Charity Schmitt: Rooted in love and language

For Charity Schmitt, teaching isn’t just a profession -- it’s a daily expression of joy, curiosity and connection.

I get to be everything as a teacher,” she said. “I get to be a scientist, a mathematician. I get to share all the things I love, and kids get excited about them, too.”

That passion for students and learning has earned Schmitt, an English Language Development (ELD) teacher at Stearns Elementary School, recognition as a Crystal Apple Award winner.

The Crystal Apple Award honors outstanding staff and educators across the Klamath County School District who make a meaningful difference in students’ lives. Community members are invited to celebrate this year’s recipients at the Crystal Apple Gala at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21 at the Ross Ragland Theater.

For Schmitt, the recognition reflects something deeply personal -- a lifelong foundation built on love, community and a belief in the power of education.

“I have never had to doubt my worth, my place of belonging, or my importance,” she said. “That was always expressed to me by the people around me. That inspires me to pass that forward.”

Schmitt grew up in the small community of Bly, proudly calling herself a “Bly Bobcat.” She attended Gearhart Elementary from first through eighth grade, where her mother worked as a school secretary, and graduated from Bonanza Junior/Senior High School.

Her family lived for a time on the local ranger district, where her father worked for the Forest Service, and later in a small house next to Gearhart School, where the football field doubled as her backyard.

Even then, her path toward teaching wasn’t straightforward.

“I loved learning, but I wanted to do everything,” she said. “I was a huge science nerd.”

Schmitt began college at Oregon Institute of Technology in a vascular technology program, drawn to science and medicine. But she quickly realized her empathy would make that path difficult.

“I knew I wouldn’t be able to handle seeing people in pain every day,” she said.

After a brief scholarship-funded stint in Missouri -- cut short because she missed her young nieces -- she returned to Oregon and found her way to an Eastern Oregon University teaching program. With the support of her grandparents, who provided housing, she completed her degree in elementary education with a minor in geology.

Student teaching at Gearhart Elementary proved to be a turning point.

“It’s just joy and love,” she said of working with students. “I get to nerd out about everything I love, and I get to hear about what they love. That’s what my job is.”

Her career began with a long-term substitute position in Idaho, followed by a summer school teaching role and eventually a full-time classroom position in the Medford area. She spent a decade teaching in Jackson County before returning home to the Klamath Basin to raise her own children near extended family.

Now at Stearns Elementary, Schmitt helps multilingual learners build proficiency in reading, writing, listening and speaking.

“My job is to empower kids to communicate,” she said. “They have wonderful ideas, and people should hear them. I just help give them the words to share what they know.”

Her work often extends beyond language instruction. Schmitt also supports reading and writing interventions and intentionally blends groups so she can better understand how students use language in real-world settings with their peers.

She currently teaches multiple small groups each day, carefully balancing instruction while building meaningful relationships with her students—something she considers one of the greatest rewards of her role.

“You get to see where they started and where they end up,” she said. “That growth -- it’s incredible.”

Her joy and dedication are evident not only to students, but to colleagues and district leaders.

“For her students, it’s not just what she teaches -- it’s how she shows up: prepared, positive, and always putting their needs first,” said Stearns Elementary Principal Janell Preston. “She fills our school with a sense of belonging. Her impact reaches far beyond her classroom.”

Schmitt was nominated by KCSD federal programs manager Beth Clark and colleague Kayla Duddridge, who both highlighted her wide-reaching impact.

Clark described Schmitt as a highly skilled educator who builds strong, trusting relationships with students from all backgrounds, creating a safe and inclusive environment where students feel confident taking academic risks.

“Through intentional instruction, encouragement, and genuine care, Charity inspires students to believe in themselves and to see language learning as an opportunity rather than a barrier,” Clark wrote in her nomination.

Clark also emphasized Schmitt’s role beyond the classroom -- supporting colleagues with instructional strategies, connecting with families to build meaningful partnerships, and ensuring multilingual learners have consistent, equitable access to support throughout the year.

Duddridge echoed those sentiments, describing Schmitt as “one of the most caring human beings” and an invaluable asset to the school.

“She not only supports students academically but invests in them as people,” Duddridge said. “She creates long-lasting relationships and makes students excited to come to school every day.”

