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 Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information.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.
CLINTON — A Davis School District teacher received a huge honor on Friday morning.
For the sixth year in a row, the Heidi Martin: Mighty Heart Educator of Excellence Award was given to a teacher in the Davis School District.
This year's award went to Laurie Bagford, a special education teacher at Clinton Elementary School. "I kept seeing all the district members come in and try to speculate what was happening," Bagford said.
It came as a total surprise and Bagford was all smiles. "A little bit of shock. It took me a second to realize that it was my name," she said.
Bagford was honored as this year's recipient of the Mighty Heart Educator of Excellence Award, an award named in honor and memory of Heidi Ann Martin.
Martin was born with half a heart and had a heart transplant at 3 days old. She died in 2017 due to health complications.
Nominated by principals in the district, then making it to the final rounds, the recipient is recognized as an educator who goes the extra mile to teach, model, inspire and help create contributing members of society in their students.
"If anytime, now is (the time) to tell our teachers thank you," said Jodi Lunt, Davis Education Foundation executive director.
THIS is the moment…
— Karah Brackin (@KB_ON_TV) February 24, 2023
when Laurie Bagford's name was announced as this year's Mighty Heart Education of Excellence Award! 💜
It's a huge honor that, for the 6th year in a row, it's been awarded to a teacher in the @DavisSchools district. @KSL5TVpic.twitter.com/IOJyNgwnm4
As part of the recognition, Bagford received a $10,000 grant for Clinton Elementary School.
"I grew up in a teaching family, so teaching is just like part of my lifeblood, really. And to be honored for something that I love and enjoy is amazing, and to know that it was in somebody else's name is pretty awesome," Bagford said.
The Davis School District Education Foundation is already looking into next year for this award to be given, with no signs of stopping.
