For the last 7 years, School Specialty has invited educators and families to nominate deserving teachers for the Crystal Apple Award. This year’s entries were especially impressive—we heard about so many teachers who went above and beyond in a challenging year to demonstrate inspiration, perseverance and passion in incredible ways. We selected 10 finalists and then you all voted for the top 3 winners.
3 Outstanding Winners
Congratulations to our three winners! Each will receive a beautiful Crystal Apple trophy, a $500 merchandise certificate from School Specialty, and medals for everyone in their class.
Sandon Eaton
Sandon Eaton
Highland High School – Gilbert, Arizona – Grades 9-12 Science & Geology: A first time teacher in Arizona who has the passion to find truly inventive, inspiring, and creative ways to bring science to life for his students. Watch his nomination video to hear just a few examples of his ingenuity. Watch Now ››
Sherri Yannaccone
Sherri Yannaccone
Mary J. Donohoe Community School – Bayonne, New Jersey – PreK: A dedicated teacher for 37 years in New Jersey, who has been recognized by her school TWICE as a teacher of the year and was honored by the Bayonne Board of Education for protecting her students from an unforeseen emergency. Watch her nomination video to hear about her dedication. Watch Now ››
Bonnie York
Bonnie York
Greenville Middle School – Appleton, Wisconsin – Grade 5: Students from Bonnie’s 5th grade class joined together to create an incredible nomination video telling us how their amazing teacher instills passion, inspires others, and never, EVER gives up. Watch her nomination video to hear what her students have to say about her passion. Watch Now ››
7 Inspiring Finalists
Along with the 3 amazing winners, we would also like to congratulate our 7 finalists as well as all the incredible nominees.
Georgia Branson
Little River Elementary
Laura Hobby
Mitchell Elementary
Teresa Kelm
Greater Waco Advanced Health Care Academy
Stewart Parry
Canyon Elementary School
Heather Russell
Ecoff Elementary
Traci Thompson
Ekklesia Preschool & Child Development Center Pre-K
The Staff of Conackamack Middle School 
We are in awe of teachers across the country who show us all what it means to rise to every challenge and inspire every student. Until next year’s awards… keep bringing the passion, keep persevering, and keep making a difference every day.
