MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – WMTV 15 News is recognizing 10 teachers as Honorable Mentions in the 30th year of the Crystal Apple Awards.
These teachers were selected for the dedication they each show to their respective programs, teaching lessons that go beyond the classroom.
Here are this year’s honorable mentions:
- Diane Peterson, Stoner Prairie Elementary School: As an educational assistant at Stoner Prairie Elementary School, Peterson was selected for her dedication in serving the school for more than 35 years. She is retiring at the end of this school year.
- Wendy Patterson, Department of Health Services – Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Center: She works at the Department of Health Services Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Center in Mauston. She was selected for developing eight programs as a part-time teacher and has handed out more than 300 certificates in her time there, teaching skills to patients to help them reenter society.
- Caryscine Branch, Sun Prairie West High School: As a special education teacher at Sun Prairie West High School, he was picked for his dedication to volunteering with the adapted sports program. He is known for always having a smile on his face, even in moments of difficult conversations or moments.
- Gretchen Kestler, Waunakee Intermediate School: A social studies teacher at Waunakee Intermediate School. She was selected for planning engaging lessons, and using the money she won in a Daughters of the American Revolution writing contest to plan a virtual field trip for her students.
- Debra Freitaf, Monticello Middle School: She is a middle school social studies teacher at Monticello Middle School. Freitaf was chosen for showing her students there is a world outside of Monticello, as she has organized many field trips for her students. This includes visits to Washington D.C., Gettysburg and to several National Parks out west.
- Mary Adams, Janesville School District: She is now a volunteer, but was a full-time teacher at Roosevelt Elementary in Janesville. She has served the Janesville district for 60 years. She now volunteers to fill in for teachers, coming fully prepared with her own lessons.
- Kathryn Zastrow, Monroe High School: She is a social studies teacher at Monroe High School. She makes sure her students have the opportunity to work directly with local organizations, and works to organize a mental health summit for the Monroe community.
- Shane Sperle, River Ridge High School and Middle School: He is a physical education and health teacher at River Ridge High School and Middle School. His nomination stood out because of his dedication to the school and the lessons he teaches that extend beyond the gym and classroom. He teaches his students about good sportsmanship and teamwork, essential life skills as students move to college and beyond.
- Andrea Gomez, Marshall Middle School: Gomez is a special education teacher at Marshall Middle School. She was chosen for teaching students important social skills they will take with them when they leave high school.
- Ryan Casey, Stoughton High School: As a chorus teacher at Stoughton High School, Casey was selected for his work with the music program. It was especially noted that he keeps the tradition of the Madrigal Dinners alive.
Congratulations to all of our Crystal Apple Award winners and Honorable Mentions!
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