By Jet Burnham | [email protected]

Jordan Education Foundation Executive Director Mike Haynes was thrilled to give educational support personnel the opportunity to realize how much they're valued by the community.

The JEF board selected eleven outstanding ESPs from Jordan District to receive $1,000 and to be recognized at a Jordan District board of education meeting.

"The ESPs are our backbone of our schools—those in the front office, the lunch ladies, they're the bus drivers and everyone else who make the schools run,” Haynes said. “Without the ESP employees, education would fail. They have a perspective that nobody else does. They can identify students who have needs and help support those needs through their effort; they're really miracle workers.”

Oakcrest Elementary would not run as smoothly if it weren't for Administrative Assistant Kimberly Mortensen keeping everything moving, said her colleagues.

“Kim is more than an assistant. She's a nurse, accountant, technology specialist, acquisition guru, psychologist, executive office manager and PR specialist all wrapped up in one.”

In her many roles, her main concern is the students.

“She cares for the students and about the things that matter to them, and makes them feel safe and welcome at their school,” a colleague said.

Maricarmen Garcia is an Administrative Assistant in the Student Services department for Jordan School District. She coordinates a director, six consultants, four other administrative assistants, four specialists and analysts, two assistants, three counselors and three psychologists.

“Carmen knows every single person and makes them each feel an important part of the team,” a colleague said.

She also provides translation services and positive energy to the department.

“As Student Services continues to grow, so does her common skill set and abilities,” a colleague said.

South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey introduced the winners to the Board.

“We all know that our schools would not be the amazing places they are without these folks, without our education support professionals and all they do to keep schools going strong,” she said.

 

2022 Outstanding ESPs

Kristine Burge, Administrative Assistant - Mountain Creek Middle School

Maricarmen Garcia, Administrative Assistant Student Services - Jordan School District

Gabi Clayton, Education Support Professional - Special Education River's Edge School

Jerri Sume, Administrative Assistant - Copper Canyon Elementary School

Amanda Hamblin, Administrative Assistant Special Education - Jordan School District

Marilyn Smith, Administrative Assistant - Office of the Administrators of Schools

Kimberly Mortensen, Administrative Assistant - Oakcrest Elementary School

Korbi Brey, SMAC Teacher - Kauri Sue Hamilton School

Cari Minnesota, Administrative Assistant - Office of the Administrators of Schools

Kim Stafford, Kitchen Manager - Heartland Elementary School

Kim Hawkins, Registrar - Sunset Ridge Middle School