BOUNTIFUL—Kari Harrison, a Bountiful Elementary School counselor, was surprised last Tuesday during a special assembly when she was called up on stage and named this year’s recipient of the Heidi Martin Mighty Heart Education of Excellence Award. The award is given to a Davis School District educator who shows compassion, dedication and innovation in education.

“We were told we were having a safety assembly,” said Harrison. “When I walked in I saw the superintendent and the (Davis Education) Foundation were here. I thought maybe they were going to honor our principal so I was very, very surprised. I couldn’t believe it.”

 The award is named after Heidi Ann Martin, who through her battle with a congenital heart condition inspired many. It recognizes educators who have an impact on children’s emotional and academic growth. 

“Kari Harrison sees a need and puts things into action,” said Principal Casey Pickett. “Whether she’s organizing support for students and families during the holidays, leading school wide initiatives, or creating supportive environments for students to learn and grow, she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every child feels valued and supported.”

“If Kari sees a need she fills it,” said Administrative Intern, Christine Nesheiwat. “The kids know she is a safe person – the kids love her. It’s nice to recognize her. We celebrate teachers but not everyone thinks of a counselor in that way.”

Harrison has been a counselor for seven years. “When I was getting my undergrad I wanted to be a therapist,” she said. “Then I decided to take a different path. I wanted to work with kids before they had adult size problems and influence them when they’re younger to get them on a different trajectory.”

As part of her job, Harrison goes into every classroom once a month and teaches a lesson. “It’s on different topics like friendship, problem solving, conflict resolution, things we see happening at school.”

If kids are having a hard time making friends or struggling Harrison said she’ll teach in small groups or work with kids individually. “We’ve had a few kids whose parents have died this year so I’ll help with the grief process. Some have anxiety or they’re feeling overwhelmed and they just need to get away from that and talk or not talk. They just need space.”

Anxiety is a big one, she said. “Kids are coming to school with adult-size worries on their shoulders. I help them to navigate all the challenges we have in school.”

In addition to counseling, Harrison created the “Rack” a place where kids and families in need can come and get clothing, blankets, shoes and other supplies. “It’s been going for three or four years at the school,” she said. “We put out to the community that we’d take clothes and at first we had a few tables stacked with clothes but we never had to ask for donations again.”

The school has a lot of refugees, said Harrison. “We can provide them with a set of clothes and if a kid falls in the mud at school we replace what they need so they can stay at school. Everything donated will be used somewhere, somehow.”

Harrison is also the HOPE squad advisor. “I’ve done that for five years,” she said. “I got a co advisor three years ago. They meet once a month. Their purpose is to be visible at school so that if a kid is having a really hard time they know one of them is a safe person. Or if they don’t have anyone to play with at recess they will spend time with them. We do everything we can so that a kid feels included.”

A $10,000 grant comes with the award for Harrison to use at the school as she sees fit. “Ninety percent of the problems in the school are at recess,” she said. “I’ve had a structured recess aide who plans games, helps kids to communicate when they lost a game or fell down. I want to use some of the money to get equipment like special balls. More stuff for the kids to do outside.”

A new school building is under construction. “I’d like a calm space in the new building,” she said. “A place with bean bags and fidgets.”

Bountiful Elementary has the best kids, said Harrison. “A lot of kids are struggling with problems that are way bigger than they should have to. I want them to come to school and feel safe. I want everyone to know this is a safe place and that we’re here.”

Harrison said this is her calling. “I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing.”