Corvallis School District 2026 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.
Jared Callis, Math & Leadership Teacher, Cheldelin Middle School
Jared was nominated for his care and connection with his students, as well as his leadership.
“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’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.
“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 was nominated by her peers for her dedication to equity and inclusion and for ensuring that all students are given meaningful access to learning.
“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 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.
“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.”
Congratulations to our 2026 Golden Apple Award recipients, and thank you to the Corvallis Public Schools Foundation for this celebration of our outstanding educators!
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