Huntsman awards

Eleven educators and school volunteers, considered priceless for their dedication to children, are about to receive $10,000 each for their efforts.

Six teachers, three administrators and two volunteers have been selected to receive Huntsman Awards for Excellence in Education, which include a $10,000 check and crystal trophy. The awards, to be bestowed at a Friday ceremony, were announced this week by the family of humanitarian and billionaire industrialist Jon and Karen Huntsman.

"We deem it a privilege to be able to honor this year's recipients of the Huntsman Awards for Excellence in Education," Jon Huntsman said. "Each and every teacher, administrator and volunteer is deserving of our respect and appreciation for their outstanding efforts and commitment."

Peggy W. Woods, third-grade teacher, Lomond View Elementary, Weber District

Peggy Woods is described as a tough teacher with a soft heart.

The 28-year educator and third-grade teacher has high expectations for herself and her students. She regularly seeks to improve her teaching, be it through university classes or educational conferences. She creates lessons specific to each child's abilities and regularly tests them to ensure they are improving. For those who need it, she offers tutoring outside school hours — sometimes, without pay.

"Peggy loves, unconditionally, every child she teaches and strives to see that each child experiences and knows the feeling of success," principal Brad Larsen wrote in nominating Woods for the award. "She never misses a chance to tell a student how great they are."

Woods rewards student accomplishments with coupons for hamburgers or ice cream cones. She sends parents notes about their child's progress and includes her home phone number with an invitation to call anytime. She tells the children she doesn't know what she would do without them, that they are her life.

"She has dedicated her life to these lucky children," parents Glade and Tonya Jones wrote. "I wish more teachers were like her."

Arthur D. Lujan, assistant principal, Backman Elementary, Salt Lake District

Friends never have to worry about what to get Art Lujan for Christmas: Just send a check to Sub for Santa and adopt a family in need.

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.