About the Crystal Apple Program

Since 1995, this regionally-acclaimed county-wide event is attended by local educators and administrators, previous recipients, candidates families, and state and local dignitaries.

The 2023 Crystal Apple Awards, took place on Thursday, November 16, 2023, demonstrating the business communities' commitment to supporting local educators who are preparing our future leaders.

​Many thanks go to Lara Bors, Bors Law, P.A., and COX Communications as our key sponsors. Teachers are the heart of our schools and nurture our children’s inquisitive minds and prepare them for the challenges of the future. Teachers deserve our support at every level, including students, parents, and our community.  Many businesses in Finney County support educators with this special Crystal Apple recognition. The Community Awareness and Recognition in Education (CARE) Committee, is made up of representatives of the Chamber in the business community, sponsors a program that honors six outstanding teachers in Finney County each year. 

Teacher Eligibility
Early Childhood through twelfth grade certified teachers currently under contract and in good standing with the school and in the classroom in Bible Christian Academy, Garden City Public Schools, Holcomb Public Schools, St. Dominic or St. Mary Catholic Schools are eligible to participate in the Crystal Apple Teacher Recognition Program. Teachers may be full-time or part-time, special education, counselors, or librarians. Substitutes and certified support staff personnel, such as psychologists, social workers, and others, are ineligible to participate. Previous Crystal Apple recipients are also ineligible to participate.  

In the first round, a set of three judges evaluate and score anonymously written applications. Candidates are reduced to 12.

In the next round, a new set of three judges conduct personal interviews to determine the final six Crystal Apple finalists. With balloons in hand, finalists are surprised by committee members with a visit to their classroom to announce their progression to the final level.

In the final round, a new set of three judges conduct their evaluation through classroom evaluations.

The six finalists receive recognition at the CARE Crystal Apple Recognition Banquet. The three award recipients each receive a certificate, engraved crystal apple award, an iPad, and $1,000. The three remaining finalists receive awards of a certificate and $250 each.