Blake Mortensen – Appointed Assistant Principal of Spanish Fork Junior
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Mr. Blake Mortensen as the Assistant Principal of Spanish Fork Junior for Nebo School District.
Mr. Mortensen received his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Southern Utah University, his master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Phoenix, and his Education Administration License from Southern Utah University.
Currently, Mr. Mortensen serves as the Dean of Students for Spanish Fork Junior for the past four years and Payson Junior for four years. He served as a guidance counselor at Payson Junior High for six years and taught CTE classes, Career Exploration, and weight training at Payson Junior High for nine years. Mr. Mortensen started his teaching career at Goshen and taught physical education, social studies, and health for seven years.
Blake was honored with the Nebo School District PEAK (Positive Energy And Kindness) Award in 2017. He received the Payson Fire Department Golden Boot Award in 2011 and enjoys being a volunteer firefighter in Payson for the past 27 years.
When asked about his educational philosophy, Blake said, “I strive to make every effort to help students see the importance of gaining an education and the impact it will have in their lives. Throughout my career, my goal is to help each student, as an individual, achieve what is best for them and their future success. By discovering their own abilities, students can obtain the knowledge and self-worth to succeed.”
A colleague said, “Blake has a strong work ethic , high moral character, and clear expectations. He is proactive and finds creative and meaningful solutions to student behavior. Blake believes in public education, implements what is best for students, and works fiercely to help others succeed.”
“Throughout my career as an educator, I have had several mentors of which I have appreciated their insights and professionalism in regards to their roles as administrators. Each has been a great influence to me and has helped me to become the type of leader I am today,” stated Blake. “I am grateful for the opportunity I have to work in Nebo School District, and I look forward to the students and staff I will get the pleasure to work with in my new position.”
Blake loves weight lifting, horse riding, hunting, four wheeling, camping, and playing with his grandchildren. He is married to Lynette, and they have six children and four grandchildren.
Wendy LeFevre – Appointed the Nebo School District Curriculum Specialist
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Ms. Wendy LeFevre as the Curriculum Specialist for Nebo School District.
Mrs. LeFevre received her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from University of Utah and a master’s degree in Education Administration from Southern Utah University.
Ms. LeFevre served as a Nebo District mathematics specialist for the past two years. She taught mathematics at Spanish Fork High for four years. In other districts, Ms. LeFevre served as an Education Director for the private school, Maple Lake Academy, for five years; taught mathematics at Timpview High for one year; and started her career teaching mathematics at Eastmont Middle for two years. Wendy also coached softball and basketball at Timpview High for six years.
Mrs. LeFevre currently serves on the Utah Council of Teachers of Mathematics (UCTM). She is a past PTA President for Brookside, past parent member of the School Community Council at Brookside and Springville Junior. She volunteers as a coach for all her children’s city recreation sports.
A colleague said, “Wendy makes great contributions in mathematics and is an excellent collaborator and team leader. She works well with people knowing when to be firm but still maintaining good rapport and respect with students and colleagues. Wendy is a masterful teacher and understands how to lead and work with adult learners. She is professional in all she does.”
One of Wendy’s favorite quotes is by Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
“This is a motto I really try to live by. Education is about relationships with students, teachers, administration, support staff, and parents. I am profoundly grateful for the many mentors I have had over my career,” stated Wendy. “I am excited for the opportunities ahead to further the mission of Nebo School District. As we work together we can engage, empower, and collaborate to ensure student success.”
Wendy enjoys pickleball, hiking, cycling, camping, and spending time in the outdoors with her family. Wendy is married to Michael, and they have four children.
Shawn Rawlings – Appointed Administrator of the Summit Center
The Nebo Board of Education appointed Mr. Shawn Rawlings as the Administrator of the Summit Center for Nebo School District.
Mr. Rawlings earned his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Utah Valley University and a master’s degree in Education Administration through the Leadership Preparation Program (LPP) from Brigham Young University.
Mr. Rawlings is currently serving as the Principal at Wilson Elementary for the past six years. He has previously taught second, fourth, fifth, and sixth grades at Park Elementary, Park View Elementary, and Westside Elementary schools. Shawn received the Crystal Apple Award at Wilson in 2018.
A colleague said, “Shawn has an infectious smile and positive demeanor. He has a unique way of dealing with issues in a very respectful manner while sending the message that he truly cares about the student.”
When asked about his personal motto, Shawn said, “Whatever you are, be a good one.”
