Certified Employees Retire From Nebo School District

Submitted by lana.hiskey on

Golden Adams
Golden Adams,
seventh-grade science teacher at Payson Junior High, is retiring after 7 years in Nebo School District, with a total of 38 years of service in his teaching career. On retiring, Mr. Adams said, “My career has been a rewarding one, teaching over 10,000 students. I hope I had a positive effect on their lives. I retired from Provo School District after 27 years there, coming to Nebo seven years ago. All these years, I have been anxious to learn, doing what I have come to love – teaching. My entire career has been one of service, by choice. Although I have been blessed with challenges, these have allowed me to support members of my family who now have families of their own.” Mr. Adams resides in Salem with his wife, Diane. They have five children. Mr. Adams enjoys gardening, remodeling homes, genealogy, and research.

John Ballard
John Ballard,
special education program specialist at Payson Junior High, is retiring after more than 33 years of service.  “There is no better job than working with people,” Mr. Ballard said. “I was fortunate enough to work with the best.  I would like to thank all of the students, parents, and staff I worked with who made my job so enjoyable.” Mr. Ballard is involved in the LDS church and community sports programs.  He enjoys family, horses, rodeos, fishing, and hunting. Mr. Ballard and his wife, Debbie, reside in Payson. They have four children.

Mark Balzotti
Mark Balzotti,
principal at Cherry Creek Elementary, is retiring after 20 years of service. Mr. Balzotti used this quote from Charles Swindoll to describe his career, “The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is ten percent what happens to me and ninety percent of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes.”

Mr. Balzotti has received Community Leader from Utah Association of Elementary School Principals (UAESP), the Golden Apple Teaching Award, and was nominated by peers for Innovator of the Year. Mr. Balzotti served a term as a councilman, library board member, and Springville World Folk Fest Board member. He is interested in golf, tennis, fishing, travel, fixing things, wood working, gardening, and boating. Mr. Balzotti and his wife, Deborah, live in Springville. They have four children.

Kim Barlow
Kim Barlow, principal at Orchard Hills Elementary, is retiring after 32 years in the district. Mr. Barlow served as assistant principal at Spanish Fork Intermediate School and principal at Santaquin and Wilson schools before becoming principal at Orchard Hills. Barlow has won several awards throughout his career including Nebo District Distinguished Principal, Nebo District Community Leader Principal, and Nebo District Rookie of the Year Principal. His teaching motto is “They may not always remember what you teach them, but they will never forget how you make them feel.” Mr. Barlow enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, and fishing. He lives in Santaquin with his wife, Patsy. They have two children.

Marcia Barton
Marcia Barton
, district career education specialist at Spanish Fork High School, is retiring after 24 years of service. “I could not have had a better job – or worked for a better district. Every person over me has been so good to work for,” said Mrs. Barton regarding her career. “I loved meeting with students and helping them understand the wonderful options available to them based on their needs, goals, talents, interests, and abilities.” Mrs. Barton enjoys reading and spending time her family. She is married to Karl, and together they have 9 children and 24 grandchildren.

Sharon Bascom
Sharon Bascom, resource teacher at Payson Junior High, is retiring after 23 years. “My goal for teaching has always been that every student who enters my classroom will feel safe to learn, loved, and accepted. One of my students said it best, ‘You taught us to respect ourselves and each other,’” Mrs. Bascom said. 

Mrs. Bascom is a member of UEA, and her research with Dr. Tina Dyches (BYU Professor) on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder was published in “Teaching Exceptional Children”, Vol 42, No. 4, pg. 22.  She enjoys oil painting, reading, singing, and spending time with children and grandchildren. She is married to Robert. They reside in Payson and have 6 children and 21 grandchildren.

Richard Beagley
Richard Beagley,
health and physical education teacher at Payson Junior High, is retiring after 25 years of service. Richard reflected on his career by saying, “Education is the means of developing our greatest abilities; in each of us there is a hope and a dream which fulfilled, can benefit everyone and greater strength for our nation. My role as an educator is to guide, stimulate curiosity, and promote respect for all people and all things.”

Mr. Beagley is involved with Boy Scouts of America and volunteers as a coach in city recreation programs. He is involved in the city choir and theater. Beagley enjoys singing, playing guitar, biking, hiking, camping, baseball, softball, and golf. He is married to Heather. They reside in American Fork and have 11 children.

