Jodi Lunt has been called the Energizer Bunny because she never stops her mission to help kids. Lunt is Director of the Davis Education Foundation and recipient of the 2024 Davis Chamber of Commerce Legacy Award. She will be honored at the Davis Chamber’s annual Business Awards Banquet on Sept. 19.

“I’m humbled to have this award,” said Lunt. “I’m in my 36th year in public education and my motivation has always been to assist students to be their best selves, reach their goals, dreams and desires.”

The Legacy Award “celebrates outstanding individuals whose work has had a profound and lasting impact on the community,” according to the Chamber. 

“We are thrilled to recognize Jodi with our highest honor, the Legacy Award,” said Angie Osguthorpe, President of the Davis Chamber of Commerce. “Jodi’s fierce dedication aligns with our mission of supporting excellence and community development in Davis County. No one is more deserving of this award.”

Lunt’s passion for helping youth has led her to champion 10 Teen Centers and a Teen Living Center that officially opened Sept. 12. The Teen Centers provide a place for at-risk youth to have access to laundry and shower facilities, food, counseling services and a quiet space to study. The Teen Living Center is a 16-bed residential living center for youth experiencing homelessness.

“It’s important for children to have their basic needs met in order to have academic success,” she said. “They need access to resources while they are in school. If they can’t access those it becomes a barrier to have the opportunity to learn and  have an enriched, learning experience and to maximize it.”

This has all come to fruition with these centers, said Lunt. “It’s a true joy to enrich and enhance the lives of young people. I am humbled by how much the community cares about the future of our children.”

Lunt’s favorite quote is, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has,” – Margaret Mead. 

“We can change the world, one person, one child at a time,” Lunt said. “I’ve watched that magically happen in Davis County.”

Lunt has received numerous awards during her time in education. She was recently named Utah Best of State K-12 Administrator of the year 2024, 40 under 40 by Utah Business Magazine, Soroptimist Ruby Award, USU Graduate Student of the Year 2011 and several other recognitions.

Some of the other projects she’s working on include planning to address student needs in the junior highs. “That is the most formidable age,” said Lunt. “We want to prepare junior high kids to be self reliant and empowered. We want to address these problems sooner so that they’ll be more prepared for high school.”

Lunt said she also wants to continue to expand the Unified Sports program. “It gives students a feeling of belonging and inclusion. I want the program to expand and grow. I also want to enhance and enrich the classroom and support teachers. That is something the Foundation is deeply committed to.”

This is a great award for the Foundation, said Lunt. “I’m proud to represent the work of many. I hope the community knows the personal gratitude I have. I’m keenly aware that this is not my work – it’s our work.”

Lunt said the common denominator in her work is the young people. “I want to mentor them to be their most incredible selves. I love what I do, who I do it with and who I do it for. It’s a sweet situation. It doesn’t get any better than being in the Foundation and working for the school district.”