Joliet Central High School Art Teacher 1 Of Only 5 National Crystal Apple Award Winners

(The following press release is from Kristine Schlismann of District 204.)

JOLIET, IL —Joliet Central High School Art Teacher Nyssa Grzyb has been named one of five winners of School Specialty’s 12th annual Crystal Apple Awards, a national recognition honoring educators who demonstrate exceptional leadership, creativity and passion in their schools. A School Specialty representative surprised Grzyb with the award during a special presentation at Joliet Central High School on April 28.

Grzyb was selected from a field of 16 finalists chosen by School Specialty from hundreds of nominations submitted by students, parents, administrators, teachers and community members. The five grand prize winners were then selected through a national public vote.

Joliet Central High School student Maddie Gloodt nominated Grzyb for the award. “Mrs. Grzyb is the MOST deserving of the Crystal Apple Award! She makes a difference in students' lives and goes above and beyond to make sure we succeed,” said Gloodt. “One of the most significant ways she has impacted me is pushing me and empowering me to take AP Art my senior year. I have never been great at art, until she helped me find my passion for pottery. I wouldn’t have found my passion without her, and I am forever grateful.”

Grzyb is one of five educators recognized this year, joining winners from Arizona, Florida, Illinois and California. Each winner receives a personalized trophy, a $500 School Specialty merchandise certificate for their classroom and a $250 certificate for school-wide resources.

“I absolutely love teaching art, and I love my students even more,” said Grzyb. “One of my greatest joys is showing them that their creativity has the power to impact the lives of others. To me, education extends far beyond the art room; it’s about building confidence, compassion and a sense of purpose.”

Grzyb shared that becoming an art teacher has been a lifelong dream and remains at the heart of her work with students.

“I have dreamed of becoming an art teacher since I was in second grade, and today I am truly living that dream,” she said. “My mission is to empower my students to find and use their artistic voice to create masterpieces, make a difference in their community and support one another along the way. I strive every day to help them believe in themselves, reminding them that they are capable of anything.”

The Crystal Apple Awards are designed to celebrate teachers who go above and beyond to create inspiring and supportive learning environments. The program shines a spotlight on educators whose commitment makes a lasting difference in the lives of students.