Mr. Mike Kelly – Elk Meadows Elementary

Dec 16, 2008, 12:30 PM | Updated: Feb 13, 2024, 10:45 am

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

Jordan School District Administration,

We would like to take some time and tell you about an exceptional teacher, Mr. Mike Kelly. Our contact with Mr. Kelly goes back a few years, but over the past year Mr. Kelly has went above and beyond what any parent could want for their child in a teacher.

Our daughter Tara was critically injured in a horse riding accident in March 2007. With a dismal diagnosis, Tara lay in ICU unconscious. Mr. Kelly contacted me by phone immediately when he learned that Tara was injured. He expressed his concern for Tara not only as her teacher, but also as her friend and was truly interested in her recovery. While we sat with Tara in the intensive care unit, you can only imagine our surprise as Mr. Kelly entered her family room only room. With tears in his eyes he visited with our family and wished Tara a speedy recovery. I knew when I met Mr. Kelly on that day what a wonderful teacher Riverton High School had. The story does not end here. Mr. Kelly continued to visit Tara in the hospital. I cannot express to you the healing that would occur with Tara after a visit from her favorite teacher.

When Tara was released from the hospital she was bound to a wheelchair and unable to attend school. It was Mr. Kelly who arranged for Tara’s home schooling, allowing us to concentrate on her physical needs. Again, Mr. Kelly stepped forward, volunteered and became Tara’s home school teacher. He visited our home with assignments to keep Tara on track to complete her junior year. He took the time to give her “all the latest” and made her feel like she was still included.

We are happy to say that Tara is nearing a complete recovery. It is due in part to Mr. Kelly, his encouragement and visits to Tara were healing. Tara has had struggles to get this far in school. Today, once again we find great admiration for Mr. Kelly. He has kept track of her credits, offered extra assistance, and gave support in helping Tara with her class work and reaching her goal to graduate from high school, even earlier than expected.

Please express our sincere gratitude for the education, friendship, and the support that Mr. Kelly has given. Riverton High School is truly blessed to have such a wonderful teacher in their school.

Enclosed is a photo of Tara attending physical therapy. Mr. Kelly is participating by keeping her wheel chair close, he is in it!!!!

Sincerely,

Mike & Jodi Dahl

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 […]

7 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 […]

8 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 […]

8 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 […]

9 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 […]

10 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 […]

11 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 Kelly – Elk Meadows Elementary