Steffany Austin, Harry S Truman Elementary, Nominated by Valeria Davis
When Joaquín joined your class, we were at our lowest point. He was struggling with behavioral challenges, and we had tried everything—therapy, medication, you name it. But nothing seemed to help. The medication only made things worse, and Joaquín became withdrawn. We were losing hope. Then you stepped in. You told me, "Let’s try this without the medication—I will teach him." And that’s exactly what you did.
Your patience, discipline, and constant encouragement unlocked something in Joaquín that we thought was lost. You didn’t just teach him—you helped him thrive. You gave him confidence, helped him find his place in the world, and gave us back the joyful boy we knew was in there all along. Because of you, I was able to finish nursing school—a dream I thought I might have to give up. You didn’t just change Joaquín’s life; you changed our entire family’s future.
You are more than a teacher—you’re an angel on earth. Your dedication and compassion have left a permanent mark on our hearts. Joaquín is thriving now because of you, and we will always be grateful for the hope and the new beginning you gave us.
Steffany, thank you for being the incredible person and educator that you are. You’ve changed our lives forever, and we are endlessly thankful for you.
Steffany Austin, Harry S Truman Elementary, Nominated by Valeria Davis
When Joaquín joined your class, we were at our lowest point. He was struggling with behavioral challenges, and we had tried everything—therapy, medication, you name it. But nothing seemed to help. The medication only made things worse, and Joaquín became withdrawn. We were losing hope. Then you stepped in. You told me, "Let’s try this without the medication—I will teach him." And that’s exactly what you did.
Your patience, discipline, and constant encouragement unlocked something in Joaquín that we thought was lost. You didn’t just teach him—you helped him thrive. You gave him confidence, helped him find his place in the world, and gave us back the joyful boy we knew was in there all along. Because of you, I was able to finish nursing school—a dream I thought I might have to give up. You didn’t just change Joaquín’s life; you changed our entire family’s future.
You are more than a teacher—you’re an angel on earth. Your dedication and compassion have left a permanent mark on our hearts. Joaquín is thriving now because of you, and we will always be grateful for the hope and the new beginning you gave us.
Steffany, thank you for being the incredible person and educator that you are. You’ve changed our lives forever, and we are endlessly thankful for you.
Mikayla Christensen, Canyon Elementary School, Nominated by the Poff Family
Education, to me, is the source of unlocking potential among individuals and getting a front-row seat as students realize they are capable of SO much more than they realize. It goes beyond textbooks and classrooms, weaving into the fabric of daily experiences. One of my favorite quotes is by Mark Van Doren, “The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.” Education is fueled by curiosity, and that’s how we learn in my classroom. I get to be a gateway of learning as students collect, explore, create, practice, dream and learn introspection. It is one of the most fulfilling experiences I have had in my life. Watching a student surprise themselves, and then seeing the personal pride, ownership, and confidence continue in their learning… Well, it’s a wonderful thing to behold. I get to be a cheerleader every day, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
-Mikayla
Tyler Mitchell, Lone Peak High School, Nominated by the Pier family.
Tyler sets a great example for his students, by teaching them to reach the right goals for their lives. After he graduated in Film from the University of Utah, he wandered for a bit, wondering what he really wanted to do with his life. After a few years he realized he wanted to teach - so he came back to Utah and started from the ground up to earn a new degree and work in schools at the same time with Volunteers of America. As his grandmother, I have loved watching him find his passion and his drive to do what he wants and what he needs in life. Tyler lived with us for two years while getting his new degrees and helped us a lot around the house and in our three person home. I really miss Calypso, his cat, too. Even now, he takes the time to help transport me to dialysis. I admire him as a teacher, as a human, and as a grandson.
Mallory Birch, South Jordan Middle School, Nominated by the Ence Family
Mallory is nothing short of a lifesaver. She waltzed into my professional world precisely when I needed a superhero colleague. You see, Mallory isn't just your average teacher; she's a true marvel. Her lesson planning skills? Legendary. Her knack for design? Unmatched. And her organizational prowess? Well, let's just say, she could give Marie Kondo a run for her money.
Picture this: I'd often attempt to get ahead of the game, eager to lend her a helping hand, but Mallory had already conjured up lesson copies for the next month. It's like she had a crystal ball for educational preparedness!
But there's more to Mallory than meets the eye. She's a creative genius, always cooking up innovative ways to make learning an absolute blast. Remember that time she orchestrated a full-fledged wedding for Romeo and Juliet? Or the days when she expertly diagrammed Twilight Zone episodes for her students? Yep, that's our Mallory, always striving to turn the mundane into magic.
And here's the kicker—she's a perpetual learner herself, always pushing the boundaries of her teaching prowess. Mallory isn't just an amazing teacher; she's the kind of coworker who elevates the entire team and a friend who makes every day brighter. In short, she's the kind of educator you'd be lucky to have by your side in the world of education.
-Jules Ence, Client
Dean Bohl, Utah Valley University, Nominated by Alex White
Dean,
Thank you for being an incredible professor at UVU. I have never seen a teacher care as much for their students as you do. You pushed me harder than I’ve ever been pushed, which helped me become a better version of myself and prepared me for the diesel industry. When I look at students who went to other schools, I realize just how much better the education I received at UVU was. I have no regrets about going through this program, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants the highest level of education in diesel mechanics.
Thank you for doing what you do best,
Alex
Alexis Grove, Pony Express Elementary School, Nominated by the Keable Family
This will be Alexis Grove's eighth year as an elementary school teacher. She has spent the bulk of that time teaching Special Education and has been able to help her students achieve their utmost potential. She looks at each child as an individual and meets them where they are then helps them progress in whatever manner they will best be able to understand and achieve success. She believes that a true collaboration between home and school is ideal for all young children - so she keeps parents informed about their child's successes and struggles and works with them to keep their child moving forward in all areas of development. The past few years, she has focused on our youngest scholars. She wants to ensure that they love coming to school so that they will become life long learners. She spends countless hours creating materials, preparing lessons, and collaborating with others so that her students get the very best from her. Like many of her peers, she spends her own money to purchase items for her classroom that she would not be able to get otherwise. For this reason, I would like to nominate Mrs. Grove for this $500. I am confident that she will be thoughtful and purposeful in her purchases and that those items will benefit many of her students for years to come. Thanks for all you do Alexis, and try not to spend all that money on your students!
Caitlan Collins, Terra Linda Elementary School, Nominated by Franco Preston
Caitlan is an extraordinary special education preschool teacher at Terra Linda Elementary School, and I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition. I decided to go off script and nominate her myself because she truly embodies selflessness and dedication.
Caitlan goes above and beyond in everything she does, and I’m so grateful to have had the privilege of knowing her. What stands out most to me about Caitlan is her willingness to embrace challenges, even when there’s a risk of failure. Her positive outlook on life is inspiring. She’s helped me see things from new perspectives and was a source of strength and support during both of the transactions I worked on with her.
On top of all that, she introduced me to my all-time favorite podcast, Tooth and Claw! So, in true Caitlan fashion, I thought it was only fitting to surprise her with this $500 as a small way to say thank you for the incredible impact she makes every day.
Caitlan, you are so appreciated!