Congratulations to Herriman High School students Hannah Freeman and Ben Sagers who were selected by Riverton City council member, Sheldon Stewart, as recipients of the Riverton City Choice Awards for “Excellence in Education.”

In addition, join us in congratulating teacher, James Barnes, who is also a recipient of the Riverton City Choice Awards for “Excellence in Education.”

The Riverton City Council recently recognized the award winners.

• Hannah Freeman, Senior at Herriman High School
  Hannah is an amazing young women who has spent her time at Herriman High School exceling both academically, and athletically. Hannah is mindful of others and is constantly reaching out to those around her. During this past November Hannah assisted in organizing a school assembly to honor veterans within our community. Hannah is one of the first people to reach out to a student who may be struggling in school and truly makes others around her feel loved. Hannah is very special to all students at Herriman High and never lets the way someone may appear outwardly from deterring her when helping another person. Hannah’s infectious smile can be seen from one end of the school to another.
• Ben Sagers, Junior at Herriman High School
  Ben is a talented young man who makes a difference with his voice. During this past Christmas season, Ben participated in a choral group that performed at various establishments in the community while spreading cheer with his voice. Ben was part of a group that performed for the Riverton “Holly Days” and made a difference to those around him. Always mindful of others, Ben frequently takes on assignments and requests with confidence. When given assignments to reach out to another youth or individual you always know that Ben will complete that assignment, and do it to the best of his ability.
• James Barnes, Health and PE Teacher at Herriman High School
  Barnes is an amazing teacher and coach of the Herriman High School Cross Country team. Mr. Barnes strives for excellence in his life and inspires his students to do the same. Mr. Barnes has been recognized by his students not only as a coach but as a friend. Mr. Barnes is selfless and is mindful of his students and has taught his students ways to improve on and off the track. Mr. Barnes has been recognized many times as an inspired leader who puts the safety of his athletes and students first.

At Terra Linda Elementary School students love to play soccer during recess. However, there was a small problem. The school didn’t have enough money to purchase real soccer goals for the game, so students used their jackets as goal posts. But thanks to a donation REAL Salt Lake owner, Dell Loy Hansen, made to the Jordan Education Foundation, the school was able to solve the problem and purchase brand new soccer goals.

On Tuesday, the school invited Mr. Hansen to come and see their new soccer goals and tell him what a difference the goals have made at the school. Mr. Hansen was given tiger socks and was declared and official “Terra Linda Tiger.”

Teachers were featured in a video tribute to Mr. Hansen thanking him for his devotion to making a difference in public education.

Then, Mr. Hansen’s team surprised everyone announcing a new program that will provide $250 classroom grants for teachers in Jordan, Granite and Canyons School Districts.

Thank you to Dell Loy Hansen and his amazing team for making a difference in the lives of students and teachers!

Some couples may look forward to a nice dinner out or simply getting together with family and friends to celebrate a gold wedding anniversary, but not Sherri and Bill Park. The Park’s wanted to do something that would make a difference in the lives of others. So, to celebrate their 50^th wedding anniversary, the Park’s decided to give back to the high school where their daughter graduated from and help students in need at the school.

Sherri and Bill Park recently met with Principal Jim Birch at West Jordan High to present a check for $1,000 dollars. The Park’s decided to donate the money to the school’s lunch program so that students don’t have to go hungry. It was the couple’s way of making their special day one to remember, by sharing their love, in this case with West Jordan High School students in need.

Thank you, Sherri and Bill Park, for opening up your hearts to students.