For Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD — The winners of the 14th Annual Crystal Apple Awards were announced today. The 2016 Crystal Apple Award recipients are Shauna Dargenio, Mark Denniston, Jill Kupfer, and Jennifer Mortvedt.

The 2016 Crystal Apple Program kicked off in February when area business leaders visited classrooms, invited students to fill out nominations, and distributed gifts of appreciation to every teacher in the participating school districts.

Partners in Educational Excellence and Workforce Development received 909 nominations this year for 301 different teachers. From these names, a ballot was created for teachers to vote on their top selections, and a minimum of one teacher was selected to represent each school.

In March the following Teachers of Distinction were announced:

As the selection process moved forward, recommendations from school principals were provided, and the Teachers of Distinction submitted personal statements describing their educational philosophy. The written materials identified ways these teachers inspire and motivate students, their use of innovative projects or programs, as well as their involvement in the community and their pursuit of professional development.

The final step occurred in at the end of April when the Teachers of Distinction met with a selection panel comprised of a group of leaders from area businesses who place a high value on an educated workforce. The final selection was based on expertise: professionalism and knowledge of subject matter; innovation: advanced classroom techniques and teaching methods; and leadership: student guidance and rapport, reputation among colleagues, and community involvement.

All Teachers of Distinction will be honored at the Crystal Apple Awards banquet to be held Oct. 5, 2016, at Hotel Marshfield.