Governor Olene Walker was on-hand for a student assembly, so Principal Don Holt took advantage of the moment to recognize one of their own who had been nominated for "Teacher Feature," KSL's program to honor teachers. KSL radio personality and Centerville resident Grant Neilsen was on hand as well as Zions Bank CEO Scott Anderson.
Melody Little is a preschool teacher for the Head Start program at Creekside Elementary. Her supervisor, Shanna Parkin-son, nominated Little because of her service to children.
In front of the school's student body, Neilson reviewed the reasons Little had been selected. Each year at Christmas time, Little cooperates with a local senior citizen's center to bring the preschool children and the elderly together. The senior citizens knit or crochet hats for the students. The students ride public transportation to the senior citizen's center and sing songs for the residents. The children then get to select a hand-made hat to keep.
Neilsen also shared the example of one little boy with special needs. Little worked with the child and even had her daughter, who is a stylist, come and give the boy a haircut. Her efforts have paid off in a child who runs and plays with classmates. "He's been given a 'head start' because of Melody Little," lauded Neilsen.
Overwhelmed and excited about the unexpected award, Little smiled brightly and wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. Shaking hands with Governor Walker and Neilsen, Little accepted the award from Anderson, which included a plaque, along with several gift certificates.
Post a Comment
