The Park City School District and Park City Community Foundation on Tuesday presented four Kindness Awards to recognize students and staff who demonstrate inclusive values for their campus communities.
“As a district, we believe this is more than an award. It’s a reminder of who we are and who we strive to be,” said Superintendent Lyndsay Huntsman. “It celebrates those who break barriers, build belonging and champion a culture where everyone belongs.”
The school district launched the Kindness Awards this year as part of its We All Belong campaign. The program received nominations for potential award winners from all seven district schools, and students were recognized monthly by their building administrators.
The selection committee for the grand prize intended to choose only one winner from the pool of nominated individuals, but they were unable to settle on just one person, according to a district press release. Instead, school district officials, including Huntsman and a handful board members, surprised four schools with a visit on Tuesday to present two students and two staff members with a cash prize.
The Park City Community Foundation contributed $18,500 to the Kindness Awards program. Students who won the grand prize were given $500, while staff members were awarded $1,250.
“We believe these awards have had a positive impact this school year allowing the values of kindness and inclusivity to not just be taught, but to be lived and experienced across our community, shaping a more compassionate future for all our local kids,” said Joel Zarrow, president and CEO of the Park City Community Foundation.
The Kindness Award grand prize winners were Park City High School Associate Principal Bob Edmiston, Jeremy Ranch Elementary School Community Outreach Liaison Ketzel Morales, Treasure Mountain Junior High ninth grader Easton Jones and Trailside Elementary School fourth grader Shepherd Williams.
