The Umatilla School District was proud to celebrate this year’s Crystal Apple and Legacy Award recipients during the Intermountain Education Service District (IMESD) Crystal Apple Awards ceremony held May 11 at Wildhorse Resort & Casino. Hosted annually by the IMESD, the Crystal Apple Awards provide an opportunity for school districts to recognize outstanding staff members and their contributions to education.
This year’s honorees included Crystal Apple recipients Dorothy Estrada, Salesh Karan, Daphne Castro, and Molly Hottman, along with Legacy Award recipients Corinne Funderburk and David Lougee.
Dorothy Estrada, an Alternative Education teacher at Umatilla High School, was recognized for her dedication to supporting students facing difficult life situations. Through her work, she has built a program where students feel respected and supported while working toward their goals. Estrada regularly stays after school to help students prepare for their GED or recover credits, and her impact has been evident through the growth of the program, including doubling summer school credit recovery completion numbers in just one year.
Salesh Karan, a 6th-grade math teacher at Columbia Vista Intermediate, was honored for his ability to make complex math concepts both engaging and memorable for students. Through hands-on activities and creative teaching strategies, Karan helps students build confidence in math while fostering positive classroom habits and strong academic growth. Many former students continue to remember the lessons and concepts they learned in his classroom years later.
Umatilla alum Daphne Castro, head secretary at Clara Brownell Middle School, was recognized for her dedication and commitment to the school community. Known as a hardworking and compassionate leader, Castro consistently goes above and beyond her required duties to support students, staff, and families. In addition to her work at the front office, she also assists with the district’s STEAM Academy after-school program, further extending her positive impact throughout the district.
Molly Hottman, a teacher at McNary Heights Elementary School, was honored for her 25 years of dedication to education and commitment to student success. Hottman is recognized for creating a stable and supportive classroom environment while maintaining high academic expectations for her students. Whether engaging students through songs or providing additional support to help them succeed, her care for students and passion for teaching continue to make a lasting impact.
Corinne Funderburk received a Legacy Award, an honor recognizing individuals who have made a significant and lasting impact on education, for her more than three decades of service to the Umatilla School District. Throughout her career, she has built meaningful relationships with students rooted in respect and high expectations while serving as a mentor to both students and staff. Beyond the classroom, Funderburk has also supported new educators as an instructional coach and helped launch the careers of many teachers throughout the district.
David Lougee also received a Legacy Award for his lasting impact on the district’s English Language Learner and Dual Language programs. Serving as the district’s librarian and ESL coordinator, Lougee has worked to ensure students have access to educational opportunities and support systems that help them succeed. His dedication extends beyond academics, from helping families retrieve transcripts from schools in Mexico to coordinating immersive language experiences for staff. Known for bringing joy to students through activities like dressing as the Cat in the Hat, the Grinch, and Dracula during school events, Lougee has created lasting memories for students across the district.
Superintendent Heidi Sipe stated, “We appreciate the Intermountain ESD and their support for the Crystal Apple event. It’s wonderful to see our dedicated staff honored for their work and to see the tremendous individuals throughout our region working to serve students well each day.”