Counselor of the Year, Anjanae Merida, School Counselor at George Washington Academy Ms. Merida teaches weekly lessons to K-7 students to help them better understand their own emotions and how to navigate life through a social and emotional lens. Ms. Merida was instrumental in building a Wellness Center where students can go to check in with a behavior aide and get their needs met with trained professionals. Because of Ms. Merida, office referrals have decreased tremendously, and students are getting the support that they need. Ms. Merida oversees monthly parent nights where around 30-50 parents watch via zoom to learn how to best support their student in life and at school. There is not a counselor that does as much as Ms. Merida with the energy and passion that she has. Teacher of the Year, Wendy Jensen, Music Teacher at Good Foundations Academy Ms. Jensen goes above and beyond music class to provide performing arts experience for her students. She uses her budget to put on a fabulous next-level musical and mini musical every year with the 4th-6th graders and 1st-3rd graders respectively. She dedicates part of her daily prep time to working in small groups and one on one with struggling readers in first grade. She helps out wherever needed, including on the spelling bee committee and at morning drop-off. Many families at GFA cite her as a reason to stay and a reason to refer other families there! Administrator of the Year, Angie Rasmussen, Director at Noah Webster Academy Ms. Rasmussen has her finger on the pulse of student and teacher’s needs at Noah Webster Academy. She greets students every morning as they arrive at school. She collaborates regularly with other administrators and teachers. Noah Webster Academy has a loyal and close community that she has facilitated with excellent communication. She supports students and families in addition to creating a positive work environment for her teachers. Business Manager of the Year, Tara Merryweather, Utah County Academy of Sciences Ms. Merryweather works closely with the administration and faculty to make sure the school can provide for its students. She is intuitive when it comes to bookkeeping. Tara is a model for how the business manager can have a positive effect on the educational program and can directly benefit students and teachers. Through excellent fiscal management, UCAS students have the materials and supplies to support their advanced academic focus with excellent results. Board of the Year, Thomas Edison Charter School The board members of Thomas Edison Charter School are dedicated to the students and understand their role in oversight. TECS has 2 campuses, and the board and directors work well together to support student learning through fiscal responsibility and supportive governance. Directors (pictured): Shem Smith and Melani Kirk Board Members: Olivia Kirkham, Carol Hirschi, Byron Lopez, Tammy King, James Lyman, and Corey Zhao
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