On March 16, 2016 residents, students and local community leaders from Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills and Laguna Niguel gathered to honor nine teachers from four local high schools at the third annual Crystal Apple Awards hosted and sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) at the Laguna Niguel Stake Center in Aliso Viejo.
Students nominated teachers they were inspired and encouraged by and those educators with the most nominations received the award. Each recipient was presented to the audience by one of their students who delivered speeches on the teacher’s background and why they were selected from the student’s perspective. The beautiful messages about the mentors and educators was met with a standing ovation by the more than three-hundred in attendance. The nine award-winners were given an engraved crystal apple as a keepsake of the honor.
The award night opened with the presentation of the colors led by the Flying Eagles Patrol of Boy Scout Troop 726. Richard Lamprecht, a member of the Stake Presidency of the Laguna Niguel (LDS) Stake, introduced the program and the meaning of the award.
The audience was privileged to hear from Clint Harwick, Superintendent of Saddleback Valley Unified School District, followed by the mayor of Laguna Beach, Steve Dicterow. Harwick and Dicterow recounted the importance of exceptional teachers and the value they add to the lives of students and the community, as a whole.
The awards were presented to Mary Belfield, Douglas Havard and Cliff Jarmie of Laguna Hills High School. Laguna Beach High School award winners were Dawn Hunnicutt and David Brobeck. Robert Talley and Robert Jansen from Aliso Niguel High School, and Kristine Clark and Mark Gammell of Dana Hills High School were all bestowed the honor.
Mary Belfield, “Teaching is a chance to tell stories. When you tell your stories they live on in the memories of your students and you’ve made your mark.”
Mr. Talley, “My favorite part about teaching is the students. Watching them learn math is just a bonus.”
Each recipient also received a recognition plaque from the office of Chairwoman/Supervisor Lisa Bartlett from the County of Orange.
Also in attendance at the event were City Council members Elaine Gennawey (Laguna Niguel), Jerry McCloskey (Laguna Niguel), Fred Minagar (Laguna Niguel), Don Sedgwick (Laguna Hills), Mayor Noel Hatch (Laguna Woods).
The Blue Lantern Vocal Jazz Ensemble from Dana Hills High School, led by Ray P. Woods, graced the audience with their enchanting harmonies during three musical numbers. Robert Davis, President of the Laguna Niguel Stake, closed the night with a message about the importance of teachers and the value of everyone acting as a teacher in some capacity of their life.
Juliette Chesley
Laguna Niguel Stake Public Affairs (LDS Church)
