ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: JOSH ROCHA In just one year, Rocha’s ability to translate complex concepts into practical learning strategies has resulted in some of the highest data scores at Wallace Stegner Academy. His deep understanding of strategy and analytics, combined with his teaching style, has propelled his students to outperform even some of the most seasoned educators in the school. Rocha’s commitment to his students extends beyond the classroom. He played a vital role in the success of the school’s inaugural Amazing Shake, a unique initiative designed to prepare students for professional environments. Using his industry connections, Rocha brought in local businesses to engage with students and provide them with invaluable networking and professional development opportunities. Beyond the numbers, Rocha connects students’ personal goals and ambitions with their academic journey. He makes math relevant, engaging and fun, ensuring that every student not only understands the material but also sees its real-world applications. His classroom is a space of excitement, challenge and respect, earning him admiration from students, staff and fellow teachers alike. TEACHER OF THE YEAR: KYLE LEWIS A dynamic force in arts education, Lewis has redefined what it means to be a teacher. Over the past 25 years, he has built a legacy of excellence at Utah Arts Academy, merging the disciplines of visual arts, commercial music, performance and dance into powerful, cohesive productions that have set the school apart. As artistic director, Lewis’s creative genius and innovative approach ensure that every show not only captivates audiences but also challenges and empowers students to grow both as artists and individuals. Despite his extraordinary talents, Lewis remains focused on his students. He could easily secure a position at prestigious institutions such as NYU or Michigan, but he chooses to remain in rural Utah, investing in the future of performing arts with a deep, unshakable commitment to public education. Under his tutelage, alumni have gone on to achieve remarkable success, performing on Broadway, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and beyond! Lewis’s training methods have proven to be the foundation for these rising stars, shaping them into versatile, high-caliber performers prepared to make a significant mark in the industry. 13
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