By Syndication 
February 5 – RISE Nominations
“Mrs Fackrell is an amazing teacher and her kindergarten class adores her. They are sad when she’s sick and miss her when they don’t get to see her. I see their faces light up at the beginning of the day and I know that her class feels her love. She truly cares about them and is so sweet to them. Starting school can be hard but she has made it the best transition and I know she’s a big reason why my daughter loves school.“
Nominated by: Shakelle Gonzalez, parent
“Mrs. Fackrell has helped my child fall in love with school. She’s attentive, caring and extremely involved in my child’s learning. My daughter tells me everyday that she wants to be a teacher when she grows up just like Miss Bear.“
Nominated by: Adison Hart, parent
“As a parent I appreciated the communication Mrs. Jackson created between herself and parents with her daily emails. Despite having 30+ students in her class last year she handed it with grace and teaching was as individualized as it could be. We do not have her as a teacher this year but every time I see her she is still attentive to my student and cares about his future success. Her love for students goes beyond the classroom. Thank you!“
Nominated by: Rachel Clay, parent
“Nicole is the prime example of putting students first. Not only does she keep our team together with her organizational efforts and attention to details… but she ALWAYS makes time to ensure that every student in our building knows that they come first. Every Summit student is lucky to be loved by her, and she makes a lasting impact on every one around her.“
Nominated by: McKell Nelson, district employee
“Nicole deserves this award because she is a hard worker, she comes in every day with a smile on her face and so much care and love in her heart for the students. When tough situations occur she is there and provides support to anyone no matter the circumstance with empathy. She is an amazing team player and is the poster child of what a counselor looks like.”
Nominated by: Alexa Lambourne, district employee
“Mrs. Harrison has had a difficult class this year and has handled them with patience and grace. She is warm and loving but also great at setting expectations and holding kids to them. My daughter loves coming to school and feels appreciated and like she has a place in her classroom. Mrs. Harrison is a wonderful teacher!“
Nominated by: Sam Frei, parent
“Ms. Campbell is such an incredible teacher! My daughter has always struggled and hated math and this year she has been able to totally transform my daughters attitude about it and give her the confidence to succeed. She has been willing to stay late to help my daughter when she needs extra help! She is such a great teacher and I feel blessed that my daughter has been able to be in her class this year!“
Nominated by: Missy Liston, parent
“Mrs Campbell is so loving to all her students and wants the best for them. When a student is struggling, she always wants to help them in any way she can. She also is always complementing students which is such a boost for any teen as so many lack confidence. She deserves to be recognized for what an amazing teacher she is! She has helped me personally so much this year gain confidence in math. I have always struggled so much in math before having her as a teacher and now I feel like I am understanding it so much better.”
Nominated by: Kaitlyn Liston, student
“Cristina is one of the great teachers here in Alpine. She has a desire to help students be better in school and life! She is incredible to watch when putting lessons together and really differentiating students’ needs and helping them to feel fulfilled in the lessons she teaches. I believe that she is making an positive impact for our future. We need more people like her, that stand up for our students, and teach them the impact they have on our society as they become adults. It’s incredible to witness how she is able to help them learn life lessons while only having them for short periods.“
Nominated by: Sadie Riel, district employee
“Ingrid Andromidas is the driver of school improvement at Mountain View, focusing on ELD students and students with disabilities. She has built an exceptional team by hiring talented educators and advocating for their needs. Ingrid secured the Elevate Grant, bringing vital resources to enhance teacher capacity and student outcomes. She leads multiple committees, supports ML Task Force initiatives, and champions individualized professional learning plans for faculty. Her relentless pursuit of excellence fosters continuous growth, empowering staff and students to reach their potential.“
Nominated by: Rachel Girot, district employee
“Mrs. Bagley is an excellent, caring, and devoted math teacher. She truly wants the students to learn and succeed both in her classes and in the future. She goes above and beyond – being available before and after school to help students retake tests, fix their grades, etc. She is encouraging and positive and explains concepts in a way that has made math a subject my children have liked, even when they haven’t liked it before. So grateful for caring, hardworking teachers like Mrs. Bagley! Thank you!“
Nominated by: Kristen Lee, parent
“Kate Ross is amazing. As an innovator constantly looking for ways to improve education for all students at the school, Kate has united a team of professionals and helped to create an atmosphere of belonging that has led to student success. By constantly gathering feedback, making and implementing plans, then revising during the process, student feel more connected and valued and are gaining the skills that they need to thrive in school. As a staff, we have found more meaning and satisfaction in work by remembering what is truly important.“
Nominated by: Nate Crandall, district employee
“Mr. Bishop has been my son’s teacher for the past 2 years and has been so kind and willing to do whatever he can to help him succeed. He has given us frequent updates as needed and works with my husband and I to find the best solutions to help our son. Our son was so excited to have Mr. Bishop for a second year because of his genuine kindness and care for each student in his class. He is also engaging and makes a fun learning environment for the students.”
