• Skip to header navigation
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
385-646-5000
2500 South State Street Salt Lake City UT 84115
F.A.Q.
Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram
Translate:

Granite School DistrictGranite School District logo

  • District Home
  • Students & Families
    • Bully Prevention
    • Suicide Prevention
    • Gradebook
    • Lunch Menus
    • Lunch Payments
  • Community
    • Find Employment
    • Math Vocabulary
    • School Boundaries
    • Education Foundation
  • Schools
    • Elementary Schools
    • Junior High Schools
    • Senior High Schools
    • Specialty Schools & Programs
  • District
    • Board
    • Departments
  • Calendar
  • Contact
  • District Home
  • Granite Portal
  • School Menus
  • Pay Lunch Fees
  • Canvas
  • Find Employment
  • Give or Volunteer
  • Board Reports
  • Granite News
  • District Policies
  • Stakeholder Feedback
  • Superintendent Blog
Granite School District > Granite News > Employee Link > 2014 Excel Award winners honored

2014 Excel Award winners honored

May 2014Granite Schools

Each of the 2014 Excel Award winners has a different approach to educating the students in their classroom.

Despite the variances, however, all of them possess exceptional skills that help their students understand the concepts being taught. It’s an ability they learned from their own mentors and teachers, and it will surely be passed on to the next generation of educators.

We congratulate this year’s Excel winners for their hard work and commitment to preparing students for college, career and life in the 21st century world.

Below are excerpts from the 2014 Excel Awards Ceremony at Granger High School.

Ruth Adolphson – Science Teacher, Cyprus High

Ruth believes in her students and has high expectations for each of them. She uses a variety of methods, labs, and activities in her classroom to provide active learning. She believes education opens doors and builds bridges between people and cultures. Ruth’s example proves that education is a noble and worthwhile endeavor.

Robin Farnsworth – Third Grade Teacher – Neil Armstrong Academy

Robin ensures her students learn by doing and that they are each active participants in her classroom. She emphasizes ingenuity and innovation in her teaching methods. Focusing on student engagement gives Robin the motivation and courage to be creative and improve herself each day.

Le Vuong – Mathematics Teacher, Bennion Jr. High

Le loves to teach for many reasons. His love for mathematics, positive energy and passion for sharing knowledge is contagious. His teaching methods open up students’ curiosity and interest for learning. The reward of making a difference in the lives of Le’s students easily outweighs any challenges he may face.

Rachel Jensen – Second Grade Teacher, Calvin Smith Elementary

Rachel believes anyone can change for the better and that each day is a fresh start. She knows there is merit in making the best of what you have and she is always looking for ways to grow and improve. Rachel became an educator to instill her love of learning in her students and help them become lifelong learners. 

Amber Tuckness – Instrumental Music Teacher, Cottonwood High

Amber feels that every day is a new adventure in teaching. She finds joy in sharing the gift of music with young, impressionable students. She was inspired by her music and core teachers to become and educator. She believes if you can change just one life for the better, you are a success in life. Amber hopes to change as many lives for good as possible.

Sarah Waddoups – Second Grade Teacher, Oakwood Elementary

Sarah shows her students that good teachers never stop learning. She became an educator because it allows her to promote positive change and take on the challenge of solving problems each day. Sarah believes that with knowledge comes power, and she strives to empower others.

Heidi Parkin – Third Grade Teacher, Spring Lane Elementary

Heidi believes that praise and a kind word creates a bond between students and their teacher. She knows when a child feels secure and respected; he or she is able to learn. Heidi’s positive philosophy reaches students, parents, and colleagues and builds bridges of understanding.

Mark Grant – Principal, Evergreen Jr. High

Mark’s greatest strength as an administrator is his ability to work well with everyone he comes in contact with – parents, teachers and staff. He feels that the greatest gift you can give someone is an education. He believes education equals opportunity for students to make the world a better place. Mark is a passionate person and lives his passion every day at Evergreen Jr. High. 

Sharon Hall – General Education Teacher, Christmas Box House

Sharon loves giving her students the tools they need to learn and become the best thy can be. She strives to be a champion to brave-hearted students by believing in them, seeing their potential, and showing them kindness. Sharon knows that good teachers have the potential to change the world. 

Keri Graybill – AVID Teacher, Granite Park Jr. High

Keri loves learning and believes there’s no better place to be than a classroom full of learners. She teaches to inspire students to believe in themselves and their abilities. Keri helps her students with worthwhile work to give them the necessary tools to turn their dreams into reality. 

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Employee LinkTagged With: bennion junior high, calvin smith elementary, christmas box house, cottonwood high, cyprus high, evergreen junior high, excel award, Featured, granite education foundation, granite park junior high, neil armstrong academy, oakwood elementary, spring lane elementary

Reader Interactions

Primary Sidebar

Website Search

Stakeholder Feedback

We value your feedback. Please take a short survey and let us know how we're doing.

Go to Surveys

Quick Links

  • Parent & Employee Portal
  • Donate
  • School Menus
  • My School’s Grade
  • Volunteer
  • Find Employment

Parent Link

Receive the latest Granite School District happenings in your inbox.

Like Us on Facebook

Like Us on Facebook
Intranet · Privacy Policy · Terms of Use · F.A.Q. · Login
© 2021 Granite School District 2500 South State Street Salt Lake City, UT 84115 385-646-5000

Non-Discrimination Statement

Granite School District prohibits discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), or retaliation on the basis of race, color, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected classification in all educational programs, activities, admissions, access, treatment, or employment practices and provides equal access to scouting groups and other designated youth groups. Related inquiries and complaints may be directed to a school administrator or to Charlene Lui, Title IX Coordinator and Director of Educational Equity, (385) 646-7413. You may also contact the Office for Civil Rights, Denver, CO, (303) 844-5695.
» Read Policy «

Commitment to Accessibility

Granite School District is committed to making information, programs, and services accessible to all students, parents/guardians, patrons, and employees, including those with disabilities. Please contact your school administration or Charlene Lui, Director of Educational Equity, (385) 646-7413 to request interpreters or auxiliary aids. If you need help accessing this website, or you would like to provide feedback or report a concern, please contact our Communications Office, (385) 646-4529.

Content Disclaimer

The Granite School District is not responsible for the text and content of websites not owned and operated by the Granite School District.