Dale Bills
Dale Bills, technical services supervisor for Nebo, is retiring after 35 years of service. “I have simply tried to be of service to the students and employees of Nebo School District. I feel so blessed to have been able to work with the amazing people in this district for my entire career. In my opinion, it is the best school district in Utah,” said Mr. Bills.

Dale is a member of the Utah Technology Coordinator’s Council (TCC) and Utah Coalition for Educational Technology (UCET).  He has been involved in Boy Scouts of America and has given much volunteer service in the LDS Church. Mr. Bills enjoys writing, typing family journals, family history, and family. Mr. Bills and his wife, Rita, reside in Spanish Fork. They have eight children.

Linda Bingham
Linda Bingham, facilitator at Foothills Elementary, is retiring after more than 31 years of service. Mrs. Bingham earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from BYU and won Teacher of the Year for Salem Elementary in 2004. Linda’s career motto is “To teach is to touch lives forever.” Mrs. Bingham and her husband, John, have three children. She enjoys reading, sewing, golfing, and spending time with her family.

Garth Bird
Garth Bird
, principal at Goshen Elementary, is retiring after 40 years of service. Mr. Bird, when asked about his career, said, “It’s not about me, it’s all about the kids.” Mr. Bird also stated that he appreciates the superintendent’s focus on students. Mr. Bird resides in Spanish Fork with his wife, Bonnie; and they have five children.

Cleone Ann Brost
Cleone Ann Brost, second-grade teacher at Santaquin Elementary, is retiring after 30 years of service. “I have enjoyed learning from other teachers. I attribute my success as a teacher to them. Nebo School District has been very good to me over the years. I will truly miss all whom I have associated,” Mrs. Brost said. She was awarded the Crystal Apple Award and Teacher of the Year Award. She is a member of the Santaquin Community Council. She enjoys quilting and gardening. Mrs. Brost and her husband, Bill, reside in Santaquin. They have five children.

Sharee Burton
Sharee Burton, first-grade teacher at Wilson Elementary, is retiring after 15 years of service. Mrs. Burton’s career motto has been, “You can learn to do anything you really want to do!” Mrs. Burton was a Cub Scout Leader for nine years, was a member of Utah Association for Gifted Children (UAGC) and UMEC, belongs to two book clubs plus one online book club, and loves to blog. She also enjoys reading, painting, studying fashion and interior design, sewing, and writing. Mrs. Burton and her husband, Kent, reside in Elk Ridge. They have 12 children.

James R. Bushman
James R. Bushman,
school counselor at Canyon Elementary and Rees Elementary, is retiring after 19 years of service.

“Since becoming an adult, I have worked at a variety of jobs in construction, retail, and family services. When I completed my master’s degree, I went to work with the DCFS and at about that time, Carl Nielsen and others starting looking at elementary counseling for the district. Four of us were hired to develop the program; and it was like stepping into a fairytale -- great principals, wonderful caring teachers and staff, beautiful comfortable buildings, and, of course, fun energetic kids. On top of that, I had summers off. Some have said why quit now? But my first love of my life, my wife Phyllis, is retiring; and we have done everything together from raising five rascals to dorm parents, child abuse investigations, and teaching college classes. So why not retire together? We plan to continue to teach at UVU and visit our 16 grandchildren a lot more. Thanks to all of you who made it a fairytale come true,” said Mr. Bushman, regarding his career.

Mr. Bushman is a member of National Association of School Counselors (NASC) and Utah Education Association (UEA). He is involved in various volunteer activities and Community Theater. He enjoys remodeling and traveling.

Phyllis Bushman
Phyllis Bushman,
psychologist at Park Elementary and Art City Elementary, is retiring after 19 years of service. Regarding her career, Mrs. Bushman said, “All principals and teachers have left a positive, lasting impact on my life. I’m grateful for all the opportunities I have been given. Thank you to so many co-workers, family, and friends. Jim has been and always will be my biggest supporter and best friend. A big thanks to our children and their families for their love and support.”

Mrs. Bushman was nominated by UVU Handicapped Services as Teacher of the Year and was recognized by the FACT Team in Utah County. She is a member of the American Counseling Association, National Board of Certified Counselors, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Also, she is an adjunct teacher at UVU and an instructor of Parenting with Love and Logic.  She is married to James; they reside in Spanish Fork. They have 5 children, 16 grandchildren, a 16-year-old dog, and a hairless cat to complete their family.

Natalie Call
Natalie Call,
principal at Sage Creek Elementary, is retiring after 11 years of service in Nebo School District with a total of 32 years in education. Mrs. Call describes her job as “More fun than a circus on steroids,” and when asked about her career, she quoted Barack Obama who said, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” Mrs. Call and her husband have four children. She enjoys reading, going to sporting events, riding horses, writing, and golfing.

