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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (May 28, 2025)
SIX - Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, May 28, 2025 Teachers, staff honored at Crystal Apple Awards -Continued from PAGE ONE strong relationships with ALL NEWS AND ADVERTISEMENT DEADLINE: students and their families, advocating for them with a friendly and caring de- meanor. Those who work with her say Lemmon has, with- out hesitation, stepped into any role asked of her at MEC from driving buses and cleaning restrooms to tutoring students and holding a baby so a mother could take a test. According to one nom- ination, “She is truly ded- icated to the families of MEC and does anything she can to make it a warm and welcoming place for students and staff.” A total of 46 Crystal Apples were presented in May to deserving educa- tion staff in Eastern Ore- gon. Winners from Mor- row County and Umatilla County school districts were honored at the event at the Pendleton Convention Center on Tuesday, May 13. The events included receptions for winners’ families and friends and school district staff. Each year, the IMESD partners with its school districts to recognize out- standing administrators, teachers, educational assis- tants and office and building staff for their dedication and commitment to students and for their willingness to go the extra mile for student success. Nominations are sub- mitted over a two-month period by administrators, coworkers, parents, stu- dents and community mem- bers. Winners are selected from these nominations by school district admin- istration. “Crystal Apple Awards season is something we look forward to every year. It’s a privilege each spring to recognize the many talented and dedicat- ed employees who serve students at IMESD and in our districts across the re- gion,” said Michele Madril, IMESD Director of Com- munication. Sup er ch of each student. In addition to her strong teaching, she has stepped up as a leader for FFA and advisor for National Honor Society and Yearbook. Cole also shares her knowledge and experience as a mentor, where her unwavering spirit and joy for her work shine through. Elizabeth Graham Elizabeth Graham is a special education/ life skills teacher at Sam Boardman Elementary School. She has worked for MCSD for five years. Always giving her best for students and fam- ilies, she greets everyone with kindness and a smile. Graham diligently works to determine the best strat- egies and classroom tools to help each student reach their potential. She always puts her students first and has a wonderful ability to make them feel safe and loved. Her nomination form said her students are “the very luckiest individuals to have Elizabeth as their teacher, supporter, cheer- leader and advocate.” Stephanie Simpson Stephanie Simpson is a math teacher at Riverside Jr./Sr. High School and has worked for the district for seven years. She maintains excellence and academic rigor in her classes while cultivating positive interac- tions with students. Simpson is described as very organized and fair, set- ting the bar high, which stu- dents recognize and work hard to reach. Her hard work and good ideas help students realize their poten- tial even in some of the hard subjects she teaches. In addition to teaching, Stephanie is a dedicated ad- visor to Key Club, supervis- ing students at community events and helping them re- alize their leadership skills and importance of giving back. Greg Grant Greg Grant retired as the head teacher/physical education teacher at Hep- pner Jr./Sr. High School. He has worked for the district for 35 years. During his career, he enhanced the PE Department, fostering an inclusive environment and establishing a stan- dard of excellence that promotes physical fitness and well-being. As an academic coun- selor for students, he helped them effectively navigate their academic paths and meet graduation require- ments. Grant has devoted many hours to improve connections between stu- dents and the communi- ty, including creating the annual Mustang Mop-Up Community Service Event. “Greg embodies the spirit of the Mustang Way, demonstrating genuine ded- ication and loyalty to the school and its students,” said one nomination. Susie Lemmon Susie Lemmon is the secretary at Morrow Ed- ucation Center (MEC) in MCSD, where she has worked for 20 years. Through multiple roles at the center, she has built Dancers shine at spring recital Softball seniors honored at final home game Tuesday, May 20, was senior recognition night for the Lady Mustangs softball team. The Heppner/Ione Mustangs recog- nized and honored four seniors, Ava Gerry, Kadie Henrichs, Pre-K dancers performing their routine on stage. -Photo by Keeley Nairns and Katie Spivey. Pictured L-R are softball Rachel Sykes seniors and their parents: Ryan Gerry, Ava Gerry, Samantha crowd-pleasing hip hop. By Rachel Sykes Gerry, Josh Henrichs, Kadie Henrichs, Kim Henrichs, Cody Each dancer brought High, Nicole High, Keeley Nairns, Kyle Nairns, Sarah Nairns, On Thursday, May 22, the stage at the Gilliam-Bis- their unique spirit and style Stephanie Spivey, Katie Spivey and Brian Spivey. -Contributed bee lit up with energy and to the stage, captivating the photo talent as Element Dance Co. held its annual Spring Recital. Hosted by dance teacher Paige Counsell, the evening showcased the hard work and passion of the dancers in a dynamic series of performances. The recital featured 10 pieces, including group routines, duets, and solo performances from kids IN pre-school up to 8 th grade. Audiences were treated to a diverse lineup of dance styles, ranging from ex- pressive creative movement to high-energy jazz and audience with every leap, spin, and beat. The variety of choreography highlight- ed both individual talent and the strength of team- work across the different age groups and experience levels. M s . C o u n s e l l ’s thoughtful direction and choreography were evident throughout the show, creat- ing a memorable evening that celebrated not just dance, but dedication and joy. Summer session sig- nups are happening right now, call 541-561-0028. Six ladies braved the cool and windy weather May 20 for the ladies play day at Willow Creek Coun- try Club. Karen Thompson had low gross of the field, while Betty Carter had low net. Sharon Harrison had the least putts of the field. For flight A, Pat Dougherty had low gross. For flight B, Colleen Neubert had low gross and Karen Wolff had low net. Karen Wolff had KP. A sunny and warm Tuesday on May 27 made for greater numbers on the green, with 10 ladies out enjoying some golf and sunshine. Karen Thompson had low gross of the field, while Betty Carter had low net. Shirley Martin had the least putts of the field. For flight A, Tiffany Clement had low gross, while Pat Dougherty had low net and long drive. For flight B, Colleen Neubert took low gross, Kris Lindner had low net, and Karen Smith-Griffith had least putts and the long drive. WCCC ladies’ golf Tuesdays begin with sig- nups at 8:30 a.m.; play begins at 9 a.m. The Jo Pettyjohn Tour- nament is planned for June 20-22. Over the Tee Cup ALL NEWS AND ADVERTISEMENT DEADLINE: MONDAY 5:00 P.M. Spot On Septic – Reliable, Fast & Affordable! Keep Your System Running Spot On! service@spotonseptic.com 310 S Main St. Stanfield OR 97875 Serving Morrow County! 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