HOLLADAY — When the principal of Bonneville Junior High School interrupted Rosemary Jacklin’s first period class Thursday, Jacklin worried.
“Nobody let on about any of this, so to have the principal stop class to say, ‘We need to talk to you’ was a little scary,” the history teacher said.
But Jacklin had no need to worry. The interruption, as she discovered, was made not by Bonneville’s principal but by philanthropist Karen Huntsman, who stunned Jacklin with the news that she had been awarded a prestigious Huntsman Award for Excellence in Education.
“I’m completely shocked,” said Jacklin, who was unaware she had even been nominated. “I’m stunned. I had no idea any of this was coming.”
The annual Huntsman Awards, developed decades ago by Karen and Jon Huntsman Sr., honor six extraordinary teachers each year — two from elementary schools, two from junior high schools and two from Utah high schools. The Huntsmans also recognize an administrator from each category, as well as one devoted special education professional and the year’s most outstanding volunteer.
Each honoree receives a $10,000 gift from the Huntsman family together with a crystal obelisk. A banquet to honor the educators will be held next month.
Among hundreds of nominees, Jacklin’s 30-year commitment to children and education stood out to the selection committee, Karen Huntsman said.
“It’s hard to find a good history teacher,” Huntsman said, “but she is an unusual person. She truly touches the kids, and not just in the classroom.”
It was these out-of-the-classroom efforts that motivated former colleague Catherine Peterson to nominate Jacklin for the award.
“She’s given her life to students,” Peterson said, recalling the various events organized and sports coached by Jacklin. “She goes far beyond what average teachers do. Really, she’s one of the best teachers I’ve seen.”
Jacklin comes from a long line of educators — her father, Harold Jacklin, taught history for 45 years, including a 10-year stint at BYU. Her mother, sister and grandparents worked in education, too.
But Jacklin said the bulk of her inspiration comes from her own high school athletic coach, Evelyn Burton. Now 80 years old, Burton still calls Jacklin to catch up at least once a month.
“She’s that person who kept me tied to it,” Jacklin said. “She has motivated me and been my friend, she has just completely supported me in every single thing.
Burton’s support has been critical in a field where, too often, professionals are unappreciated or underappreciated. Jacklin said she doesn’t mind, though.
“Teaching is a call of service,” she said. “It’s not just a career; it’s a calling.”
Jacklin received the news of her success surrounded by supporters, including family, colleagues, students and the mayor of Holladay, whose three children attended and adored Jacklin’s U.S. history class.
“Junior high kids are a tough age, so when you find a teacher that can connect with kids at that age and have an impact, it’s unique and it’s important,” said Holladay Mayor Rob Dahle. “She’s just the perfect match.”
Jacklin’s first plan as a Huntsman-certified hero is to call coach Burton with the good news, she said.
“She’ll be thrilled for me,” Jacklin said. “Then again, she’ll probably say something like, ‘I’m not surprised.’”
All of this year's Huntsman Award winners will be announced on Friday.
Email: aoligschlaeger@deseretnews.comTwitter: allisonoctober