Robyn Card
Robyn Card, visual arts and service learning teacher at Mapleton Junior, is retiring after 23 years of service. Mrs. Card’s career motto is, “Never stop loving, serving, and learning! One of my favorite quotes is from M. Ghandi, ‘Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony.’ I have been very blessed to teach under two amazing principals, George Rasband and Suzanne Kimball. My colleagues are like my second family, and I will dearly miss our close association. Thanks to all of you that I’ve worked with over these many years! Thanks also to my family for all your love, support, encouragement, and understanding. I have loved my students and my subjects. As I added up the number of students I’ve had over the years it’s over 14,000. They have taught me a lot! I will continue to teach with BYU Independent Study, serve at the SMOA, volunteer when I can in my community, do art, and learn Tai Chi. My husband and I want to serve a mission for the LDS church sometime in the future. I told my husband I might even learn to just sit quietly for a few minutes, and bake a real loaf of bread.”

Judith Catlett
Judith Catlett, teacher at Barnett Elementary School, is retiring after 28 years of service. “Never give up! Keep on keeping on! Children are our future. I began my teaching career with Jack Powell – the absolute best and have worked with an exceptional group of teachers, parents, and children at Barnett these many years,” said Mrs. Catlett.

Judith was a Teacher of the Year nominee and received the Crystal Apple Award.  She is involved with Friends of the Library, a member of NCTM, NST, Utah Education Association (UEA), and enjoys quilting, reading, and sewing. She is married to John; they have three children.

David T. Clark
David T. Clark,
teacher at Landmark and Cornerstone, is retiring after 31 years of service in Nebo School District. Mr. Clark said his personal motto is “Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape.” Mr. Clark was awarded Coach of the Year two times and Not on Tobacco Teacher of the Year for the American Lung Association. He has coached little league football (head coach 12 years, assistant 21 years), baseball, track, wrestling (head coach five years, assistant 32 years), urban fishing, and was a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America. He is married to Jolene; they have six children.

Kelly Clements
Kelly Clements, teacher and coach at Springville High School, is retiring after 37 years of service. “Always be honest and do your best. I appreciate all the young men and women I have had the pleasure of teaching and coaching. I appreciate all of my friends here in Nebo and all of the parents who have supported me. I would like to thank all of my students and players, parents, co-workers, and all of my good friends from Nebo School District. My life has been enriched by your support and friendship. My family and I will cherish the memories for years to come. All of you made me a better teacher and coach,” said Mr. Clements regarding his career.

Mr. Clements has been awarded Nebo Teacher of the Month in December 1988, Utah High Schools Baseball Coach of the Year (three years), and High School All-Star Baseball Coach (five years), and Utah Driver Education Teacher of the Year in 2010. He has served on the Community Council at SHS and in various church positions. Mr. Clements enjoys American History, all sports, golf, archery, and the outdoors. Mr. Clements and his wife, Jeanie, reside in Springville. They have four children and five grandchildren.

Renee Davis
Renee Davis, second-grade teacher at Goshen Elementary, is retiring after 19 years of service. “There are amazing students, parents, and teachers at Goshen Elementary! I have enjoyed working with so many of them. Life is what you make of it. Do your best,” was Mrs. Davis’ parting words of wisdom.

Mrs. Davis was awarded the Goshen Volunteer of the Year (twice), the Crystal Apple Award in 2012, and the Foster Parent of the Year. She is involved in the Genola Town Celebration and the Genola Town Planning Commission. She is a member of the Utah Foster Parent Association and the National Honor Society. She enjoys reading, traveling, doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles, enjoying the cabin, and having good friends. Davis and her husband, Richard, reside in Genola. They have 6 children and 16 grandchildren – adding two more this year.

Deborah Earl
Deborah Earl, teacher at Payson High School, is retiring after 33 years of service in Nebo School District with a total of 35 years in her teaching career. Regarding her career, Mrs. Earl said, “I am so grateful to my own teachers and professors, my family, my colleagues, and my students who have inspired me, cared about me, and made it possible for me to pursue my dreams.”

Mrs. Earl and her husband, Robert, reside in Orem. She enjoys travel, family history, crocheting, sewing, and spending time with her family. They have three children and four grandchildren.

