Through the long shadow of the pandemic also came shining slivers of light and grace.
The people who have inspired those sparkling moments — teachers, administrators, Education Support Professionals, counselors, volunteers, business partners, and more — did so even against the great operational, wellness, and morale challenges of the COVID-19 school year.
Key contributions to CSD’s excellence, innovation, and achievement, especially as the Canyons community collectively navigated the era of the novel coronavirus, will be lauded with 2021 Apex Awards, the highest honors given by the Canyons Board of Education and Administration.
Canyons is now accepting nominations for the annual awards, which reward above-and-beyond efforts of employees and community supporters. Apex Awards have been presented in CSD each fall since 2010.
From the outset, the awards program was envisioned as a formal, by-invitation-only banquet and ceremony. In 2020, as a result of COVID-19 restrictions, honorees were announced and celebrated in a virtual ceremony.
This fall, Canyons plans to return to the tradition of gathering for a formal dinner and awards program to fete the 2021 winners. The event will be Tuesday, Sept. 28 at Midvalley Elementary.
The public is invited to submit nominations in the following categories:
- School Administrator of the Year
- District Administrator of the Year
- Busines/Community Partner of the Year
- Volunteer of the Year
- Elected Official of the Year
- Student Support Services Professional of the Year
- Education Support Professional of the Year
- Legacy Award
The 2021 Apex Award nomination window will close on Friday, Aug. 13.
The winner of the Apex Award for Teacher of the Year has already been announced. After a thorough four-month selection process that included reviews of instructional practices, student achievement data, and employee evaluations, Alta High performing-arts teacher Traci Raymond was announced in April as the District’s choice as the top teacher of the pandemic year.
CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS
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. This award honors a 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 School District.
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 schools or special programs. The winning candidate 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 and trusted leader who supports the philosophies, mission, and vision of Canyons School District.
Business/Community Partner of the Year
Canyons District students, schools and programs benefit from the monetary or in-kind contributions provided by the Canyons District Business/Community Partner of the Year Award. As a partner in the education of children, the successful nominee demonstrates a dedication to invest in and work with Canyons as it builds and maintains a national reputation as a district of distinction.
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 demonstrated longevity in service to schools in Cottonwood Heights, Draper, Midvale, Sandy and the towns of Alta, White City and Brighton.
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.
Student Support Services Professional of the Year
The Student Support Services Professional of the Year award is given to a stellar employee who has shown innovation and dedication throughout the year. This award is for a licensed professional who advances the District’s academic platform and enhances the educational environment for students and teachers. Employees eligible for this award include school psychologists, counselors, instructional coaches, instructional specialists, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists. Any CSD employee who works in these capacities can be nominated.
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. 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 demonstrates initiative, is a team player, has a growth mindset, and maintains a positive attitude in even the most trying circumstances.
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 honorable leadership, the highest of ethical and professional standards, and notable devotion to providing a world-class education to all children in Canyons School District.
