FARMINGTON—The Davis School District Board of Education’s May 6 board meeting was filled with updates on the teen centers, special recognitions such as the spelling bee winners, Unified Sports athletes and coaches for their accomplishments within the district. 

“I’m an academic coach at the Woods Cross High Teen Center,” said Angela Mitchell. “I work with McKinney-Vento students, which are students who lack regular, adequate housing. I spend two days a week there helping students get on track toward graduation.”

Mitchell said she works with all sophomores, juniors and seniors. “I want to tell you about the success of the graduating seniors. I have 12 seniors right now and fingers crossed they will all graduate at the end of the month and this is really, really a big deal. I started last year, second semester when these particular students were juniors.”

For example there were two girls who had fewer than five credits their senior year, she said. “They should have approximately 16 by then. I knew it would be a long shot to get them graduated but I’m pleased to say that both of those girls are not just receiving a diploma they have enough credits to walk.”

Mitchell said when she first met one of the girls she told her that no one in her family had ever graduated from high school. “She had zero confidence that she would be able to do it. She’s quite bright but because of her living situation she was so far behind. She had never passed more than two or three classes in any given term.”

Last year in terms three and four she passed almost every single class for the first time, said Mitchell. “I asked her what happened, what made the difference? She told me two things. She said ‘well you made me talk to my teachers and you told me I could do it.’ I just want to let this board know there are lots of students just like her being helped through this amazing community and school district. The time I spend at the teen center gives me so much hope and it’s a much needed service.”

The district spelling bee went 11 rounds with 49 kids, said Julie Barlow, Teaching & Learning Humanities Director. “We had to do five heats to determine first and second. They were both really good. The final word was visceral, that's what he (Liam Nielson) won with.” 

The winners were: 1st Place: Liam Nielson, Canyon Creek Elementary, 6th grade

2nd Place: Eleanor Tensmeyer, Valley View Elementary, 5th grade

3rd Place: Halyn Vanorden, Columbia Elementary, 6th grade.

The following Unified Sports Basketball teams were recognized as State Champions: Clearfield High School, Woods Cross High School and Syracuse High School.

“I was impressed how students are so engaged at school,” said Woods Cross principal Deanne Kapatanov. “They get cheers and smiles in the halls. It is a real unifier for our school.”

Hailee Lowry of Clearfield High was named the Special Olympics Coach of the Year. “She’s a born and bred Falcon,” said Ryck Astle, Secondary Director. “She bleeds green through and through. With Hailee in charge it’s more than just kids playing sports. It brings together kids with and without disabilities at the same time which promotes inclusion, friendship and understanding.”

Clark Stringfellow was awarded Athletic Director of the Year. “He’s been at Bountiful High for 31 years,” said Secondary Director Dave Tanner. “He is a former student. He was nominated by his peers which is a huge, huge honor. Every sporting school event he’s there supporting the coaches and students. The students respect and love him and his coaches at the school respect and love him too.”

“I figured it out that this year alone I oversee 925 student athletes and activity students,” said Stringfellow. “I’m over 23 sports, three fine arts activities, 26 head coaches and advisors and 80 assistant coaches. So it’s a big job. But we appreciate your support.”