Four Teachers Honored at Crystal Apple Ceremony

CARLSBAD – Four coastal North County high school teachers were honored on Wednesday, March 20 at the 23rd Annual Crystal Apple Awards ceremony. Seminary students of the Carlsbad California Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) hosted the event.

The honorees were Jennifer Cerda, English teacher at El Camino High School; Kimberly Jenney, social sciences teacher at Oceanside High School; Jillian Porter Eshelman, theatre teacher at Sage Creek High School; and Kelly Large, American Sign Language (ASL) teacher at Carlsbad High School.

The 2019 Crystal Apple theme was based on a scriptural verse from Doctrine and Covenants 64:33, “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.” The program was executed entirely by student speakers and presenters. Each teacher was introduced and recognized by the student who nominated her. The honorees received a framed certificate and an apple made of crystal with their name engraved on the award.

Student speaker Kirsten Steele, a senior at Carlsbad High School, presented the theme and expressed gratitude for teachers who “inspire us and believe in us.” She remarked that the best teachers remind her of Jesus Christ.

Local seminary students chose the award recipients for their excellence in teaching and encouragement of moral values. LDS Seminary students are high-school teenagers who attend early-morning religion class before going to school every day, at Sage Creek High School or at one of the three chapels in Oceanside and Carlsbad. There are more than 100 students enrolled in the Carlsbad Seminary program. Worldwide there are 400,000 seminary students in more than 170 countries.

Jack Shirley, President of the Carlsbad Stake, cited several examples of the profound effects his teachers had on him growing up in the Oceanside Unified School District (OUSD). They instilled a love of learning, respect for others, ability to write expressively and think critically, compete athletically, and feel comfortable in front of an audience. In his closing remarks, Shirley noted that his experience can be multiplied by the thousands, as our teachers give so much of themselves to so many students.

Event attendees included Carlsbad Mayor Matt Hall, Oceanside Deputy Mayor Jack Feller, and members of Carlsbad and Oceanside city councils, school boards, high school administrations, the awardees, and their family members. Seminary students, teachers, and local ecclesiastical leaders were also present.

Jennifer Cerda - El Camino High School

“I understand,” Ms. Cerda explained to her students on the first day of school. These impactful words stuck with student presenter Bella Elmer, as she introduced her teacher at the award ceremony. Ms. Cerda empowered her students to feel like they could take on a rigorous workload and even extend their capabilities beyond that load. Ms. Cerda said that everything she does is with her students personal worth in mind, and expressed her gratitude for receiving the Crystal Apple award. Ms. Cerda has taught in OUSD for 14 years, including all all levels of English classes, and currently serves as the El Camino High School English Department Chair.

Kimberly Jenney - Oceanside High School

Ms. Jenney has taught social sciences for four years at Oceanside High School. She expressed that at times a teacher can get caught in the shuffle, but when she needs to “find true north, [she] turns to her students. They are inspiring.” Aaron Valdez presented his teacher, and noted that she has helped him and many other students reach a higher potential. Ms. Jenney shared her appreciation for her students, and the opportunity to teach.

Jillian Porter Eshelman - Sage Creek High School

Ms. Porter Eshelman seeks to establish two things in her classroom: individual self confidence, and a sense of community. As the head of the theatre program, Ms. Porter Eshelman explained that she wants her students to feel that the educational environment can be like a second home. Student presenter Emma Belnap enthusiastically agreed and appreciated the way her teacher “puts her own creative spin on everything.” Ms. Porter Eshelman graciously thanked her students, family, and school administrator for helping and supporting her as a teacher.

Kelly Large - Carlsbad High School

High school student Nicolette Rough described Ms. Large’s ASL classroom as a welcoming environment, a sense of community, and a place for increased self-confidence. Nicolette she felt her teacher’s devotion to and passion for the American Sign Language program, and that same love strongly influenced her as a student and increased her ability in other classes. Ms. Large emphasized that she seeks to help students look at others and see beyond the surface impressions, and value each individual. She has taught for 20 years in deaf and general education in Carlsbad.