Brighton High’s Jim Hodges is one of the recipients of a 2011 Huntsman Award for Excellence in Education.

Jon M. Huntsman Sr. and his family created the annual awards program to recognize and reward Utah teachers, administrators, and volunteers for “continually seeking ways to improve the quality of education in our public education system.”  The 10 award winners each receive  $10,00 for their efforts and contributions.  The group will be honored at a banquet and ceremony on Friday, May 13.

Karen Huntsman personally delivered the good news to Mr. Hodges, whose Model U.N. teams have won 14 consecutive state awards. Students, fellow teachers, Brighton’s administration and parent volunteers cheered the announcement.

“We feel it an honor to come and honor you at the school on this day,” Mrs. Huntsman told Hodges. “Thank you for doing so much for students.”

Hodges’ students in March participated in the 36th annual National High School Model United Nations conference held at the United Nations in New York. Some 170 U.S. schools and 20 foreign countries participated in the annual conference. Brighton was the sole school from Utah invited to attend and participate.

“We are very grateful to have him here at Brighton,” said Principal Charisse Hilton

For his part, Hodges, who shyly accepted the accolades, says “I get to do what I enjoy doing … Luckily, it’s socially acceptable to be a good school teacher.”