Nominated by: Katelyn Green, parent
“We love Mrs. Elswood! She makes everything feel calm in her classroom. We love how she teaches us yoga poses like the tree, Lotus, saddle archer, corpse, back bend, and warrior pose. We always feel better after being in her class. She is amazing!“
Nominated by: Eleanor, Piper, Preston, Harrison, Ian, Benson; students
“We love having Mrs. Wright as our computer teacher. She teaches us how to go above and beyond with coding. We have so much fun in her specialty class, especially with typing. It’s exciting!“
Nominated by: Claire, Jason, Mekk, Porter; students
“We think Mrs. Olds is the most awesome art teacher! We love the way she teaches and we think she is amazing. We get to do so many fun art projects with her. She works so hard for us and puts in a lot of time preparing everything for us. Thank you, Mrs. Olds!“
Nominated by: Jacob, Arik, Adam, Josh, Thomas, Jonah; students
“We love Mrs. Jensen because she is enthusiastic and has a child-like spirit (in a good way). We absolutely love her “HERO” song. She never gets mad and helps students that are struggling. We love her love of music and the fun games that she makes. She is the “unboredinator”. She is happy all of the time and whenever we go to her classroom, it’s filled with fun! We are so grateful that we have such an amazing MUSIC TEACHER!“
Nominated by: Halle, Ezra, James M., Charlotte, and Alexia – Mrs. Pratt’s 4th Graders; students
“We are happy that we have the best P.E. teacher ever! Ms. Stark makes people who don’t like sports love sports. She has really fun games like gaga-ball! We like how she clearly states the rules so everyone knows how to play and she makes everything fair. We have the best P.E. teacher ever!“
Nominated by: Zack, James P., Abhay, Rogan, and Ephraim from Mrs. Pratt’s Class; students
“Ms. Toone has gone out if her way to answer questions every time there is a concern. She is courteous, enthusiastic and always assists me to reach my goals. I have appreciated all her thoughtful and quick responses every time a challenge arises. I love her and she is one of the best counselors at AFHS.“
Nominated by: Nathan Kunze, student
“Gina Witt is the amazing director of Alpine Online School. She leads a Professional Learning Community (PLC) of teachers who support students and parents with online learning. In addition to the online curriculum, Gina and her team regularly provide science labs and educational field trips for their students. This year, AOS has agreed to help K-8 students during disciplinary time outs from their neighborhood schools. Her efforts are greatly appreciated by all who need a little more love and support while they are going through tough times. We appreciate Gina’s passion for students and her endless positive attitude.“
Nominated by: Lynn Gerratt, district administrator
“Mr. Newman is an amazing teacher. He is engaging and makes learning fun and easy to remember. From his stories to how he interacts with the class, it’s always an adventure. I have a lot of friends who speak highly of his class. On the days when I don’t necessarily want to be at school, having his class makes it better. I’m so glad I’m in his class and get the chance to learn from him. Thank you, Mr. Newman!“
Nominated by: Abbie Olson, student
“Mr. Newman is one of the Best History Teachers! He deserves every award possible in this position! His connection to students, his ability to bring history to life, his love for all around and selfless attitude are what brings unity and spirit to Pleasant Grove High School. He has inspired so many to pursue the art of History teaching including me. Thanks, Mr. Newman!”
