• 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 > Stories from Granite employees celebrating a career milestone

Stories from Granite employees celebrating a career milestone

April 2019Granite Schools

Bill Kenley speaks at 25 Year dinner
Granite employees at 25 year dinner
Granite employee at 25 Year Dinner

Nearly 70 Granite School District contract employees reached a major milestone this school year: 25 professional years in the district. These individuals have served in various capacities, but they have all contributed to student success.

Here’s the list of this year’s Gold Pin recipients, along with a few memories:

NamePositionFavorite MemoriesWhat I Enjoy Most About My Position
James M. BaezInstructional Assistant, Academy Park Elementary----
Brenda K. BartunekMath Teacher, Bonneville Jr. High----
Gary BradfordForeman, Carpenter Shop----
Kimberly D. BrianResource Teacher, Cyprus High School----
Elaine BroughInstructional Coach, Plymouth Elementary----
Jennie A. CrapoPreschool Coordinator, Preschool Services----
Heather CreelSchool Psychologist, College & Career ReadinessI always loved doing Fall Home Visits with the staff of Redwood Elementary School. Deciding how to organize the groups and family visits, having board members and directors participate, watching the faces of the children when they knew the teachers were in the neighborhoods, being followed by flocks of children on bicycles, and listening to the staff stories afterward were all highlights of this experience for me. The connections we made were life-changing!I love the team aspect of working in the public schools and watching the hard work that goes on behind the scenes every single day. I enjoy working with colleagues to design experiences that are "outside of the box" for students and families. I also think that watching a student meet a personal goal and helping in their celebration is the "icing on the cake!" My most favorite aspect of my job is in the connections I make with others and walking this part of life's journey with students, families, staff, and others.
James M. DeyerleCrew Leader, General Maintenance ----
Kenneth L. DilleySpanish Teacher, Granite Park Jr. HighParticipation in the 100 year celebration of Granite High School was quite memorable. I also feel like our Veterans Day memorial assemblies that recognized former students of Granite Park Junior High and the South Salt lake community have been heartfelt and rewarding.The diversity of our student body makes every day a cultural experience. I enjoy working in the after school program helping students with make up work . I also enjoy the competitive nature of our students as they participate in the sports program.
Todd FarnsworthHead Custodian, Olympus High School----
Marcos Figueroa AnguianoHead Custodian, Fremont Elementary----
Julie GardnerGraphics Teacher, Olympus High SchoolGetting to know the students and caring about them. I love teaching!The ability to teach the students a skill that they can use in their lives. Either as s job or a skill they can take to a job of their choice.
Cindy K. George5th Grade Teacher, Oakridge Elementary----
Robert GobleHead Custodian, West Lake STEM Jr. HighTelling ghost stories and local and school history to the students at Cyprus high school. Interacting and joking with the kids.
Phillip M. GravesAssistant Foreman, Plumbers----
M. Susan GunnSpecial Education Teacher, Sandburg ElementaryThe joy of seeing my students improve academically and that they realize they are the ones who did it.I love the support and friendship from my principal, Julie Wilson, my para, Cindy Lundgren, and the staff I work with.
Karen HanksCounselor, Wasatch Jr. HighI have been very privileged in my 25 years at Wasatch Jr. High to have several responsibilities. I loved teaching physical education, coaching girls' volleyball, teaching student government including SBOs, cheerleaders and Wasatch peer leadership team, then finally working as a school counselor. With all these roles come many great memories. One that I will share was with my student government kids. Each year at the end of the year I would have the kids circle up our chairs (very common for this class), and have them go around the circle to share something they learned from their experience as a student leader. Invariably, one or more would say that when they were elected the previous year, it was "all about me". By the end of the year they had learned that instead it was "all about what I can do for others" and the satisfaction that comes from service. Aspects that I enjoy most in my current position as a school counselor is working individually as an advocate for students whether it is helping them to be more successful in school, dealing with personal or social issues, celebrating their successes or anything that will help them to navigate through the challenging years of junior high school.
Patrick HealeyBusiness Teacher, Olympus High SchoolThe StudentsThe Students
Leanne HelblingSecretary, Crestview Elementary I have had 27 years of great memories!I love working with our teachers, students, and community.
Scott N. HendersonPE Teacher, Hunter High School----
Diana A. HiattHead Custodian, Calvin Smith ElementaryMy favorite memory was when JoAnn Crawley was my principal and I had the kids in the lunch room sing Happy Birthday to her.I love giving the community a safe and clean building to come to each day.
