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Show Wednesday. April 20, 2005 B1 By Carissa Magee Express Writer Wednesday morning last week was a day of elation for Lori Lever-ton. Lever-ton. As an educator at Vernal Junior High whose curriculum focuses mainly on at-risk children, chil-dren, plus the added responsibility responsi-bility of taking care of her own children, Lori has a full schedule. sched-ule. Lori has a relationship with her students that is unique. She believes in rewarding them not only for their accomplishments but for just being themselves and coming to school every day. On the morning of the 13th when her special visitors arrived at Lori's classroom, they were told she had gone on an errand and would be back in a few minutes. The party awaited her with plenty of discussion dis-cussion keeping them occupied and soon, to their surprise, Lori returned from her errand of picking up breakfast for her students to reward them for "nothing in particular." She just wanted to let them know that she appreciates them. Upon Lori's return she was greeted with a "welcoming committee" com-mittee" consisting of Principal Kent Bunderson, Uintah School District Superintendent Wayne Gurney, Dixie Allen and Larry Klein of Uintah School District and most importantly, Mrs. Karen Huntsman and Mrs. Gail Peterson of Utah Governor Jon Huntsman's office. When Principal Bunderson approached Lori, she acted a bit wary at first as to why they were paying her a visit and stated, "I didn't do it. Whatever it is, I didn't do it," which got a laugh from everyone. The group then entered her classroom and Mrs. Huntsman announced to Lori, along with her students, that she had been chosen as one of ten educators edu-cators and volunteers in the state of Utah to be awarded the Huntsman Award for Excellence in Education. The award is competitive and educators or volunteers must be nominated by someone to be in the running. The process pro-cess is somewhat lengthy with the application consisting of three separate one page recommendation recom-mendation letters with detailed descriptions of why the educator educa-tor is worthy of the prestigious award. Lori was nominated a few months back by Principal Bunderson because "she goes one beyond the extra mile," said Bunderson. "She not only helps in educating the students at school but she even goes into some of the homes to help the families, mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters of her students. I've watched her do such a wonderful job with the kids on a day-to-day basis and I thought she deserved some recognition rec-ognition for it." The mission statement for the Huntsman Award is to "recognize, "rec-ognize, inspire and reward the best teachers, school administrators adminis-trators and volunteers in Utah for continually seeking ways to improve the quality of education educa-tion in our public school system." sys-tem." The narrowing down of the numerous nominations is done by a panel of qualified individuals indi-viduals which includes educators educa-tors as well as past nominees. Six teachers, two administrators administra-tors and one volunteer will be awarded this year at a banquet dinner to be held at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City on April 29. They will receive a $10,000 check to be used solely for themselves. None of the proceeds are allowed to go to the schools or students or any other source besides the educator. educa-tor. "This award is for you, and for nothing else. We'll come and take it away if we have to. It has to go toward what YOU would like," Mrs. Huntsman stated in a playful tone. Lori Leverton comes from a long line of educators with both of her parents and her sister in the field as well. Lori expects a lot from her students but keeps a close relationship with them at the same time. She has Expressions Basin Life Educating excellence I V Vv" - tin in ii wn 3! Lori Leverton is shocked and ecstatic Mrs. Gail Peterson of Governor Huntsman's office announces to the students and faculty of Vernal Junior High of Leverton's award. helped many kids get through some of the tough times in their lives and has done above and beyond what is expected of her. She has even purchased clothing cloth-ing for some of them out of her own pocket just so they can feel more comfortable in the environment envi-ronment around them. "When you go you can't take anything with you, so why not help out where you can make a difference," says Lori. "My main focus is on the kids and once you show them how special spe-cial they are and get them to work toward their goals you've made them better all around." Lori uses many different methods in her teaching skills and loves the book "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens" by Sean Covey. She works with the students on self esteem because she feels if the students had a higher self esteem they would be able to accomplish much more than before. "Self esteem is what it's all about," commented Lori. While announcing the award to the class, Mrs. Huntsman stated she could not believe the closeness of the students and faculty at this school "There is a nice respect here at the Vernal Junior High unlike any other I have been to in the state of Utah," said Karen Huntsman. She also asked the students why they think Mrs. Leverton deserves this award and their reply was "because she loves us." Mrs. Huntsman really took that to heart. After the announcement to Lori's class the group then headed back to the main office of the Junior High to make the announcement for the rest of the school. Mr. Bunderson 'V . , 1 with Mrs. Karen Huntsman congratulated Lori Leverton for her achievements. . - t I t to. : - irti-; f ' ' after being told of her awaxd Principal of the Vernal Junior High Huntsman pose after awarding Lori Lori Leverton and her students were got on the intercom first and made the announcement that the school had a special guest that would like to speak to