InterMountain Education Service District (IMESD) presented its 2025 Crystal Apple Leadership Award this month. The award was given at the Crystal Apple Awards ceremony for Union County school districts on Monday, May 5th at the Gilbert Event Center at Eastern Oregon University.
Each year, this award honors an exemplary school administrator in one of IMESD’s 17 component school districts. Scott Carpenter, Assistant Superintendent of La Grande School District (LGSD), is the 2025 recipient.
Carpenter started working for LGSD in 2013 as an assistant principal before moving to district leadership. During his tenure, he has helped the district achieve in multiple areas, including:
A high graduation rate for La Grande High School with remarkable outcomes for students in poverty, students with disabilities and CTE (Career Technical Education) completers.
Led the development of multi-tiered academic and behavioral supports, helped implement consistent district assessments and championed a culture of data-informed decision making.
Co-created the B.E.S.T. Program, and engaging curriculum for fifth graders that promotes healthy decision-making, peer resistance strategies and personal empowerment. The program is recognized across the region and state.
Dr. Mark Mulvihill, Superintendent of IMESD, presented the award to Carpenter, saying, “This leader’s work has had a positive impact on his district, across classrooms, schools and the wider community. Scott brings people together and is collaborative, humble and deeply respected by colleagues. The Crystal Apple Leadership Award recognizes excellence, and this winner embodies that excellence every day. Scott’s leadership has made the district’s schools stronger, staff more supported and students better prepared for success in school and life.”
Regarding receiving the award, Carpenter said, “I am grateful to La Grande School District, our regional educator network and, particularly, IMESD for this honor. This honor would not be possible without the tremendous support of my wife and family. There are many qualified and hardworking administrators in our region. Their acknowledgment and support of our work in LGSD is tremendous. I am also grateful for a stellar LGSD team that works every day to support kids and their learning at high levels. We are doing the right work to increase learning outcomes, expand opportunities and take care of the real needs of students.”
PHOTO CAPTION
Scott Carpenter (on left) receives the 2025 Crystal Apple Leadership Award from Dr. Mark Mulvihill, IMESD Superintendent, on May 5, 2025.