The Richland and Pasco school districts have announced the winners of the 2013 Crystal Apple Award in their schools.

In Richland, Deborah Madison, a fifth-grade teacher in the Highly Capable program at Lewis & Clark Elementary School, and Paul Mayer, a government/leadership teacher and basketball coach at Hanford High School, won the award.

In Pasco, Judy Church, a fourth-grade teacher at Rowena Chess Elementary School, and Raquel Martinez, biology teacher and chairwoman of the science department at Pasco High School, were given the annual honor.

The Crystal Apple Award honors exceptional educators and innovative instruction in the seven school districts of the Tri-Cities and its nearby communities. The formal award ceremony is March 7 at Columbia Basin College.

Each winner will be given a crystal statuette, a $1,000 check and other gifts provided by businesses, organizations and service clubs.

The Kennewick School District has selected its winners, but district officials said they would identify them after its own award ceremony later this month.