That care extends to the broader school environment as well. Schmitt has taken an active role in helping create a welcoming atmosphere at Stearns, including designing bulletin boards that fill hallways with uplifting messages and give students a sense of pride and belonging.

Receiving the Crystal Apple Award, Schmitt said, is both humbling and meaningful, and she is quick to deflect credit to those around her. “I’m not doing anything different than what so many others are doing every day,” she said. “This community is full of people who care deeply about students and each other.”

Donna Radford: ‘It’s not just a job, it’s a calling'

After more than five decades in education, Donna Radford still finds joy in the everyday moments -- helping a student sound out a word, watching creativity come to life in an art project, or simply sharing a laugh in the classroom.

In her 53rd year as an educator, Radford continues to bring energy, compassion and dedication to her students at Bonanza Elementary School and Bonanza Junior/Senior High School, where she teaches English Language Learners (ELL) and high school art. That commitment has earned her one of Klamath County School District’s highest honors: recognition as a Crystal Apple Award winner.

The Crystal Apple Award celebrates outstanding educators across the district who demonstrate excellence, innovation and a deep commitment to students. Radford will be honored at the annual Crystal Apple Gala at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21 at the Ross Ragland Theater, an event open to the community.

For Radford, the recognition is both meaningful and humbling. “Just look around -- there are so many worthy people,” she said. “It’s special to be recognized, but that’s not why you do the job.”

Radford’s path to education began in Klamath Falls, where she moved at age 5 and attended Sacred Heart School from first grade through high school graduation. Though she initially considered a career in nursing, hands-on experience in a hospital setting led her to realize her passion lay elsewhere.

“I still wanted to work with people and be in a helping profession,” she said. “So I chose teaching, and I never looked back.”

She completed her degree in three years by taking summer courses and began teaching at age 22. Over the course of her career, she has taught every grade level from kindergarten through high school, coached multiple sports, and taken on a wide range of roles to meet the needs of her schools.

“I always tried to challenge myself by not staying in one place,” Radford said. “Every time you change grade levels or roles, you have to learn something new.”

Today, Radford splits her day between Bonanza’s elementary and secondary schools. In the mornings, she works with small groups of kindergarten through sixth-grade students, helping them build foundational English skills in reading, writing, spelling and listening. In the afternoons, she supports high school ELL students and teaches art. Her schedule is full, often serving seven ELL groups in addition to her art class. But she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s the best of both worlds,” she said. “I get to see the little kids and the big kids.”

Working with students who are learning English presents unique challenges, especially when language barriers exist. Radford relies on creativity -- using gestures, visuals and modeling -- to help students understand and succeed. “Most of the kids have a foundation -- they just need a little more support,” she said. “And they work hard. They really want to do well.”

Radford was nominated for the Crystal Apple by the entire Bonanza staff. Bonanza Elementary Principal Jessica DeLonge and Bonanza Jr/Sr High Principal Jordan Osborn wrote the nomination, noting that she is “a tireless champion for students from at-risk backgrounds, ensuring they feel supported, capable, and successful both academically and personally.” They added, “Donna’s generosity is extraordinary. She regularly gives her own time and personal funds -- such as purchasing flowers for graduation -- to ensure students feel celebrated and valued. Her lifelong dedication to students and unwavering commitment to equity and excellence make her a truly deserving recipient of the Crystal Apple Award.”

That commitment extends well beyond the classroom. Radford organizes ELL Family Nights, supports extracurricular sports and activities, and builds strong connections with families, creating welcoming spaces where students and parents feel informed, empowered, and connected to the school.

“Donna takes the time to know her students individually, often case-managing them to remove obstacles and create pathways for achievement,” DeLonge and Osborn wrote. “She collaborates with teachers, counselors, and administrators to ensure students can fully participate in academics, extracurricular activities, and school events.”

The desire to make a difference has guided Radford’s career -- even after officially retiring at one point, she found herself drawn back to the classroom. She continued working in various roles in schools in the county and city, eventually earning her ELL endorsement and returning to Bonanza full-time.

Outside of school, Radford stays active. She and her husband ran Radford’s Altamont Nursery for 15 years, and she continues to serve as a 4-H horse leader, mentoring youth beyond the classroom. She also enjoys gardening, fishing and camping.

Despite her long career, Radford says she isn’t ready to step away just yet. “I still feel good, and I still enjoy it,” she said. “It’s not just a job -- it’s a calling. It’s my life.”

