Passion, creativity, innovation, dedication.

Those are some of the words used to describe Canyons School District’s 2024 Apex awards recipients, who have devoted their lives to make a positive impact on local school children.

They each accepted a crystal award and the appreciation of the Canyons Board of Education and the school district administration.

Amongst the recipients was former school board vice president Mont Millerberg, who died unexpectedly in February; he was posthumously awarded the Legacy Award.

His wife, who has been serving in his board position since April, accepted the honor with other family members.

“He would’ve been so humbled by this recognition,” Kris Millerberg said in a written statement. “It truly means a lot to our family to see his commitment to education remembered in this way.”

Mont Millerberg was born and raised in Midvale, attending Midvale Elementary, Midvale Middle and Hillcrest High. He worked as a sweeper at the old Union Elementary. His parents owned a floral shop on Main Street and he and his wife raised their six children in the town. 

“Midvale meant so much to him, and it always guided his efforts to improve the schools. He wanted to ensure the schools in Midvale had the resources to thrive,” she said. “He truly believed in ‘the magic of the classroom’ and often reminded us that every decision should support what happens there.”

Alta High’s Kevin Clyde was honored as the APEX teacher of the year.

As a math teacher, he purposedly took out desks of his classroom, trading them for wall-to-wall white boards so students would engage with the math problems and wouldn’t be afraid to wipe it out when they make a mistake.

“When they do ask me questions, some are returned with other questions,” Clyde said. “I’m trying to get students to think. They’re learning advocacy, asking for what they need. The students have developed a relationship with somebody who they trust. That’s a big thing in life. You don’t always know what to do, but if you have people around you, you can ask for help.”

In return, many of them have written him notes of thanks.

“I’ve kept every one,” Clyde said. “It reminds me what I do matters. I love what I do.”

Copperview Elementary Principal Colleen Smith and retired Canyons Director of Middle Schools Cindy Hanson were named APEX administrators of the year.

Smith is credited for not only working to bring Copperview out of turnaround status, but for building a culture where everyone has value and believes in their potential to succeed.

Hanson, who continues to work as a school improvement consultant, is credited for providing crucial guidance during the pandemic and helped lead the way to Canyons receiving districtwide accreditation.

This year’s educational support professional Apex winner is Brighton High’s custodial crew chief, Sara Cook, who has served school communities for 29 years; she credits her team with their commitment in wanting to see the school look its best.

2024 Apex recipient for student support services professional of the year is the District’s school nursing program coordinator Jen Gerrard, who not only helps students with providing vision exams, administering insulin to diabetic students, and rendering first aid, but she has been a vital part in Canyons’ launch of a pilot telehealth program, which connects students with a healthcare provider without having to leave school.

Apex volunteer of the year Jessica Davies is a familiar face at Alta View Elementary, providing positivity and enthusiasm to the school culture, said school principal Scott Jameson.

“She has volunteered, spent hours recruiting other volunteers and has made our school a community, a family and a place where it’s wonderful to teach, a place where it’s wonderful to learn,” he said.

Relationships and community are key facets of the student programs and mission of the South Valley Chamber of Commerce, which was named 2024 Apex Award for Community Partner of the Year.

“It’s important for businesses to support education,” Chamber President and CEO Jay Francis said. “It’s important for students to be able to have opportunities to rub shoulders with businesses and business leaders.”

Former principal of Mt. Jordan and Albion middle schools Molly Hart, who now oversees Summit Academy schools, serves on the state school board and was honored as Apex elected official of the year.

“I wanted to be on the state board so that principals and teachers didn’t have to navigate the issues and manage the paperwork over being with parents and being with students,” she said. “I want, still to this day, to make a difference in the daily work that teachers and principals do in Utah.”