The Utah Education Association is proud to announce the recipients of this year’s Association Awards, selected by the UEA Board of Directors during its June 9 meeting. These outstanding individuals demonstrate exceptional dedication to public education and to the mission and values of the UEA. They will be honored at the 2025 Superstars in Education Banquet on Saturday, Sept. 27, at Willow Creek Country Club in Sandy.
Each honoree represents the best of our profession and our community, going above and beyond to uplift students, support educators and strengthen public education in Utah.
UEA Honor Roll Award
Destiny DeHerrera, Family Center social worker, Ogden School District
The UEA Honor Roll Award recognizes individuals, businesses or organizations that have made a significant contribution to public education. While no monetary award is given, recipients are honored with a commemorative plaque.
DeHerrera’s service as a Family Center social worker has made a lasting impact on families and students in Ogden. Her work exemplifies the kind of community partnership that ensures every student has the support they need to succeed.
Robert “Archie” Archuleta UEA Human and Civil Rights Award
Maria Gomez, educator, Glendale Middle School
This award honors individuals whose work in the area of human and civil rights has had a community-wide impact.
Gomez is described as someone who continually creates safe, welcoming spaces and offers unwavering support to students, families and colleagues. Her service uplifts everyone around her and reflects a deep commitment to equity and inclusion. She will receive a monetary award equal to the Excellence in Teaching Award and a commemorative plaque.
Elaine Tzourtzouklis UEA Service to Association Award
Barb Whitman, Ogden-Weber UniServ director
This award recognizes outstanding service to the Association in areas such as member advocacy, political action, leadership, collaboration and coalition building.
Whitman has shown steadfast commitment, bold leadership and innovative service to the Ogden and Weber Education Associations and to union leaders across the state. She will receive a monetary award equal to the Excellence in Teaching Award and a commemorative plaque.
The UEA is deeply grateful for the dedication and leadership shown by each of these honorees. Their work represents the heart of the Association’s mission to support educators and advance public education.
Interested in sponsoring this year’s banquet?
Contact Lillian Tsosie-Jensen at [email protected] for more information on sponsorship opportunities.
