Canyons District Custodian Wins National ESP of the Year Award

Canyons District is the proud home of the National Education Support Professional of the Year.

Andy Markus, the Assistant Facilities Manager at Draper Park Middle School, won the prestigious honor on Saturday, March 22 at the 2025 ESP National Conference in Louisville, Ky.

The National Education Association, which presents the award, notes that Markus — or “Andy,” as he’s affectionately called in the hallways at DPMS— is often the first school employee that many students see in the morning. As such, he has the important responsibility of being a welcoming presence in the hallways. 

Markus’ dedication to having a clean and well-maintained facility, as well as his efforts to build positive connections with DPMS students, are among the reasons the National Education Association selected him for the national honor. 

“NEA and its three million members are proud to recognize Andy’s dedication to his students, his school and his union,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “He consistently goes above and beyond to be a welcoming presence to all who enter the building and school grounds He inspires each of the students to be better versions of themselves and to try new things. Andy’s ability to lift the spirits of any student having a hard day, or make a new student instantly feel at home, is an invaluable asset to the Draper community.”  

Markus is the first-ever Canyons ESP to claim the national honor. With the win, he follows Park City’s Jennifer Bramson as the country’s ambassador for ESP — the school personnel in U.S. public schools who serve as custodians, cafeteria workers, office staff, paraeducators, technology specialists, and bus drivers, among other vital education-related positions.

Markus was one of five finalists. Others included Illinois’ Amy Evans, intervention reading assistant; North Carolina’s Beryl Torrence, director of operations-transportation; Pennsylvania’s Becky Marszalek, paraprofessional; and Virginia’s Alyce Holmes Pope, family services specialist.

After being applauded at the national conference, Markus was lauded on Monday, March 24 at Canyons District’s ESP Professional Development Day.

ESP from all across Canyons District packed the 900-seat auditorium at Jordan High to start a morning of professional development. The event kicked off with a celebration of Markus’ national award. The Alta High Drum Line performed a rousing number as Markus made his way to the stage to receive gifts and prizes from the District Administration and the Canyons Education Foundation. Cheers reverberated throughout the auditorium.

“This award is so well-deserved. Like all our Education Support Professionals, Andy is dedicated to not just to carrying out the duties of his challenging and important role, but to lifting up students as they make their way through the school day,” said Canyons Superintendent Dr. Rick Robins, who joked on-stage on Monday that his congratulatory “gift” to Markus, a die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fan, would be a lanyard emblazoned with the Las Vegas Raiders logos.  “He’s a steady and friendly presence at the school, and that means so much in our effort to maintain cultures in our schools where every employee, no matter their position, considers it a part of their job to make every student feel included, welcomed, and valued.” 

Mike Evans, President of the Utah School Employees Association, who attended the Monday event at Jordan High, said he’s had “the privilege of working with Andy for many years, and he’s consistently been an exceptional leader. He’s always the first to step up, no matter the time or place.” 

In his new role, Markus will be an advocate and ambassador for ESPs across the country, speaking about the work and importance of ESPs at local, state, and national events.  

“Custodians play such a big role in schools and how kids learn,” says Markus, who also has worked at CSD’s Bella Vista and Midvale elementary schools. “But I also think it doesn’t matter what your job is as an ESP, we all play a big role in what kids are able to learn and do. When you look at ESP, it takes everyone — all of us — to keep our schools running.”

Markus has served for nearly 12 years in various leadership capacities for the Canyons Education Support Professionals Association.  

“I really want people to know what ESP do for schools, Markus says. “There is a lot of gratification in this job.  In not many jobs can you go home and say, ‘Today, I made a difference.’”