Lynette Eddington
Lynette Eddington, teacher at Mapleton Elementary, is retiring after 26 years of service. Mrs. Eddington received Teacher of the Year (twice) at Mapleton. Mrs. Eddington’s motto throughout her career has been, “I will persist; I will succeed.”

“Thanks to the dream team for the fun and true collaboration, Ralph for hiring me, J. Lynn for building me up, Brad for standing strong, Celeste for letting me teach my granddaughters, and to everyone who wore pink for me,” Mrs. Eddington said regarding her time in Nebo School District. Mrs. Eddington and her husband, Allen, reside in Mapleton. She enjoys gardening, singing, playing the piano, and spending time with her family. They have six children.

Annette Evans
Annette Evans, mentor specialist for Nebo School District, is retiring after 25 years of service. “There are too many people to thank everyone, but I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge George Rasband, who hired me at Springville Middle and led by example,” Mrs. Evans said regarding her career. “The custodians, secretaries, counselors, lunch workers, and classroom technicians are the quiet heroes in every school. Nedra Call is an energetic and supportive leader, and I’ve never met a more genuinely cheerful person. Kami Christensen, my friend and mentoring partner, joined me at just the perfect moment and made an already great program even greater. I’m especially indebted to my husband, Kent, who worked for 41 years in Nebo as a Speech Language Pathologist. He’s the one who taught me to see the humor in random classroom happenings: ‘Kids say and do the funniest things.  Where else can you find a job that actually pays you to be entertained every day?’As always, he was right. Nebo has been very good to us. Not only have we been able to support our family working here, but all five of our children received a first-rate education in Nebo Schools. Thank you.”

Mrs. Evans was awarded the Benjamin Cluff Junior Award from BYU and is a member of the McKay School of Education Alumni Board. Mrs. Evans and her husband, Kent, reside in Mapleton. They have 5 children and 14 grandchildren. Evans enjoys playing the piano and organ, quilting, traveling, cooking, scrapbooking, and spoiling her grandchildren.

Dr. Peter Fawson
Dr. Peter Fawson, assistant principal at Diamond Fork Junior High, is retiring after 32 years of service in Nebo with a total of 35 years of educational service. Dr. Fawson lives his life with these two mottos: “We all pull the load,” and “Begin with the end in mind.” Regarding his career, Dr. Fawson said, “I’d like to thank all those in Nebo School District for the wonderful journey!”

Dr. Fawson published an article in the Principal Leadership Journal (2011), wrote and was awarded numerous grants for educational projects, earned his EdD in Educational Leadership, and is a member of National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), Utah Association of Elementary School Principals (UAESP), Nation Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), Utah Association of Secondary School Principals  (UASSP), IRA, ASCD, and KAPPAN. Also, he was involved with public school partnerships--Nestle and Knowledge Gain. Dr. Fawson enjoys four-wheeling with family, reading, traveling, and spending time with his grandchildren. He is an adjunct professor for Weber State University, active in the Republican Party Legislative District, held many church leadership positions, participated in Boy Scouts of America (Eagle Scout), and is a happy grandpa. Dr. Fawson and his wife, Marla, reside in Springville. They have nine children.

Mary Frey
Mary Frey, sixth-grade teacher at Rees Elementary, is retiring after 24 years of service in Nebo School District, with a total of 31 years in education. “I love working with students, and I strive to help them develop their talents and abilities. I try to impart a love for learning that helps each one of them become lifelong learners,” Mrs. Frey said.

Mrs. Frey is a member of National Education Association, Utah Education Association, Nebo Education Association, Teachers of Elementary Music, Music Educators National Conference, Kodaly Music Training Group, and belongs to a local HAM Radio Group that participates in Emergency Response Training in Provo. She is involved in directing, accompanying, and singing in various choirs throughout the years. She has had choirs perform many places including Symphony Hall in Salt Lake City. Her hobbies include playing various instruments, arranging songs for choirs and piano performance, traveling both in the United States and internationally, reading, and playing games with friends and family members. She speaks French and Tahitian and has traveled to 30 countries, taught school in Germany, and served an LDS Mission to the French Polynesia Mission in Papeete, Tahiti. Mrs. Frey and her husband, Harold, reside in Provo.  They have five children.

Mike Gardner
Mike Gardner,
teacher and coach at Spanish Fork High School, is retiring after 29 years of service. “I have loved my years of teaching the youth. They always have the energy to keep us all young at heart. I especially loved my years of coaching. There is nothing like an intense basketball game in a packed gym with a rival team,” Mr. Gardner said regarding his career. Mr. Gardner and his wife, Shauna, reside in Spanish Fork. They have six children. Mr. Gardner enjoys playing sports, camping, horses, and spending time with his grandkids.

