West Hills Music Teacher Steve Lorentz Honored With Crystal Apple Award

A West Hills High School Music teacher was honored with a “Crystal Apple Award” from the seminary students of the Santee Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints earlier this month.

Steve Lorentz, who has been teaching guitar and string orchestra at West Hills for 13 years was chosen by LDS students in Santee and Lakeside that attend “seminary” (bible study) at 6 a.m. every day prior to their high school classes.

Teachers that are nominated exemplify dedication to quality teaching and whom uphold and encourage students' moral values and high ethical standards.

Mr. Lorentz was honored Sunday, June 9 at seminary graduation.

Three students that nominated him, Cameron Collins, Curtis Collins and Michael Hagues played a guitar arrangement of, “Nearer my God to Thee,” for Mr. Lorentz.

Collins shared how Mr. Lorentz encourages the class to pick a song with clean lyrics and has a good meaning.

Another student, Michael Hagues said, “He is a good example of a man, husband and father and always cares about his students.”

Mr. Lorentz said, “It is a privilege to work with such talented young adults. It is also a double-honor to be recommended by students that noticeably have character and virtue.”

Santee Stake President Randall Schimpf presented a clear apple-shaped trophy and certificate on behalf of the seminary students.