Special Education Class Submitted Winning Quarter Design

Samantha Hayes ReportingBy now you know the commemorative quarter for Utah will have the Transcontinental Railroad on it. The image represents not only an important part of history, but also what can a happen with hard work and determination.

Students at Syracuse Junior High School know this first hand, that's how they became instrumental in getting their idea for the quarter noticed.

At Syracuse Junior High School it's not a sports team getting the high fives, or the most popular kids getting applauded by their peers. A special group of students had the ability to make history.

Scott Price, Special Education Teacher: "Sometimes we only look at disabilities. I think they need to be looked at for their abilities, what they've done and how far they've come."

Scott Price teaches students who are learning impaired. As a group, they studied the history of Promontory Point, visited the sight, and entered it as their idea with a design for the Utah Quarter.

Scott Price: "Our purpose was to honor unsung heroes of Promontory Point, the Chinese and Irish immigrants who did the work, and teach a work ethic to the students."

Their class was recognized by the school, the district, and then the Governor's office and Utah Arts Council as one of the final entries. When the votes came in, the Transcontinental Railroad was the overwhelming favorite. And Scott Price's students were there for the announcement.

Vonnie Steele, Special Education Coordinator, Davis County School District: "And to see we can honor students who otherwise some don't see can succeed but have succeeded, not only for themselves but this historical moment, that will live on forever."

The U.S. Mint plans to make 450 million Utah Quarters we'll be seeing that image for some time to come.

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