Diana Guinn
Diana Guinn, facilitator at Sage Creek Elementary, is retiring after serving Nebo School District for 18 years. Mrs. Guinn uses two quotes from Harry Wong to describe her career, “It’s too bad that the people who really know how to run the country are busy teaching school,” and “The mediocre teacher tells, the good one explains, the superior one shows, the great one inspires.”

Mrs. Guinn and her husband reside in Springville, and they have six children. She enjoys reading, golf, family history, travel, and spending time with family. “I have always loved what I do and the people I do it with!” Mrs. Guinn said. “I have rubbed shoulders with great people at Nebo District.”

Sherri Gurley
Sherri Gurley, teacher on special assignment at Mt. Nebo Junior High, is retiring after 32 years of service. When asked about her career, Mrs. Gurley said, “My heart hurts to leave.” Mrs. Gurley has won Teacher of the Year, the Crystal Apple Award, and the Crystal Beehive Service Award. Mrs. Gurley and her husband, Steven, live in Payson; and they have three children. She enjoys reading, sewing, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Garry E. Hart
Garry E. Hart, teacher at Hobble Creek Elementary School, is retiring after 31 years of service. “The best part of teaching the last 31 years is that when I went to work, I entered a classroom of students who loved and appreciated me,” Mr. Hart said of his career.

Mr. Hart was awarded Teacher of the Year in 1985 at Goshen Elementary, Utah Legislature District 67 Teacher of the Year, 1991 Park View Elementary Teacher of the Year, the Crystal Apple Award at Hobble Creek Elementary (twice), and Teacher of the Year at Hobble Creek Elementary 2012. He is a member of National Education Association, Utah Education Association, Nebo Education Association, PTA, and Boy Scouts of America. Hart is involved in City Youth Recreation. His hobbies include fishing, reading, U of U sports, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Mr. Hart and his wife, Laurie, reside in Woods Cross. They have five children.

Wanda Jones
Wanda Jones, librarian at Payson Junior High, is retiring after 26 years of service. Mrs. Jones’ philosophy throughout her career has been, “I tried to work hard and make sure my students knew I liked them. If there were any – and there were – that I really had a hard time liking, I worked on it until I did.” Mrs. Jones and her husband, Gene, reside in Salem, and have 6 children, 10 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren with one more on the way. Jones enjoys reading, sewing, traveling, gardening, and quilting.

Nadine Kay
Nadine Kay, first-grade teacher at Wilson Elementary, is retiring after 16 years of service. “I have spent about 30 years in Nebo School District as a teacher, substitute, and a PTA worker,” Mrs. Kay said. “These years were spent at Wilson Elementary. I have enjoyed working with many dedicated teachers throughout the years. I have gained many teaching skills and much knowledge from them. We have laughed, cried, grumbled, worked hard, exchanged ideas, collaborated, and formed wonderful friendships together. I will be forever indebted to them for making my teaching experience so meaningful. I will miss the children most of all. I will miss their hugs, high fives, visits from former students, exuberance for life, eagerness to learn and their calling out ‘Hi, Mrs. Kay!’ I need to thank my husband, Clark, for his unwavering support of me. He has given so many hours helping me in my classroom without complaint. He has truly helped make my job easier. Nebo School District is a great place to work.”

Mrs. Kay received the Crystal Apple Award, is on the Payson City Library Board, and is a member of Nebo Education Association, Utah Education Association, and National Education Association.  She enjoys spending time with family, traveling, reading, gardening, watching sporting events, boating, fishing, and being involved in church. Mrs. Kay and her husband, Clark, reside in Payson. They have five children and six grandchildren.

Linda Lewis
Linda Lewis, physical education and drama teacher at Mapleton Junior High School, is retiring after 40 years of service. “Retiring is such a ‘bittersweet’ experience for me,” Mrs. Lewis said about her career. “Whereas I am looking forward to this new chapter in my life, I will sorely miss my wonderful colleagues who I have shared the better part of my life with.  I have come to realize that one works their entire life for this moment; but in retrospect, it is not the ‘destination’ but rather the ‘journey’ that has made it all worthwhile. I will miss the amazing and talented students I work with each day.  They are responsible for my youthful spirit. Please know that ‘I love your guts.’ To my teaching comrades who have laughed with me and who have wiped my tears, thank you. What would I have ever done without the likes of Connie Davis, Flora Chappell, Jo Edan Parker, Zack Beddoes, Dave Jex, Deanne Helquist, Richard Daybell, Paige Workman, Bertha, and so many others who held my hand through it all? Hold down the fort guys. I leave with no regrets, so, with all respect to William Shakespeare, ‘Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow.’”

