Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
TOOELE -- An elementary school teacher's passion for teaching helped change the life of at least one student.
Jack Cowan, a teacher at Copper Canyon Elementary School in Tooele, won a KSL High 5 this week for his efforts. He was a bit shocked when we barged into his classroom, but we couldn't resist the opportunity to tell him thanks for all his hard work.
Anyone in his class will tell you he's great.
I enjoy teaching and I enjoy helping these kids. If they can succeed it makes me feel a lot better.
–Jack Cowan
"He's just a really fun teacher," said student Brighton Berg.
Brighton's mom, Jackie Whitehouse, says Brighton struggles with depression. Mr. Cowan goes above and beyond to make sure Brighton succeeds in school, and it makes a big difference.
"His grades are better. He didn't want to come to school. Now he's wanting to come to school," she said.
Mr. Cowan said, "I just hope that they can succeed, and to one day be able to go to college. So, it's neat to be an influence in these kids' lives."
Mr. Cowan's family says his love of teaching extends far beyond the classroom.
His wife, Shantelle Cowan, told us, "He's always teaching. He takes it home with him. He cares about these kids. It's important to him."
Brighton said, "(Mr. Cowan has) been a really wonderful teacher this whole year. I've just been happy this whole year. I've been feeling like coming back to school a lot."
To thank him for his dedication, our High 5 partners at Les Schwab gave Mr. Cowan a gift basket with lots of goodies and a gift certificate for $100 in services.
If you know someone you think deserves a High 5, fill out a submission here.
E-mail: aboye@ksl.com
