Tri-City teachers recognized with 2025 Crystal Apple Award. Here are the winners
Nine winners of the 2025 Tri-City Crystal Apple Awards for Excellence in Education were named Tuesday by Educational Service District 123.
The award aims to recognize just a few of the tireless and extraordinary efforts of educators who make a positive impact on students, while encouraging creative and quality instruction and the development of positive learning environments.
This year’s winners — which include not just certificated teachers, but also a counselor and instructional specialist — will take home a $1,500 cash award, a Crystal Apple, and other gifts and certificates.
Each teacher will also be submitted as a nominee to the Washington State Teacher of the Year program. Those nominations close March 2 and regional winners will be selected near the end of the school year.
Their accomplishments will be recognized at the 27th annual Crystal Apple Awards ceremony, set for 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, March 20, at ESD 123 in Pasco, Wash.
The public is welcome to attend.
This year’s winners are:
- Nathen Allington, firefighting instructor at Tri-Tech Skills Center in Kennewick School District.
- Gabriela Whitemarsh, math teacher at Pasco High School in Pasco School District.
- Kim Ward, instructional specialist from Wiley Elementary School in Richland School District.
- Chelsea Taylor, P.E. teacher at Columbia Elementary School in Burbank School District.
- Janae Bell, ELD teacher at Finley Elementary School in Finely School District.
- Greg Jones, third grade teacher at Kiona-Benton City Elementary School in Kiona-Benton City School District.
- Alisa Brasel, first grade teacher at Basin Elementary School in North Franklin School District.
- Priscilla Tovar, counselor at Desert Oasis High School in Othello School District.
- Jeff Appelgate, history and leadership teacher at Housel Middle School in Prosser School District.
The Crystal Apple Awards is a proud tradition in Southeastern Washington.
It was founded in 1999 as the Tri-City Crystal Apple Awards in order to recognize local educators. This year’s winners included, a total 290 have earned the privileged distinction.
Recognizing 2025 Crystal Apple winners
School districts around the Mid-Columbia have already begun recognizing their winners.
Kennewick staff lauded Tri-Tech Skills Center firefighting instructor Nathen Allington as an “outstanding educators who has dedicated his life to service — both in and out of the classroom.”
“A former U.S. Marine, Mr. Allington transitioned from military service to teaching, bringing with him a deep commitment to mentorship, discipline and leadership,” a district announcement read.
“For over a decade, he has inspired Tri-Tech students through hands-on learning experiences, night and weekend field trips, and leadership activities. His unwavering support has made him a trusted mentor, with former students returning for guidance long after graduation,” it continued.
Pasco staff say Gabriela Whitemarsh, a bilingual math teacher of eight years at Pasco High School, has made a profound impact on students, especially multilingual learners, and has worked to break down barriers.
She launched a ground-breaking program in 2018 to provide newcomer students — including those who have recently arrived to the U.S. with limited English proficiency — greater access to college-level math courses.
The Advanced Multilingual Mathematics Program has given students opportunities that were previously unavailable. Through her leadership, 92 students have completed advanced math courses, with 41 earning between 5 and 20 college math credits.
“Mrs. Whitemarsh is a remarkable educator who transforms the lives of her students through innovation, compassion and dedication. She has opened doors for students who never thought college-level math was within reach. She is truly deserving of this honor,” said Pasco High School Principal Veronica Machado.
She’s also been recognized for dedicating countless hours toward tutoring students one-on-one during the COVID pandemic and for being a mentor to her colleagues.
Kim Ward has devoted three decades to education, 17 of those at Wiley Elementary. She currently works as an instruction specialist, where she designs and implements targeted interventions to ensure every student reaches their max potential.
“Kim’s positive influence is felt in ways that may not always be immediately visible,” said RSD speech-language pathologist Molly Morgan. “However, the results are undeniable. She quietly, yet powerfully, transforms lives through her consistent efforts. Our school has become a better place to work because of her.”
Her initiatives have led to remarkable achievements, including students gaining a year’s academic growth in just six weeks, staff say.
Ward is also described as a “collaborative leader” who shares her expertise generously, mentors new staff, unites her fellow teachers around shared goals, and creates strong relationships with parents.
“Kim is not only an innovative and flexible educators, but also a true pillar of support during critical moments,” Richland School District staff said in an announcement. “She has the innate ability to stay calm under pressure in any circumstance. Her leadership, quick thinking, and selflessness are invaluable during difficult times, and exemplify her dedication to the students and staff of Wiley Elementary.”
