Crystal Apple: Christian Hernandez, KCSD computer technician

Christian Hernandez has worked in the fields, Chicago factories, and as a caregiver. But eight years ago, the 2013 Lost River Junior/Senior High School graduate found his niche—and his passion: information technology.

Now a computer technician on Klamath County School District’s seven-member IT team, Hernandez and his coworkers ensure all of the laptops, computers, smart TVs, and Chromebooks across the district’s 21 schools run smoothly for students and staff. He also repairs hardware, assists with software issues, and provides essential technological support.

“I became a computer technician because I love problem-solving and helping teachers and students,” he said. “If computers are down, they need to be fixed right away so learning can continue.”

Hernandez serves as the primary technician for the district’s outlying schools — Malin, Merrill, Lost River, Bonanza, Chiloquin, and Gearhart. He was nominated for the Crystal Apple Award by Georgia O’Brien, a teacher at Lost River, who described him as an inspiration. “Christian is amazingly thorough and always conscientious of teachers’ classrooms and needs,” she said. “The building feels more productive when he’s there.”

Kiran Malakar, who supervises the district’s IT services, praised Hernandez for his dedication. “He is genuinely thoughtful, friendly, and hardworking, and always goes the extra mile,” Malakar said.

Hernandez holds an associate of science degree and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s in information technology at Western Governors University. He credits his two children and family as his greatest motivation. “They inspire me every day, both personally and professionally, to keep pushing forward and improving,” he said.

The 30-year-old was surprised to receive the Crystal Apple Award. “This award completely caught me off guard,” he said. “Receiving the Crystal Apple means a lot—it makes me feel noticed and valued for the work I do. I’ll continue striving to improve and better serve students and staff at KCSD.”

Julie Larman, secretary, Mazama High School 

Julie Larman prefers to work behind the scenes, but her strong work ethic, calm and cheerful demeanor, and knack for solving problems before they arise have earned the longtime Mazama High School secretary a Crystal Apple Award—and a well-deserved moment in the spotlight.

Mazama administrators praise her exceptional organizational skills, her ability to connect with students, teachers, and parents, and her unwavering kindness and humor, even on the busiest days in the front office.

“Julie is truly the backbone of our school, and we’re so grateful to have her on our team,” said Mazama Vice Principal Sergio Cisneros. “She’s always the first to offer help, the one who remembers the little details that make a big difference, and the person we all rely on when things get hectic.”

Mazama Principal Dr. Jennifer Hawkins agreed. “Julie has an incredible ability to handle even the most difficult situations with calmness,” she said. “She keeps everything—and I mean everything—running smoothly. Many times, she anticipates potential issues and has a solution in place before they become real problems.”

Larman began her career as a secretary in the Klamath County School District in 1997 at the now-closed Altamont Elementary School. In 2009, she transferred to Mazama as an attendance secretary and now serves as the principal’s secretary.

In her role, she works closely with the attendance secretary, bookkeeper, counselors, and administrators to ensure the front office runs efficiently.

“It’s a team effort,” she said. “Every day is different. I start by making sure substitute teachers are here and get to their classrooms, and from there, it just keeps going. … I’ve done it for so long that I don’t have a lot of surprises.”

During passing periods, the front office often fills with students—a part of the job she enjoys most. “Working with kids is my favorite part,” Larman added. “A job would be much harder without them.”

Larman has deep roots in the Klamath Falls community. She attended Oregon Institute of Technology, and her four children graduated from local schools—three from Mazama and one from Henley. She now has nine grandchildren.

Despite Larman’s preference to stay out of the limelight, Cisneros and Hawkins believe this recognition is long overdue. “What makes Julie especially valuable is her ability to make everyone feel welcomed and supported,” Cisneros said. “She is absolutely our MVP. She never seeks recognition, but she absolutely deserves it.”

Ellie Trygstad, second-grade teacher, Shasta Elementary School

Ellie Trygstad’s classroom is a place where kindness, creativity, and learning thrive. It's a space filled with fun math songs, sign language, special cheers, and fascinating facts.

