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

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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

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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.

JSD Top Fifteen Outstanding Educator of the Year – Trisha Wyatt

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Kauri Sue Hamilton School Outstanding Educator of the Year Trisha WyattSpecial Education teacher at Kauri Sue Hamilton, Trisha Wyatt is one of the Jordan Education Foundation’s top fifteen Outstanding Educators of the Year. Ms. Wyatt was nominated by the staff at Kauri Sue Hamilton for inspiring and motivating her students to reach their full potential every day.

Ms. Wyatt meets each student’s unique needs and unlocks their potential through creativity, persistence, and high expectations. She balances love, care, and rigor while fostering strong partnerships with families, ensuring every child feels supported and empowered. A natural leader and mentor, Trisha uplifts colleagues and creates a positive, high-performing school community, leaving a lasting impact on students, staff, and families alike.

Congratulations Ms. Wyatt! Thank you for all you do for the students at Kauri Sue Hamilton School.

JSD Top Fifteen Outstanding Educator of the Year – Suzanne Thompson

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Jordan Hills Outstanding Educator of the Year Suzanne ThompsonJordan Hills Elementary fourth-grade teacher Suzanne Thompson is one of the Jordan Education Foundation’s top fifteen Outstanding Educators of the Year. The staff at Jordan Hills nominated Ms. Thompson for instilling perseverance in her classroom and embodying the identity of the school during her 20-year tenure.

Her classroom is a place where risk-taking and collaborative learning thrive. She combines data-informed insight with hands-on support, ensuring each student receives targeted guidance to move from struggle to mastery. Beyond her classroom, Suzanne empowers colleagues and shapes a culture of excellence, leaving a lasting impact on both students and the wider school community.

Congratulations, Ms. Thompson! Thank you for all you do for the students at Jordan Hills Elementary School.

JSD Top Fifteen Outstanding Educator of the Year – Cynthia Alvarado

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Columbia Outstanding Educator of the Year Cynthia AlvaradoColumbia Elementary fifth-grade teacher Cynthia Alvarado is one of the Jordan Education Foundation’s top fifteen Outstanding Educators of the Year. Ms. Alvarado was nominated for the award by the staff at Columbia for the care she shows to her students, fellow teachers, and the school community.

Ms. Alvarado makes complex learning engaging and accessible by connecting it to real-life experiences, empowering students to apply their knowledge with confidence. She builds strong, trusting relationships through patience, compassion, and genuine care, creating a classroom where students feel supported and inspired. 

Congratulations Ms. Alvarado! Thank you for all you do for the students at Columbia Elementary.