text: The Davis Clipper - Church s kids share what they like in their teachers
  Church's kids share what they like in their teachers
  May 11, 2011 | 3567 views | 0 | 10 | |
  THE TEACHERS who were honored at this year's Student Choice Praise Awards. Courtesy photo
  NORTH SALT LAKE —Art Linkletter used to say "Kids say the darndest things."
  That axiom proved true Friday night at Abundant Life Assembly of God, where 37 teachers were honored by their students who are members of the church.
  Some of the kids' remarks were funny, while others were as touching as Serena King's remarks about her teacher Ellen Cox.
  "She taught me to be kind to others," Cox said. "If anyone cries, she wants to now why and if she can help with it."
  And Joshua Minnis said of his teacher, Wendi Stringfellow, "she talks in a kind voice."
  And while sweet, Justin Fornelius' comments about his teacher Larae Everson gave one pause, "One thing I like about her, she keeps trying."
  And Savannah Eager described her teacher Jacqueline Woody as being "kind of strict and kind some of the time."
  Perhaps the most touching tribute of all came from Ashton Miller, standing on his own two feet, without help, who said of teacher Lezlie Wagner, "You inspired me to go from my wheelchair to crutches. You showed me I can go to college and keep up with my classes."
  The church has hosted the Student Choice Praise Awards annually for a number of years, to honor teachers who play such an important role in the lives of children.
  As part of the banquet, students share what they like best about their teachers, and serve their teachers dinner.
  "As a church we emphasize the spiritual, but we understand the intellectual part is so essential," said the Rev. Alex Lucero, senior pastor.
  He told the teachers, "We know some of these kids test every fiber of your being."
  He spoke of his own family, now grown, telling the teachers, "The reason our kids are in college is because of teachers like you."
  Karla Jay, the director of the U Can Learn center in Murray, and a speech therapist spoke to the teachers, telling them, "You're the people who respond to bells every 45 minutes and come up fighting. You're the people who know who needs a hug before they get there."
  She said, "You care so much they (students) follow you to your dreams."
  The U Can Learn Center is a private school, with a student body of 32 students, who mostly have dyslexia.
  While she doesn't currently teach, she has in the past.
  The theme of her address was "We See You," in which she said, "You listen, we see you bending down to explain."
  Davis School Superintendent Craig Poll said "sometimes educators feel unloved. We want you to know you are appreciated."
  He said in first grade he was in the slow class, but with the help of his teacher Mrs. Terry and his mother, he made it into the advanced class.
  Teachers, "make a difference in the lives of our children. It's the most important work there is in society."