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News Release

Nine Regional Educators Honored With 2026 Crystal Apple Awards - 02/17/26

Pasco WA - For the 28th year, nine exceptional educators from across the Mid-Columbia region are being recognized for the difference they make in the lives of students every day. The Dream Builders Educational Foundation has announced the 2026 Crystal Apple Award honorees, who will be celebrated during a community ceremony from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, at Educational Service District 123 (ESD 123) in Pasco.

 

The Crystal Apple Awards celebrate outstanding educators from nine local school districts, honoring those who inspire learning, build strong classroom communities, and create meaningful opportunities for students to succeed. The annual program highlights the power of public education and the lasting impact educators have across our region.

 

This year’s honorees are:

  • Angie Boothe, 6th–8th grade interventionist for math and English language arts, Columbia Middle School, Burbank School District

  • Sydney Freitag, 6th and 7th grade English language arts and STEM teacher, Finley Middle School, Finley School District

  • Kori Cannon, kindergarten teacher, Westgate Elementary School, Kennewick School District

  • Beth Kalinga, 8th grade physical science teacher, Kiona-Benton City Middle School, Kiona-Benton City School District

  • Charlie N. Dansie, 7th–12th grade agriculture science, mechanics and CDL teacher, Connell High School, North Franklin School District

  • Tonya Lewis, secondary math teacher, Othello High School, Othello School District

  • Elizabeth Copsey, self-contained special education teacher for grades K-4 and structured learning classroom teacher for grades 2-5, Maya Angelou Elementary School, Pasco School District

  • Sydney Charvet, 5th grade teacher, Heights Elementary School, Prosser School District

  • Nicole Tamura, high school life skills teacher, Richland High School, Richland School District

Founded in 1999 by Dr. John Umbarger, the Crystal Apple Awards were created to honor the education profession by recognizing individuals who make a lasting and positive impact on students’ lives. Since its inception, the program has celebrated more than 300 educators across the region and continues to be supported by community service groups, local businesses, and individuals who believe in recognizing excellence in public education.

 

During the ceremony, superintendents from the participating districts - Burbank, Finley, Kennewick, Kiona-Benton City, North Franklin, Othello, Pasco, Prosser, and Richland - will present each honoree with a $1,500 cash award, a crystal apple and a certificate.

 

Community members are encouraged to attend the celebration, which begins promptly at 4:30 p.m. in the Cascade rooms at ESD 123 in Pasco.

Nine Regional Educators Honored With 2026 Crystal Apple Awards - 02/17/26

Pasco WA - For the 28th year, nine exceptional educators from across the Mid-Columbia region are being recognized for the difference they make in the lives of students every day. The Dream Builders Educational Foundation has announced the 2026 Crystal Apple Award honorees, who will be celebrated during a community ceremony from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, at Educational Service District 123 (ESD 123) in Pasco.

 

The Crystal Apple Awards celebrate outstanding educators from nine local school districts, honoring those who inspire learning, build strong classroom communities, and create meaningful opportunities for students to succeed. The annual program highlights the power of public education and the lasting impact educators have across our region.

 

This year’s honorees are:

  • Angie Boothe, 6th–8th grade interventionist for math and English language arts, Columbia Middle School, Burbank School District

  • Sydney Freitag, 6th and 7th grade English language arts and STEM teacher, Finley Middle School, Finley School District

  • Kori Cannon, kindergarten teacher, Westgate Elementary School, Kennewick School District

  • Beth Kalinga, 8th grade physical science teacher, Kiona-Benton City Middle School, Kiona-Benton City School District

  • Charlie N. Dansie, 7th–12th grade agriculture science, mechanics and CDL teacher, Connell High School, North Franklin School District

  • Tonya Lewis, secondary math teacher, Othello High School, Othello School District

  • Elizabeth Copsey, self-contained special education teacher for grades K-4 and structured learning classroom teacher for grades 2-5, Maya Angelou Elementary School, Pasco School District

  • Sydney Charvet, 5th grade teacher, Heights Elementary School, Prosser School District

  • Nicole Tamura, high school life skills teacher, Richland High School, Richland School District

Founded in 1999 by Dr. John Umbarger, the Crystal Apple Awards were created to honor the education profession by recognizing individuals who make a lasting and positive impact on students’ lives. Since its inception, the program has celebrated more than 300 educators across the region and continues to be supported by community service groups, local businesses, and individuals who believe in recognizing excellence in public education.

 

During the ceremony, superintendents from the participating districts - Burbank, Finley, Kennewick, Kiona-Benton City, North Franklin, Othello, Pasco, Prosser, and Richland - will present each honoree with a $1,500 cash award, a crystal apple and a certificate.

 

Community members are encouraged to attend the celebration, which begins promptly at 4:30 p.m. in the Cascade rooms at ESD 123 in Pasco.