. He will also be a nominee for the Washington State Teacher of the Year award.