Join us in congratulating Mountain Creek Middle School’s David Parker who was recently named the Utah School Counselor Association’s “Counselor of the Year.” This truly is a prestigious honor for an amazing counselor.

Mountain Creek Middle Principal Glen Varga says Mr. Parker is such a great school counselor because he is a very humble and giving person who thinks of others before himself. Principal Varga says while David Parker doesn’t seek public recognition, he is certainly worthy of it!

David is surrounded by a very supportive school counseling team at Mountain Creek Middle School. That incredible team received Honorable Mention awards at the annual Utah School Counselor Association conference this year. Mr. Varga says they all lift one another up and are a highly effective team, and he is proud to be a part of it all.

Congratulations, Mountain Creek Middle team! Keep up the amazing work.

It was a day classroom reading aide DeAnn Blackburn, students, and staff at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy will never forget.  DeAnn’s son had been deployed overseas as part of a special Utah Army National Guard unit since last March. But on Thursday, Sgt. Kaleb Ah Loy returned home to Utah and decided his first stop would be to surprise his mom at Majestic. DeAnn thought her son was coming home after the holidays in January.

It was a sweet and emotional surprise with students lining the hallway and waving flags as DeAnn was called to the front office only to see her beloved son Kaleb step out into the hallway. She flew into his arms, in a tearful embrace that brought smiles, pride, and emotion to everyone cheering them on.

Thank you, Sgt. Kaleb Ah Loy, for your service and welcome home. We suspect you will be getting lots of holiday hugs from your mom now that you are home.

Students and staff at Riverton High School came together to honor those who have served in the armed forces by hosting a moving sunrise Veterans Day program. For more than 15 years, students and staff have gathered in front of the school at sunrise on Veterans Day to pay tribute to local veterans and their families. Student Body Officers read a presidential proclamation after raising the flags, followed by a moment of silence. Principal Rochell Waite read the names of veterans working at the school and acknowledged the many family members of staff who have or are currently serving in the armed forces.

Riverton High School takes great pride in honoring the sacrifice of those who protect and serve. Thank you to everyone who helps to carry on this remarkable legacy of celebrating those who have given so much to our country.

They are amazing employees and educators who have also served this country in uniform. As we salute veterans on Veterans Day 2025, we want to thank JSD employees, and their ancestors, for the courage, sacrifice, and dedication given to protecting the freedoms we all enjoy.

Thank you for the impact you have made on this nation and on students today. We salute you and are forever grateful for your service.