Top educators selected

Ten educators are about to become $10,000 richer.

Six teachers, three principals and a school volunteer on Friday will receive 2003 Huntsman Awards for Excellence in Education, which come with a $10,000 check and crystal trophy. The awards are announced by philanthropists Jon and Karen Huntsman.

"We are so very proud of the educators throughout our state who are dedicated to our public schools," Jon Huntsman said in a prepared statement. "We sincerely hope that each and every teacher, administrator and volunteer in Utah will know of our respect and appreciation for their remarkable efforts and outstanding dedication."

Honorees were nominated in writing by parents and colleagues and selected by a panel of education and business leaders.

Following are sketches on each of the honorees.

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John D. Allan

social studies teacher

and wrestling coach

Spanish Fork Junior High

Nebo School District

John Allan is noted for using technology in the classroom and instilling work ethic and self-esteem in wrestlers, tennis and cross-country athletes he coaches at Spanish Fork Junior High.

But if there's one phrase to sum up the 10-year teaching veteran, it's this: He cares.

"He cares about the school, the students, the teachers, the programs and everything that goes on," writes Spanish Fork math teacher Sandy Coxson.

Allan uses technology, from computerized charts to video clips, to enhance his lessons — and encourage students to dig deeper into subjects.

"It became routine to catch Seth on our home computer going over U.S. history slides, studying and truly enjoying the information Mr. Allan made available," writes parent Anita Spainhauer, adding her son often would call out, "Come see this!" and "Let me tell ya about this one" as he went about his work.

Allan also assigns students to research and act out historical cases in mock trials. His government and law class is so popular some students must be turned away.

He reaches out to involve parents beyond the "punch and cookie level," as one nominator puts it. He mails study materials to parents and offers credit for students who work at home with Mom and Dad. He also has set up lists for colleagues wanting to e-mail their students' parents.