KAYSVILLE—Davis Technical College’s mission statement is “We change lives.” Last week the school honored several local individuals and groups at their annual Life-Changer luncheon who have made that possible. Students shared their stories of how they’ve been able to gain the skills needed at Davis Tech to find meaningful careers.

“I’m truly honored to stand before you today on behalf of the students of Davis Technical College,” said Student Ambassador Alexis Blank, who is in the Dental Assisting Program. “I’ve seen firsthand the dedication, resilience and determination that define our student community. Each of us comes to Davis Tech with a dream.” 

For some, it’s the start of a new chapter, she said. “For others, it’s a second chance or a step toward rebuilding after hardship. We may come from different backgrounds, but we share one goal, to gain the skills, training and confidence to build a better future for ourselves, our families and our communities.”

Education takes sacrifice, said Blank. “It requires time, effort and yes, financial resources, that is why your support means so much. Your generosity truly serves as our strongest tool. Students like me are able to focus on learning and achieving rather than worrying about how to afford gas, childcare or tuition. You’re not just giving a scholarship, you’re giving an opportunity.”

At Davis Tech the programs are hands on and directly prepare students for the workforce, she said. “We don’t just earn certificates. We earn confidence. We gain the ability to contribute meaningfully and immediately to our communities.”

“I chose to come to Davis Tech because I had a friend who was going here,” said Isaac Elsmore, 2025 Service Professions Student of the Year in the Culinary Arts Program. “He would bring back a bunch of all the treats from the culinary program. I was wondering where he got them all from. Then he told me it was at Davis Tech and that’s just kind of what got me going.”

Elsmore said he just loves cooking. “It's kind of the way to creatively express myself. I get to take all of these ingredients and process things that you might not expect to go together and you get to turn them into this jumble of flavors and colors. It’s just really exciting.”

The training here is very hands on, he said. “It’s also very collaborative, like knowing that there was a student or a teacher that I could collaborate with and immediately be there to help me. It was phenomenal.”

Elsmore was enrolled in high school and Davis Tech simultaneously. “When I graduated I was able to get a scholarship that still paid for all of my tuition so that I could continue my path here. I had no experience in technical professions so being able to experience that firsthand here is a really good, nurturing environment.”

Elsmore said so many of his friends are in college right now. “They’re like, ‘I have to work on all of these essays. There’s so many deadlines.’ I’m like, ‘I get to make food all of the time and I get to enjoy it.’ I love doing it, to exist in that environment and be surrounded with people who also love making food. It’s awesome.” 

“I am from El Salvador,” said Raul Perez, a student in the Pharmacy Technician Program. “I’ve been living here for about 10 years. I was working as a machine operator. I couldn’t speak English. In 2021 I went to enroll in Canyon High out of high school and I remember one day my teacher told me ‘Raul do you want to have something else, something more? I think that you can.’ She told me we can help you if you want to study something in the instant. I told her ‘do you think I’m gonna be able to do that?’ She said ‘of course you can do that.’”

So in 2022, Perez said he came to Davis Tech and took an admissions test. “You know, surprise I passed it. It was really awesome. When I started working as a pharmacy tech it was a really beautiful salary. I didn’t expect to earn that when I finished my program.”

The five honorees recognized for their dedication to transforming students’ lives are as follows:

• George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, Haven J. Barlow Legacy Award

• Utah Food Bank, Community Partner Award

• CR Lighting and Electric, Inc. Industry Partner Award

• Weber State University, Education Partner Award

• Troy Wood, President’s Award

“The generosity of these life-changers empowers students to reach their goals and achieve rewarding careers,” said Foundation Director Lindsey Rees. “It’s inspiring to see our community come together to lift education and change lives. We’re deeply thankful for the unwavering support of those honored today.”