And for the countless students she has impacted over more than half a century, it’s a calling that has made all the difference. As her principals put it, “Through her dedication, advocacy, and genuine kindness, Donna inspires students to believe in themselves, persevere through challenges, and achieve success.”

Genea Campbell: ‘Her impact will be felt for generations’

Genea Campbell has seen a lot change in education over the years -- from chalkboards to smart boards -- but one thing has stayed the same: her commitment to making learning meaningful and joyful for her students

Campbell, a first-grade teacher at Ferguson Elementary School, is among this year’s Crystal Apple recipients, honored for excellence in education and dedication to students in the Klamath County School District. The community is invited to the Crystal Apple Gala at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, at the Ross Ragland Theater.

Ferguson Principal Heidi Friend said Campbell’s recognition reflects a career spent putting students first, day in and day out. “Genea’s legacy is not only in the lessons she taught, but in the countless lives she influenced with care, consistency, and high expectations,” Friend said.

For Campbell, the recognition is humbling -- almost puzzling. “I feel like I should be giving the district an award,” she said. “I’ve had such a good experience. I couldn’t have been happier.”

A third-generation graduate of local schools, Campbell grew up in the Klamath Basin surrounded by education. Her grandparents and mother all attended the same school she would later graduate from, grounding her in a deep sense of community from an early age. It was her elementary teachers, though, who set her path. “They made learning fun,” she said. “I just knew I wanted to do that.”

That calling led her to Southern Oregon University, where she worked her way through college in the campus kitchen and built the foundation for her teaching career. Later, she continued her education through Walden University, expanding her skills while already in the profession.

Like many young educators, Campbell initially sought adventure beyond her hometown. A move to Seattle was cut short when a teachers’ strike limited opportunities, sending her on an unexpected journey to Guam. There, she taught first grade at Yigo Elementary.

After Guam, Campbell returned to Klamath Falls, where her career truly took root. She taught in Bonanza, then spent 18 years at Peterson Elementary before coming full circle to Ferguson, her childhood school, where she has now taught for a decade. Along the way, moments of connection reminded her just how deeply her life is intertwined with education. At Peterson, she once discovered her grandfather’s name on a school plaque -- he had served on the school board. Later, she found her father’s diploma, signed by that same grandfather before the two were later related by marriage. “It was just one of those kismet things,” she said.

For Campbell, the heart of teaching has always been in the everyday moments with students. “I didn’t have kids of my own,” she said. “So my students are like my family.” She smiles recalling the small, unforgettable interactions: notes scribbled on the backs of assignments, declarations of love for pets and parents -- and one student who, sensing her frustration, gently asked if she needed a hug. “That’s what keeps you going,” she said.

As a first-grade teacher, she sees remarkable growth each year. Students arrive often still learning how to hold a pencil. By the end of the year, they’re confident, independent learners. 

“Our goal is to give them confidence in reading, writing, and math,” she said. “To give them every opportunity for success.”

Jaimee Hoff, who nominated Campbell for the award, emphasized her ability to inspire and support students: “She has been an amazing teacher to our children over the years. She inspires personal growth and creativity amongst young scholars, makes learning fun, and serves as a great role model, providing comfort and support for our children.”

As she prepares for retirement, Campbell reflects not just on the changes in education, but on the life the profession has given her -- one filled with stability, opportunity, and purpose. “It’s allowed me to travel, to get a higher education, to help my family,” she said. “I’m just so grateful.”

That gratitude, paired with decades of dedication, is exactly what the Crystal Apple Award seeks to recognize. And while Campbell may feel the honor belongs elsewhere, those who know her work see it differently.

“She embodies what it means to be an exceptional educator -- dedicated, reflective, and deeply committed to student success,” Friend said. “Her impact will be felt for generations.”

Jettie Charter: Behind the routes and radios

Long before the first school bus pulls up to a stop and well after the last student arrives home, Jettie Charter is already at work -- solving problems most people never see.

Her day starts early. At 4 a.m., she’s often fielding calls from bus drivers reporting illness, mechanical issues or route concerns. By 5:30 a.m., she’s at the Klamath County School District Transportation Office – or Bus Barn -- often beginning with a quick walk before work officially starts.

From there, the day unfolds like a constantly shifting puzzle.

