Educators should be all about the kids, most are. But some, extraordinarily so, and for those teachers, there is the Corvallis Public Schools Foundation’s annual Golden Apple Award.
These are the school district staffers that kids, colleagues and parents look up to – these are people that are a driving force behind helping students come to their full potential.
As district spokesperson Kelly Locey puts it, they make, “outstanding contributions to students and the school communities where they work.”
The awards themselves were established more than two decades ago by local philanthropist Mario Pastega. The Foundation is responsible for making them happen each year.
So, without further ado, here are the Corvallis Public School Foundation’s 2026 Golden Apple Award recipients, the envelope, please…
Jared Callis, Math & Leadership Teacher, Cheldelin Middle School
Jared Callis was nominated for his care and connection with his students, as well as his leadership.
Samples of comments made about Callis in the nominating process:
“Jared is a rare educator who seamlessly balances high-level systemic leadership with a deeply personal, student-centered approach to teaching. Jared doesn’t just manage a classroom; he fosters an environment where students are seen, heard, and challenged.”
“Jared is the type of person that motivates you to do the very best for students. He does this, both for his students and his colleagues, by modeling diligent working habits and perseverance that is always student-focused.”
Leslie Griffin, Language Arts Teacher, Corvallis High School
Leslie Griffin’s colleagues nominated her because she really takes the time to provide personalized feedback to students and connect the classroom work to their lives and interests.
A sample of the comments made about Griffin during the nominating process:
“What truly sets Leslie apart is how she honors her students as whole people. She carves out time in her schedule to support their individual passions—whether that means offering feedback on a personal writing project, discussing a book outside the curriculum, or simply listening to what matters to them. She treats every student with genuine respect, valuing their perspectives and lived experiences as worthy contributions to classroom discussions. By connecting the work to their lives and interests, she makes literacy instruction meaningful rather than perfunctory, helping students see themselves as readers, writers, and thinkers who have something important to say.”
Mandy Hunter, First & Second Grade Teacher, Bessie Coleman Elementary School
Mandy Hunter was nominated by her peers for her dedication to equity and inclusion and for ensuring that all students are given meaningful access to learning.
Samples of the comments made during Hunter’s nominating process:
“Mandy is the epitome of inclusion in our school. We affectionately call her ‘Magical Mandy’ because the kids in her class truly shine. Mandy knows that all kids are capable of learning, growing, and being a great citizen of the school and community.”
“Mandy is also a trusted mentor to colleagues, offering guidance and encouragement in ways that strengthen both individual educators and the school as a whole. She has shaped the way I view education and the way I show up for students.”
Maria Ponce, Front Office Assistant, Linus Pauling Middle School
Maria Ponce was nominated by her colleagues for her work to meet the needs of families, staff, and students, for her helpfulness and humor, and for her warm, genuine smile when she greets everyone.
Samples of comments made about Ponce during the nominating process”
“Maria is a shining star of positive customer service at the front desk of Linus Pauling Middle School. She works hard to meet the needs of families, staff, and students and always does so with positivity and charm.”
“She leads our office TAs and helps them build a sense of importance and responsibility with their office job, while also gently coaching them about the challenges they share with her. She is a trusted confidant for not only our Spanish-speaking families, but all families who come into the office.”
Congrats to all. And now, as our regular readers already know, this where we at The Advocate make a shameless pitch that you support the Corvallis Public Schools Foundation.
About the Foundation
The Corvallis Public Schools Foundation funds grants and programs that support educator and student creativity, advance equity, and inspire students. In short, they are a nonprofit that funds the stuff that taxpayers dollars cannot, and they work closely with the School District to make that happen.
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