Cami Thomas – Appointed Principal of Mapleton Elementary
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Mrs. Cami Thomas as the Principal of Mapleton Elementary for Nebo School District.
Mrs. Thomas received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and master’s degree in Mathematics with an Administrative License all from Southern Utah University.
Mrs. Thomas is currently the Principal at Larsen Elementary for the past five years, and served as the Title I Coordinator at Barnett Elementary for two years. She started her teaching career at Larsen Elementary, then Mapleton Elementary for three years, Sage Creek Elementary for nine years, Mapleton Elementary for one year, and again Larsen Elementary for three years.
Mrs. Thomas was honored with the Rookie Principal of the Year by Nebo School District and a Crystal Apple Award.
A colleague said, “Cami is a dedicated and talented professional. She loves students and has excellent teaching and organizational skills. She is very bright and loves learning new things.”
Mrs. Thomas said, “I have appreciated the many years of training and experience given on my behalf. I believe that we should always look for the good in people and help them to be their best. Kindness and appreciation go a long way.”
Cami enjoys reading, playing the piano, being outside, playing games, and vacationing with her family. She is married to Brig, and they have five children.
Monica Valerio – Appointed Principal of Mt. Loafer Elementary
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Mrs. Monica Valerio as the Principal of Mt. Loafer Elementary for Nebo School District.
Mrs. Valerio received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Utah State University and a master’s degree in Education Administration from Southern Utah University.
Currently, Mrs. Valerio serves as the Teacher on Special Assignment at Apple Valley for the past three years. She served as Instructional Coach at Santaquin and Brockbank Elementary Schools for one year. She started her career teaching fifth grade at Goshen for 17 amazing years.
Monica was recognized with the Crystal Apple Award in 2006. She said, “The past 20 years has been a blessing. I have had the opportunity to teach children to not only read, write, and do arithmetic; but to also believe in themselves, learn to work cooperatively, inspire them to love learning, and treat others with respect in order to grow socially, emotionally, and academically.”
A colleague said, “Monica persistently reflects on how to help teachers and paraprofessionals advance their skills in reaching the needs of students. Her genuine concern for others, commitment to education, and ability to collaborate with a school community truly makes her a remarkable leader.”
“I have been blessed to be surrounded by caring individuals who lift each other up and push as a collective whole to be our best selves. I truly believe that we are blessed to be in the most amazing profession that allows us to actively participate in developing our youth academically, socially, and emotionally. To be surrounded by educators that share the same passion for helping children realize that they can do anything they put their mind to, that every single one of them matter, and that we will do everything we can to help them achieve success is something that is miraculous. I am looking forward to joining the incredible staff and serving the community at Mt. Loafer Elementary!” exclaimed Mrs. Valerio.
Monica enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and friends biking, hiking, camping, fishing, and being out on the lake. She is married to Gentry, and they have two children. They have made lifelong relationships with others in the community through their children’s involvement in baseball, wrestling, cheer, and clogging.
Bethany Clark – Appointed Principal of Larsen Elementary
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Mrs. Bethany Clark as the Principal of Larsen Elementary for Nebo School District.
Mrs. Clark received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University in Idaho and a master’s degree in Education Administration from Southern Utah University.
Currently, Mrs. Clark serves as the Title I Coordinator at Cherry Creek Elementary for the past five years. She taught third grade at Cherry Creek for two years and Reading Recovery, third grade and second grade at Taylor Elementary for ten years. She started her teaching career in Alpine the year before coming to Nebo School District.
Mrs. Clark received the Nebo School District PEAK (Positive Energy And Kindness) Award in 2017 and the Crystal Apple Award in 2018.
One of Mrs. Clark’s mottos is: “Live every moment, Laugh every day, Love beyond words.”
“Being an educator is the single most important job there is. I truly believe that educators are the ones who shape the future. I have been passionate about education from an early age. I am thrilled to be a leader that helps others truly see their power,” stated Mrs. Clark.