Charter, the district’s transportation secretary, is one of this year’s Crystal Apple Award recipients, recognized for her critical behind-the-scenes role in keeping the district running smoothly. While many recipients are classroom teachers, Charter is among the honorees who represent a different -- but equally essential -- side of education.

The Crystal Apple Award honors staff members who demonstrate exceptional dedication and service to students and schools across the Klamath County School District. Charter will be recognized at the annual Crystal Apple Gala at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21 at the Ross Ragland Theater, an event open to the community.

“I was completely shocked,” Charter said. “It’s humbling to think someone feels I make a difference.”

That difference is felt across the entire district -- often before most people have had their first cup of coffee.

As the hub of transportation operations, Charter serves as dispatcher, coordinator and problem-solver for a system that includes about 90 employees, from drivers to mechanics. She manages the radio system, communicates with buses on routes, fields calls from school staff and parents, and ensures every student gets where they need to be safely.

“I carry a phone 24/7,” she said. “Drivers call out, buses have issues, things come up -- and we figure it out.”

On any given morning, Charter is tracking attendance for drivers, arranging substitutes, and reworking routes to cover gaps. If multiple drivers are absent or trips are scheduled, she may need to combine routes or shift schedules on the fly.

“Every day is like solving a puzzle,” she said.

Beyond daily routes, Charter also coordinates the district’s extensive activity transportation system. Last year alone, the department handled more than 1,500 trips, ranging from athletic events to academic competitions. She organizes those trips, assigns drivers, tracks hours, and processes the paperwork needed to ensure employees are paid correctly.

Her role also includes managing timecards, reimbursements, sick leave tracking and even arranging rental vehicles for staff travel, details that, while largely invisible to the public, are essential to keeping the system running.

When unexpected issues arise -- students missing buses, boarding the wrong route, or needing assistance mid-ride -- Charter is often the one ensuring a safe resolution while continuing to manage her regular workload.

Her commitment extends even further when staffing shortages arise. At times, she has stepped in to serve as a bus aide, helping transport students and ensuring they have a safe and supportive ride to and from school.

Charter’s ability to manage that responsibility under constant pressure is what stands out to her colleagues. Transportation supervisor Melinda Downing described her as deeply committed to both her work and her team.

“Jettie is passionate about all of the employees she works with and for,” Downing said. “Whether it is work related or personal, she cares deeply for all of them and their well-being. She is always willing to drop what she is doing -- even on evenings and weekends -- to answer drivers’ questions or problems.”

That steady presence is critical in a role defined by constant interruptions and shifting priorities.

In his nomination, colleague William Morris highlighted Charter’s ability to juggle competing demands while maintaining a calm and positive demeanor.

“She works in an environment of constant interruptions, changing tasks and priorities while communicating with people in the office, on the phone, and on the radio,” Morris wrote. “She accomplishes this while maintaining a calm, patient, and friendly attitude.”

Charter’s path to this role has been anything but linear. Originally from Klamath Falls, she spent years in Idaho, Wyoming and Oklahoma before returning to the Basin in 1994 as a single parent raising four children.

Her career has spanned multiple roles in education and childcare -- from substitute bus driver and special education para to daycare director and district office staff. She joined the transportation department in 2021, stepping into a position that required learning an entirely new system.

“It’s more complex than what I did before,” she said. “But I like learning new things and staying busy.”

Through it all, Charter credits her sense of purpose and teamwork for keeping her grounded.

That teamwork is especially critical on difficult days, when substitute drivers are scarce or unexpected challenges arise. In those moments, creativity and collaboration are key.

“You just figure it out,” she said. “That’s what we do.”

While her work may not take place in a classroom, its impact reaches every school, every day. Without transportation, students can’t access the opportunities waiting for them.

Her recognition as a Crystal Apple Award recipient highlights the vital role she plays in supporting education across the district. After all, before the first bell rings, she’s already helped make the day possible.

Kjerstin Spark-Stahl: Bringing history to life

When students walk into Kjerstin Spark-Stahl’s classroom at Lost River Junior/Senior High School, they aren’t just learning history -- they’re stepping into it. Whether it’s examining the human connections behind the Irish potato famine or exploring voices often left out of traditional textbooks, Spark-Stahl is driven by a simple goal: make history meaningful.

