Celia Cutler, Driggs Elementary / Morningside Elementary

“Mrs. “C,” as we call her, has been teaching since she was a young college graduate in her early twenties. She is now in her seventies and still goes in every once in a while to substitute teach. Most of the time, she does this at Morningside Elementary or Driggs Elementary since they are close to home. Her life goal and passion has always been to excel in her job. Teaching, as you know, is not an easy profession and requires a dedicated person with a big heart and a great deal of understanding. After taking a break to raise a family, Mrs. “C” went back to school at Westminster college and got her masters degree in teaching, all the while holding down two outside jobs to pay the bills. She graduated with straight As! She then went back to work, building and enhancing programs at every school she worked at. She started a preschool program for Granite School District, went on to head up a new science program, and spent many years teaching first grade. As a seasoned teaching professional, she has now seen multiple generations from the same family cycle through her classroom as has shared with them her knowledge and expertise. Countless of these children are now adults who still treasure her as one of their best memories from childhood. These individuals are now wonderful members of the community, and they have seen their own kids get taught by Mrs. C. The love and care that Mrs. C put into her job had no limits, and now it is evident in the community around her. She’s a giving person that genuinely teaches with the heart. She has been the sole provider for her family for most of her life and has set an example of hard work and dedication. Not only did she inspire her students, but also her own children are now professionals that exemplify her teachings. She has proven that the time spent dedicated to teaching is worth it. We don’t stop to think about it much, but the job of a teacher does not stop when he or she leaves the classroom. They often continue to work countless hours after clocking out from the school. For example, Mrs. C is known for compiling student projects into books over the weekend to present to them in class at the end of the year to commemorate their accomplishments. These are the reasons we believe that she deserves this nice gift and recognition to reward her amazing career efforts.”

-Lily and Frank Cutler