{2008}

top left to right: Bill Bedell, Jeff Weight, Boyd Kimber (Pres. GESPA)
Bottom left to right; Margo France, Joy Ashley, Elizabeth Ann Spor

Margo France, Library Aide, Morningside Elementary
    Nominated by Patti White, teacher

Margo France is well deserving of this honor. My sixth graders never have enough
books on their reading level to check out from the library. I have seen her carry many
sacks of books into the school after her trips to the bookstore, also bringing information
back on the newest books that students may ask for. 

Therefore she has crafted a library superior to most elementary libraries and can boast
of one of the largest check out rates of books in the district. Because of Margo's love of
reading, she not only inspires students, but engages the teachers also. 

Margo also works with the PTA in getting birthday books for students, then puts an individual thought into each book they receive for their special day. My students are always pleased to see what book she has chosen for them. She is a nugget of gold in our cadre of coworkers and after her service for 28 years, I strongly recommend her for the GESPA award.


Elizabeth Ann Spor, Bus Driver, Transportation Department
    Nominated by Tom Given, Director

Ann Spor sets the standard for a professional bus driver. She maintains a positive attitude under all circumstances. Students listen to her advice and treat her like someone they can trust. Students know they will experience a safe and enjoyable time during field trips knowing Ann is driving the bus.

Ann has served as the department representative on behalf of other drivers in dealing with the administration. Her attitude encourages others to make the changes necessary to improve their techniques. After three decades, Ann continues to emulate the best in what is required as an employee and friend.  Ann's peers attest to her commitment and tenacity.

Over 6000 students have had the pleasure of calling Ann Spor their bus driver.


Jeff Weight, Head Custodian, Sandburg Elementary
    Nominated by Linda Call, Principal

Jeff Weight makes Carl Sandburg Elementary shine! One would never know that our school is 42 years old by the looks of the building and grounds. Visitors always comment on how nice everything looks.

Jeff gives his all and takes exceptional pride in our school. From the moment Jeff enters the building until he leaves in the afternoon he gives 110%. He is always willing to accommodate the teachers and students in any way and lends positive support to the staff. He trains his sweepers so that they will also give their best effort in keeping the school clean.

We are fortunate to have Jeff Weight as our custodian at Sandburg Elementary. He does an outstanding job and deserves being recognized for his hard work and dedication
working for the district for the last 28 years.


Joy Ashley, Central Kitchen Cook, Bates Center
    Nominated by coworkers Betsy Scholl and Arlene Fors

Joy knows a lot of children in Granite School District depend on her and the rest of the cooks and helpers to have a good lunch each day at school. If a worker calls in sick and she is short handed, Joy keeps her head and gets the job done through organization and skill.

Joy is a team player. You can find her everyday working side-by-side with her coworkers whom she truly cares about. She also cares about the children she serves. She has the perfect name to go with her personality; she serves with a smile.

When you have the chore of getting 31,000 fresh and nutritious lunches out the door every day for the elementary schools and you have been in this position for 24 years, one must love what they do and the people they work with. Joy is very deserving of this award.


Bill Bedell, Grounds Department
    Nominated by Jolene Randall, principal West Kearns Elementary

I am excited to nominate Mr. Bill Bedell as an outstanding employee for this award. 

Our school was fortunate enough to be adopted by Comcast and received many hours of service on Comcast Cares Day. There was a lot of preparation needed for these projects and Bill was unbelievable in his service to us.

I felt he went above and beyond what his employee job description would have dictated. He arrived early each morning and made things happen by the deadlines thrown at him. He was always cheerful, friendly and acted like he was just doing his job. After 24 years in this position I feel he his more than worthy of this award.