9 Tri-City Teachers Win Crystal Apples; Late CTE Leader Honored
Honoring Excellence in Education
Role models, beloved parents, dedicated community volunteers—these are just a few of the many hats that teachers wear. In the classroom, they are also compassionate and dedicated educators who make a lasting impact on their students. On Thursday, nine public school teachers from around the Mid-Columbia were recognized as 2026 Crystal Apple Award winners at a special 28th annual ceremony hosted by ESD 123.
The prestigious award aims to highlight the tireless and extraordinary efforts of educators who positively influence students. Winners are known for their creativity, high-quality instruction, and ability to create positive learning environments.
With the addition of this year’s winners, a total of 299 Tri-City educators will have been honored with the Crystal Apple Award since its inception. The recognition includes a glass-blown apple award, a $1,500 check, award certificates, and other gifts.
A Special Tribute
In addition to the regular awards, ESD 123 Board Member Teri Kessie dedicated the program’s first-ever posthumous award for special achievement to Gerry Ringwood, the former Tri-Tech Skills Center director and CTE advocate who passed away a year ago. Paul Randall, the school’s current director, accepted the award on behalf of Ringwood.
Kessie shared that Ringwood’s roots began in agriculture education within the Finley School District. For over 40 years, he worked to serve students across southeastern Washington with hands-on education, inspiring countless teachers along the way. He collaborated with numerous industry leaders, educators, and legislators to improve the state’s CTE programs. Kessie described him as someone who “listened carefully” and was rare to speak, but when he did, his words carried experience, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to students.
“It is truly an honor to stand before you and recognize the man whose life’s work quietly, steadily and profoundly changed the trajectory of thousands of educators and, yes, even farmers, in our community, in our region and across the state,” said Kessie, punctuating her speech by raising a commemorative bottle of wine.
2026 Crystal Apple Winners
The Crystal Apple Awards are a proud tradition in Southeastern Washington and one of the region’s most prestigious achievements for classroom educators. Each winner is also submitted as a nominee to the Washington State Teacher of the Year program.
The Crystal Apple was founded in 1999 and sought to honor the education profession as a whole by identifying a few of the many regional educators who go the extra mile for students. Since 2010, the nonprofit Dream Builder’s Educational Foundation has managed the awards.
Here are the 2026 Crystal Apple Award winners:
- Columbia (Walla Walla): Angie Boothe, math and English interventionist, Columbia Middle School.
- Finley: Sydney Freitag, English and STEM elective teacher, Finley Middle School.
- Kennewick: Kori Cannon, kindergarten teacher, Westgate Elementary School.
- Kiona-Benton City: Beth Kalinga, physical science teacher, Ki-Be Middle School.
- North Franklin: Charlie Dansie, agriculture science, mechanic and CDL teacher, Connell High School.
- Othello: Tonya Lewis, math teacher, Othello High School.
- Pasco: Elizabeth Copsey, special education and structured learning teacher, Maya Angelou Elementary School.
- Prosser: Sydney Charvet, 5th grade teacher, Heights Elementary School.
- Richland: Nicole Tamura, life skills teacher, Richland High School.
The Impact of Educators
These educators exemplify the dedication and passion required to make a difference in the lives of their students. Their work goes beyond the classroom, influencing communities and shaping futures. The Crystal Apple Awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also highlight the collective effort of educators who continue to inspire and uplift others.
As the program continues to grow, it remains a testament to the importance of recognizing and supporting those who dedicate their lives to teaching and learning. The legacy of educators like Gerry Ringwood serves as a reminder of the profound impact that one person can have on an entire community.
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