Mrs. Lewis has been awarded the Huntsman Excellence in Education 2011, the Horace Mann Crystal Apple Award 2009 and 2010, the UAHPERD Junior High Physical Educator of the Year for the state of Utah 2006 and 2007, Springville Middle School Teacher of the Year 2003, UAHPERD Outstanding Educator Jump Rope for Heart 1994 and 1995, Proclamation Linda Lewis Day, Springville, Utah, October 11, 1995, and the Utah State Legislature Award Distinguished Service in Education 1993. She is a member of Utah Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (UAHPERD), Utah Education Association (UEA), National Education Association (NEA), and Nebo Education Association (NEA).  She enjoys bowling, fishing with her sons, family get-togethers, playing with her granddaughter, online scrapbooking, taking pictures, playing in the World Senior Games, and attending plays and concerts with her buddies.  She is married to the late Robert Lewis; they have four children. 

Roberta Merrill
Roberta Merrill, teacher at Spanish Fork High School, is retiring after 29 years of service. “Best job on earth,” Mrs. Merrill said. “Three schools, seven principals, hundreds of colleagues, thousands of students, what a ride! I’m looking forward to the next bend in the road.” Mrs. Merrill is married to David, and they have four children.

Kathleen A. Moon
Kathleen A. Moon, third-grade teacher at Brockbank Elementary School is retiring after 22 years of service. “I want every child to leave my class believing in themselves, knowing they can do wonderful things in the future if they work hard, and always try to do their best,” Mrs. Moon said.

Mrs. Moon has received the Crystal Apple Award, Brockbank PTA Teacher of the Year, and won a trip to Disneyland from a letter submitted by a student’s mom. She is a member of Utah Education Association and National Education Association, and is involved in the LDS church and the Benjamin Homecoming celebration. She enjoys reading and spending time with her family. Mrs. Moon and her husband, Jim, reside in Spanish Fork and have eight children.

Irene B. Moore
Irene B. Moore, teacher at Rees Elementary School, is retiring after 20 years of service in Nebo, with a total of 24 years of service in education. “Teaching has been a dream come true,” said Mrs. Moore. “It will continue to be my work in progress. I have shown my students that they are valued and loved for who they are and what they can become. I tell them, ‘believe in yourself, work hard, and take responsibility for your actions.’ My goal was to not only to teach academics, but include teaching individual core values. Teaching has been my life for the past 24 years. Being in the classroom always felt like home. I am grateful for the many amazing friends, teachers, and administrators whom I was privileged to associate with throughout my career. They grew on me and have stuck like glue. I truly love the many children I’ve taught, for they are the heart of education. They made every day worth going to work. I will cherish every moment of these past 24 years, for the things we love never die – they last forever. I am planning my new dreams and it’s exciting! Thanks everyone.”

Mrs. Moore received the Utah Science Award and Reading Endorsement, and she is a member of the International Reading Association. She enjoys gardening, sewing, and quilting. Mrs. Moore and her husband, Bob, reside in Spanish Fork. Together they have 9 children and 27 grandchildren. 

Sally T. Nelson
Sally T. Nelson, fifth-grade teacher at Brockbank Elementary School, is retiring after 19 years of service. “Do your best. You’ll never know if you don’t try,” Mrs. Nelson said, as parting words of wisdom. “I came back to teaching when my youngest child went into sixth grade. I started my teaching career in California after graduating from Utah State University. I taught first grade my first year and have taught fifth grade ever since.”

Mrs. Nelson was awarded the School PTA Teacher of the Year 2007. She ran the Salem Baseball snack shack as a volunteer for two years, was the boys’ soccer coach and assistant, the city manager of girls’ softball, and assistant city organizer. She enjoys sewing, gardening, reading, baseball, basketball, soccer, and traveling. She is married to Reed; they reside in Salem and have 5 children and 14 grandchildren.

Sunya Osborn
Sunya Osborn, district literacy specialist, is retiring after 20 years of service. Mrs. Osborn would like to thank all of her friends and associations she has in Nebo School District. “It has been a great opportunity to work here,” Mrs. Osborn said. She enjoys family activities, reading, traveling and boating. Mrs. Osborn and her husband, George, reside in Spanish Fork. They have five children.