Nominated by: Kyle Teuscher, district employee
“Mrs. Hackett is truly a master teacher. I’ve never met a teacher of geography who is as passionate and exciting as Mrs. Hackett. She knows the content extraordinarily well and makes the class exciting and fun. I’ve known Mrs. Hackett for 6 years now and she has always had a smile on her face and extremely engaging. Students love and adore her and they know they are loved and adored by her. We are lucky to have her at Lake Mountain and in ASD. Her passion, kindness, compassion, and empathy for others is contagious.“
Nominated by: Danny Horne, district employee
“Mrs. Hackett has dedicated her time to teaching her students the importance of hard work and scholarship. She was focused on ensuring that each of her students achieved success in her classes and in the rest of her life. She would spend time making sure her students knew they had the potential to succeed and do great things. It is thanks to her efforts that I have found my speciality in life, as well as the career I wish to pursue. For those reasons I nominate Karen Hackett for the RISE award.“
Nominated by: Seth Asiedu, student
“Phil Mecham is a great candidate for the RISE award. His passion for teaching history is matched only by his dedication to his students’ well-being. Whether in the classroom or on the track, he connects with students, lifting their spirits with his positivity and encouragement. As the coach for cross country and track, and through his unpaid after-school running association, he consistently goes above and beyond to support students in staying active and giving them the opportunity to improve.“
Nominated by: Rachel Mattice, district employee
“Ali Bustos has made an incredible impact in her first year as an English teacher! No one would think she is in her first year teaching when they see the success she is having with students. Her positivity and genuine connections with students create a welcoming, supportive environment that encourages everyone to engage and succeed. Her students not only respect her but truly enjoy being in her classroom, where learning feels exciting and meaningful. We’re so lucky to have her in our Lakeridge Family!“
Nominated by: Rachel Mattice, district employee
“I was walking through the library the day before Halloween and Mr. Cobabe was teaching kids to analyze texts by having them sift through a ghost story involving an old librarian, a library pickpocket, and various communications by the staff about the incident. Mr. Cobabe’s creativity, effort, connection with the kids and ability to make English fun make him one of the most popular teachers at our school.“
Nominated by: Bryce Shelley, district employee
“Mrs. Low is an amazing teacher who is always going above and beyond. This year she has taken the lead on setting up a writing center for our students, and it is already helping so many kids improve. We are lucky to have her energy and passion for teaching at LMMS. I’m also fortunate that she has now taught two of my children and encouraged them and helped them to reach their potential in Language Arts.“
Nominated by: Meredith Sager McNett, district employee
“It gives me great pleasure to recognize Mr. Stevenson as an exceptional administrator. He is a positive, solutions-focused leader who embraces challenges and develops sustainable, uplifting systems to support his students and teachers. He is particularly mindful of students with disabilities, ensuring they have equal success and opportunities as their peers. A true unsung hero in Alpine’s west area, he leads with a quiet dedication, never seeking praise for his hard work but I would like him to know that I notice.“
Nominated by: Jack Kingsford, district employee
“Emma and Maria are two paraprofessionals who work together and support students with special needs. They use continuous praise and show an outpouring of love. The students love them. They work hard to keep the routine and to help their students achieve their maximum learning potential. They step in and have such positive attitudes.“
Nominated by: Trish Jellen, district employee
“Michelle is an exceptional team player! Her positive energy is felt by me and the staff every day. After returning from vacation I discovered that my kitchen went through some difficult challenges while I was gone. I wasn’t surprised to learn that Michelle was able to step up and helped the kitchen overcome its shortage of labor and resources. Our staff and students are lucky to have her!“
Nominated by: Unju Johnson, district employee
“Mr. Curtis has quickly become an essential part of our school community since joining mid-year last year. Starting mid-year can be challenging, but he tackled it with grace and determination. Now in his second year, he has built strong bonds with students, evident in their thoughtful gifts, like McDonald’s Happy Meal crocs! His dedication is clear through his collaborative spirit, openness to feedback, and work with district mentors to continually improve his teaching. Lakeridge is lucky to have his enthusiasm, passion, and unwavering commitment to the success of students.“
Nominated by: Rachel Mattice, district employee
“Our PE teacher, Coach Herrick, is truly exceptional. Despite the challenge of teaching all the boys in the school, he never complains and approaches each day with energy and dedication. He has an incredible ability to develop strong, respectful relationships with students, earning their admiration and trust. Whether he is coaching on the field, teaching in the gym, or handling discipline, he does so with fairness and integrity that sets an example for everyone. His positive influence and commitment make him a vital part of our school.“
Nominated by: Rachel Mattice, district employee
“Liz is such a light at our school! She always has a smile on her face as she walks through the halls. Liz will go out of her way to stop by and say hi or check in with people. You can tell through her actions that she genuinely cares about others. Her energy and joy is contagious. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to work alongside her.”
Nominated by: Stephanie Dudley, district employee
“Melissa Allmon is an amazing principal. She cares about everyone that works at our school and is willing to put in the extra effort to support us. Her dedication to the students and staff at our school is evident in her participation of school activities and her involvement with the students. She tries to make Freedom the best place it can be and wants everyone to feel welcome and appreciated. Melissa puts a smile on her face even when she’s dealing with difficult situations. She is a great leader!“
Nominated by: Stephanie Dudley, district employee
“Moriah works tirelessly to serve some of the most vulnerable students in our school. She routinely goes above and beyond to spend time mentoring students one-on-one and creates an environment where each feels welcomed and a sense of belonging at Lakeridge. She is the best collaborative team member I could ever ask for and is fully committed to excellence in a spirit of working for “our” students, not “yours” or “mine”. It has been truly incredible to witness all Moriah has accomplished in just her first year and three months of teaching. She is a world-class educator!”
