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Excellence in Education Awards

The UEA Excellence in Education awards extend beyond the classroom. They reflect that excellence is about inspiring hope, building community and believing in every child.
Group of people smile holding trophies.

Celebrating Utah's Superstars in Education

The Utah Education Association honored ten outstanding educators and education professionals during the annual Superstars in Education Awards Banquet this September. The 2025 Excellence in Education Awards recognize individuals whose leadership, innovation, and service inspire students, strengthen schools, and uplift the profession.

"These awards celebrate what is best about public education: the people who make it possible,” said UEA President Renée Pinkney at the Superstars in Education Banquet on Sept. 27.

  • Brielle McCormick, Math, Richfield High School, Sevier Education Association
  • Brittney Henrie, 3rd Grade, Three Falls Elementary School, Washington County Education Association
  • Courtney Averett, 4th Grade, Horizon Elementary School, Murray Education Association
  • Heather Thorpe, Special Education Teacher, Functional Skills K-6, Heritage Elementary, Ogden Education Association
  • Jenny Graviet, Instructional Coach, Sand Ridge Junior High, Weber Education Association
  • Judy Wallace, PreK-5th, Mountain View Elementary, Salt Lake Education Association
  • Katie Bahr, 4th Grade, Wilson Elementary, Nebo Education Association
  • Quinn Talbot, Principal, Sand Ridge Junior High, Weber Education Association
  • Toni Cerroni, 3rd, 4th and 5th Grades, Digital Education Center, Tooele Education Association
  • Traci Garcia, Kindergarten, Island View Elementary, Davis Education Association

This year’s honorees represent a diverse range of roles, from kindergarten to high school math, and from literacy coaching to school administration. Each was nominated by peers and selected for their passion, dedication, and impact on Utah’s students and communities.

“These educators embody the very best of our profession,” Pinkney said. “Their passion, creativity, and unwavering commitment to Utah’s students make a lasting difference every single day.”

Previously called the Excellence in Teaching Awards, the program was renamed to reflect UEA’s commitment to honoring every individual who contributes to the success of public education in Utah. The Utah Education Association congratulates this year’s recipients were celebrated during the Superstars in Education Awards Banquet in September.

Meet the 2025 UEA Excellence in Education Honorees

Courtney Averett Bio
1 OF 10
Brittney Henrie
2 OF 10
Brielle McCormick
3 OF 10
Taci Garcia
4 OF 10
Toni Cerroni
5 OF 10
Quinn Talbot
6 OF 10
Katie Bahr
7 OF 10
Judy Wallace
8 OF 10
Jenny Graviet
9 OF 10
Heather Thorpe
10 OF 10
Utah Education Association logo

Keeping the Promise of Quality Public Education

With more than 18,000 members across the state, UEA supports equal opportunities for success for ALL Utah students, and respect and support for all educators.
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The Utah Education Association is a state affiliate of the National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.

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