Chris Roberts
Chris Roberts, teacher at Rees Elementary School, is retiring after 34 years of service. “My motto is a quote from Ron Miller: ‘Our work is not about a curriculum or a teaching method. It is about nurturing the human spirit with love.’ The people who have made a difference in my career are all the teachers in Nebo that I have gotten to know. My team that I worked with every day made it possible for me to succeed. Brenda Beyal on that team made it possible for me to have very rich experiences,” Mr. Roberts said.

Mr. Roberts was awarded the Govenor's Leadership in the Arts in May 2012, received Utah Environmental Educator of the Year in 2002, U.S. Forest Service Volunteer Service Award in 2004, Rees Teacher of the Year in 2008 and 2012, and Nebo Arts Educator of the Year in 2007. He has volunteered for the U.S. Forest Service for the past 24 years by taking youth groups on river trips at no cost.  He loves rafting, bodysurfing, and climbing mountains. Mr. Roberts and his wife, Shanon, reside in Springville and have three children.

Ed Schollenberger
Ed Schollenberger, principal at Foothills Elementary School, is retiring after 35 years of service. Mr. Schollenberger has received the Huntsman in Excellence Award. Ed and his wife, Linda, reside in Payson. They have 6 children and 13 grandchildren.

Judy Skinner
Judy Skinner, librarian at Payson High School, is retiring after 21 years of service. “Thanks to all the students at Payson High School for making it a joy to come to school every day,” Mrs. Skinner said. “Thank you to the best faculty, staff, and administration. I have truly loved my job and will miss being in the Payson High School library.”

Mrs. Skinner and her husband, Larry, reside in Payson. They have four children.

Alvaretta Thomas
Alvaretta Thomas, speech pathologist at Mt. Loafer, Salem, and Riverview Elementary Schools, is retiring after 24 years of service. Her motto while in education was, “I think I can. Then do it.”

“I love working with the ‘tough’ kids who do not have a system to communicate their wants and needs,” Mrs. Thomas said. “I’ve always wanted to be the best teacher I can be.”

Mrs. Thomas enjoys music, art, and spending time with her family. Mrs. Thomas and her husband, Dennis, reside in Salem and have nine children.

Kimberly Trimble
Kimberly Trimble, instructional coach at Salem Elementary, is retiring after 25 years of service. “Teaching children provided great joy and humbling challenges. Working with so many amazing colleagues helped me improve my craft and kept me sane,” Mrs. Trimble said.

Mrs. Trimble received the Teacher of the Year Award at Canyon Elementary, the Crystal Apple Award at Canyon Elementary, and she is the founding President and board member of the Nebo Reading Council. She is a member of the IRA, UCIRA, and UGAC. She enjoys reading, stitching, sewing, camping, and traveling. Mrs. Trimble and her husband, Richard, reside in Spanish Fork and have four children and nine grandchildren.

Jackie Turner
Jackie Turner, teacher at Foothills Elementary, is retiring after 15 years of service in Nebo, with a total of 25 years in education. “The best part of teaching for me has been my daily interactions with children. My job has been so fulfilling to see the students’ progress and love and appreciation for me. Having my own seven children taught me how much I loved children and teaching,” Mrs. Turner said regarding her career.

Mrs. Turner received the Crystal Apple Award, is a member of PTA, is involved in church service, and is a softball coach. She enjoys gardening, watercolors, reading, Broadway shows, and traveling with her children. Mrs. Turner and her husband, Kent, have seven children.

Gayle Ware
Gayle Ware, teacher at Mt. Nebo Junior High, is retiring after 33 years of service. “We are all teachers in everything we do,” Mrs. Ware said. “I have been taught by the best – my fellow teachers and leaders. It has been a grand place to spend 33 years!”

Mrs. Ware is a Nebo Credit Union Board Member and won the Crystal Apple Award and the Excellence in Teaching Math and Science Award. She enjoys quilting and reading. Mrs. Ware and her husband, Kent, reside in Spanish Fork and have three children.

John Webb
John Webb, coordinator of school services, is retiring after 17 years of service in Nebo School District, with a total of 37 years spent in educational service. Mr. Webb participates in the Utah Wrestling Foundation and the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). He was awarded the 1976 4A Wrestling Coach of the Year. In 1981 and 1983 Webb received the Big Sky Wrestling Coach of the Year. In 2002, he was inducted into the Weber State Athletic Hall of fame; and in 2007, he was inducted into the Utah Wrestling Hall of Fame. Mr. Webb also received the 2011 BSA Silver Beaver Award. Mr. Webb resides in Spanish Fork with his wife, Jan. They have seven children.