Nominated by: Sean Sagers, district employee
“I am nominating Mikki for the RISE Award for her unwavering dedication to students and positive impact at Lakeridge. She goes above and beyond, offering “Lunchtime Learning” sessions for students needing extra help, and creating a safe, welcoming environment. Her strong rapport with students makes them feel valued and supported. Beyond her classroom, Mikki uplifts colleagues, offering encouragement and fostering a positive work culture. Her warmth, empathy, and commitment enhance the school community, making her a perfect candidate who embodies the RISE Award’s spirit.“
Nominated by: Monica Beckstrand, district employee
“I am nominating Mikki for the RISE Award for her unwavering dedication to students and positive impact at Lakeridge. She goes above and beyond, offering “Lunchtime Learning” sessions for students needing extra help, and creating a safe, welcoming environment. Her strong rapport with students makes them feel valued and supported. Beyond her classroom, Mikki uplifts colleagues, offering encouragement and fostering a positive work culture. Her warmth, empathy, and commitment enhance the school community, making her a perfect candidate who embodies the RISE Award’s spirit.“
Nominated by: Monica Beckstrand, district employee
“Brent has been very helpful to me when the children on the bus are having a hard time transitioning and I have been short handed. As children get off the bus, Brent has helped walk children into my classroom to ensure they are safe. Thanks so much, Brent! I appreciate your help!“
Nominated by: Shannon Marie, district employee
“Erika has jumped in to help when I have been short handed in my classroom! We all have a lot going on during our school day, and even with juggling many other things, Erika has been a great support to me! Erika, it means so much! Thanks! Erika has helped support me, as a new sped teacher a lot this year. If I have a question she is always willing to help find the solution! Erika is also supporting another classroom while teacher her own classroom and working with a student teacher. She is a super hero, as all teachers are, and she deserves to be celebrated!“
Nominated by: Shannon Marie, district employee
“Picture day can be an incredible kind of stressful as it throws off the routines of the younger children. These three ladies all worked together along side me and the photographers to get the best pictures of the children in my special education preschool class. It takes a village! Thanks ladies! Your help made for some really great pictures!“
Nominated by: Shannon Marie, district employee
“I have had the pleasure of working with Adam Huffaker for a year and a half. He treats the students and staff with kindness and respect. He has shifted the atmosphere in our school in the short time he has been at Mountain Trails. I am thankful beyond words for the multitude of things that he has done to make our school the place it is today! Thank you so much! You are truly appreciated beyond words!“
Nominated by: Brittany Smith, district employee
“We feel so lucky to have Ms. Bahr at our school! My daughter had some big ups and downs in her last school year, and so far this year has been full of positives. Ms. Bahr is so supportive and encouraging to her students. She helps them learn and grow through engaging lessons and fun games. She dedicates time at teacher workshops and observations, telling her students that she’s learning to become an even better teacher. I just love seeing her positive outlook on learning and watching the impact it has on my daughter. Thank you Ms. Bahr!“
Nominated by: Bonnie Reid, parent
“Miss Heather exemplifies excellence in inclusive education, ensuring every child, including those in special education, feels valued. Her dedication to fostering a supportive environment is inspiring. She adapts lessons, encourages participation, and creates a community of acceptance. Her collaboration with special education teachers and inclusive efforts, even on field trips, set a high standard. Her leadership benefits and inspires the entire school community.“
Nominated by: Taci Zollinger and Jennifer Williams, district employees
“A big shout-out to our fantastic custodian, Mr. Peterson, who always goes above and beyond! He approaches every task with a positive attitude, thorough attention, and a friendly smile. Not only does he keep our school so clean, but he also takes the time to connect with students in the lunchroom and around the building, making everyone feel valued. His approachable friendly personality brightens everyone’s – both staff and students appreciate his kindness and dedication. Thank you for everything you do to make our school a better place!“
Nominated by: Amie Senior, district employee
“Mr. Taylor has found a way to reach my student and make him love school again (well, as much as any 5th grade boy can love school). I appreciate everything Mr. Taylor does to connect with students, to build off their interests, and to stretch and challenge them to improve. He has created a classroom environment that invites students to thrive, where he perfectly balances accepting students as they are while giving them opportunities to step outside that comfort zone, try something new, maybe fail, but always learn. Thank you, Mr. Taylor!“
Nominated by: Anna Dinsmoor, parent