Cody McFarland and Valerie Solorzano were this year's winners of the Principal's Award. It goes to outstanding sixth-grade students that help out and make the school a great place to be.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?: I have always loved teaching kids! I couldn't wait to grow up and have my own kids. Once I did, I enjoyed doing daycare, and then doing a neighborhood preschool for my youngest daughter,  and always wished it was my week to teach. When she went to school, I got a job as a Special Ed Technician at her school. I moved with one little boy from kindergarten through third grade. As I did that job it suddenly occurred to me that I could actually become a teacher, with my own class! So I did.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?: I love working with kids. I helped with my little sister's kindergarten class once a week while in high school. I didn't want to be behind a desk everyday or have to travel for work.

How long you been teaching?: 16 years

College: Ricks, BYU, SUU, then a class at UVU and this summer class at Weber State.

Hometown: Hong Kong, though now live in Mapleton.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?: I wanted to inspire children with a love of learning and reading as past teachers have done for my children.

How long you been teaching?: 18 years

College: UVSC / BYU / UVU / SUU

Hometown: California

Something not many people know about you: I was a beach bum as a teenager.  

I love teaching...: MATH

During the summer I like to...: catch up on housework, camp, go to the beach and spend time with my family.