That goal has earned her recognition as a Klamath County School District Crystal Apple Award winner. The award honors outstanding educators and staff across the district, and community members are invited to celebrate this year’s recipients at the Crystal Apple Gala at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, at the Ross Ragland Theater.

“Kjerstin has genuine enthusiasm for her subject, but more importantly for her students,” said Jana Dunlea, principal at Lost River Junior/Senior High School and Spark-Stahl’s nominator. “She is able to connect with all types of students and all students enjoy her class. Everyone feels welcomed and cared for in her classroom.”

 “This year she took on the role of being our robotics club advisor so our students wouldn’t lose the chance to do it,” she added. “She’s our students’ biggest fan.”

For Spark-Stahl, the path to teaching started long before she ever led a classroom of her own. She grew up in Albany, Ore., graduating from West Albany High School. With multiple family members in education, teaching felt like a natural option, but it was her early experiences that made it stick.

Helping with her mother’s art instruction and participating in 4-H, Spark-Stahl learned how to teach by doing -- guiding younger students, leading demonstrations, and sharing skills. At the same time, she developed a love for history, inspired in part by a high school teacher, Mr. Hartman, who challenged her to think more deeply about the subject.

“He recommended I read “Lies My Teacher Told Me,” she said. “That really shaped how I think about teaching history -- focusing on stories, not just memorization.”

She followed that passion through college and into the classroom, landing her first job at Brixner Junior High School during the housing crash. The early years were uncertain -- her position was cut, reinstated, then cut again -- but that path ultimately led her to Lost River, where she has now taught for more than a decade.

Today, Spark-Stahl teaches social studies to eighth-, 11th-, and 12th-grade students. She also serves as a district Social Studies Professional Learning Community lead and coaches the school’s after-school robotics club.

Her classroom, however, is where her passion is most visible.

“What keeps me going is creativity,” she said. “The thrill of figuring out how to teach something the best possible way -- and knowing that ‘best way’ changes with every group of students -- is exciting. It’s a never-ending process, so you’re never bored.”

That mindset shapes every lesson she builds. Rather than relying on worksheets or lectures, she looks for ways to bring history to life -- often through storytelling, primary sources, and projects that ask students to see events through a human lens.

It’s also what helps her navigate one of the biggest challenges of teaching social studies.

“When I tell people I’m a history teacher, I usually get one of two reactions,” she said. “Either ‘I hated history because of a teacher,’ or ‘I loved it because of a teacher.’ My goal is to be that teacher who makes students love it -- or at least not hate it.”

Among her professional accomplishments, one stands out as especially meaningful: receiving the prestigious James Madison Fellowship in 2016. As Oregon’s sole recipient that year, Spark-Stahl earned a master’s degree in American History and Government through Ashland University and studied the Constitution at a summer institute in Georgetown. The experience deepened her content knowledge and connected her with fellow educators across the country -- relationships she still values today.

Spark-Stahl remains grounded in what matters most: her students and the work happening in her classroom every day. Receiving the Crystal Apple Award, she said, is both humbling and affirming.

“Everyone wants to hear they’re doing a good job,” she said. “This tells me that my principal and this district really appreciate what I do.”

Marlena McPherson: From field science to the classroom

For Marlena McPherson, science has never been confined to a textbook. It lives in pond water teeming with microscopic organisms, in hands-on lab experiments, and in the real-world experiences she brings into her classroom every day.

“Marlena creates a learning environment where curiosity is valued and deeper understanding is the goal,” said Helena De Jong, vice principal at Henley High School. “She strives to get her students to truly think, not just regurgitate facts.”

That passion for making science tangible has earned McPherson, a science teacher at Henley, recognition as a Crystal Apple Award winner.

The Crystal Apple Award honors outstanding educators and staff across the Klamath County School District, celebrating those who make a lasting impact on students. Community members are invited to recognize this year’s recipients at the Crystal Apple Gala at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21 at the Ross Ragland Theater.

McPherson’s path to the classroom began with curiosity -- and a willingness to explore.

Originally from Klamath Falls, she attended Shasta Elementary School before moving away as part of a military family. She graduated from Mosley High School in Panama City, Fla., then earned a scholarship to the University of Florida, where she studied wildlife ecology and minored in education.

“I always thought I’d eventually teach,” she said. “But I wanted to be a scientist first.”

