Alpine School District teachers earned top honors at the Utah Art Education Association (UAEA) awards ceremony on February 7 at Timpanogos High School, winning in all but one eligible category. Educators representing elementary, middle, high school, and student teaching programs were recognized for exceptional teaching, leadership, and innovation in visual arts instruction.
With one award also presented at the national level, this year’s recognitions highlight a districtwide culture of excellence that continues to shape art education in Alpine.
“I don’t think it’s a coincidence that so many winners came from Alpine,” said Anna Davis, ASD Visual Arts Content Specialist and 2026 Pacific Region Supervision and Administration Art Educator of the Year Award recipient. “I think our collaborative culture where we’re constantly learning from each other and inspiring each other, [shows] dedication to the craft.”
Davis received her award through the National Art Education Association and was recognized at the ceremony with the other Alpine educators receiving state awards.
UAEA honored standout educators from across Alpine for their impact in the classroom and their leadership within the arts community.
• Elementary Educator of the Year: Dayna Koch, Brookhaven Elementary
• Middle Level Educator of the Year: Matthew Anderson, Lehi Junior High
• Secondary Educator of the Year: Marjory Anderson, Lehi High School
• Preservice Educator of the Year: Aynslee Mattson, Lone Peak High School
• Art History Educator of the Year: Tyler Pack, Lone Peak High School
• Art Educator of the Year: Cheri Pitcher, Mountain Ridge Jr. High
• Utah Agent of Change in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Korryn Coates, Sage Canyon Middle
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Katharina (Kate) Watson, Harvest Elementary
“Teaching the arts is critically important to developing creative independent thinkers,” said Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Kate Watson. “Art is the place where students can find the courage to take risks, make mistakes, and persevere without the fear of being wrong.”
This year’s awardees reflect a set of shared strengths that continue to elevate visual arts instruction across the district. Many serve as leaders in their schools, contribute to district content teams, or support peers during collaboration and professional learning. Their influence extends beyond their classrooms as they model practices that build student engagement, deepen learning, and strengthen the overall art program.
Elementary award recipient Dayna Koch expressed gratitude for the opportunity to teach young artists. “I'm very humbled and honored to receive this award,” she said. “My students at Brookhaven are a constant reminder to me that wonder and creativity are so powerful.” Koch noted that her students’ work has “a profound and positive impact on those around them,” and that their creativity inspires her every day.
“Art is the highest human intellectual endeavor,” highlighted Cheri Pitcher, Art Educator of the Year awardee. She described her classroom as an environment of “mutual respect, consistency, accountability and collaboration where students feel safe to experiment, question, explore, express, succeed—and even fail.”
“The arts speak to the whole child,” said Davis. “A lot of times, it’s our arts classes that are the reason why they’re in the building.” Davis also reflected on the role of visual arts in supporting the district’s Vision for Learning. She explained that art classes help students develop deep learning skills like creativity, communication, critical thinking, and collaboration, also giving them a place to feel connected and understood.
The district’s commitment to the arts is also evident in student achievement. Alpine students consistently earn recognition in statewide exhibitions, including the Springville Museum of Art’s competitive high school show. “Alpine just…sets a gold standard for excellence across the state,” Davis said.
This year’s honorees demonstrate the strength of a district committed to a culture of excellence. Their work enriches classrooms, strengthens student learning, and builds a thriving visual arts community across Alpine.