Mr. Mike Huestis – American Fork High School

Dec 2, 2008, 12:30 PM | Updated: Feb 13, 2024, 10:45 am

Animation of an award for the teacher feature special by KSL...

We know it’s not even possible to list all the credentials and accomplishments of our teacher and percussion instructor Mr. Mike Huestis. He is an incredibly talented and gifted man.

He is the assistant director of bands at American Fork Junior High and American Fork High School, where he shares his love and passion for music with his students. He not only teaches us the music but also the history behind it. And he teaches us to accept and appreciate all cultures.

Mr. Huestis is a highly sought after arranger and clinician in high schools and colleges throughout Utah, California, Nevada, Colorado and Idaho. He writes the curriculum that is used in the schools. He often stays up into the wee hours of the night perfecting the music he has written. He writes music for many of the schools we compete against. But he not only writes their music, he spends a lot of his time helping them perfect their performance. He honestly wants everyone to succeed, and to be the very best they can be.

He has extremely high expectations for us and for himself. He writes music that will challenge us and make us stretch far beyond our present levels of success. He sees our potential and pushes us to be as good as he sees us being. Often we don’t see that potential but he does. He expects us to work hard and be disciplined. Even though he’s tough on us we all know what it feels like to do our very best and to succeed. We have great respect for him and we know he really loves each of us individually. He can be very strict and still get in and have fun with us. It’s awesome to watch him play the drums, you can tell he absolutely loves it. He played with the Blue Devils and University of North Texas Freelancers and is very, very good. His philosophy is he gets paid to teach kids to hit stuff.

Mr. Huestis helped us buy expensive steel drums probably with some of his own money so we could start a steel drum band which is something he really enjoys and believes is an important style of music. He reminds us that we may not end up being professional percussionists one day, but we will all be professional at something so we need to always act professional. The life skills we are learning now will bless our lives no matter what we become. He has taught us that integrity is doing the right thing when no ones around to see.

He teaches by example. His family is what is most important to him. We see how he is a great husband and a fantastic father to Ella and Owen. We know how important his time is with them, we are lucky that he devotes so much time to us.

Our marching band has won first place in competitions throughout the state. We represented Utah in the Macys Parade in New York this last year. (He has also taught us to be humble so we better not list our winning record). We are working hard to go to Grand Nationals in November
Mr. Huestis’ commitment to excellence makes it possible for us to compete in Nationals. Its hard work but we’ve learned to “eat our dang cranberries.” (A personal saying of his)

We know Mr. Huestis could teach anywhere he wanted to. We are very fortunate to have him at our school, and to be taught by him. He is far more than just a teacher to us.

We often spend more time with him than we do our families. We appreciate all the time and talent he puts into helping us be the very best possible. We can’t even comprehend where we would be with out him
Thanks for everything!
American Fork High School Drum line and Pit

Kyle Loveridge

PS Mr. Huestis is so deserving of this award and so much more. We hope you will award it to him!!! Thanks

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

...

Emily Ashmead

Alisa Phillips, Voyage Academy

“My son is incredibly, smart, ever since he was in kindergarten teachers have struggled to understand him. He was diagnosed with ADHD, the inattentive kind. He takes longer to get work done. At every parent teacher conference I would leave crying because nobody took time to get to know him. Miss Phillips, however, has ADHD […]

10 days ago

...

Emily Ashmead

Holly Jolley, Willow Springs Elementary

“Mrs. Holly Jolley, yes that is her real name! Holly is an amazing teacher who truly cares about her students and treats them like they are her own children. She regularly is at the school after hours until they have to kick her out preparing for the next day, even after dealing with cancer and […]

11 days ago

...

Emily Ashmead

Karina Johnson, Skagg Catholic Center

“She is very sweet and patient!! My son always talks about how fun she makes teaching and he looks forward to going to school because of her. Everytime she sees us she has a great big smile, and always gives Alejandro a huge hug. You can tell she loves what she does and makes it […]

11 days ago

...

Emily Ashmead

Jeanna Skeete, David Gourley Elementary

“Jeanna has always given her heart to her students. She doesn’t think twice spending her own money if it means students will have a better learning experience. She also has taught in title 1 schools her whole career! She has provided a safe space for her students despite have many difficult personal life events in […]

12 days ago

...

Emily Ashmead

Blaine Johansen, Canyons Technical Education Center

“He teaches us about the thing we need to know about cars and goes above and beyond with helping us learn.” -Ian hildebrant “My teacher always cares for us and helps us out with anything they do.” -Garrett North “He makes everyone want to come to class and includes everyone!” -Jackson Bell “Mr. Joey is […]

13 days ago

...

Emily Ashmead

Stephanie Bradstreet, Murray High School

“Stephanie is a teacher in Family and Consumer Sciences Education that cares about her students’ success. She teaches Financial Literacy, Interior Design, Human Development, and Food and Nutrition 1 to students in 10-12th grade. She works hard to create meaningful lessons for students. She collaborated with another teacher to create a faculty/staff book club that […]

14 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Mr. Mike Huestis – American Fork High School