That decision led her into the field. After college, McPherson returned to Oregon, drawn back by the mountains, and worked on research projects studying amphibians and fish through Oregon State University Extension Service and the U.S. Geological Survey. She also served in AmeriCorps in the Mojave Desert, studying lizard populations.

Those experiences now shape how she teaches. “I want students to see what science actually looks like in the real world,” she said.

McPherson later earned her master of arts in teaching from Southern Oregon University, subbing and coaching volleyball in the Klamath County School District along the way. She began her teaching career at Brixner Junior High before moving to Henley High School, where she has taught for the past three years.

Today, she teaches biology and physical science, guiding students through everything from foundational concepts to complex scientific thinking. Her classroom is anything but passive. Early in the year, students build mini ecosystems using pond water sourced from her family’s farm. They track changes over time, analyze data, and observe life at the microscopic level -- an experience that can be equal parts fascinating and, occasionally, a little smelly. “It’s hands-on, it’s real, and it sticks with them,” she said.

That approach reflects her core goal as an educator: helping students leave her classroom with lasting skills, not just memorized facts.

“I want them to be scientifically literate,” McPherson said. “To be able to tell the difference between real science and pseudoscience, and to understand their own biology well enough to make informed decisions.” It’s a mission she takes seriously, especially in a world where information -- and misinformation -- is everywhere.

One of the biggest challenges, she said, is helping students think independently in an increasingly digital world. “I worry about over-reliance on technology,” she said. “I want students to engage, to question, to actually do the thinking.” That belief shapes her teaching style, which emphasizes inquiry, problem-solving and hands-on exploration.

But for McPherson, the most rewarding part of the job isn’t the curriculum -- it’s the students. “I love hearing how they think,” she said. “Their questions, their perspectives—it keeps things exciting.”

Jesse Hamilton, principal at Henley High, called McPherson the kind of teacher who transforms a school community.

“She consistently thinks outside the box, finding creative and meaningful ways to reach every student, no matter their learning style or challenges,” he said. “Her dedication goes far beyond the classroom -- she is deeply invested in the success of both her students and the entire school.”

Outside the classroom, McPherson leads a full life rooted in family and community. She and her husband, with their two young sons, run a farm outside of Klamath Falls, growing hay and alfalfa and raising cattle. She also has a background in volleyball and community theater, having performed in productions at the Ross Ragland Theater and Linkville.

Receiving the Crystal Apple Award came as a complete surprise, and the recognition, she said, is both humbling and meaningful. “There are so many incredible teachers,” she said. “But it means a lot to know that what I’m doing matters.”

Paul Idrogo: ‘He makes each student feel seen and heard'

 Before the first students arrive each morning at Merrill Elementary School, Paul Idrogo is already at work -- unlocking doors, checking hallways, and making sure everything is ready for the day ahead. It’s work that often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt in every classroom.

That dedication has earned Idrogo, head custodian at Merrill Elementary, recognition as a Crystal Apple Award winner. The award honors outstanding staff and educators across the Klamath County School District who make a meaningful difference in the lives of students. Community members are invited to celebrate this year’s recipients at the Crystal Apple Gala at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, at the Ross Ragland Theater.

For Idrogo, the road to Merrill Elementary was anything but typical. Born in Klamath Falls and raised in the Tulelake-Newell area, he graduated from Tulelake High School before briefly attending college. Just a few classes short of completing his associate degree, he made a practical decision that would shape the next chapter of his life -- accepting a job in agriculture. For 14 years, he worked at Boyd Farms, doing everything from raising potatoes to harvesting grain.

“It was hard work,” he said. “But it taught me a lot.”

When his children got older, Idrogo transitioned to a job at Columbia Plywood, where he worked until a large-scale layoff in 2009 forced another career shift. That turning point led him somewhere unexpected.

“I went back to school and became a licensed hairdresser,” he said. For five years, he worked at a local salon, building relationships with clients and developing a completely different skill set. “It’s something I had always wanted to try. I’m glad I did it.”

Still, his path wasn’t finished evolving. In 2017, Idrogo applied for a custodial position with the school district, starting at Henley Elementary before transferring to Peterson Elementary. Eventually, a head custodian position opened at Merrill Elementary, offering a daytime schedule that allowed him to be more present for his family. He has been at Merrill now for more than four years.

