Who is eligible for a 2025-26 Crystal Award?
All current part-time and full-time Clovis Unified classified and certificated employees who have:

• Worked in CUSD a minimum of five school years as of June 30, 2026
• Worked in their current job at least two years as of June 30, 2026
• Not received any reprimands from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026

Who can nominate?
Everyone employed by Clovis Unified may nominate another employee of the district. Employees may nominate as many colleagues as they choose; only one person may be nominated per application form. A community member or retiree may also nominate an employee; however, that person will need to have the nominee’s supervisor review and sign the application.

What is the judging criteria?
A judging panel comprised of CUSD employees follow a strict criteria in rating nominees. Judges are provided a rubric containing criteria and identifying information on how to score the application. If you are nominating a co-worker, please consider reviewing the judging rubric, which is available online, as it will help you prepare the best representation of your Crystal Award candidate.

When is the 2025-26 nomination period?
September 1, 2026 through October 12, 2026. Completed forms, including all documentation and signatures, via Informed K12. The nomination form will be available starting September 1, 2026 and can be found above under "Nomination Form."

What should I expect on the nomination form?
Are you considering nominating someone for a Crystal Award? Below, find a brief explanation of parts that make up the Crystal Award nomination form. All sections must be completed in order for a nomination to be considered. Nominees are considered based upon their work in the 2025-26 school year.

Part I: GENERAL INFORMATION
Information about the nominee (name, job description, years at CUSD, contacts).

Part II: NOMINATION ESSAY(S) 

The nominator will write an essay that show how the nominee has demonstrated the AIMS and Core Values of the Districts Strategic Plan.  The essay should demonstrate how the nominee goes above and beyond in their job and provide examples and results in an essay of up to 1,300 words. 

The nominator should select at least one Aim and Core Value that the nominee has advanced forward through their exceptional efforts that goes beyond the nominee's job description. Using a maximum of 1,300 words.  The nominator should provide specific examples, detail of how this was more than what was expected and convey measurable results of the nominee’s work.

Part III: LETTERS OF SUPPORT 
Three letters of support for the nominee are required. These should add further insights and examples of the nominee's exceptional work. Letters are limited to one page.

Nominators are encouraged to conduct research necessary to complete an application that will best represent a nominee. The Crystals Guidelines and Strategic Plan can be found on this webpage on the right, under "Resources."

When will recipients be announced? 

By mid November, recipients have been determined and announcements are made through the second week in December.

When is the Crystal Awards Gala?
The Crystals will be held the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2027, at Clovis Unified's Performing Arts Center in the Paul Shaghoian Concert Hall. Tickets are not required and all are welcome to celebrate these phenomenal employees!