The Utah State Board of Education is proud to honor nine outstanding educators from across the state with the prestigious Sorenson Legacy Awards for Excellence in Arts Education. This award underscores the critical role of arts education in Utah’s schools and honors administrators who support an arts-centered school, as well as educators who excel in integrating the arts into their teaching. This year’s winners are:
Elementary Arts Instruction, in Dance, Drama, Music, or Visual Arts:
- Courtni Giles, Washington County School District (Dance)
- Lisa Noyes, Granite School District (Drama)
- Kayla Spurlock, Provo City School District (Music)
- Rachel Henderson, Jordan School District (Visual Arts)
Elementary Arts Integration Instruction:
- Laura Brockbank, Nebo School District
Exemplary Arts Education Administration:
- Laura Reina, Edith Bowen Laboratory School
Secondary Arts Instruction, in Dance, Theatre, Music, Visual Arts, or Media Arts:
- Joshua Miller, Granite School District (Music)
- Marjory Anderson, Alpine School District (Visual Arts)
Lifetime Achievement in Arts Education
- Leslie Timmons, Professor Emeritus in the Caine College of the Arts, Utah State University and Utah Music Educators Association Hall of Fame Inductee
“Congratulations to these exceptional arts educators and administrators who support arts as a key component to a well-rounded education. The Utah State Board of Education values the Sorenson Legacy Foundation for their continued support of arts education in our Utah schools and recognizes that Utah’s students are fortunate to have such committed educators in their schools” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sydnee Dickson.
Established in memory of Beverley Taylor Sorenson, a tireless advocate for high-quality arts in public education, the awards recognize Utah educators who have demonstrated commitment to the power of the arts in student development. The Sorenson Legacy Awards for Excellence in Arts Education celebrate Sorenson’s lasting contributions, ensuring her commitment to expanding arts education continues to inspire future educators and students alike.
In recognition of their outstanding achievements, each recipient will receive a $2,500 cash award. Additionally, their respective schools will be granted a $500 cash award to further support their arts programs. The Lifetime Achievement Awardee will receive a cash award of $5,000. This award is made possible by the generous support of the Sorenson Legacy Foundation.
