It was all cheers as South Valley School’s Chelsea Lopez was awarded the 2025 Utah Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Outstanding Paraeducator award in a surprise ceremony. Chelsea’s unwavering commitment to supporting students with disabilities earned her this prestigious award, recognized across the entire state of Utah.
Representatives from the CED said, “We are incredibly proud of her dedication, and her efforts extend beyond the classroom, as she also contributes to the community and even abroad, like her recent volunteer work in Fiji.” Morgan Nelson, President-elect of the Utah Council for Exceptional Children, presented the award in front of South Valley students and staff.
Chelsea Lopez is also the South Valley School cheer coach and has grown the cheer squad to about 50 students, even teaching them to do stunts along with their sideline cheers. Ms. Lopez spent a considerable amount of time this past summer volunteering to help students with special needs on the island country of Fiji.