Courtney-Lynn Smithson, Ridge View Elementary

“Courtney has proven to be one of the best teachers I have ever worked with. I am a mom of three and my oldest is 12. Courtney is my 9 year old’s current teacher at Ridge View Elementary here in Herriman, Utah. Over the last year, I have seen Courtney not only teach her students the standard curriculum but also; respect, kindness, work ethic, financial responsibility, and many other characteristics and skills they will need in life to grow into amazing contributing members of society. Courtney works 24/7. I guarantee she is working while sleeping, if she gets any sleep. She is a teacher, mom, and student as well. She is up at the crack of dawn and I guarantee up until the late of night. She puts 110% into everything she does.

I remember meeting Courtney for the first time at Back to School Night and one of her students from a previous year had to run into her classroom to say hello. That student was soon followed by their parent who had to see Courtney. Everyone loved her. I saw first hand the impression she leaves.

Courtney deserves more than just this recognition. But, I hope she knows how many people in our community love and appreciate her.”

Nominated by Caroline Brooks.

“From the moment I met Ms. Smithson I knew she was something special. This teacher lives and breathes her students and has a heart of pure gold. She makes it a point to prove to her students how kindness has a ripple effect, and when you are kind… You are successful in life. Not only does Ms. Smithson make her class a welcoming, fun, and safe environment… But she makes sure that each individual student knows how much she loves them in and out of the classroom. She always finds a way to make sure her students know that they’re one of her top priorities. Whether that means attending extracurricular activities during the weekends… Showing up on their front door during their birthdays… buying them each a book every month… or sending sweet notes home. I have never seen a day where Ms. Smithson is not smiling when she’s with her students. You can tell they are her heart. This teacher balances going to grad school full-time, being a full-time mother, and being a full-time teacher with such grace. She is a role model for all of her students and I believe this teacher needs to be recognized for her ability to pour her heart into every student she comes across. The community is very fortunate to have a teacher like Ms. Smithson!”