Three Utah high school teachers have received 1995 Excellence in Teaching Awards from the Brigham Young University Alumni Association.
Kathleen J. Hawkins, Uintah High School; Marilyn Cole Wenzel, Dixie High School; and Rebecca Van Dyke, Clearfield High School, were among the nine teachers chosen from eight schools nationwide who have had the greatest impact on their students and who have best prepared their students for college.This is the 12th year the Alumni Association and the Student Alumni Board have given the award honoring excellence in high school teaching.
In choosing teachers for the annual honor, the association selects high schools nationwide that have at least 20 former students currently attending BYU. Each Utah school chosen has at least 30 former students attending BYU.
The association sends ballots to the former students who are now enrolled at BYU, asking them to name the three high school teachers who had the greatest impact on their education.
Ida Smith, coordinator of the program, said BYU started the Excellence in Teaching Award to honor those teachers who put everything they have into helping their students excel in school and be prepared for college.
As comments by their former students show, these teachers have done just that.
"Mrs. Van Dyke consistently demanded quality work," said Jason Izatt, a former student. "She not only expected it of us, but she instilled within us a realization that we were, in fact, capable of that achievement level. She believed in us."
Wenzel's former student, Wendy Christian, said, "She challenged her students, yet gave them the knowledge needed to succeed. I owe the whole of my writing skills to her. We know she cared about us."
Hawkins also had high expectations for her students. "She challenged me to be better than I thought I could be and do more than I ever thought I could do," said Kristi Wilcken.