Hats off to Huntsman Award winners

They are problem-solvers. Innovators. Even cops.

The six teachers, three administrators and volunteer selected for the 2005 Huntsman Awards for Excellence in Education are a unique bunch.

But perhaps one word applies to all: Hero.

These education gurus do whatever it takes to teach thousands of schoolchildren every day. They visit students at home. Work for free in the summer. Stay after hours to help a student fulfill her dreams.

For their efforts, the educators and volunteer will be honored at a Friday banquet at the Salt Lake City Grand America Hotel and receive a crystal trophy and a $10,000 check. The honorees were selected by a panel of distinguished education and business leaders.

"We are very proud of the 10 outstanding individuals whose success stories merit special recognition this year," said Jon Huntsman Sr., whose family sponsors the awards. "It is impossible to place a dollar value on the services that educators provide to our communities throughout the state. Nevertheless, the Huntsman awards symbolize our family's gratitude to the profession in general."

The following vignettes are derived from the winners' nomination letters.

Brian D. Conley, principal

Uintah Elementary School

Salt Lake District

If the clothes make the man, Brian Conley's wardrobe would have to include tights and a giant "S."

"At Halloween, I have seen Brian dressed as a singing Christmas tree, Uncle Sam, a Viking and King Tut," writes Rickie McCandless, Salt Lake City School District associate superintendent. "However, I see him every day dressed as Superman."

The seven-year principal of Uintah Elementary is credited with uniting a school in turmoil with his educational vision, compassion and a strong sense of humor. His positive energy rubs off on faculty and other administrators, Mountain View Elementary principal John Erlacher attests.

"He has a knack for helping kids have 'the best day ever' . . . and finding the silver lining in every looming cloud," writes secretary Marianne Mueller.

Indeed, Conley offered in-home tutoring to Simon Craig Vodosek, helping to maintain his relationship with school, mother Mary Craig writes.