Chip A. HopkinsHistory Teacher, Olympus High SchoolMeeting Eunice Kennedy Shriver at the Kennedy Library in Cambridge at a Community of Caring seminar.Providing avenues for critical thinking and curiousity. The remedy for apathy.
Rod S. HortonPrincipal, Jefferson Jr. HighThe great relationships I have with the amazing educators in the schools I have worked in. I will always cherish those friendships. Hopefully, the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the students and teachers.
Anne JohnSpeech Pathologist, Special Services----
Shelly D. Johnson6th Grade Teacher, Orchard ElementaryIn 25 years how do you pick one? It was pretty amazing to go to the Granite Conference in 2018 (before the school year started) with my sister and daughter. Having some the most important people in my life share my passion for teaching and education is the best.*The best part of being a teacher is the relationships. Building relationships with kids and their families is by far the best (and in my opinion, the most important) part of teaching. I have many treasured friendships that started in the classroom. *Seeing what my kids so after they leave my classroom; seeing them being successful adults and achieving their dreams. *Planning fun learning activities like Fear Factor Integers, Mock Nwebery, Stock Market math, OREO project, Dr. Pepper Decimals and Percent Day, First Chapter Friday, Trasketball. *My class tie-dye tradition. *Our annual rock, paper, scissors tournament. *Watching kids fall in love with learning, reading, and deciding they really can do math (and like it). *Our Kind is the New Cool Campaign and focusing on friendship and connections in the classroom.
Jennifer Keil-ReedPrincipal, Upland Terrace Elementary----
Eva J. KendrickESL Adult Education Teacher, Granite Peaks Lifelong LearningOne day after class, a student gave me the supreme compliment. He was an adult ESL learner from Brazil with many of life's experiences behind him. He said that he loved coming to my class because he knew that he learned something everyday that meaningful for him to use in his life. I think that's what it is all about!The world has come through my classroom door. I have met people from more than half of the world's countries. I have received an education in loving the peoples of this beautiful world!
Bill J. KenleyDirector, Educator Support & DevelopmentI absolutely loved my time traveling all across the state to watch the kids participate in high school activities. It was a great way to see the kids in an out of school environment, meet and associate with parents, and build life long friendships with colleagues. What a great experience.I really love working with new educators and administrators. It is incredibly rewarding to be able to help pepole get through those first few years in a position, and help them realize their professional potential.
Brian LestargeScience Teacher, Churchill Jr. Highour school taking 1st 2nd and 3rd at physics day at lagoonThe kids
Chris A. LewisDirector, Accounting ServicesThe first time I finished the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). I smiled all the way home thinking, "I can do this!"I enjoy the innate goodness of the people who end up in public education.
Scott D. LewisScience Teacher, Granger High SchoolCoaching Wrestling. Building An Experimental AircraftBest School and Staff in the District
Emily LiddellPrincipal, Taylorsville High School----
Heidemarie LindCounselor, Granite Park Jr. HighAll of my students in my counseling alphabet graduated from High SchoolIn my Parent Center I serve adults to increase their quality of life!
Tiffany LofgranResource Teacher, Redwood ElementaryMany years ago I walked into my classroom to find a student with his hand in my candy bucket. Even though I knew it wasn't the best practice I had him write one sentence over and over again. He was supposed to write, "I will not steal from Ms. Lofgran". He began writing them but as he got about half-way down the page, the sentence changed to, "I will not steal FOR Ms. Lofgran". HaHaI just love seeing progress...any progress!
Stacey A. Lowe5th Grade Teacher, Elk Run Elementary----
Patti Jo MazanisScience Teacher, Jefferson Jr. High----
Heidi K. MeenenTechnology Specialist, Educational Technology----
Rebecca MonsonPrincipal, Bacchus ElementaryBeing part of opening a new school.Building relationships with more students.
Jane Munson2nd Grade Teacher, Cottonwood Elementary----
Mike P. NelsonMultimedia Teacher, Granite Connection High----
Annette H. NicholsResource Teacher, Hunter High SchoolWatching students understand a concept and fell proud that they finally got it. The expression of delight is my reward for teaching all of these years.High School kids are the best!! I am so happy to be ending my career with these kids. I LOVE teaching English to kids who struggle with learning. Finding ways to introduce them to literature in creative ways is such a delight!! I love my principal and my team, there are so many good people who care about kids at Hunter High.