Known as Mrs. T, Trygstad is a second-grade teacher at Shasta Elementary School, celebrated for her innovative teaching and strong connection with her students. She was nominated for KCSD’s Crystal Apple Award by coworkers and parents. Some of the reasons they believe Trygstad deserves the recognition include:

·         “No matter the student’s background, she makes them feel safe, loved, and cared for.”

·         “She deeply cares for each of her students, and it shows. She somehow sneaks in all sorts of fun facts and brain-boosting information throughout the day. My daughter was always coming home with new tidbits about languages, animals, and even American history.”

·         “Mrs. Trygstad has the most positive energy. Her enthusiasm is contagious.”

·         “Ellie creates an amazing, engaging learning environment where everyone is inspired to do their best.”

Trygstad’s journey to the classroom came later in life. While raising her daughters, she worked as a flight attendant for American Airlines, always making time to volunteer in schools. At the age of 45, with encouragement from her daughters and husband, she returned to school. She earned the prestigious Ford Scholarship, which covers up to four years of tuition, and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Oregon Tech and a master’s degree in teaching from Southern Oregon University.

Her first teaching job in 2010 was as a kindergarten teacher in Bonanza. At the time, she lived in Chiloquin, where she had moved to be with her husband after graduating from high school in the Los Angeles area. Over the years, the couple lived in both Oregon and California, raising their two daughters.

In 2013, Trygstad transferred to Shasta Elementary, eventually settling in second grade. She continues to draw inspiration from her now-grown daughters and her husband, “Mr. T,” who works as a substitute paraprofessional at Shasta on his days off from his job as a firefighter with the Medford Airport Fire Department.

Coworkers describe Trygstad’s classroom as transformative, with its environment changing based on the topics the class is studying — whether it’s oceans and sea creatures, bat caves during a unit on nocturnal animals, or a rainforest. “She makes learning fun and doesn’t shy away from tackling big projects to make learning come to life,” said coworker Jessica Mason. “Ellie is one of those teachers you never forget. Everyone gravitates toward her because she’s so full of sunshine and positivity.”

But it’s not just her immersive projects and transformative classroom that make Trygstad stand out. It’s her deep passion for teaching and her genuine care for her students. “I love seeing the kids when they have those light bulb moments, when you can just see that they get it,” she said. “And when they clap for each other’s successes … look at these beautiful little humans being supportive and kind. That is massively inspiring.”

In her spare time, Trygstad loves to garden, craft, sew, travel, scuba dive, paddleboard, kayak, camp, and ride quads.

Trygstad was surprised — and truly humbled — to receive the Crystal Apple. “It’s pretty overwhelming,” she said. “I am so honored. There are so many people, so many teachers, who I see as deserving.”

Andrew Baldwin, science teacher, Brixner Junior High School 

Science has always been Andrew Baldwin’s favorite subject.

“I love seeing how everything works,” he said. “Science combines all subjects—reading, writing, math—but with the added bonus of hands-on problem solving. It’s a fun class to be in and a fun class to teach.”

Baldwin is a seventh- and eighth-grade science teacher and student council advisor at Brixner Junior High School. He was nominated and awarded one of KCSD’s eight Crystal Apple Awards for consistently going above and beyond to create an inclusive and engaging learning environment that sparks students' curiosity.

“He is a mentor and role model who genuinely cares about students’ well-being,” said TJ Faganello, a former Brixner student who nominated Baldwin for the award. “He deserves the Crystal Apple for his profound impact on many students’ lives, including mine. He makes students want to show up for school.”

In addition to teaching science, Baldwin advises the school’s Student Council, helping students plan activities and assemblies. This year, he helped launch a student store, which funds field trips for honor roll students, incentivizing academic achievement and regular attendance.

Teaching runs in Baldwin’s family. His grandmother taught in Chiloquin schools, and his mother was a first-grade teacher at Peterson Elementary School.

“I always knew I wanted to teach and I always knew I wanted to teach in Klamath County,” Baldwin said. “I had such amazing teachers growing up. It’s my turn to be that person.”

A 2004 graduate of Klamath Union High School, Baldwin attended Western Oregon University on a soccer scholarship. His first teaching job was in 2015 at the Crook County School District, where he taught middle school, outdoor school, and served as an assistant athletic director.

