Six More Nebo Administrative Appointments

Adam Gull – Principal Rees Elementary
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Adam Gull as the principal of Rees Elementary in Spanish Fork. 

Adam received his master’s degree in elementary education with an administrative license from Southern Utah University and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Utah Valley University.

Currently, Mr. Gull is the Title I Coordinator at Park Elementary and has served  for the past four years. He taught fourth grade at Hobble Creek for one year and sixth and fifth grades at East Meadows Elementary for six years.

Principal Kay said, “Adam handles each job with professionalism and dedication. He is an advocate for students and parents at our school. You can often find Adam helping with duties before and after school, even on his unscheduled days. Students are always happy to see Mr. Gull as he opens doors and welcomes students and parents to our school. Adam is an effective leader in implementing the Franklin Covey ‘Leader in Me’ at our school. He has extensive knowledge of Early Steps and Nebo Plus and is always monitoring and helping our Title I technicians sharpen their skills in these programs.”

One of Adam’s favorite quotes is by Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” 

Mr. Gull received the Crystal Apple Award in 2011 and Volunteer Award for Spanish Fork City by the Central Utah Recreational Parks Association in 2015. He served as cross country, track club, basketball coach; 4-H advisor; building technology specialist; public relations representative; and student council advisor to name a few.

Mr. Gull responded, “I owe so much to so many people in this district. But the one person behind all my motivation is my wife, Becky. She has supported me 100 percent in all that I do. When I think about all the schooling, late nights, multiple jobs, and the countless hours, I think about her cheering me on the whole way through. Becky’s grandma would always say while I was earning my degrees, that she was earning her ‘PHT’ degree, Pushing Hubby Through. I owe everything to her. My father has also been an example to me. I have patterned by life after his. He taught for 30 years in Nebo School District.”  

Adam loves sports and being outdoors. He enjoys coaching basketball, fishing, and camping with his family. He is married to Rebecca, and they have four children with one on the way. The family enjoys playing any games, especially card games.

Garrett Andersen – Principal Sierra Bonita Elementary
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Garrett Andersen as the principal of Sierra Bonita Elementary in Spanish Fork.

Garrett received his Bachelor’s of Education from Brigham Young University and his master’s in education with an administrative endorsement from Southern Utah University. Mr. Andersen has worked for Nebo District for 11 years. Currently, Mr. Andersen is the principal at Larsen Elementary and has served for the past four years. 

Mr. Andersen received the Crystal Apple Award. He coaches youth sports, advises 4-H, and is a Fiesta Days volunteer.

Principal Dwight Liddiard said, “Mr. Andersen is outstanding with great potential.  He is a true master at whatever he undertakes. Garrett is a natural leader and works with others and motivates them to do their best. Dedication and commitment describe Garrett. He is never idle and understands the big picture. He is a delight to be around and is willing to do what needs to be done.”

Garrett enjoys playing sports, running, hunting, and spending time outdoors. He is married to Stephanie, and they have four children.

Camille Thomas – Principal Larsen Elementary
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Camille Thomas as the principal of Larsen Elementary School. 

Camille received her master’s degree in mathematics with an administrative license and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education all from Southern Utah University.

Mrs. Thomas started her teaching career at Larsen Elementary, then Mapleton Elementary for three years, Sage Creek Elementary for nine years, Mapleton Elementary for one year, and again Larsen Elementary for three years. Currently, she is the Title I Coordinator at Barnett Elementary and has served for the past two years.

Coordinator J. Lynn Jones said, “Through all the years, from first hiring Cami at Mapleton Elementary, until now as she is a full-time Title I Coordinator, I have found Cami to be a dedicated and talented professional. She loves students and has excellent teaching and organizational skills. She is very bright and loves learning new things.”

