Shellie Rush, a fifth-grade teacher at Whittier Elementary, was recognized (and surprised) by the Granite Education Foundation this year as an Excel Award winner. The foundation awards outstanding educators in the Granite School District every year celebrating those who go above and beyond in forging a “legacy of leadership and learning.” Rush spoke of how special not only the job is, but the kids she teaches. 

“Never giving up has a direct impact on our students. When they see our efforts, our hard work, determination and resilience, when they see how much we care about their success, they will come to see themselves as we do. They will see themselves as unstoppable. There is magic in education. There is magic in showing up. We are the magicians. So never stop.” λ