Last month, more than 300 residents and church members from the cities of Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo, and Dana Point recognized 8 local teachers from 4 local high schools at the inaugural “Crystal Apple” Awards, held at the Laguna Niguel Stake Center (LDS) in Aliso Viejo. CA.
The recognition event began with the presentation of the colors led by the Flying Eagles Patrol of Boy Scout Troop 726, representing Aliso Viejo and Laguna Niguel.
The “Star Spangled Banner” was sung by Blaine Burch, local church member.
An invocation was given by Jenna Harline, Secretary of South Orange County Interfaith Council.
Richard Lamprecht, member of the Laguna Niguel LDS Stake Presidency, introduced the meaning of the Crystal Apple Award, followed by comments by Dr. Michelle Le Patner, Assistant Superintendent, Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD).
Jim Tamialis, Dan Bornfeld, Sean Mehegan, Mary Anne Fenstermaker, Rob Cullinan, Lauren Godfrey
“Our teachers deserve the opportunity to be praised for their dedication” said Laguna Niguel City Councilmember Lauren Davies. “This was such a blessing of an event”.
“This is a night I will never forget for the rest of my life” said Rob Cullinan, Teacher at Dana Hills High School.
Rob Cullinan makes a few remarks about receiving a Crystal Apple award (Dana Hills HS)
Will Sedgwick congratulates Jim Tamialis (Laguna Hills HS)
“Nights like these remind you that it is really the students and teachers who are connected, it’s not necessarily the curriculum” – Brian Ferguson, Laguna Hills HS Principal
“(Events) like this do not happen too often for teachers” – Sean Mehegan, Teacher, Laguna Beach High School
“What a wonderful celebration of our teachers. Each day they strive to make a brighter future through developing our children’s minds” — Dr. Michelle Le Patner, Assistant Superintendent, Capistrano Unified School District
Lauren Godfrey embraces Chloe Flora (Laguna Hills HS) on receiving her award
Award winners were presented crystal apple trophies as a token of their service to local students. Each nominating student presented a brief background of their winning teacher, followed by brief remarks by each award winner. A standing ovation lasting more than a minute by the 300+ attendees followed the award presentations to the winners.
Students presenting award winners were: William Hogan and Ethan Chesley from Laguna Beach High School, Thomas Blackwelder and Mark Stapley from Dana Hills High School, Marie Hansen and Warren Davis from Aliso Niguel High School, and Chloe Flora and Will Sedgwick from Laguna Hills High School.
Sean Mehegan (Laguna BeachHS) receives award with some comments
Thomas Blackwelder and Mary Ann Fenstermaker (Laguna Hills HS)
Marie Hansen and Dan Bornfeld (Aliso Niguel HS)
Teachers recognized at this event were: Sean Mehegan and James Garvey from Laguna Beach High School, Lauren Godfrey and Jim Tamialis from Laguna Hills High School, Dan Bornfeld and Franco Arena from Aliso Niguel High School, and Rob Cullinan and Mary Anne Fenstermaker from Dana Hills High School
Unable to attend were James Garvey of Laguna Beach High School, and Franco Arena of Aliso Niguel High School. School Principals Dr. Joanne Culverhouse and Mr. Chris Carter accepted the award on their behalf.
The Blue Lantern Vocal Jazz Ensemble, led by Ray P. Woods and representing Dana Hills High School performed three musical numbers before closing remarks made by Robert Davis, Stake President, Laguna Niguel Stake of the LDS church.
Church Stake President Robert Davis, Counselor Richard Lamprecht, Interfaith Representative Jenna Harline, and Public Affairs President Juliette Chesley created and hosted the event at the Laguna Niguel Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located in Aliso Viejo
The sponsoring local church, the Laguna Niguel Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) has announced it intends to make this an annual event.
Dean Ossola
Media Relations
Laguna Niguel Stake
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