"I have always known that I would pursue a career in education due to my natural love for children and in hopes of making a lasting and positive impact on their lives. Working in Nebo School District as an educator and administrator has definitely given me this opportunity. I am thankful for the many mentors that I have learned from throughout the various stages of my career and have been truly blessed with many lasting relationships within this amazing school district. I continue to learn from the children, staff, and parents each day and consider it a true blessing whenever you can work directly with these precious children. I have thoroughly enjoyed being at Wilson Elementary for the past six years and truly feel it is the best school in the district. The teachers and staff are so dedicated to each child and together we have built a wonderful culture and community. I look forward to the new relationships that I will develop and the growth that I will gain in this new role as I learn more about some of the amazing programs the district offers through the Summit Center," stated Mr. Rawlings. "I am very thankful for my amazing family and the continued love and support that I receive from my wife and children. Our family is truly blessed and we are especially enjoying the sweet spirit that our new grandson brings into our lives!"
Shawn enjoys officiating basketball and softball games and tournaments. He loves spending time with family and friends especially in the outdoors camping, hunting, fishing, playing softball, doing yard work, gardening, and making fresh salsa. Shawn is married to Kari, and they have two children and one grandson.
Larraine Nelson – Appointed Principal of Wilson Elementary
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Ms. Larraine Nelson as the Principal of Wilson Elementary for Nebo School District.
Mrs. Nelson received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Utah State University and her master’s degree in Education and an Administrative License both from Southern Utah University.
Mrs. Nelson has served as the Principal of Brockbank Elementary for the past six years. She served as a Nebo District Facilitator, school mentor, staff developer, and public relations specialist at Mt. Loafer Elementary. She was the Title I Coordinator at Barnett Elementary and Clinical Faculty Associate for Brigham Young University from 2009 to 2012. Ms. Nelson started her career as a fourth-grade teacher at Salem Elementary.
A colleague stated, “Larraine has integrity and steadfastness and is a calming influence in any room. She has a strong understanding of the many facets of school leadership including styles of leadership, finance, teacher observations, classroom instruction, and collaboration.”
When asked about her feelings, Larraine said, “Any day you get to work with children is a great day! My hope is that all children, teachers and staff feel loved, supported, and successful at school! School is truly a place where we build a community, engage in lifelong learning, set goals for growth and success, and take ownership for our choices.
“I feel so fortunate to work with teachers, staff, and students that teach me on a daily basis. They have and continue to show me support and kindness as we all work together to create a place of community, learning, goal making, and ownership. I have learned from the very best from Salem, Mt. Loafer, Barnett, and Brockbank Elementary Schools and will continue to learn as I venture to Wilson Elementary! These tremendous people I have worked alongside with have made an impact on me forever! I appreciate the help and support from our district and the great leaders that I have had the privilege to work with!
“My children are the best, and I can’t say enough about their continued support, love, help, and mostly the patience they give to me! Thank you so much for your trust and support!”
Larraine has been involved with Salem City Days, including the Baby Contest and the Children’s Parade. She enjoys spending time with her family doing water sports, playing games, and traveling. Larraine also enjoys sewing, quilting, and working in the yard. She has four children and the cutest ever granddaughter. Being a grandma is the BEST thing ever.
Julie Peery – Appointed Principal of Canyon Elementary
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Mrs. Julie Peery as the Principal of Canyon Elementary for Nebo School District.
Mrs. Peery received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Utah State University and master’s degree in Education and an Administrative License from Southern Utah University (SUU).
Mrs. Peery has served the past seven years as the Principal of Mapleton Elementary. She served as a Facilitator at Larsen for four years and was a Clinical Faculty Associate (BYU) for two years. She started her career as a fifth-grade teacher for eleven years and as a third-grade teacher for four years both at Larsen Elementary.
Mrs. Peery was recognized as the Utah Instructional Leader of the Year in 2019 and elected as the current Vice President of the Utah Association of Elementary Principals. She received the Crystal Apple Award in 2008, a Utah Finalist for the Presidential Award of Excellence in Math and Science in 2004, and was awarded the Nebo Gifted Teacher of the Year in 2001.
Julie’s personal motto would most likely be: “It is not happy people who are grateful, but grateful people who are happy.”
Mrs. Peery said, “Gratitude changes everything. A key component of happiness in education is being grateful for the ability to learn and grow, grateful for the opportunities to help others learn and grow, grateful to be able to empower students through their success, and grateful for the amazing children, supportive parents, and dedicated colleagues we get to surround ourselves with who care about the very same things.”
A colleague stated, “Julie has a natural ability to work with people. She has been a mentor to numerous teachers. She understands how to make teachers better. Julie truly understands curriculum and instruction. She is extremely intelligent and has amazing skills.”
“I am grateful for all my years in Nebo School District from my very first experience as a kindergarten student at Rees Elementary. I have been blessed to work with and be inspired by the very best. I am especially grateful for the past seven years as the principal at Mapleton Elementary. What a wonderful school and community. I will always cherish the relationships I built and the things I learned while there,” stated Mrs. Peery.
Julie enjoys traveling with her family, reading, playing the piano, attending concerts and plays, watching BYU volleyball, and making paper crafts. She is married to Jeff; and they have two daughters, Emily and Tessa.
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