March in Davis School District was filled with unforgettable moments that reminded us of the strength of inclusion, the power of education and the joy that comes from shared purpose. From honoring remarkable educators to plunging into frozen water and strapping on snowshoes, this month was a celebration of connection in all its forms.
We began by recognizing educators whose daily work shapes lives. Kari Harrison of Bountiful Elementary received the Heidi Martin Mighty Heart Educator of Excellence award, along with a $10,000 grant for school improvements. Her commitment to building an inclusive, welcoming classroom for all students has left a lasting impact on her school community.
We also honored four exceptional teachers with the Excellence in Education award: Tracey Meade of Davis High, Lee Pectol of Kaysville Jr. High, DeAnn Burnham of Kaysville Elementary and Anjanette McNeely of Windridge Elementary. These recognitions were made possible through the generous support of the Murdock You Are the Heart Foundation, and we are grateful to celebrate the educators who lift up students every day.
This month’s Spring Fundraiser was as bold as it was cold. Students and staff from high schools across the district participated in a cold plunge at Farmington Pond to raise money for Special Olympics Unified Sports programs. Participants broke through several inches of snow and ice to enter the frigid water—cheered on by their schools and supported by Farmington City paramedics, who thankfully remained unneeded. It was a spirited, joyful, and slightly shivering act of unity that will help fund next year’s Unified Sports events.
But perhaps the most moving event of the month took place high in the mountains at Solitude Nordic Center, where 129 elementary students and their peer buddies participated in the Special Olympics Unified Sports Snowshoeing event. For many students, this was a first experience in the mountains. With snowshoes strapped on, students in specialized education programs and their buddies walked side by side, not just across snowy trails—but across the bridge of real, meaningful friendship.
One school shared that their Unified teams have been holding weekly lunches for months to build relationships ahead of the event. The bonds that have formed—grounded in respect, laughter and understanding—were deeply felt on the trail. What unfolded wasn’t just a winter activity. It was the culmination of weeks of connection, and a powerful reminder that inclusive programming doesn’t just change events—it changes lives.
March was full of motion—in the classroom, on the field, and along snowy paths. But the most important movement we witnessed was toward one another. With every award, every step, every splash into cold water, we saw students growing in confidence, educators being honored, and communities coming together in support of something bigger than themselves.
We are proud of what this month held. And even more excited for what comes next.