The aim of the Apex Awards, which are given each fall at a by-invitation-only dinner and awards ceremony, is to publicly acknowledge and honor tireless champions of public education. With the awards, the Canyons Board of Education and Administration laud the hard work and dedication of educators, employees, legislators, city officials, community leaders and volunteers in support of the children who attend school in Canyons District. We recognize that their unfailing support is what propels us to achieving the highest in educational excellence.
Apex Awards
Teacher of the Year
The Canyons Teacher of the Year is given annually to one educator who adheres to the highest standards of educational excellence. Canyons educators qualify for consideration by being named Teacher of the Year at the school where they teach. The winning candidate, who will represent Canyons in the statewide Teacher of the Year competition, will foremost have the ability to engage and motive students of all abilities and backgrounds. The Canyons Teacher of the Year is professional, responsible, and ethical, and will have earned the respect of colleagues, students, and parents. The Directors of Student Achievement, in consultation with the Superintendent and Chief Academic and Performance Officers, select the winner.
School Administrator of the Year
The Canyons School Administrator of the Year is an honor reserved for an administrator at one of Canyons District’s 45 schools or special programs. The winning candidate, who will be chosen by the Superintendent, has demonstrated top-tier leadership skills in his or her school community, built a reputation as an advocate for children, and maintains high professional and ethical standards. The School Administrator of the Year is an innovative, trusted leader who supports the philosophies, mission and vision of Canyons District.
District Administrator of the Year
The Canyons District Administrator of the Year is an honor given to an administrator in a District Office-based department. The Superintendent selects the winner of the award, which honors one truly outstanding administrator who, through diligence and great effort, has cultivated and maintained relationships of trust with colleagues and patrons. Regardless of the scope of duty or size of department, the influence of the District Administrator of the Year can be seen and felt throughout CSD. The successful nominee is professional, trustworthy, ethical, and supports the philosophies, mission and vision of Canyons District.
Education Support Professional of the Year
The Canyons Education Support Professional of the Year is awarded to a member of the District’s support staff who has worked for CSD for at least one year. The successful nominee supports the mission of the District by performing his or her duties in a prompt and professional manner. The ESP of the Year shows initiative, is active in their community, a team player and maintains a positive attitude in even the most trying circumstances. The Board of Education selects the winner of this category.
Volunteer of the Year
The Canyons District Volunteer of the Year is an honor for a member of the community who supports through unpaid efforts the student-achievement and community-engagement goals of Canyons District schools. The successful nominee will have spent money, time or resources in Canyons District, and demonstrated longevity in service to schools in Cottonwood Heights, Draper, Midvale, Sandy and the town of Alta. The Board of Education will select the winner of this award.
Business Partner of the Year
The Canyons District Business Partner of the Year is given to a person, company or organization that supports through real and in-kind donations the efforts of Canyons District. The winner of this award, chosen by the Board of Education, has spent money, time or resources in Canyons. As a partner in the education of children, the successful nominee demonstrates a dedication to work with Canyons District as it seeks to build and maintain a national reputation as a district of distinction.
Elected Official of the Year
The Canyons District Elected Official of the Year is an individual elected to local, county or state government who has shown through words and deeds a sustained and measurable commitment to the communities within the boundaries of Canyons School District. Award winners have unparalleled leadership and communication skills and exceed expectations as they advocate and represent the communities in which they serve. Members of the elected Canyons Board of Education select the winner of this award.
Legacy Award
The Canyons Legacy Award is reserved for those whose personal and professional actions serve to inspire the Canyons community. The individual chosen for this award is known for a pioneering spirit, dedication to excellence and commitment to civil public engagement. The Legacy Award, the most prestigious of all awards selected and presented by the Board of Education and Administration, is a symbol of honest and honorable leadership, the highest of ethical and professional standards, and notable devotion to providing a world-class education to all children.