The Circle of Excellence Awards celebrate exceptional individuals and organizations who have demonstrated outstanding service, leadership and impact in the Utah charter school sector. Nominated by peers across the charter community, the following winners were recognized for their remarkable contributions:
School Of The Year: Spectrum Academy
Spectrum Academy, which serves students from kindergarten through high school, is one of the state’s most respected charter schools specializing in programs for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. With a focus on individualized learning, the school provides small class sizes, tailored instruction and a nurturing environment to help students thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
The school’s holistic approach blends rigorous academics with therapeutic services, ensuring that each child receives the support they need to succeed. The academic curriculum is designed not only to meet but to exceed state standards while also preparing students for post-secondary education, employment and independent living.
Board Of The Year: Ignite Entrepreneurship Academy
Ignite Entrepreneurship Academy’s dynamic board — Lindsey Estes, Rachelle Elliot, Heidi Robinson, Brooke Galata, Shera Taylor and Jennae Thomas — has set a powerful example of strategic leadership and collaborative governance.
Their commitment to financial sustainability, enriched educational resources and a culture of continuous improvement has played a pivotal role in the Academy’s success. Actively engaged in committees focused on academics, fundraising and resource allocation, the board fosters transparency and community involvement. By prioritizing open dialogue and student-centered decision-making, they’ve cultivated an environment where both learners and educators are empowered to thrive.
Legislator Of The Year: Representative R. Neil Walter
Representative Walter has long been a passionate advocate for public charter schools, acknowledging their crucial role in Utah’s education system. His efforts have focused on ensuring charter schools have the resources they need to thrive and meet the diverse needs of students.
Serving in the Utah House of Representatives since 2023, Rep. Walter has been a vocal proponent of education reform. His legislative initiatives have aimed to expand charter school funding, promote equitable funding for all public schools and support innovative educational practices.
Administrator Of The Year: Stephanie Colson
Having been with Ranches Academy since its inception, Stephanie Colson’s dedication to the institution has been evident from day one. As director since 2023, Colson has guided the academy through a period of tremendous growth and transformation, all while staying true to the school’s core mission of providing exceptional educational experiences for every student.
Colson’s tireless efforts, including countless late nights and unwavering support for both students and staff, exemplify her passion for education and her deep commitment to Ranches Academy. Her efforts have not only improved academic outcomes but also helped to create an environment where both students and staff feel valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
Business Director Of The Year: Kat Nelson
Kat Nelson, known as the school’s “money guru,” ensures that Noah Webster Academy remains financially compliant and stable. She is responsible for managing the budget, ensuring teachers and staff have the necessary resources to succeed in the classroom. Her efforts directly contribute to the academic growth and success of students.
In addition to her financial expertise, Nelson oversees the school’s daily operations, making sure everything from the building’s heating to cleanliness is taken care of. Her commitment to the smooth running of the school makes her an invaluable resource to both students and staff.
Employee Of The Year: Jessika Chandler
A highly respected leader within the school community, Jessika Chandler’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the classroom. Her work as an instructional coach has significantly influenced teaching practices across Career Path High, helping educators refine their methods to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed. Chandler’s passion for supporting teachers is evident in her hands-on approach, and she works tirelessly to provide the tools and resources that are crucial for student success.
Additionally, Chandler has been instrumental in the development of innovative data dashboards, which offer teachers real-time insights into student progress. These tools enable educators to make informed decisions and provide targeted support where it’s most needed, helping ensure that each student’s learning journey is personalized and impactful. Her data-driven decisions are always aligned with the school’s mission and vision, ultimately fostering a culture of excellence.
Teacher Of The Year: Kyle Lewis
A dynamic force in arts education, Lewis has redefined what it means to be a teacher. Over the past 25 years, he has built a legacy of excellence at Utah Arts Academy, merging the disciplines of visual arts, commercial music, performance and dance into powerful, cohesive productions that have set the school apart. As artistic director, Lewis’s creative genius and innovative approach ensure that every show not only captivates audiences but also challenges and empowers students to grow both as artists and individuals.
Despite his extraordinary talents, Lewis remains focused on his students. He could easily secure a position at prestigious institutions such as NYU or Michigan, but he chooses to remain in rural Utah, investing in the future of performing arts with a deep, unshakable commitment to public education.
Under his tutelage, alumni have gone on to achieve remarkable success, performing on Broadway, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and beyond! Lewis’s training methods have proven to be the foundation for these rising stars, shaping them into versatile, high-caliber performers prepared to make a significant mark in the industry.
Rookie Of The Year: Josh Rocha
In just one year, Rocha’s ability to translate complex concepts into practical learning strategies has resulted in some of the highest data scores at Wallace Stegner Academy. His deep understanding of strategy and analytics, combined with his teaching style, has propelled his students to outperform even some of the most seasoned educators in the school.
Rocha’s commitment to his students extends beyond the classroom. He played a vital role in the success of the school’s inaugural Amazing Shake, a unique initiative designed to prepare students for professional environments. Using his industry connections, Rocha brought in local businesses to engage with students and provide them with invaluable networking and professional development opportunities.
Beyond the numbers, Rocha connects students’ personal goals and ambitions with their academic journey. He makes math relevant, engaging and fun, ensuring that every student not only understands the material but also sees its real-world applications. His classroom is a space of excitement, challenge and respect, earning him admiration from students, staff and fellow teachers alike.
