This award was given to individuals ad organizations that made Utah communities wonderful places to live and raise children.

Year Awarded by Association

1987
William Kolff, inventor of the artificial heart
Joseph Silverstein, director, Utah Symphony
Christine Durham, Utah Supreme Court Judge
Frances Farley, first woman elected to Utah Senate
J.D. Williams, political science professor, University of Utah
Douglas D. Alder, President of Dixie College

1988
Fred Adams, founder of Utah Shakespeare Festival
T.H. Bell, U.S. Secretary of Education (established National Commission on Excellence in Education)
Don Lind, NASA astronaut
Greg and Megan Marsden, gymnastic coaches, University of Utah
Karen Shepherd, Utah State Representative
O.C. Tanner, professor at U of U, contributor to cultural groups

1989
Dean May, historian, documentary filmmaker
Barbara Lewis, author of The Kid’s Guide to Social Action
JoAnn Seghini, curriculum development director at Jordan School District,
Ralph B. Smith, education professor, BYU

1990
Steven Goldsmith, artist and creator of Artspace (affordable living and workspace for artists)
John Anderson
Junior League of Salt Lake, women’s group of trained volunteers providing time and money to improve the lives of women and children in the community
Kari Shaerrer

1991
Deseret News Sterling Scholar Program, recognizes high school seniors in 13 different categories
of accomplishment
Utah Symphony in Schools, designed to introduce students to the symphony
Ballet West for Children, brings performances to elementary schools
Charles Moray, artistic director of the Pioneer Theater Company
Thurl Bailey, professional basketball player with the Utah Jazz, community volunteer, director of basketball camps for youth

1992
John Barainca, Mission to Mars Teacher Specialist, Jordan District
Carol Browning, Ogden-Weber County Humane Society, raised most of the money for the addition to a Weber County animal shelter for educating children on humane practices
BYU Partnership, BYU has partnered with 5 school districts to achieve educational improvement goals
Hansen Planetarium, create stimulating educational programs to astronomy and space exploration information with Utah students and educators
Sheri Sohm, led elementary students in a real-world problem solving effort to preserve urban open space
Utah Opera in the Schools, program to introduce students to opera

1993
Victor Williamson, founder and director of the Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center
Adele Weiler, founder of Building Connections, placing architects, planners, historians, educators, and members of the construction industry in the classroom with students
KSL Weather School, involving students in collecting weather data and learning activities about meteorology
Edward A. Dalton, president and CEO of National Energy Foundation, focusing on teacher training and curriculum development
Mark Maryboy, first Native American County Commissioner, through his efforts funds were made available to build a high school at Navajo Mountain and establish a bi-lingual program
Utah Hogle Zoo Docent Program, outreach classroom programs

1994
Jon Huntsman, founder of Huntsman Corporation and important donor to several causes including 10 annual Awards for Excellence in Education for Utah teachers
Rick Majerus, U of U basketball coach
David Allred, vice president for communication for the Utah Jazz
Make-A-Wish Foundation, grants wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions

1995 NAGC Conference

1996
Carolyn Dickson, Newspapers in Education (NIE) manager
Utah Centennial Commission, provided grants to create lessons to provide teachers with creative, innovative lesson on a wide variety of Utah history topics and issues
Rep. Kelly C. Atkinson
Springville Museum of Art

1997
Attorney General Janet Graham
Treehouse Children's Museum
Senator Scott Howell
Kids' Coalition

1998
Jill Kennedy, Utah State Board of Education Member
Mary Anna Cox
Representative Judy Buffmire
Vince Lafferty, Utah State University Extension Director of Independent Study and Distance Education

1999
Jackie Leavitt & Immunize By 2 Program
Representative Sheryl Allen
Ken Verdoia, KUED-TV’s director of production

2000
Channel 4 Goal Getters! Program
Red Butte Gardens
Thurl Bailey, Utah Jazz basketball player
Dr. Connie P. Hill

2001
George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park
Representative Brad King
Opera for Children by Children
Dr. Jerry Peterson, Associate Superintendent USOE

2002
Representative Marda Dillree
Forever Young Foundation, serves children who face significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges by providing academic, athletic, and therapeutic opportunities unavailable to them.
Thanksgiving Point
Midvale Read & Feed Program

2003
Barbara Smith, Channel 4 Reporter
Terrace Plaza Playhouse
Weber State Storytelling Festival
Senator Howard Stephenson

2004
Kennecott
Tuacahn, outdoor theater
BYU Microscopy Lab

2005 NAGC National Convention

2006
Forest Cuch, Executive Director of the Utah Division of Indian Affairs
Bruce Thompson, Owner/Operator of EcoTracs (Ecology-Based Teaching Resources and Curriculum Services

2007
Youth Academy of Excellence, University of Utah
Spy Hop Productions
Discovery Gateway Children's Museum

2008
Utah Shakespearean Festival
State Representative Bradley Last, St. George

2009
Leonardo on Wheels
State Representative Carol Spackman Moss

2010
Larry H. Miller Education Project
JA City