But Baldwin always knew he wanted to return home. In 2021, he seized the opportunity to accept a position at Brixner.

His love for his hometown fuels his drive to positively impact students.

“I want to teach the students of my hometown, give them life skills to be successful, and help them become the best version of themselves,” he said. “That’s what drives me every day.”

Baldwin’s teaching philosophy revolves around resilience and growth. “Let’s turn a bad day into one where those small accomplishments make you a better person,” he said. “I’m a big ‘don’t give up, growth mindset’ kind of person. It may sound cliché, but it’s who I am.”

Outside of teaching, Baldwin has a passion for pickleball. In the past 10 years, he has won 45 pickleball medals and is actively involved in the Paddling for Childhood Cancer Committee, which raises funds for local youth battling cancer.

Baldwin is honored to receive the Crystal Apple Award and views it as a team achievement. “I couldn’t do what I do without my parents, former teachers and mentors, coaches, coworkers, and teammates,” he said.

Anna Monteil, education pathway teacher, CTE coordinator, Mazama High School

Anna Monteil credits education with transforming her life — specifically, her second-grade teacher who first recognized her dyslexia. “Without her, I probably would have never figured out how to read,” she said. “I’ve had some incredible teachers, but she was the most impactful. As someone who grew up in poverty, I wouldn’t be where I am without education and school.”

Today, Monteil, one of KCSD’s Crystal Apple award winners, is a well-established and respected educator who offers college-level courses to Mazama High School students interested in pursuing education careers. She also serves as the school’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) coordinator.

“I never knew I would end up being the teacher inspiring others to become teachers,” she said.

But her impact goes beyond that. Mazama High School administrators nominated her for the award, praising her ability to build strong community connections, support fellow teachers, lead initiatives, create programs, and offer accessible, inclusive opportunities for all students.

“She builds strong relationships with her students, meeting them where they are and encouraging them to see their own potential,” administrators Jennifer Hawkins and Sergio Cisneros wrote in her nomination. “Through hands-on learning experiences, mentorship, and real-world applications, she helps students gain confidence in their abilities — no matter their starting point.”

As CTE coordinator, Monteil actively seeks grant opportunities to eliminate financial barriers for students, ensuring they have access to essential resources and training. Mazama boasts a growing and robust CTE program, offering courses in construction, manufacturing, education, agriculture sciences, and more.

Monteil’s journey to teaching began after she took a college math class for elementary teachers, which provided her with the opportunity to work in a second-grade classroom in Gresham, Ore., near Portland. She and her husband moved to Klamath County in 2013, and Monteil completed her college education at Southern Oregon University, earning a degree in elementary education.

She began her career in 2015, teaching fourth- and fifth-grade students at Ferguson Elementary School. In 2021, Monteil transitioned from the elementary classroom to develop the district’s CTE education pathway program at Henley and Mazama. She later helped expand the program to Lost River and Bonanza. In fall of 2023, she began working exclusively at Mazama, dividing her time between being the CTE education pathway teacher and the school’s CTE coordinator.

The education pathway program provides dual high school and college-credit courses for students interested in early childhood development and teaching careers. The program aligns with Klamath Community College’s paraeducator certificate, and course credits are transferrable to four-year universities, such as Southern Oregon University.

Monteil is passionate about her current role, calling it the perfect balance between classroom teaching and supporting the school’s CTE programs through grant funding. She is also a member of the district’s Technology Committee.

Receiving the Crystal Apple award was an incredible honor for Monteil, “not just for me, but for my students as well.” “This award is a reflection of the work we’ve done together, and I’m grateful to be a part of their journey,” she said.

Monteil is currently pursuing a master’s degree, with the goal of becoming a school administrator.

“I came from a background of generational poverty, and I want my students to know that doesn’t define who you are,” she said. “You have the power to build the life you want, and I’m here to help you if you need it.”

Richard Otto, math teacher, Bonanza Junior/Senior High School

Bonanza Junior/Senior High School teacher Richard Otto is known for his expertise in math – and his ability to teach those skills to often-reluctant teenagers – but that’s not his only superpower.

