Debbie Cassidy, Chief Joseph Middle School language arts teacher, and Cathy Kuwamoto, Lewis & Clark Elementary School counselor, have been named recipients of the 2008 Tri-Cities Crystal Apple Award. The awards were presented at the tenth annual Crystal Apple Awards banquet March 13 at Columbia Basin College. Fluor Hanford coordinates the program to honor exceptional educators and innovative instruction in the Tri-Cities area.

Cassidy came to the Richland School District in 1977. She has been a P.E. specialist and taught language arts and leadership.

 It is our design to recognize Debbie Cassidy with this award because of the exemplary way that she has distinguished herself in our school and the district," said Principal Jon Lobdell. "There are many excellent teachers at Chief Joseph Middle School, but choosing one from among them was made easier because of Debbie's experience, passion and dedication to students. In reviewing the work that Debbie has done, both in and out of the classroom, we saw that she truly is one of the exceptional few who have made teaching into a calling, not a career."

Kuwamoto came to the Richland School District in 1987. She served as the counselor at the Richland Alternative School before taking the position at Lewis & Clark in 1993.

Carl Taylor, Community Services Representative for the local McDonald's franchise, has worked with Kuwamoto for 12 years. He stated: "Cathy is a dedicated school counselor, one who not only does her job well but goes above and beyond continuously in an effort to teach children and enrich their lives. We have worked together on various school activities and fund-raising events and I have been able to observe first hand her tireless dedication to not only the students in her school but also to students in the Richland middle and high schools."

Cassidy and Kuwamoto received a crystal statuette, $1,000 cash and other gifts donated by local businesses, organizations, and service clubs.