Randi Stones communications teacher at Washburn Rural North Middle School, is our November Crystal Apple Award recipient!
For more than two decades, Randi has been shaping young minds in the Auburn-Washburn district—first as an English teacher, and now as a mentor for future writers, photographers, and storytellers. Her classroom is a space where creativity thrives and every student is encouraged to find their voice.
Randi’s colleague, Lindsay Dowell, nominated her for the award, calling her “the teacher every kid deserves.” Lindsay shared how Randi goes above and beyond to make sure her students have exactly what they need—whether that means creating a new advanced language arts class to challenge them, or spending extra hours after school helping her yearbook team meet their deadlines.
“She pours herself into her craft,” Lindsay wrote. “Randi believes in doing what’s best for kids, even when it means learning new curriculum or taking on more responsibilities. She’s one of the hardest-working teachers I’ve ever met.”
In her 21 years of teaching, Randi has embraced change and growth right alongside her students. When she transitioned from English to yearbook, she took on an entirely new style of writing and quickly found joy in watching her students turn stories, photos, and memories into something lasting.
Her yearbook and media students don’t just produce a publication, they learn real-world skills and document history. And thanks to Randi’s teaching, their work consistently earns top marks from the Kansas Scholastic Press Association.
“I love that every day is different,” Randi shared. “Everything’s always changing, and that’s what makes teaching so exciting.”
As our November Crystal Apple Award winner, Randi receives an engraved crystal apple and a one-night stay at Prairie Band Casino & Resort, along with dinner and free play.
Know an educator, coach, or school administrator who goes above and beyond for their students? Nominate them for the Crystal Apple Award here!!
