The Manteca Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will recognize and honor high school teachers for their outstanding service to students in the South County area at the 11th annual “Crystal Apple Awards” on Sunday, April 28,, at 6:30 p.m. at 6060 Northland Road,  Manteca.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints have honored 90 teachers over the past decade.

This year, 11 recipients will receive a “Crystal Apple Award” for exemplifying excellent teaching, representing strong community values, and inspiring their students. The evening will be a wonderful opportunity for local youth to express gratitude to teachers in the South County area for supporting them.

The teachers were nominated by juniors and seniors who attend high schools in Manteca, Lathrop, Ripon, Stockton, Mountain House and Tracy.

The 2024 Crystal Apple Award recipients are:

 *Vanessa Mattos, Delta Charter (nominated by Ethan Patten) 

*Heather Sandberg, Homeschooled (nominated by Lena Park)

* Joseph Graham, John C. Kimball High (nominated by Spencer Peterson & Penny Coffey)

*Brian Hill, Merrill F. West (nominated by Lauren Silcox)

*Aryel Saldate, Millennium High School (nominated by Lexi Duncan)

*Cory Ayers, Mountain House High School (nominated by Liam Fobert)

*Katie San Julian, San Joaquin County Program (nominated by Charlie Wilkins)

*Greg Wilson, Sierra High School (nominated by Carson Murray)

*Erin McKay, Tracy High School (nominated by Alexis Riddle)

*Joann Tavaziva, Venture Academy (nominated by Kale and Tatum Sill)

*Abigail Van Vuren, Ripon High School (nominated by James Wilkins)

Community members, students, teachers, civic leaders, and school leaders are invited to attend the ceremony and join in celebrating these educators and the positive impacts they have made in the classroom and in the community. 

Refreshments will be served after the ceremony.