Fall River Public Schools recognizes 6 employees nominated by colleagues with Crystal Apple Award

Every year, Fall River Public Schools invites staff to nominate a colleague who truly defines outstanding—someone who is always ready to help, quick to jump in, and who shows up every day with positivity, dedication, and commitment.

This year, FRPS are proud to recognize six employees who go above and beyond and were nominated by their coworkers to receive the Crystal Apple Award.

Jason Mello: KUSS SECURITY 

“This staff member is the steady, trusted presence who helps keep Kuss Middle School safe, supported, and connected. He goes far beyond the responsibilities of his role, showing up early, monitoring the building with care, and ensuring that every safety protocol is followed with precision. His calm demeanor, sound judgment, and ability to de-escalate difficult situations make him a first responder students and staff rely on. What truly sets him apart is the way he builds relationships. He treats students with patience, fairness, and empathy, becoming a trusted adult they seek out for support. His background in youth mental health strengthens his work, allowing him to balance the seriousness of school security with the compassion and fun that middle schoolers need. Whether he’s supervising transitions, supporting a student in distress, training new security officers, or cheering kids on at performances, he shows up fully for the Kuss community. His professionalism, reliability, and positive attitude set the tone for the building. He is a thought partner to staff, a champion for students, and an indispensable part of daily life at Kuss. The school is safer, stronger, and more connected because of him.”

Sheila St. Michel: CLERK, MORTON MIDDLE SCHOOL 

“This staff member is the steady force that keeps Morton Middle School running. She is knowledgeable, attentive, and always ready to step in no matter the task, no matter the urgency. Staff rely on her because she solves problems with calm efficiency, supports every corner of the building, and ensures that students and adults alike have what they need to thrive.” 

“Her multitasking is unmatched: she can manage parent calls, student needs, and staff requests simultaneously, all while staying pleasant, funny, and composed. Her organization, reliability, and ability to juggle countless responsibilities make her indispensable to the daily operation of the school. She is the glue of the building, the person everyone trusts, and the one who keeps everything moving smoothly behind the scenes. Morton truly wouldn’t function the same without her.”

Robin Thorpe: GUIDANCE COUNSELOR, KUSS MIDDLE SCHOOL 

“This staff member represents the very best of Fall River Public Schools. For more than two decades, she has supported students, families, and colleagues with unmatched dedication, compassion, and professionalism. She is the person everyone turns to — for guidance, problem-solving, and the countless behind-the-scenes tasks that keep Kuss running smoothly.”

“Her work ethic is extraordinary. She has spent evenings, weekends, and summers building and adjusting the master schedule, ensuring accurate placements, supporting MTSS interventions, and setting the entire school up for success. Her institutional knowledge, reliability, and willingness to help anyone at any time have made her an anchor in the building. Beyond scheduling, she supports students through academic, social, and emotional challenges; collaborates seamlessly with staff; leads attendance initiatives; and shows up for every event, always with positivity and kindness. She models what it means to “SHOW UP FRPS” and has shaped the culture of Kuss for decades.”

“As she prepares to retire after 26 years, her absence will be deeply felt. She has touched thousands of lives and strengthened the fabric of the school in lasting ways.”

Mikaela Pederson: SEL LIAISON, SPENCER BORDEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 

“This staff member is the definition of strength, resilience, and heart at Spencer Borden. She steps in wherever she’s needed classrooms, hallways, cafeteria, playground, field trips and always goes above and beyond without hesitation. Her empathy, patience, and calm presence make her a trusted support for our students with social-emotional needs, and her problem-solving skills and use of positive reinforcement help students learn, grow, and feel safe.” 

“She builds meaningful relationships with students of all abilities and backgrounds, collaborates seamlessly with staff, and maintains open, steady communication even under pressure. Her positivity is constant, her work ethic unmatched, and her impact felt across the entire building. Spencer Borden is truly a better place because of her.”

Courtney Santos: TEACHER, HENRY LORD COMMUNITY SCHOOL 

“Courtney is the heart of inclusion and leadership at Henry Lord. She shows up every day for our students, families, and staff, leading with expertise, compassion, and an unwavering belief in what kids can achieve. She has transformed our RISE/ASD programs, written countless IEPs to support vacancies, and successfully moved self-contained students into full inclusion settings making our school a model for the district.” 

“As a teacher leader, mentor, and advocate, Courtney supports colleagues across two buildings, leads weekly PLTs, serves on the ILT, and is always the first to help with any task. Her high expectations, collaborative spirit, and tireless advocacy elevate our entire community.”

Tony Rodrigues: TEACHER, DURFEE HIGH SCHOOL 

“Tony Rodrigues has dedicated more than three decades to the Fall River Public Schools as a Portuguese teacher at B.M.C. Durfee High School and is himself a proud Durfee graduate who immigrated from São Miguel, Azores. Over his 35 years at Durfee, Tony has been a role model to colleagues and students alike, known for maintaining a classroom that is both respectful and deeply caring. 

“His impact extended far beyond the classroom-connecting students to the local Portuguese community through volunteer opportunities at Day of Portugal celebrations and creating unforgettable learning experiences through educational trips to Lisbon, Porto, and the Azores. As Tony enters a well-deserved retirement, he leaves behind a lasting legacy as a teacher, mentor, and leader. He will be deeply missed by the World Language Department and the entire Durfee community, and the district is grateful for his years of dedication, passion, and service.”