A recipient of the Klamath County School District’s Crystal Apple award, Otto is widely regarded as a “warrior for the underdog.” His colleagues and administrators describe him as “not only a teacher and a coach but a living example of perseverance and dedication. He shows everyone around him that challenges don’t define you – how you respond to them does.”

Otto always knew he wanted to work with youth. As a college student over three decades ago, he decided to major in business education and minor in math. He’s since spent his career teaching basic math, algebra, geometry, and advanced math to junior high and high school students.

“I think the goal of learning math is to learn to think critically,” Otto explained. “The common question we get as math teachers is, ‘When am I ever going to use this?’ Maybe never. But the process of learning math teaches you to think – and that skill is something you’ll use every day, in every aspect of your life.”

After several years teaching in a small Montana town, Otto took a job in Chiloquin, where he worked for seven years before transferring to Bonanza. He understands small towns – he grew up in Dufur, Ore., with just 15 students in his graduating class.

After high school, Otto worked for several years as a wildland firefighter before attending college at age 29. He has now spent the last 25 years teaching in Chiloquin and Bonanza, often coaching as well. He took a break from coaching in 2019 after a broken ankle and a persistent infection forced him to make a life-changing decision: to amputate his right leg below the knee.

Despite this, Otto returned to the classroom, first in a wheelchair and later with a prosthetic leg. His resilience became an inspiration to countless students. “Despite facing tremendous personal health challenges, Mr. Otto continued to show up with an unmatched work ethic and unwavering commitment to his students,” said Bonanza Principal Jordan Osborn in his Crystal Apple nomination.

“He has been a beacon of hope and guidance for many students, especially those facing significant challenges,” Osborn continued. “He is a steadfast guide, showing them that with perseverance, grit, and belief in themselves, they can overcome even the toughest obstacles.”

Otto also mentored students as a coach, playing an integral role in the school’s athletic programs. He returned to coaching this year as an assistant girls’ basketball coach, teaming up with coaches Ray Struve and Art Ochoa. Otto plans to retire at the end of the school year and move to The Dalles with his wife to care for their aging parents and a grandparent.

Throughout his career, Otto has never seen teaching as just a job. “No two days are the same when you teach. I’ve taught about a third of the teachers who work here, and my replacement (next fall) is a former student,” he said.

That strong sense of community makes his upcoming move especially difficult. “I’m leaving a place, a school, and a district that I absolutely love to go be with people I love even more,” Otto reflected. “It’s tough, but I really need to do this.”

Even as he prepares to retire, Otto’s positive influence on young lives will continue.

“His story teaches students that no matter what life throws at them, they can always push forward and overcome,” Principal Osborn said. “This doesn’t just inspire his students; it motivates the entire staff, creating a culture of grit, resilience, and hope within our school community. His influence will leave a lasting legacy of empowerment and success.”

Tammi Marks, learning facilitator, Stearns Elementary School

Every morning, as students eat breakfast in their classrooms, Tammi Marks makes her rounds. As the Social Skills Learning Facilitator at Stearns Elementary School, she checks in with students who may be having a tough time, ensuring they know she’s there for them.

“I use social emotional learning curriculum to help children manage their emotions and navigate life's challenges,” Marks said. “I teach a lot of coping skills. I sit with students in class to help them problem-solve, and I also do one-on-one sessions with kids who need extra help.”

Marks’ commitment to her students extends beyond the classroom, her coworkers say. She treats every student with calmness, compassion, and respect. That same compassion often extends to students’ families.

For these reasons and more, Marks is a recipient of  Klamath County School District’s Crystal Apple Award.

“Tammi’s selflessness and unwavering dedication make her an irreplaceable member of our school community,” says Stearns Elementary teacher Corey Thompson. “She empowers students, boosting their confidence and fostering a mindset that they can achieve great things, no matter their background.”

After checking in with students, Marks leads small group sessions — usually four or five a day — using learning games to help children cope with emotions or life events. She focuses on social-emotional needs such as anxiety, anger, and grief. She also supports teachers and school staff, working closely with Stearns’ child development specialist.