A colleague stated, “Bethany spends hours and hours of her own time in order to meet the needs of students, technicians, and teachers. Sh is personable and always has a positive attitude. She is one of those that lights up a room when she walks in. The parents, students, and staff all adore Mrs. Clark. Bethany is one of the most prepared administrative candidates.”
“I am beyond blessed to have worked with the most amazing individuals that have taught me the importance of living life to its fullest, loving the journey, and laughing every step of the way. I have been fortunate to have incredible mentors and coworkers who have helped me see the importance of vision, collaboration, and relationships. I cherish the people and opportunities that have pushed me to find my passion and love for education,” stated Bethany. “I am excited for the opportunity to work with the staff, students and parents at Larsen Elementary. I am looking forward to the journey ahead and the memories we will build. Above all, I am eager to be a Larsen Leopard, where I know we will continuously strive for greatness--every individual, every day!”
Bethany enjoys spending time with family and friends. They love traveling, camping, hiking, reservoirs, beaches, and anything they can do in the sunshine and nature. Walking the Spanish Fork River Trail is Bethany’s happy place. She is married to Ryan, and they have four children.
Nate Holt – Appointed Principal of Brockbank Elementary
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Mr. Nate Holt as the Principal of Brockbank Elementary for Nebo School District.
Mr. Holt received his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Utah Valley University and a master’s degree in Education Administration from Southern Utah University.
Currently, Mr. Holt serves as a Title I Coordinator at Park Elementary for the past five years. He taught fifth grade at Riverview Elementary for two years and fourth, fifth, and sixth grades at Goshen Elementary. He started his career in Nebo at Foothills Elementary.
Mr. Holt was recognized as the Teacher of the Year in 2013.
“I firmly believe that every child can accomplish great things. It falls to us, as educators, to unlock that greatness. We must be proactive, positive, and flexible. It is so important to provide our students with a safe, engaging environment where they can thrive as learners,” said Mr. Holt.
A colleague said, “Dedication and commitment are two words that describe Nate. He doesn’t shy away from tasks given to him and accepts them with enthusiasm. Nate is warm and engaging and can brighten any room he enters. He will inspire and influence many teachers and students.”
“I believe there is no greater calling than educating children. Teachers today are building the leaders of the future. I love working with the educators, students, and families of Nebo School District. I have learned so much and have been so blessed to be a part of the education of so many students. In education, we can always grow and better ourselves. I hope to continue to improve myself and be a support to others as we work together in education,” stated Mr. Holt.
Nate enjoys art, music, and going to Lake Powell with his family. He is married to Keeley, and they have three children.
Ben Atkin – Appointed Principal of Goshen Elementary
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Mr. Ben Atkin as the Principal of Goshen Elementary for Nebo School District.
Mr. Atkin received his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Utah Valley University and a master’s degree in Education Administration from Southern Utah University.
Currently Mr. Atkin serves as a Title I Coordinator at Park View Elementary for the past three years. He started his career teaching third and fourth grades at Spring Lake Elementary for four years.
Previous recognitions of Ben include: selected as the Sterling Scholar of Technical Education, received the Full Tuition Scholarship from UVU, and honored with the Terrel H. Bell Teaching Incentive Award.
Mr. Atkin stated, “There is no greater call and responsibility than educating children. The things children are taught today become the reality of society tomorrow. I know that all kids can learn, and my vision as a school leader is to provide a safe environment conducive to that learning.”
A colleague said, “Ben possesses the leadership skills to be an effective school administrator. He is smart, caring, self-motivated, hard-working, and a continuous learner willing to jump in wherever needed. Ben is the complete package.”
One of Ben’s personal mottos comes from his dad, Norman Atkin, “Always look for ways to do more than is required, and you will always find success.”
Ben enjoys fishing, hiking, farming, and sports. He is married to Angie, and they have five children.
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