them. Mrs. Peterson got on the intercom and explained the award and what it was about. She then told the students that Mrs. Leverton had been one of the ten recipients of this prestigious presti-gious award. Lori was the next to speak and thanked the students for their hard work and support and told them how much she loved them once again. Not soon after, lines of students and educators were piling towards the office, pounding on the windows win-dows with thumbs up and clapping clap-ping hands. Chris Labium's class came to the office singing on the way "good job, good job, good job". After the excitement settled a bit, Mrs. Huntsman, Mrs. Peterson, Lori and others were beckoned back to Lori's classroom class-room by the students because n i i Ui'r r nr. mail i i. I-; ' v i A 5 ' A t 1 mske&smk Kent Bunderson, Educator Lori Leverton, Mrs. Gail Peterson and Mrs. Karen with the Huntsman Award for Excellence in Education. happy to learn of the award. they had a surprise for her. Walking down the hall to her classroom you could see the streamers in the hallway and hanging from the doorway. The classroom was decorated with confetti and streamers, ceiling to floor, with a projection on the wall saying how much the students appreciate her. They even decorated her car which was right outside the door. "There is a nice respect in this school especially for educators educa-tors dealing with a difficult age group," said Mrs. Huntsman. Lori made sure to point out numerous times that she could not do this alone. "If you went to every teacher in this school district you would find some of the most talented and dedicated educators you have ever met," says Lori. She also made sure to say that even though she has been teaching for 22 years it is all a team effort and no one is perfect. "We all do our best for these kids," said Lori. Mrs. Huntsman wanted to make sure that everyone knows how honorable this award is, not only for the teacher teach-er who received it but for the school and district as well "No man is an island," says Mrs. Huntsman. Lori says she always feels very supported at the Vernal Junior High and that Principal Bunderson is such a positive asset in keeping the school employees and educators working work-ing as a team. "I love coming to work and I am just the same at work as I am at home," says Lori. "I feel so comfortable here." The Huntsman Award for Excellence in Education has been awarded for thirteen consecutive years and is one of Governor Jon Huntsman's favorite awards. "I feel so hum ble because there are so many people who deserve this award in the education field," said Lori Leverton. Community Calendar April 20 National Volunteer Week is April 17-23. The Uintah County Library will be celebrating cel-ebrating with a pizza party for youth and volunteers at 4 p.m. April 20. The Family History Center is hosting a class entitled Heritage Quest Online-Book Section and Perci by instruc tor Jan Schroeder at 10 a.m. and a class entitled Cemetery Records on the internet at 7 p.m. April 21 Care-Giver Support will be held at the Golden Age Center Thursday, April 21 at 1 p.m. Find out what services are available in the community to assist the elderly and services ser-vices that allow the consumer to remain in their own home. Reps from different agencies will be present to explain services ser-vices and answer questions. April 22 Line dancing in Roosevelt for adult singles 31 and older at Roosevelt 1st and 4th Ward building at 7 p.m. Bingo at the Golden Age Center every Tuesday and Friday at 1 p.m. Dinosaur River Rendezvous will be April 22 through April 24. River seminars and dryland dry-land training. Registration available for all interested in rafting Whitewater. For more info contact 1-800-345-RAFT. April 23 Rising Star Riders will hold a Hairy Horse Schooling Show. Registration is 9 a.m. with show starting at 10 a.m. This is an open show so everyone is invited to attend. For more information contact Jacque at 789-2367 or Janet at 789-3696. Sportsman for Fish and Wildlife banquet will be held at the Western Park April 23. For more information contact 435-722-7769. April 24 Vernal Utah Ashley Stake will host a Joseph -Smith Fireside with music and narration nar-ration Sunday, April 24 at 7 p.m. 850 West 100 North. Everyone is invited. The Roosevelt 1st and 4th Ward will be hosting a Fireside at 7 p.m. The Cavanaghs will be speaking about their mission to India. April 25 The Family History Center will be hosting a class entitled U.S. Genweb by instructor Larae Perry at 3 p.m. Monday, April 25 and Tuesday, April 27 at 7 p.m. Free weight-loss classes will be held for those ages 50 and older every Monday at 1 p.m. until May 16 at the Golden Age Center. Registered dietician dieti-cian Linda McClellan is teaching teach-ing this class. Weekly drawings draw-ings for fruit and veggie gifts will be held. April 26 Bingo at the Golden Age Center every Tuesday and Friday at 1 p.m. April 29 Vernal Utah Uintah Stake Conference Temple Day Friday, April 29 at 7:45 p.m. Bingo at the Golden Age Center every Tuesday and Friday at 1 p.m. Cabin Fever Golf Tournament Tour-nament four person scramble to benefit the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce. Registration required. Contact Con-tact 435-789-1352 for more information. GED test offered by Uintah School District at 6 p.m. Continues April 30. For more info contact Elaine Gardiner, 781-3100 ext 1013. April 30 Health Beat Health Fair 5K WalkRun April 30. USU Graduation April 30. For more information contact 435-722-2294. Uintah Stake Conference Priesthood Leadership session ses-sion Saturday, April 30 from 5 to 6 p.m. Adult Conference session from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Members and non-members are all invited to attend. Nursery will be provided. To place Kerns of public interest on the Community Calendar, mail them to the Vernal Express, P.O. Box 1000, email, editorSvernal. com, or call the Vernal Express at 789-3511. rr |