“I couldn’t ask for a better team,” Marks said. “We all work together to help students reach their goals.”

Marks has always known she wanted to work with youth. As a new mom, she started a daycare in her home to care for her own children as well as others. She also volunteered at a local preschool.

After her children started school, she worked as a long-term substitute for several months before taking job as a classroom paraprofessional for a couple of years. She then worked for four years as a child-specific paraprofessional at Stearns Elementary before transferring to the resource room full time, where she worked for nearly 20 years before taking her current position.

“I loved working with students in the resource room,” Marks said. “The students made so much growth. It has been very rewarding working with my all of students over the years. I love seeing former students and hearing about how well they are doing.”

That was 30 years ago.

Today, Marks is in her third decade at Stearns and her fifth year as the school’s social skills learning facilitator, positively impacting students’ and families' lives by providing resources and support.

It’s a job she loves.

“When I get here, I’m ready to go,” she said. “I’m non-stop busy all day long. You have to be ready for whatever the day brings and accept it with a smile. Ensuring care love and safety is very important to our students.”

In addition to providing social-emotional support at school, Marks and her coworkers offer resources to parents. If a parent reaches out to her outside of school hours, she makes an effort to respond and help them with whatever resources they may need.

Marks also plays a pivotal role in organizing events that support not only students but their families as well. “She creates opportunities for families to come together, offering resources and guidance to help them navigate challenges,” Thompson said. “She also takes the initiative to set up food bags for families in need, ensuring they have access to basic necessities like meals and toiletries. This kind of support fosters a strong sense of community, where both students and their families feel cared for and valued.”

Jessica Lockrem-Plascencia, third-grade teacher, Chiloquin Elementary School

Jessica Lockrem-Plascencia didn’t plan on being a teacher. And she never expected to teach in Chiloquin, where she attended school from kindergarten through her high school graduation in 2007.

Today, in her eighth year teaching at Chiloquin Elementary, she a winner of Klamath County School District’s Crystal Apple Award, lauded for her dedication to student success and her ability to build a positive school and community culture.

‘Jessica is an extremely dedicated teacher who puts her all into helping her students learn and grow,” said Chiloquin teacher Beverly Biernot in nominating Jessica for the award. “She uses a variety of methods to appeal to all learning styles, and has built an inclusive, empathetic, and supportive classroom which ensures all students feel safe and included.”

Lockrem-Plascencia grew up on a ranch in Fort Klamath, interested in working with animals. After high school graduation, though, she decided to train to be a dental assistant and spent six years in the profession before discovering what would be her life's passion: teaching. She went on to earn bachelor’s degrees in elementary education and early childhood development from Southern Oregon University, working as a paraprofessional at Chiloquin Elementary during her final year at university. After graduating, she began her teaching career in Chiloquin, initially teaching half-day kindergarten as well as third and fourth grades. Today, she teaches third grade, a pivotal year for both academic and social growth.

“Third grade is a major transition,” Lockrem-Plascencia explained. “It’s when students shift from learning to read to reading to learn. It’s also the first year of state testing, the year they master math facts, and the year they begin writing essays. On top of academics, it’s a time when students learn about citizenship—how to be good citizens in their classroom and community.”

One of the biggest challenges she faces is the inherent diversity of a rural community, which requires adapting to the varied needs of her students.

Outside the classroom, Lockrem-Plascencia is deeply involved in the school community. She works closely with the school’s parent group, leads the Chiloquin Elementary Sunshine Club, and has coached junior high school volleyball.

Chiloquin Elementary Principal Rita Hepper said Lockrem-Plascencia shares and implements new ideas that improve the school experience for students. “Teaching at Chiloquin Elementary is not just a job, it’s her calling,” Hepper said. “She puts her students first in every decision she makes.”

Lockrem-Plascencia is also a proud mother of two — her youngest is in her third-grade class, and her oldest is an eighth-grader at Chiloquin Junior/Senior High School.

“I would never want to be anywhere else,” she said. “A big inspiration to me is my own family, but also the close-knit community. I’m passionate about giving my students and their families the best opportunities and experiences.”