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!

Jordan Education Foundation Honors JSD Virtual Schools “Educators of the Year”

Throughout March, we are recognizing amazing educators who make a difference. The Jordan Education Foundation has selected the following as the Outstanding Educator of the Year for the Jordan District Virtual Learning Academy Schools.

  • Carol Quistberg (Rocky Peak Elementary)
  • Veronica Wagner (Kelsey Peak Middle)
  • Mindy Eden (Kings Peak High School)

Congratulations! Thank you for all that you do to positively impact the lives of our students.

South Hills Middle School PE Teacher Recognized as Best in the State

John Wunderli and his teacher of the year awardJoin us in congratulating South Hills Middle School PE Teacher, John Wunderli, who is being recognized as the best of the best in his field.

Mr. Wunderli was awarded the SHAPE Secondary Physical Education Teacher of the Year award at the annual SHAPE conference for making a real difference in the lives of students and their communities. This award recognizes educators, like John Wunderli, who inspire, motivate, and foster a love of healthy living, physical activity, and personal growth.

We are proud of Mr. Wunderli for his dedication to the job, supporting students, promoting healthy lifestyles, and helping to shape the future of health and physical education in our state.

Congratulations and keep up the amazing work!