Five-Star Award Winners 2005-06
The Jordan Board of Education is pleased to announce the winners of its second annual Five Star Awards. The awards honor outstanding employees for the exceptional contributions they make to the District, their schools or their departments. They are given annually to 10 loyal and dedicated individuals who further the Board’s vision to “provide a quality education for all students.” In addition, two schools are honored for outstanding public relations efforts. This year’s honorees received $2,500 and were honored at an exclusive recognition banquet Nov. 4, 2005.
Michelle Griner, resource, Willow Canyon (traditional)
“There are lots of heroes in the world but my favorite is Mrs. Griner…She’s like a soldier because she is always fighting for us. She’s like an explorer searching for a new way to help us learn. She’s like a policeman arresting and locking up our negative thoughts and feelings about ourselves. She may not be any of these heroes, but she’s my hero.”
Aubrey Goodell, student, Willow Canyon Elementary
Patricia Drake, kindergarten, Hayden Peak (year-round)
“Pat is dedicated to her profession, loving and patient with her students and an immeasurable benefit to our faculty. However, it is her dedication to learning itself that distinguishes Pat as an outstanding educator…She is an inspiration to teachers throughout our District to continue their own learning throughout their careers for the sake of their students’ learning.”
Jennifer Bowen, first-grade teacher, Hayden Peak Elementary Middle School Teacher
Nancy Ward, special education cluster, Indian Hills Middle
“As a parent, I am grateful for the association that Mrs. Ward has with my daughter. I am impressed with her teaching abilities, her genuine concern for her students and her pleasant, gentle attitude. She is respectful and professional in her approach…She is providing a very positive influence on (my daughter) in these critical, formative, teen-age years.”
Kristen Seethaler, parent
Craig Cottle, technology education, Hillcrest High
“Craig is the kind of professional educator every principal dreams of having in his/her school. He has a genuine love and respect for his students and in return his students have a genuine respect and love for him…Students adore (him) and fondly comment on the fact that his class is challenging yet rewarding and they must work hard to reach the high standards of excellence established in his classroom.”
Susan Malone, principal, Hillcrest HighCertificated At-Large
Becca Day, physical therapist, Jordan Valley
“Becca is always helpful to everyone who needs her…She accomplishes amazing things with children who can do little for themselves. Without Becca, many of our severely disabled children would be without wheelchairs and other therapy equipment. (She) is the best advocate for students that I have ever seen.”
Hanne O’Brien, Occupational Therapist, Jordan Valley Classified Employees
Gayla Barker, non-inventory clerk, Custodial Services
“Gayla’s motto is “service with a smile” and she demonstrates this daily…She is beyond a doubt an outstanding, hardworking employee and a shining example to her coworkers in both the good times and the bad…She is a great example of striving to do her job to the best of her abilities and providing wonderful customer service to those she works with.”
Sallie Shelton, secretary, Custodial Services
Peggy Christensen, northwest area coordinator, Nutrition Services
“Peggy has a natural gift for managing a multifaceted job. She can always be counted on to do her job in a professional manner and to help those around her with whatever they need. One of my students said it best, ‘Mrs. Christensen is the bomb. Our cafeteria is cool. The food is awesome!’”
Marce Weibel, sixth-grade teacher, Bluffdale Elementary
Lance Everill, instructional assistant, South Valley School
“Lance has a tremendous impact on students. Although we have over 150 students in our school, he knows everyone by name and is in the front hall every morning to greet them…He treats everyone with the utmost respect and kindness—even the students who have challenging behaviors. He is an inspiration to all who know him.”
Kathy Foulks, teacher
Nedra Perkins, administrative assistant, Curriculum and Staff Development
“In my carefully considered view, Mrs. Perkins’ impact on the District has been without peer…She is a people-centered secretary, concerned about the needs of students, teachers, patrons and other secretaries. Her extraordinary efforts are valued and recognized by peers and administrators in our department and other District departments as well.”
Brenda Hales, executive director, Curriculum and Staff Development Administrator
Janice Sterzer, assistant principal, Bingham High
“Jan…has been the catalyst for more constructive change than any administrator I have ever worked with…(She) doesn’t believe that a problem can’t be solved. She is dedicated, motivated and she puts the needs of the kids first. Jan has had a positive impact in every arena with which she has been involved. There isn’t a more effective administrator in the District.”
Janice Voorhies, English teacher, Bingham High School Public Relations
South Valley School
”South Valley is graduating students that are living fulfilling and meaningful lives by being employed in their communities, learning how to access the UTA/Trax systems to get around, and giving back to their community through volunteer service…The facility, staff and administration are number one in the Salt Lake Valley as far as transitional schools are concerned.”
Mary Clark, parent, South Valley School
Willow Canyon Elementary
”Willow Canyon Elementary has shown outstanding performance in customer service…Parents have come to know an appreciate a principal and faculty that do everything they can to say ‘yes’ and don’t make excuses for why they can’t do things. Communication and trust like this are not easily established. Willow Canyon has built great trust in the community.”
Susie Steenblik, parent, Willow Canyon Elementary