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Funeral Services for Hillcrest High’s Dr. Paul Kirby Set For Saturday

“On the death of a friend, we should consider that the fates through confidence have devolved on us the task of a double living, that we have henceforth to fulfill the promise of our friend’s life also, in our own, to the world.” – Henry David Thoreau

Scholarships at Brighton and Hillcrest high schools are being established to honor the late Dr. Paul Kirby, the Hillcrest High Assistant Principal who passed away April 17, 2015.

The plan is to give annual scholarship in Dr. Kirby’s name to one Hillcrest student who excels in performing arts and one Brighton student who is a standout in world languages. Dr. Kirby, who was the 2011 Utah Assistant Principal of the Year, was a Bengal for a decade and a Husky since 2010.

The Canyons Education Foundation is accepting donations to these scholarships.

Hillcrest choirs are set to perform special songs at Dr. Kirby’s funeral service, scheduled for noon on Saturday, April 25 at the Murray Stake Center, 1830 E. 6400 South. Visitation for friends and family will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Internment will be in the Logan City Cemetery.

Dr. Kirby will be remembered by generations of students who were touched by his dedication to education and positive approaches to student behavior. 

“Dr. Paul Kirby was a vital part of the administrative team at Hillcrest High.  He had a special spirit, kind soul, and a deep love for the students who he greeted every day in the hallways,” said Principal Sue Malone. “Not only was Paul a consummate leader and a dependable colleague, he was a close and loyal friend. I will miss him tremendously. Hillcrest simply won’t be the same without him.”

Dr. Kirby has been an educator since 1993, when he was hired as a Spanish teacher at Treasure Mountain Middle School in Park City and Rowland Hall-St. Mark’s School in Salt Lake City. He joined the Judge Memorial faculty as a Spanish teacher in 1994 and moved to Copper Hills High School in 1995 where he also assumed the role as Foreign Languages Department Chair. In 1999, he became the Assistant Principal at West Jordan High, and was transferred a year later to Brighton High. He was an ardent supporter of the Bengals for 10 years before beginning his assignment in 2010 as an Assistant Principal of Hillcrest High. Dr. Kirby, who also has worked as an adjunct Spanish instructor at Utah State University and Salt Lake Community College, embraced his new role as one of the Huskies’ biggest cheerleaders and bridge-builder to the Hispanic community that surrounds the Midvale-area school.

“Dr. Kirby was one of the most caring educators with whom I have had the pleasure of associating,” said Dr. Robert Dowdle, Canyons District’s Assistant Superintendent of School Performance, who worked with Dr. Kirby while both were Assistant Principals at Brighton High. 

“With students, he was uniquely patient and always encouraged them to reach for their highest potential. With parents, he was understanding and empathic, and always sought workable solutions to challenges. With faculty and staff, he was fun, funny and trusted to be fair and straightforward,” Dr. Dowdle said. “On a professional level, we will miss his skills and talents in our schools. On a personal level, I’ll miss everything about him. He was a friend and a colleague, and I’m a better person for having known him.” 

Dr. Kirby was a well-known and respected scholar in foreign-language instruction and Spanish language and literature. He studied Spanish and medieval literature at the Universidad de Salamanca in Spain, earned his first of two master’s degrees in Spanish Language and Medieval Literature from the University of Utah, and in 2012, as he received his Ph.D. from Utah State University, he was lauded for the high quality of the qualitative research in his doctoral dissertation, “Research into the Utility of Standards in Foreign Language Instruction.”

Across the District, extra counseling services are being provided to students and teachers who may need additional support in the grieving process.

“Indeed, it’s a sad day in Canyons District,” said Sherril H. Taylor, President of the Canyons Board of Education.  “The whole community is mourning the loss of Dr. Kirby, who is known throughout the Salt Lake Valley as a caring and dedicated educator and leader. While our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time, we also express our appreciation for Dr. Kirby’s years of service in our schools. His positive influence has been felt for more than two decades, and I believe it will continue to be felt for generations to come.”

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Lucie Chamberlain

Alta View Elementary

If a movie about super teachers were ever made, Lucie Chamberlain would be a prime candidate for a leading role. Fortunately for her kindergarten students at Alta View Elementary, she already thrives in a supporting role for them. Parents thank her for being a “super teacher.” She is also described as an “amazing colleague.” Whether students need help in the classroom or from home while sick, Lucie goes above and beyond to help them learn, overcome fears, and feel important and cared for. Lucie is the reason a number of kids went from hating school to loving it, according to parents. The way she exudes patience, sweetness, positive energy, and love for her students with special needs melts is appreciated and admired. One parent noted: “Both my kids wish she could be their teacher forever.” Another added:  “She treats every student like their learning and their feelings are her priority.” Super teacher, indeed!

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