{2007 winners}

Clockwise from centerbottom:
Rex Burnett, Cory Draper, David Spafford, Byrl McClellan, Aziz Gaily

{1} David Spafford has been an employee for Granite School District since 1980. He has held several positions in the grounds department and has always worked hard to be proficient in each assignment. At the present time, he is a welder doing fencing, playground repairs and new installations. It would be hard to estimate the many miles of fencing within the district that needs to be maintained. Dave has a great talent for fabrication. He is like having "Tim the Tool Man" from the show Home Improvement around the shop - only better! He is a great asset to the shop and the district, has an excellent teaching ability, and is a great example for the younger men in the grounds department. The shop calls Dave the "Fireman" because he has the ability to put out the hot spots and has a talent for being calm and under control in emergency situations. When he is called to push snow, he is always at the shop within 15 minutes of the phone call - he must have his clothes ready by his bed like the firemen do. Dave is always professional, takes pride in his work, and is a man of great integrity.

{2} Aziz Gaily is an extremely hard working, conscientious employee. He takes pride in what he does and keeps his crew performing at top levels. Matheson Jr. High is always in top condition. The school is kept immaculate and looking as beautiful as it was the first day of school. Administrators throughout the district have praised his work. He works well with the maintenance crews that are sent out to the schools and tries to ensure that they feel welcome in his building. He quickly responds to students who are in need of help, as well as the faculty members. He is always willing and able to help provide the needed items at a moment's notice. Aziz is a wonderful asset to Matheson Jr. High.



{4} Rex Burnett of Truman Elementary does a fabulous job with the lunchroom at his school. He has built an outstanding relationship with the kids and is always willing to help with a variety of other school needs. Rex is always positive and friendly with the staff and students. He wants to make sure that every student has an enjoyable time in the lunchroom. He often makes cookies or goodies for the staff - something everyone appreciates immensely! No one makes cookies quite as well as Rex. He consistently demonstrates his heart for the kids and his care for the staff. He is positive and cheerful. The service at Truman's cafeteria is truly outstanding because of Rex.

{3} Cory Draper of Bennion Jr. High is the man to call in a tight situation. After new lockers were installed, the contractor was short a few parts to properly finish the job. Cory assessed the needs, obtained the parts, and the parts he couldn't get, he made. He worked on the lockers for at least two weeks, ensuring they were ready for the start of school. Cory's commitment to his work is a great example to all around. He is always friendly and willing to help. Late one afternoon, a water pipe broke and flooded the boys' locker room. Cory stayed for two hours helping clean up the huge mess that was created. He went above and beyond the call of duty. Bennion Jr. High is truly fortunate to have Cory Draper on their staff.

{5} Byrl McClellan began working as a mechanic at the Granite School District Bus Shop in 1977. From the beginning of his employment to the present day, Byrl's dedication to school bus maintenance and the Granite School District has been outstanding. No matter what the weather conditions, snow, rain, extreme heat or cold, he is always quick to respond to any situation to get a bus back on the road. He is constantly looking for ways to improve the bus shop operation with new ideas in scheduling and repair methods. Byrl is willing to expand his mechanical skills through training seminars and classes. When electronic diagnostic tools and software became available for use in the bus shop, he led the way for the rest of the mechanics to become proficient in this new thechnology. Byrl is always ready to assist mechanics in the shop in diagnosing and repairing any bus problems that come through the door. Byrl is also there for bus drivers that need help understanding the operation and maintenance of the bus they are assigned to drive. Another area of strength for Byrl is his budget management. He has a keen ability to determine which parts need replacing and which ones are rebuildable. Safety is his top priority, but saving money when possible is always on his mind. Byrl really shines when a bus breaks down en route with students on board. He will "bust a gut" to get the broken-down bus up and running again and get the students delivered to school, home or other activities.