Nyle Russell Receives Prestigious Huntsman Award for Excellence in Education

Submitted by lana.hiskey on

Nyle Russell, agricultural teacher at Payson High and Payson Junior High, received the prestigious Huntsman Award for Excellence in Education May 2011.

Nyle was recognized in a surprise student assembly by Mrs. Karen Huntsman, wife of Jon Huntsman Senior. Mr. Russell received a crystal trophy and a $10,000 check to use personally. Only six teachers, three administrators, and two volunteers were recognized throughout the entire state.

When asked what he would do with his $10,000, Nyle, with no hesitation, said, “Take my wife to Europe for our 25th year anniversary."

Mr. Nyle Russell is a hands-on teacher. He has spent the last 20 years teaching students, inside and outside the classroom, about livestock and how to care for them.

Mr. Russell is known for directing the successful Future Farmers of America (FFA) program at Payson High. The club raises around $50,000 annually to help teach students agriculture skills, judging, and leadership.

When the awards ceremony was over, Nyle took Karen Huntsman to tour the livestock facility including farrowing sows and market hogs ready for the Spanish Fork Livestock Show. Mrs. Huntsman expressed that she had no idea that this was the kind of hands-on experience that occurred at Payson High School.

Congratulations Nyle, you truly deserve this exceptional award for the positive impact you make on students every day.

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Lana Hiskey
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