Idrogo’s responsibilities touch nearly every part of the school day. He opens the building each morning, cleans and maintains classrooms and common areas, manages supplies, and handles maintenance tasks both inside and out. During the summer months, he also maintains the school grounds -- mowing, trimming, and keeping the campus looking its best.

But for Idrogo, the job is about more than tasks -- it’s about people. “I take pride in what I do,” he said. “If the building is clean, it creates a safe environment for the students and staff.”

That sense of responsibility is personal. With seven grandchildren, Idrogo views his work through the lens of family. “I look at them and think about my own grandkids,” he said. “I know how important it is.”

Working a daytime shift allows him to interact regularly with students, who know him simply as “Mr. Paul.” Those connections are meaningful in a school community with many Spanish-speaking families. Idrogo, who is bilingual, is able to communicate directly with students who are still learning English -- helping them feel comfortable, understood, and included.

“He greets all students with a smile and is constantly interacting with them,” said Darcy Ongman, a first-grade teacher at Merrill who nominated Idrogo for the award. “It’s a bonus that Mr. Paul can relate and speak to our Spanish-speaking students, as well as being one of our few male staff members. He engages with each student walking through the breakfast and lunch lines and shows interest in all areas of their life -- from academics to extracurriculars.”

Ongman also highlighted how Idrogo encourages students with small gestures, like handing out lifesaver mints when he sees students doing something good. “They are delighted to come back to class with a mint from Mr. Paul. He makes each student feel seen and heard on a daily basis.”

Colleagues and administrators echo that praise.

“What sets Mr. Paul apart is not only his strong work ethic, but the genuine relationships he builds with our students each day,” said Margaret McCadden, principal at Merrill Elementary. “His pride, consistency, and heart for our school community make him truly deserving of this recognition.”

Outside of work, Idrogo continues that discipline through a lifelong commitment to weightlifting -- a hobby he has maintained for more than 40 years. Most days after work, he heads to the gym before spending time with his family, often fishing, camping, or simply enjoying the outdoors with his grandchildren.

Receiving the Crystal Apple Award came as a surprise. “To be nominated -- and to win -- it means a lot. It shows that my work is valued, and that people appreciate what I do,” he said.

And while his career has taken him from farm fields to factory floors, from a salon chair to school hallways, one thing has remained constant: a commitment to hard work, service, and the students who start and end their days at Merrill Elementary.

Scot Fritz: Building pathways to independence

After decades spent in farming, retail and even real estate, Scot Fritz found his calling in an unexpected place: a classroom focused on life beyond school.

Now a key part of the Klamath County School District’s Transition Program, Fritz works with students ages 18 to 21 on individual education plans, helping them build the skills they need to live as independently as possible. His impact has earned him recognition as a Crystal Apple Award winner -- one of the district’s highest honors.

The Crystal Apple celebrates educators who demonstrate excellence, innovation and a deep commitment to students. The award winners will be honored at the annual Crystal Apple Gala at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21 at the Ross Ragland Theater, an event open to the community.

For Fritz, the recognition came as a complete surprise. “I was shocked -- and a little embarrassed,” he said. “This award belongs to the whole team.”

His team-centered and student-centered mindset is part of what makes Fritz so impactful, according to KCSD Special Programs Principal Randy Denson, who nominated him for the award.

“Scot is a dedicated and caring educator who is always thinking of new ways to improve students’ lives and provide meaningful learning experiences that prepare them for adulthood and success in the community,” Denson said.

That mission is at the heart of the Transition Program. The program serves young adults ages 18 to 21 on individualized education plans, supporting students with a range of physical and cognitive disabilities as they prepare for life after high school. Through a three-year program focused on independence, students build essential life and job skills while participating in post-secondary and community-based experiences.

Hands-on opportunities like the Jo2Go mobile coffee cart and Clean Sweep janitorial service provide real-world training. At the Transition House, Fritz and other team members help students cook meals, do laundry, and learn other basic skills. Students also do the shopping needed for the Jo2Go business and workout at the local YMCA.

After graduating from Butte Valley High School, he attended college in California with plans to become a special education teacher. While volunteering with county mental health programs, he discovered a passion for working with individuals with disabilities.

But life took a different direction. He returned home, married, and spent time working on his family’s 1,200-acre ranch raising cattle and growing crops. When farming declined, he transitioned into a long career in retail in Klamath Falls, working closely with customers and mentoring young employees along the way.