Category Archives: School Stories

Students Cheer on South Valley Educator After She Receives Prestigious State Award

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Chelsea Lopez receiving an award 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.

Outpouring of Love and Support as Jordan School District Teachers Receive “Outstanding Educator of the Year” Awards

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The outpouring of love and support from students, teachers, staff, administrators, and members of the community, continued on Thursday as Jordan School District teachers were honored with the Jordan Education Foundation’s 2025 “Outstanding Educator of the Year” awards. The educators are being honored as “All Stars” for their winning ways in supporting students and giving them opportunities to reach their highest potential on the road to success. All of the teachers are nominated by colleagues, their peers, and/or parents.

Congratulations to the following “Outstanding Educators” honored on Thursday, along with the “Outstanding Principal of the Year,” Heartland Elementary School’s Buddy Alger.

  • Buddy Alger, Heartland Elementary School, ***Outstanding Principal of the Year
  • Amber Thomas, Bingham High School
  • Jerusha Johnson, South Jordan Middle School
  • Amy Goodrich, Riverton High School
  • Candice “Candi” Woolley, Kauri Sue Hamilton
  • Chunlien Liu “Lannies Liu,” Monte Vista Elementary School
  • Emanuel Colon “Manny,” Ridge View Elementary School
  • Launi Drecksel, Silver Crest Elementary School
  • Celina Forsyth, Aspen Elementary School
  • Shanda Sorensen, Falcon Ridge Elementary School
  • Heather Lyon, Jordan Hills Elementary School
  • Vickie Daniels, Majestic Elementary School
  • Jessica Clawson, Heartland Elementary School

Celebrating Jordan School District’s “Counselor of the Year” from Mountain Creek Middle School

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David Parker and teamPlease join us in congratulating Jordan School District’s Counselor of the Year from Mountain Creek Middle School, David Parker.

Mr. Parker is described as the essential force driving his counseling department’s success. Colleagues say Mr. Parker ensures the program remains robust, data-driven, and current.

Another reason David Parker was selected for this honor is because of his work connecting with students. In fact, for the last five years, he has met every student individually to celebrate their birthdays, fostering those vital connections. We’re told he is dedicated to his students, ensuring they feel valued and heard and spends hours supporting students and parents in crisis, conducting thorough PCCRs, and working late to manage schedule changes efficiently.

Mr. Parker has been a counselor at Mountain Creek Middle School since 2019 and in that time has profoundly impacted the school’s culture and success.

Keep up the great work, David Parker!

South Jordan Elementary Students and Staff Show Fox 13 Why They Are a “Cool School”

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South Jordan Elementary School earned the title of Fox 13’s “Cool School of the Week.” Good Day Utah’s Darienne DeBrule spent the morning at the school, visiting STEM programs, watching musical performances, hearing from the student council, and seeing firsthand the school’s “Battle of the Books.”

Way to go, South Jordan Elementary School! You are a Cool School!

Westvale Elementary Art Specialist Receives Prestigious State Award

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She is an amazing educator specializing in Visual Arts and now Westvale Elementary School Art Specialist Rachel Henderson is being recognized by the Utah State Board of Education. Ms. Henderson is one of nine Utah educators receiving the 2025 Sorenson Legacy Awards for  Excellence in Arts Education.

The Sorenson Legacy Award for Excellence in Arts Education is a prestigious award recognizing outstanding educators and administrators who promote the arts in student development. It was established in memory of Beverley Taylor Sorenson, a tireless advocate for high-quality arts in public education. The award underscores the critical role of arts education in Utah’s schools and honors educators who excel in integrating the arts into their teaching.

Congratulations, Rachel Henderson! Keep up the inspiring work building student curiosity and a love for the arts.