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Corvallis School District 2025 Golden Apple Awards

April 22, 2025 | By Kelly Locey

Corvallis Public Schools Foundation Golden Apple Awards

One of the driving forces in our district’s continued improvements is the commitment of our staff to help our students fulfill their potential. To celebrate the work of Corvallis School District educators, the Golden Apple Awards were established more than two decades ago by local philanthropist Mario Pastega through the Corvallis Public Schools Foundation.

Last month, the Corvallis Public Schools Foundation recognized four educators to celebrate their outstanding contributions to students and the school communities where they work. These awards celebrate that behind every successful student stands extraordinary educators.

Below are highlights from our nomination letters for this year’s recipients.

Chris Thornburgh, Language Arts Teacher, Cheldelin Middle School

Chris is a phenomenal teacher, full stop. He builds strong, really positive relationships with all of his students. He sets very high expectations for his students and scaffolds when necessary to help all students grow.

I am always very impressed with how responsive he is to his students’ current learning needs. Chris uses tons of really effective engagement strategies to keep his students interested and learning. He is very student-centered and forward-thinking.

Jen Kreta, Dean of Students, Lincoln Elementary School

Jen is one of the best educators that I have ever had the opportunity to work with. Jen cares so much about all students, but she especially puts a lot of energy into our most at-risk students and students who struggle to stay regulated at school. She always talks about students with respect and love. Jen has high expectations, AND she knows that offering extra scaffolding and supports for some of these students is critical.

Jen shares her appreciation for other teachers often, and she validates that our efforts are making a difference, even when it sometimes doesn’t feel that way in the moment. It is amazing in a difficult job what a difference this makes. A little validation and caring goes such a long way.

Kristina Stone, Health and Leadership Teacher, Crescent Valley High School

Kristina is an excellent and dedicated teacher at Crescent Valley High School. She is known for her unwavering commitment to students—always showing up, lending a hand, and helping Crescent Valley be the best it can be.

She leads with care, consistently creating opportunities for students to grow as leaders and preparing them for bright futures beyond high school. Her impact is felt every day as she empowers students to take the lead, step outside their comfort zones, and believe in their potential.

Maria Ortiz, Educational Assistant, Lincoln Elementary School

Maria is an incredible human. She is a legend in our building, teaching Mexican traditional dances to our staff, students, and community. Maria has worked at our school for many years, supporting all ages and ability levels. Maria supports the whole student, knowing that caring for the heart is critical for kids being able to learn.

Maria is proud of her cultural heritage and roots. She is doing the daily work to support our Latino community of staff, students, and families to know and be proud of their culture. She makes us all feel loved, cared for, and special.

Elaine Markley, Distinguished Service Award

Elaine worked in education for 31 years at Cheldelin Middle School, right here in 509J. Her excellence was honored in many ways over those years, including a Golden Apple for the scope of her work in 2000, and twice being recognized at the Oregon Health Teacher’s conference for her best practices.

After “retirement”, Elaine stopped showing up at Cheldelin and started coming full time to CHS. JAV she called herself….”just a volunteer”….Elaine helped student-athletes better connect their pursuit of excellence on the field with their work in the classroom. Corvallis High School owes many a win to Elaine helping great kids figure out how to navigate schools and succeed in the classroom. Moreover, those kids would say they owe many of their wins in life to the work she did with them during their high school years. Starting with a personal touch, messages of belief and encouragement, lots of structure and accountability, and some food, flowers, or otherwise.

Mrs. Markley saw, tapped, and almost demanded the best in us. She consistently asked for and honored student voice. She knew us, cared for us, encouraged and challenged us. Her capacity to extend personal connection over time is truly one of a kind!

Congratulations to our 2025 Golden Apple Award recipients, and thank you to the Corvallis Public Schools Foundation for this celebration of our outstanding educators!