Oakcrest Elementary School Music Teacher Gets Surprise of a Lifetime from Fox 13 “Dream Team”

He is a music teacher who goes above and beyond to bring out the best in students each and every day. Now, Scott Knight is being recognized for his work, changing lives through music and performance.

Mr. Knight was nominated and selected to be the recipient of a Fox 13 “Dream Team” surprise. Fox 13 Meteorologist Nate Larsen showed up, along with Mountain America Credit Union, to let Mr. Knight know how much the community loves and supports his work with students, especially in after-school musicals which he has taken to a whole new level at Oakcrest. Those musicals help students discover talents they never even knew they had.

The ”Dream Team” gave Mr. Knight a director’s chair and other gifts to share with his family, along with a $1,500 donation to support his ongoing work in musical theater at Oakcrest Elementary School.

Congratulations, Scott Knight. Keep up the incredible work changing lives one musical note at a time.

JSD Top Fifteen Outstanding Educator of the Year – Olivia Murphy

Majestic Elementary Arts Academy Educator of the Year Olivia MuprhyMajestic Elementary Arts Academy music teacher Oliva Murphy is one of the Jordan Education Foundation’s top fifteen Outstanding Educators of the Year. Ms. Murphy was nominated for the award by the staff at Majestic for making her music classroom the heartbeat of Majestic’s K-3 grades.

Ms. Murphy transforms learning by integrating music and the arts to deepen academic understanding while fostering creativity, confidence, and collaboration. She engages students through original compositions, performance, and technology, making every child feel seen, capable, and inspired. Beyond her classroom, Olivia mentors colleagues, leads major school initiatives, and shapes a joyful, creative culture that touches the entire school community.

Congratulations Ms. Murphy! Thank you for all you do for the students at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy.

Jordan School District Teachers Honored by Utah Jazz as “Most Valuable Educators”

The Utah Jazz, Jazz Bear, and Instructure (the makers of Canvas) had a big surprise for several Jordan School District teachers recently. Oquirrh Hills Middle School Social Studies teacher Kennady Longhurst, and Copper Hills High Special Education teacher Shane Lucas, were honored as 2025-2026 “Most Valuable Educators.” It is a program where the Jazz asks parents, students, teachers, and staff to nominate a teacher making a difference in their students’ lives.

“Most Valuable Educators” receive a $1,000 classroom grant, four tickets to a Utah Jazz game, recognition during the game, and a personalized Jazz jersey. Additionally, Instructure gave each school extra tickets to the Jazz game.

Congratulations Kennady Longhurst and Shane Lucas! Keep up the most valuable work you do as educators.

Jordan School District’s Carolyn Robinson is USBE Youth in Care “Administrator of the Year”

She is a problem-solver, a proven leader, fosters positive atmospheres, and is always looking for educational opportunities for students in Youth in Care (YIC). Please join us in congratulating Carolyn Robinson who was recently selected as the USBE’s YIC 2025-26 “Administrator of the Year” for Utah. Ms. Robinson is Jordan School District’s YIC Teacher Specialist and is fully responsible for the Check and Connect mentors, along with their ongoing training and support.

She was nominated for the award due to her tireless work revamping and elevating the YIC program in Jordan, making a true difference in the lives of students and their abilities to pass classes and complete recovery credits.

YIC provides specialized educational services and stability for students under 21 in foster care or state custody. It ensures legal access to education through tailored, intensive support, allowing students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally toward future success.

Congratulations, Carolyn Robinson. Keep up the amazing work making a difference in young lives.

West Hills Middle Concert Choir Shines at Jordan School District Advanced Choir Festival

Join us in sending a round of applause to students in the West Hills Middle School Concert Choir. They performed in the District Advanced Choir Festival this week and their choir director, Michael Draut, says they earned perfect scores from both judges.

After their performance, the talented students visited Sunridge Assisted Living, reconnecting with friends and sharing music that truly mattered. Watching the delighted residents sing along, including 90-year-old Bonnie, made it unforgettable.

Mr. Draut gave a huge shoutout to the choir’s amazing soloists: Sophie Birdsall, Hailey Overdiek, Hannah Pehrson, Andrea Rowberry, Benson Perkins, Quinton Hollingshead, Finley Adamson, and Haley Brady.

Way to go West Hills Concert Choir. Keep on making magical music bringing smiles and happiness to those around you!