Shauna L. NordgrenAssistant Principal, Wasatch Jr. HighI loved teaching dance at Granite Park Junior High for 11.5 years. I loved the students, my colleagues and the community. Seeing students who have never taken dance before put on a costume, get on the stage and then perform their hearts out each year are memories that I keep close and cherish.It was a challenge to go from being a well-liked dance teacher to an assistant principal. I have been an assistant principal 13.5 years now at 4 different schools and have loved the challenges at each school. I enjoy seeing these junior high kids each day with their energy and smiles and drive to do well. Students feel comfortable coming to my office, partially for the M&Ms, and know I am available to listen to their issues and help out where needed. I love working with students in all the activities at the school including assemblies, lunchtime karaoke, our reward store, field trips, 4 square in the commons, supporting our musical, filming announcements, posting on social media, etc. I love taking pictures and video of all our activities and posting them on YouTube for others to enjoy. I enjoy working with our parents and working through problems and celebrations. The students are why I stay in education, I enjoy them the most!
Thomas OlsenScience Teacher, Cyprus High School----
Dennis OttesonHead Custodian, Pleasant Green ElementaryWatching several of the special-ed kids get promoted to 7th grade and seeing them grow from the time the first started here.Being around the kids from Kindergarten to 6th grade. Seeing them all grow up. One of the kids will always be where I happen to be and they all say "HI Mr. Dennis
Kenneth PetersonAssistant Principal, Cyprus High School----
Cindy PhillipsAssistant Principal, Cyprus High School----
Ross PopeSpecial Needs STS, Educational TechnologyWhen the principal and I had the whole school thinking we were live streaming when she was reading on the roof of the school. It was all prerecorded and I hid in a back room when it was happening.Working with staff and students on learning new software.
Shane ProwsJourneyman Painter, Paint Shop----
Vini T. PurcellBus Driver, Transportation----
Terry ReynoldsLD/CD Teacher, Farnsworth ElementaryAny time one of my students say I can do this. It is easy. They could not do before. Working with wonderful Para educators and 6th grade staff that support and include my students in their activities
Lina RobinsonAssistant Food Manager, Kearns High SchoolMaking 85 pounds of bread dough into Dinner rolls and Hamburger bunsServing the students
Patricia SargentBus Driver, Transportation----
Jerry M. SchafferMath Teacher, West Lake STEM Jr. High----
Thomas L. SharpeMath Teacher, Cottonwood High School----
Gailia ShepherdAssistant Food Manager, Taylorsville High School----
Maren K. SingletonMath Teacher, Cyprus High SchoolParticipating in the 50 yr. celebration at Brockbank. It was fun to hear all of the stories from the Alumni that came.The excitement that students have when they master a difficult concept.
Scott SladeSpanish Teacher, Eisenhower Jr. HighI was allowed to have 6 ibooks in my room. My students were able to work on them and create projects. The students presented to some district people and did so well that I was given more ibooks the next year. I have used computers to individualize instruction since then.I enjoy creating assignments that engage most of the students and allow them to work at their own pace. I have really enjoyed creating friendships with the people of the schools that I have had the opportunity to work in.
Pamela StaggsSpeech Pathologist, Special ServicesOne of the most rewarding experiences I have had at Granite School District has been the collaboration with the Taylorsville High School Drill Team and our students. For the past three years I have had the drill team students come and dance with our students. I have watched as great friendships between the girls have developed with each practice together. It has been truly amazing!I work with the high school and post high students and enjoy going out into the community to interact with others outside the structured classroom. It is a great thrill to watch them greet others and use the social language skill I have taught them.
Lana SuttonSecretary, Special Services----
Deborah ThomasMath Teacher, Olympus Jr. High----
Michael J. VirginTechnology Teacher, Hunter High SchoolMany years ago I taught a student who had been told by his father that he was not allowed to touch their computer at home because he would probably break it. As we doing an activity on our computers he suddenly yell out, "I can do it! I can do it!" He was an entirely different student after that experience.Help students open theirs eyes to the world around us and be able to capture unique images on their cameras.
Le VuongMath Teacher, Bennion Jr. HighMy favorite memory was the time I went back to my alma mater (Granite High) to teach math.Being able to inspire students and to help them understand the values of education and hard work.
Tina WestDirector, Elementary SchoolsSome of my favorite memories are from when I was a principal and had the FA special classes at my school. I will always remember how Miss Marley said, "Hi Miss West," everyday. Also how Cody said he liked my black car everyday, but I would always tell him that I drove a blue car to which he would say, "I know Mrs. West." Then one day I was driving my husband's black car and I had to tell him to which he replied, "I know, Mrs. West."I love working with my prinicpals. They work so hard and have so many creative ideas to share. They are to be commended!
Jennifer WhitlockSocial Worker, College & Career Readiness----
Craig YuillWarehouse Distribution Manager, Bates Food Service Center----

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: 25 year, 25 year dinner, anniversary, contract, employee, gold pin, golden, milestone

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.