The Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO) has announced the 10 recipients of the 2021 Santa Barbara Teachers Federal Credit Union Crystal Apple Educator Awards, who were honored at the virtual Education Celebration May 27.

Crystal Apple winners are selected for their dedication, instructional and motivational skills, ability to challenge and inspire students, and their ability to meaningfully engage with students, staff, and community members.

“It is an honor to celebrate the significant contributions of our distinguished Crystal Apple award recipients,” said Susan Salcido, Santa Barbara County superintendent of schools. “Through their compassion, perseverance and efforts, these 10 individuals inspire and impact students throughout Santa Barbara County.

“It is our privilege to recognize each recipient with this distinctive award.”

“We are proud to shine the spotlight on teachers, administrators, and support staff by sponsoring the Crystal Apple program in partnership with SBCEO,” said Roy McLaughlin, Santa Barbara Teachers Federal Credit Union CEO. “These Santa Barbara County education staff provide children with an outstanding educational experience.”

Following are the 2021 award winners, along with a quote from one of the nominating individuals.

» Certificated Support Providers Category

Emily Schwab, speech and language pathologist, Monroe Elementary School, Santa Barbara Unified School District

“Not only is Emily charismatic, fun, and great with the kids, but she is exceptional at her job,” said special education teacher Sally DeLyser. “Specializing in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), Emily uses a variety of high and low-tech devices to help non-verbal students find their voice.

“Saying that she is a pleasure to work with would be an immense understatement. She is changing lives daily and doing it all with a smile on her face.”

Rosy Bucio, behavior specialist, Santa Ynez Valley Consortium, Santa Barbara County SELPA

“Rosy is quite honestly the ‘best in the west’ when it comes to supporting students with difficult behaviors,” said colleague Misty Sedehi. “Not only is her experience unmatched, but the way she is able to communicate the unique behavior needs of students to an IEP team is extraordinary.

“Rosy is extremely relational, she builds strong bonds with the students, parents, and staff she works with. She gets the job done and puts 200% of herself into each student she supports.”

» Elementary Teacher Category

Mari Callahan, fourth-grade teacher at Cold Spring School in Cold Spring School District

“I could write pages about how Mari inspired my son through his reluctant writing phase to become a confident, prolific author. Or how her instruction developed his number sense so that he is a more efficient mathematician than either of his parents,” said colleague and parent Jean Gradias.

“Those academic accomplishments are important. But the value that she places on becoming empathetic, aware, and motivated to help others is what makes her so deserving of this award,” she said.

Elizabeth Tymn, K/1 teacher, Pine Grove School, Orcutt Union School District

“Ms. Tymn checks all the boxes of a great educator. Engaging, prepared, knowledgeable. But she is far more than a teacher,” said Parent Ashley Machgan. “Parents describe her as a leader, confidant, mediator, nurturer, protector, supporter and cheerleader.

“She is welcoming to everyone and runs her classroom with an amazing attitude towards kindness and respect for all.” 

» Secondary Teacher Category

Sherri Bryan, teacher-librarian, Santa Barbara High School, Santa Barbara Unified School District

“(She) has inspired me to branch out and push myself more than any other adult has,” said Monse Z., a senior. “She is an important and well-respected figure on campus; every student has positive things to say about her.

“She makes the campus a better place with her extensive knowledge in multiple subjects as well as with her bright personality.”

Rebecca Ingrahm, career technical education teacher, Maple High School, Lompoc Unified School District

“On days we showed her that we were not interested in learning, she did not give up on us. Instead, she tried new and innovative ways to inspire us. See, some of us have never been successful in school. In her classes, we started to feel like we had potential,” said student Samantha C.

“I had no desire to succeed before I met this teacher.  I started believing in myself and taking life seriously once I started this school and had this teacher. She reminded us that we were smart and had so much potential, but we had to work hard to become the best.

“She is smart and sets a great example for all of us. Without her, I would not be doing all of the amazing things I am doing.”

» Classified Employee Category

Carrie Alvarado, office manager, Ellwood School, Goleta Union School District

“Carrie is best described as Superwoman,” said Principal Ned Schoenwetter. “She not only runs the front office of the school like a well-oiled machine, but she is the go-to person for all staff, students and parents. In fact, she is the one that all other school office managers in the school district look to when they have questions or need guidance.

“We feel very fortunate to be able to work with such a wonderful person.”

Paloma Guerrero-Rubio, paraprofessional, Taylor School, SBCEO Special Day School

“In our program, at the Taylor Preschool SDC, we have many students with quite severe and daily behavioral challenges; Paloma works with exemplary true compassion guiding them through the daily routines and always mindful of their safety to themselves and other students,” said colleague Cathy Jordan.

“There have been many staff challenges we have faced this year, and I can say that Paloma has been the anchor that has held our program together,” she said. “The nominee exudes dedication, a strong work ethic, and, most appreciably, her positive attitude that does not complain, even when there has been much that could be complained about.

“Her humble dedication to her job duties and patience with our students has left a lasting impression on me, and she has inspired me to be more consistently patient and compassionate with our most challenging of students as well.

“he is a real joy to work alongside of, a true model for other paraprofessionals, and I can think of no better candidate to receive this award.”

» Administrator Category

Anne Hubbard, Hope Elementary School District

“Dr. Anne Hubbard leads our district with an integrity that mirrors how she lives her life,” said Nancy Lorenzen, former principal at Monte Vista School. “It is impossible to separate the heart and compassion she brings to each.

“Anne does not save her best, most caring self for her family alone; she shares her best, most caring self with everyone in her life. She knows the stories of most of our students, especially those who are struggling.

“Anne’s compassion shows no bounds. It emanates from her core and radiates to everyone in her presence. I cannot imagine anyone as deserving as Dr. Anne Hubbard for the Crystal Apple Award.”

John Karbula, (ret.) assistant superintendent, business services, Lompoc Unified School District

“The first thing that comes to mind when working with the John is the ‘how can we support you and your students’ phrase,” said former colleague Paul Bommersbach.

“As the assistant superintendent of business services, he meets with his site administrators and district support staff frequently to ensure the focus remains on the student’s needs in the classroom, and funding should be utilized where it hits the most students,” Bommersbach said.

“Even though he is not in a classroom, student achievement remains the goal, so he continuously reminds us of that when looking at our site budget,” he said.