The Backman Elementary assistant principal uses much of his free time helping others, be it a faculty member who needs to talk, a parent with questions about school, or a student needing clothing or tutoring while battling cancer. Bilingual in Spanish, Lujan also often helps translate for non-English-speaking families applying for loans, Medicaid services or working with businesses.

"He is our personal Old Glory, our heart and soul, our spirit, our confidante, our everything," Principal Fern Wilkerson wrote in an award nomination.

Lujan, who once was caught up with gangs, turned around his life and became a Navy SEAL, Vietnam veteran and two-time Purple Heart recipient. Now in education, he continues to serve proudly.

"Today all students, impoverished or not, need real heroes, genuine role models; Art is that and more," Wilkerson wrote. "He personally invented the words: work ethic. He represents the spirit of America and all that is good in education."

Vickie Harper, fifth-grade teacher, Century Elementary, Box Elder District

Century Elementary's Vickie Harper focuses on preparing fifth-graders to enter middle school the following year, be it through tutoring before school or hands-on science enrichments after.

But what she really does is prepare students for life.

"She challenges them to push a little harder and to stretch their minds," parent Paulette Lyons said of the 29-year educator in an award nomination letter.

Harper's high expectations apply to all students. She never gives up on them and has turned around children who come to her class from juvenile detention.

Special education students, who principal Christopher Brown says account for one-fourth of her class, present opportunities for children to learn about abilities within disabilities. Students learned about Braille last year when they had a blind classmate; this year, they are learning sign language under a deaf peer's tutelage.

"Thank you for being so kind to all of us," student Morgan Nelson wrote in a letter to Harper, "and thank you for helping all of us to know that we are special just the way we are."

Lynn L. Archibald, principal, Willow Valley Middle School, Cache District

Teacher, mentor, friend, leader — that's Lynn Archibald.

The principal of Willow Valley Middle School and educator of 34 years is praised as an instructional leader who encourages teachers and students alike.

Archibald regularly visits with students, even at home when they're sick or injured. He lets them choose birthday presents from his "treasure box" and disciplines them with dignity.

He has even whisked a teacher who went into labor to the hospital.