Engineering and technical design teacher Gary Roberts was one of nine educators selected from over 1,500 nominations submitted by parents, students, staff and community members.
The awards were presented throughout April, with staff, students, family members, Wasatch Education Foundation members and district leaders gathering in each teacher’s classroom to surprise them. Roberts said he wasn’t suspicious when Assistant Principal Ryan Bishop walked into his class, but when his wife arrived, he knew something was up.
“There could have been 30 people that kept walking through the door,” Roberts said. “That was what was shocking to me, is the amount of people that came to support.”
Roberts believes kids like his classes because he enjoys teaching and working on projects with them. He also said he can relate to the kids who struggle in school because high school and college were hard for him.
“I wasn't a great student in your core subjects, but I was a great student with a pencil and a ruler in my drafting classes at Pleasant Grove High School,” he said.
Roberts is also part of the Centers for Advanced Professional Studies, or CAPS, program. Students apply for the program and work on a project for the whole semester. Roberts said the program has been a learning opportunity for both him and the students.
Wasatch Education Foundation created and funds the annual awards. Board member Terri Wright said Roberts stood out to her this year as he has inspired first-generation students to go to college.
“Kids that are now graduating in engineering, they can go back and actually name him as the reason they've chosen that career path, because of the things that he taught them,” she said. “He stands out to me, just as someone who's just really changed a lot of lives.”
Each honored teacher receives a plaque and $10,000. Wright said recognized educators are encouraged to spend the money on travel or hobbies, rather than on their classrooms.
Roberts said he plans to go on a 10-day Alaska cruise this summer with his wife.
“One of our, me and my wife's, favorite things is to go on a cruise, and usually it's every third year we can save up enough to go on a cruise,” he said.
2025 Distinguished Educators:
- Stephanie Gary, Daniels Canyon Elementary: Known for her high expectations, joyful spirit, and commitment to inclusive teaching, Gary creates a warm, structured environment where all students feel valued and supported.
- Monique Straughan, Heber Valley Elementary: With over 25 years of experience, Straughan is celebrated for her dedication to meeting students’ unique academic, sensory, and social needs with compassion and creativity.
- Linda Villanueva, J.R. Smith Elementary: Villanueva fosters a classroom filled with safety, pride, and purpose — empowering students through cultural celebration, high expectations, and emotional support.
- Mary Eckersley, Midway Elementary: Eckersley’s classroom is known for its joy, care, and high standards, where students are both challenged and celebrated through creative, detail-driven instruction.
- Christina De Jong, Old Mill Elementary: De Jong leads with unwavering commitment to students who need extra support, offering individualized learning and emotional safety across multiple grade levels.
- Christina Cluff, Rocky Mountain Middle School: Cluff combines data-driven innovation with student-first teaching, leading her department and schoolwide efforts to raise student achievement.
- Seth Probst, Timpanogos Middle School: Probst makes hands-on learning meaningful and fun, mentoring students with humor and care while fostering real-world skills and classroom belonging.
- Gary Roberts, Wasatch High School: Roberts brings real-world application and deep personal investment to his teaching, particularly through CAPS and engineering-based programs.
- Emily Burr, Wasatch High School: Burr creates a nurturing and empowering classroom where students feel seen, supported, and challenged to grow into confident learners.
