Nebo School District is proud to announce and celebrate the September 2026 PEAK (Positive Energy and Kindness) Award winners! These outstanding employees were recognized at tomorrow evening’s Board Meeting for their exceptional dedication, uplifting spirits, and positive contributions to our students, staff, and school communities.
The PEAK Award recognizes district employees who go above and beyond by demonstrating positive energy, kindness, and commitment to excellence. Congratulations to this month's deserving honorees:
Bashawn Abbott
Legal Secretary — District Office
Nominator: Ryan Kay
Bashawn Abbott deserves recognition for her outstanding performance and the positive impact she makes across the entire district. Often described as a "superhero" when it comes to contracts, her exceptional organization and attention to detail keep countless departments running smoothly and well ahead of deadlines. Beyond keeping the office organized (and stocked with fresh Tootsie Rolls!), Bashawn stands out for her kindness, patience, respect, and welcoming personality. No matter how busy she gets, she works with a smile and makes every interaction pleasant. Her dedication and genuine heart make a difference every single day.
Larry Thorson
STEM & CCA Teacher — Spring Canyon Middle School
Nominators: Emma Brown, Brianna Burget, Harper Austin, & Emma Harvey
Mr. Thorson has a remarkable ability to make every student feel seen, valued, and important. By remembering small details about his students' lives, he creates a welcoming classroom grounded in mutual respect. He brings joy, humor, puzzles, and jokes into his lessons, transforming school into a place students look forward to attending. His contagious enthusiasm turns challenging subjects into exciting opportunities, helping students build confidence and curiosity. Mr. Thorson truly reflects the very best of Nebo School District.
Evelyn Ramirez
Special Education / Multilingual Learner Technician — Salem Hills High School
Nominator: Emily Edman
Evelyn Ramirez is a dedicated advocate whose support directly helps multilingual learners and special education students achieve their academic and graduation goals. Serving as a vital resource for high school guidance, course navigation, and earning credits, Evelyn inspires students with her high expectations, care, and strong work ethic. Her collaborative spirit connects teams across campus to foster a supportive, thriving environment where both students and staff benefit from her crucial mentorship.
Shalese Rogers
Facilitator — Rees Elementary School
Nominator: Megan Lockhart
Shalese Rogers serves as an extraordinary mentor and a steadfast pillar of support for the entire Rees Elementary community. With a natural passion for coaching, she helps teachers thrive while providing students with a warm sense of positivity and security. Whenever challenges arise, Shalese brings relentless energy to find effective solutions that prioritize the well-being of staff and students alike. Regardless of how busy her day is, she always greets others with a bright smile and meaningful conversation.
Andrea Neilson
Kindergarten Teacher — Meadow Brook Elementary School
Nominator: Morgan Peterson
Andrea Neilson strategically maximizes every single minute of her half-day kindergarten class to build a strong educational foundation for her students. She seamlessly balances rigorous learning with individualized support while bringing unmatched energy and pure joy to the classroom—complete with spontaneous dance moves, jazz hands, and cartwheels to celebrate student victories! As an ultimate cheerleader for her students, Andrea works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every child feels deeply loved, seen, and supported.
Thank you to all of our September PEAK Award winners for making Nebo School District a brighter, kinder, and better place for everyone!