Honoring Exceptional Educators

The district’s flagship recognition. One educator is selected annually as the exemplar of classroom impact, instructional leadership, and community influence. Surprise ceremonies at the winner’s school create high-emotion moments that resonate across the district.

Prize: One-year vehicle lease + maintenance + insurance

Sponsors: Young Automotive Group / Young Kia · Goldenwest Credit Union

Named for Heidi Ann Martin, this award recognizes an educator who models resilience, compassion, and human connection. It honors teachers who move hearts and lives as much as test scores—the ones who stay late, show up early, and make every child feel they matter.

Prize: $10,000 to the winner’s school

Sponsors: Anonymous Founding Donor · Best of Davis Partners (Chevron, Hogan Construction)

Celebrates early-career teachers through two tracks: the New Teacher Orientation / Classroom Wallet program gives every new-to-district teacher a $100 starter grant, and the Outstanding New Educator recognition spotlights exceptional first-year teachers with gift baskets and public recognition.

Prize: $100 Classroom Wallet per teacher (300+ teachers) + gift basket for Outstanding New Educator

Sponsors: Mountain America Credit Union · Young Caring for Our Young · Lifetime Products · GPS Capital Markets · Tanner Clinic

Recognizes educators whose careers span decades—mentorship, leadership, and steady service across generations of students. This award celebrates the lifetime dedication that shapes a school’s culture long after the honoree retires.

Prize: Cash honorarium + in-kind gifts

Naming Sponsor: America First Credit Union

A year-long, data-driven recognition program highlighting elementary teachers with exceptional reading-growth outcomes, instructional innovation, and leadership. Monthly recognition tied to measurable student outcomes creates sustained motivation and visibility.

Prize: Monthly and yearly recognition (Murdock Family Foundation)

Sponsor: Murdock Family Foundation