Four finalists will receive Crystal Apple awards

FOR HUB CITY TIMES

MARSHFIELD – The Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation has announced the finalists who are now in the running to receive awards next spring, as part of the 20th annual Crystal Apple recognition program. The 2022-23 Teachers of Distinction were announced with surprise visits in their classrooms on Monday, Nov. 14, and each received a gift of appreciation sponsored by Marshfield Clinic Health System.

The list of finalists includes Carla MacArthur and Jacob Scheppler from Marshfield High School    and Danielle Wilke and Taylor Varsho from Marshfield Middle School. Other Teachers of Distinction from Marshfield include: Alanna Hart from Columbus Catholic; Courtney Gable of Immanuel Lutheran; James Kelty, St. John’s Primary/Our Lady of Peace; Kendra Haessly and Becky Whitrock from Grant Elementary; Judy Nicksic of Lincoln Elementary; Marilee Critelli from Madison Elementary; Kristi Vantassel of  Nasonville Elementary; Christy Treankler of Washington Elementary.

Other area Crystal Apple award finalists include: Jennifer Wilke, Spencer Middle/High School, Wendy Comstock, Spencer Elementary; Cody Schmidt, Auburndale Middle/High School; Corey Bugar, Auburndale Elementary; Valerie Bradfish, St. Joseph’s Catholic in Stratford; Andrew Radloff, Granton Schools; Alix Madden, Pittsville High School; Ron Klein, Pittsville Middle/Elementary; Penny Wehrs, Greenwood High School; Stacia Jacoby, Greenwood Elementary; Julia Backaus, Neillsville Middle/High School; Monika Luebke, Neillsville Elementary.

Partners in Educational Excellence and Workforce Development received a total of 1,512 nominations for 362 different teachers, as students, colleagues, parents and community members submitted nomination forms, based on educators who they thought were making a difference. From these names, an online ballot was created for teachers to vote on their top selections. A minimum of one teacher was selected to represent each school.

As the selection process moves forward, recommendations from school principals will be provided and the Teachers of Distinction will submit a personal statement describing their educational philosophy. The written materials identify 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 will occur at the end of February when the Teachers of Distinction meet with a selection panel comprised of leaders from area businesses who place a high value on an educated workforce. The final selection will be based on expertise (professionalism, knowledge of subject matter); innovation (advanced classroom techniques, teaching methods); and leadership (student guidance and rapport, reputation among colleagues, community involvement).

Our 2023 Crystal Apple winners will be announced in each of their schools on March 1, 2023.

All Teachers of Distinction will be honored at the Crystal Apple Awards banquet to be held May 3, 2023, at Hotel Marshfield in Marshfield.