By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News
Students, faculty, and community members gathered at Emery High School on Monday, May 19, as the Spartans celebrated their annual end-of-year awards ceremony. This ceremony featured plenty of surprises, but none stood out more than the appearance of motivational speaker Ryan Stream to present two educators with his first-ever Teacher Appreciation Award.
“When I was young, I dreamed of being a hero. I was inspired by Batman and Superman and all the people that you and I know from the television. But over time, I’ve admired different types of heroes. The kind that build people, the kind that inspire people and the ones that you have all learned from,” said Stream. “One day, each and every one of you will look back throughout your time here in Emery County and realize that teachers were here to shape you more than grades. They were here to help you with your resiliency, with your courage and help you as you move forward.”
Stream then invited David Bird and Jackie Wilson onto the stage to roaring applause.
“As I was growing up. David Bird always gave me the opportunity to shine every time we had a choir concert. He would give me the opportunity to play the piano in front of everybody. In the eighth grade, he brought his recording equipment to the junior high school and recorded my first CD.”
“After going through elementary school, Jackie Wilson helped teach me how to read and write. I struggled, but today, I have a psychology and family science degree, so I want you to know that you sacrificed for me to obtain my goals. For the last seven years, she has liked and commented on every single post that I have posted.”
Stream presented Bird and Wilson with a trophy as a token of his appreciation. Additionally, Stream’s recently released book ‘Heroes on the Playground features’ both educators as key characters.
‘Heroes on the Playground’ is available on Amazon.
Closing his time on stage, Stream addressed the teachers,” To every teacher, you might not see it yet, but you’re changing lives forever. To Mr. Bird and Jackie Wilson, this isn’t just a thank you, it’s a reminder that the seeds that you plant can grow into a legacy. And to every heart, every Spartan in this room, be bold and be kind. Be the hero that the world needs today. And remember, keep charging toward what scares you, because that’s how you unlock the victory that is already inside of you. But the price it costs to achieve victory will last generations.”