Huntsman Award winners — 10 educators help change students' lives for the better

They paint, they coach, they listen, they help. And some of this year's Huntsman Awards for Excellence in Education winners have been known to work miracles.

Ten outstanding educators and volunteers were awarded this month for their selfless work with Utah schoolchildren and for going above and beyond what is expected in order to make a difference.

Their accomplishments and efforts will be honored at a Friday banquet at the Little America Hotel where they receive a crystal trophy and a $10,000 check. The honorees were selected by a panel of distinguished education and business leaders.

"It was indeed a challenge to narrow the field to only these 10. Every story was touching, and it seemed that every nominee was worthy of recognition," said Jon Huntsman Sr., whose family sponsors the awards.

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

Mira G. Leffler

Seventh-grade teacher

Olympus Junior High School

Granite District

Mira Leffler's students know what it is to be an American and how to be active in a community.

As a history teacher, one of her primary focuses is teaching citizenship and the importance of being productive, of being involved in local government issues and community problem-solving.

Her Project Citizen program promotes a connection between the students and their communities, inspiring them to get involved in moving the community in a positive direction. Challenging students to be outstanding observers, Leffler encourages them to look around the school, the neighborhood and the world, to see where they could make a difference. The projects they undertake link the students to their neighborhoods in a unique, service-oriented way.

"I just think it's really important for them to understand how everything works, their role, responsibilities and how they can get involved in the community," Leffler said.

She has also created the We the People competition, in which students must demonstrate their ability to uphold, support and defend the Constitution. Each participant gains a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the Constitution and what it means to Americans.

Chris Brown

Principal

Corinne Elementary School

Box Elder District

Chris Brown has been described as the Pied Piper of teachers and students.

The principal of Corinne Elementary School has been known to go out and meet with every parent and every student in his school during the summer to understand who they are and what environment the students are coming from. He works hard to ensure that children from all walks of life are provided with the best educational experience.