A magical math teacher, a rock star volunteer and Canyon School District’s inaugural superintendent were among the 13 recipients of the fourth annual Apex Awards ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Canyons’ Board of Education initiated the Apex Awards in 2010 as a way to publicly acknowledge and honor champions of public education in the community. Educators, District employees, legislators, city officials, community leaders and volunteers who go above and beyond receive the District’s highest recognition as a result of their tireless work on behalf of Canyons District students.
“The word ‘apex’ is a mathematical term,” Board of Education President Sherril Taylor said at the award ceremony. “It’s the height of a true challenge … The people we are honoring know well what it takes to reach the top. Through their words and deeds, they have not just followed the paths in front of them, they have blazed a trail for others to follow.”
This year’s recipients are:
- Friend of Canyons District Darrell Smith, Mayor, Draper City
- Friend of Canyons District Gary Martensen, President, Canyons Education Support Professionals Association
- Teacher of the Year Monica Rotermund, Teacher, Brookwood Elementary
- School Administrator of the Year Greg Leavitt, Principal, Draper Park Middle
- District Administrators of the Year Stephen Dimond, Jo Jolley, Susan Callister, Everett Perry, Canyons District’s Human Resources Department administrative team
- Education Support Professional of the Year Holly Muir, Help Desk, Canyons District’s Information Technology Department
- Volunteer of the Year Irv Eastham, Copperview Elementary
- Elected Official of the Year Rep. Tim Cosgrove, D-Murray
- Business Partner of the Year Kirt Taylor of Horace Mann Insurance
- Legacy Award Dr. David S. Doty, Canyons’ first-ever superintendent
Recipients of the award and some 200 guests were honored at a dinner and reception at The Gathering Place at Gardner Village on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