Richard Wittwer
Richard Wittwer, programmer analyst, is retiring after four years of service in Nebo School District. Mr. Wittwer’s motto is, “The most important things in life can be done without a computer.” About his career, Mr. Wittwer said, “My last four years at Nebo District have been the most enjoyable and least stressful of my whole career. Dale Bills is the best supervisor that I have worked with and the last. My co-workers are topnotch.”

Mr. Wittwer is a Vietnam Veteran and a recipient of the Purple Heart Award. He enjoys spending time with his wife and family, making flutes, doing amateur radio, making model airplanes, hiking, biking, and fishing. Mr. Wittwer and his wife, Kaye, reside in Spanish Fork and have four children.

Attributions
Hayley Pingree
File attachments
Attachment Size
Golden Adams -- Payson Jr. Seventh-Grade Science Teacher 45.72 KB
John Ballard -- Payson Jr. Special Education Program Specialist 95.5 KB
Mark Balzotti -- Cherry Creek Principal 3.75 KB
Kim Barlow -- Orchard Hills Principal 3.08 KB
Marcia Barton -- Spanish Fork High Education Specialist 41.7 KB
Sharon Bascom -- Payson Jr. Resource Teacher 104.65 KB
Richard Beagley -- Payson Jr. Health & P.E. Teacher 50.41 KB
Dale Bills -- Nebo District Technical Services Supervisor 3.89 KB
Linda Bingham -- Foothills Facilitator 1.74 MB
Garth Bird -- Goshen Principal 3.31 KB
Cleone Ann Brost -- Santaquin Second-Grade Teacher 34.26 KB
Sharee Burton -- Wilson First-Grade Teacher 119.04 KB
James Bushman -- Canyon & Rees School Counselor 719.87 KB
Phylis Bushman -- Park & Art City Psychologist 958.49 KB
Natalie Call -- Sage Creek Principal 62.32 KB
Robyn Card -- Mapleton Jr. Visual Arts & Service Learning Teacher 5.22 KB
Judith Catlett -- Barnett Teacher 3.36 KB
David Clark -- Landmark & Cornerstone Teacher 1000.68 KB
Kelly Clements -- Springville High Coach & Teacher 107.71 KB
Renee Davis -- Goshen Second-Grade Teacher 51.1 KB
Deborah Ann Earl -- Payson High Teacher 19.93 KB
Lynette Eddington -- Mapleton Elementary Teacher 56.47 KB
Annette Evans -- Nebo District Mentor Specialist 446.62 KB
Dr. Peter Fawson -- Diamond Fork Jr. Assistant Principal 4.08 KB
Mary Frey -- Rees Sixth-Grade Teacher 98.77 KB
Michael Gardner -- Spanish Fork High Coach & Teacher 93.89 KB
Diana Guinn -- Sage Creek Facilitator 867.43 KB
Sherri Gurley -- Mt. Nebo Jr. Special Assignment Teacher 3.51 KB
Garry Hart -- Hobble Creek Teacher 123.89 KB
Wanda Jones -- Payson Jr. Librarian 4.99 KB
Nadine Kay -- Wilson First-Grade Teacher 177.95 KB
Linda Lewis -- Mapleton Jr. P.E. & Drama Teacher 116.45 KB
Roberta Merrill -- Spanish Fork High Teacher 156.79 KB
Kathleen Moon -- Brockbank Third-Grade Teacher 52.32 KB
Irene Moore -- Rees Teacher 3.53 KB
Sally Nelson -- Brockbank Fifth-Grade Teacher 94.9 KB
Sunya Osborn -- Nebo District Literacy Specialist 30.03 KB
Chris Roberts -- Rees Teacher 108.16 KB
Ed Schollenberger -- Foothills Principal 378.93 KB
Judy Skinner -- Payson High Librarian 56.46 KB
Alvaretta Thomas -- Mt. Loafer, Salem, Riverview Speech Pathologist 143.61 KB
Kimberly Trimble -- Salem Elementary Instructional Coach 94.46 KB
Jackie Turner -- Foothills Teacher 92.05 KB
Gayle Ware -- Mt. Nebo Jr. Teacher 900.44 KB
John Webb -- Nebo District School Services Coordinator 250.32 KB
Richard Wittwer -- Nebo District Programmer Analyst 377.06 KB