Ms. Thomas’ philosophy of education states in part, “I believe that education cannot even begin without the establishment of relationships.  A school needs to be a safe environment where children want to be. Children need to feel like someone cares. Another important part of education is setting high expectations. Education is a team effort that focuses on the lives of individual children.”  Camille enjoys running, bike riding, camping, and being outside. She plays the piano and enjoys reading, vacationing, and playing board games with her family.

Cami is married to Brig, and they have five children altogether.

Troy Peterson – Principal Mt. Nebo Junior High
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Troy Peterson as the principal of Mt. Nebo Junior High School. 

Mr. Peterson served as the Diamond Fork Junior High principal for the past nine years and served as assistant principal at Payson Junior for four years. Troy Peterson started his teaching profession at Grand County High School where he taught English, speech and debate. Mr. Peterson coached track for six years, debate for fours years, and was the student government advisor for five years. Troy was selected as Teacher of the Year for three straight years in a row.

Mr. Peterson has been complimented for being a dedicated educator and caring deeply for the students’ development.  He is noted for challenging his students and rewarding them with praise and then offering more opportunities for their growth. 

One teacher states, “When students and parents come with difficult problems to Mr. Peterson, they come away feeling that they have been listened to, acknowledged, and taken into consideration.”
A colleague stated, “Troy is articulate, genuine, intelligent, energetic, honest, dynamic, resourceful, and loyal – the consummate educator.”

Troy enjoys horseback riding, raising sheep, fishing, and reading. He is married to Bonnie. They reside in Payson and have four children.

Brenda Burr – Principal Diamond Fork Junior High
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Brenda Burr as the principal of Diamond Fork Junior School. 

Mrs. Burr served as the principal at Sage Creek Elementary for the past four years and was assistant principal at Salem Hills High for four years.  She taught English for 14 years.  Mrs. Burr was selected as a Leader Preparation Program (LPP) candidate. She graduated from University of Central Oklahoma with a bachelor’s degree and Brigham Young University with a master’s degree and doctorate’s degree.

Ms. Burr has taught in four states, Nevada, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Utah. She has been at Springville High School for nine years teaching English. She coached cheer and was the advisor for the student council for four years and occasionally choreographed the school plays or choir productions. She also teaches classroom management for secondary education majors at Brigham Young University as an adjunct faculty member.

In 2007, Brenda was awarded Springville High’s Teacher of the Year. In 2015, she received the Principal Innovator of the Year Award by the Utah Elementary Association of School Principals.
Ann Anderson, Secondary Director, said, “Mrs. Burr’s ability to teach and connect with students is extra ordinary! She is an outstanding teacher who goes above and beyond the duties required. Upon entering her classroom, you quickly realize the students are working hard and at the same time having fun. If there is something Brenda can’t do, I don’t know what it is!”

Brenda loves reading, jogging, dancing, and watching old movies. She is married to Kevin, and they reside in Springville.

Alison Hansen – Principal Sage Creek Elementary
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Alison Hansen as the principal of Sage Creek Elementary School.

Alison received her bachelor’s degree in Biology and Integrated Science and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership both from Brigham Young University.  Currently, Alison is the district’s STEM grant facilitator. She served as principal of Brockbank Elementary for 10 years and started her career as a math and chemistry teacher at Spanish Fork High School and then at Springville Middle School.

Mrs. Hansen has received numerous awards including 2010 and 2013 Nebo District Elementary Innovator of the Year, 2011 Nebo District Elementary Rural Principal of the Year, and 2014 Nebo District Elementary Principal of the Year. These honors were selected by the Utah Association of Elementary School Principals. 

Alison stated, “I believe magical things happen every day within a school and its classrooms. I’ve loved being part of the community, both by living here and rubbing shoulders each day with so many good people, both little and big.  The students, parents, and staff are among the very best and it has been my privilege to be a part of such an exceptional organization.  I am excited about my next role in working with the students of Sage Creek.”  

Alison enjoys water and snow skiing, traveling, gardening, but mainly anything with her family. She is married to David, and they have four children.