Latest news with #CrystalAppleAward
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The Crystal Apple: Stephanie Byrdic-Daniels
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — Education is the cornerstone of a society, and as populations and technology become more advanced, teachers often lead the way. Each month, WBTW and Ultimate California Pizza will recognize an educator for making a difference in their classroom and community. This month's winner is Stephanie Brydic-Daniels. Stephanie is a Grand Strand native. She grew up in Andrews, South Carolina, and graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in psychology. A background in therapeutic counseling gave her the skills necessary to help teens in crisis as a school counselor. 'We are the calm within their storm, and we are trained to be calm when they are not,' she said of her role. As the lead counselor at Myrtle Beach High School, Stephanie sees firsthand the triumphs and troubles of teenage students. She knows problems at home can follow kids into the classroom, and says teachers are often the first ones to spot the warning signs. One of the biggest problems she encounters is cyberbullying, coupled with unrealistic expectations that kids often see online. 'The things that students see, the perception they have of other people is not reality,' she said. 'We know that it plays on their mental health, and students don't really see how it's impacting them on a daily basis.' The veteran counselor has noticed that new rules banning cell phones in class have inspired students to replace social media with social engagement. 'We are seeing more interactions, we're seeing them check out books,' Stephanie said. 'We're seeing them talk to each other more, which I think is improving their mental health because they're making more connections.' Stephanie said her ultimate goal is to prepare teenagers for the realities of adulthood so they can become contributing members of society. 'We want them to have a positive impact on this world,' she said. 'We see how special each one of them is, and we want the world to see that, too.' Those are just some of the reasons that Stephanie Byrdic-Daniels is this month's winner of the Crystal Apple Award. If you would like to recognize a teacher, coach, instructor, or administrator for a Crystal Apple Award, email Aking@ Tell us why you chose them, and please attach a photo. They winner will be featured on News13 and receive a $100 gift card to Ultimate California Pizza. * * * Morning anchor Alexis King is a South Carolina native with 20-plus years of experience in the news industry. She began her on-air career doing the ski report in Aspen, Colorado, and has been a producer, reporter, and anchor in television markets across the country. Most recently, she worked at our sister station in Savannah, Georgia. You can read more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Celebrating Teachers: Final Week to Nominate Outstanding Educators for Crystal Apple Awards
School Specialty aims to recognize teachers who lead with passion and inspire others with its 11th annual award program GREENVILLE, Wis., March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- School Specialty, a leading provider of learning environments, instructional solutions, and supplies for education from birth to grade 12, is proud to celebrate outstanding educators with its 11th annual Crystal Apple Awards. If you know an educator who embodies inspiration, leadership, and passion, act fast—nominations for the award program close in one week on Monday, March 10. Each year, students, parents, administrators, and fellow teachers nominate teachers who, like last year's inspiring finalists and winners, go above and beyond to touch the lives of students every day. This year, School Specialty is expanding its award program to 16 finalists from the nominees and five winners who are then selected by public vote. Crystal Apple Finalists receive a $100 School Specialty merchandise certificate for themselves and an additional $100 certificate for their school. This year's winners will each receive a personalized trophy and a $500 gift certificate from School Specialty for themselves, as well as a $250 School Specialty gift certificate for their school. "School Specialty is privileged to support the incredible educators who work tirelessly for their students," said Dr. Sue Ann Highland, National Education Strategist at School Specialty. "We understand that while teachers are dedicated to shaping young minds, they often struggle to access the resources they need. The Crystal Apple Award is our way of honoring their hard work and providing them with the tools to bring their classroom aspirations to life." Anyone can nominate their favorite educator until March 10, 2025, at Public voting on nominees will be open from April 7 to 13, 2025, and the winners will be announced on April 22. About School Specialty, LLCWith a 60-year legacy, School Specialty is a leading provider of comprehensive learning environment solutions for the pre-K–12 education marketplace in the U.S. and Canada. This includes essential classroom supplies, furniture and design services, educational technology, sensory spaces featuring Snoezelen®, science curriculum, learning resources, professional development, and more. School Specialty believes every student can flourish in an environment where they are engaged and inspired to learn and grow. In support of this vision to transform more than classrooms, the company applies its unmatched team of subject-matter experts and designs, manufactures, and distributes a broad assortment of name-brand and proprietary products. For more information, go to Media ContactStephanie Grauschoolspecialty@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE School Specialty
