An Eagle Mountain educator received a big surprise Monday morning.

The Alpine School District announced Cedar Valley High School’s director of bands, music teacher Mitch Hall, as its teacher of the year. During a surprise ceremony, Superintendent Shane Farnsworth recognized Hall in front his students, family and fellow staff at the high school.

Hall, founding band director at CVHS, has taken his students to soaring heights, growing the marching band into the second-largest in the state. He also was recently recognized as an Accent on Excellence Award winner by the Alpine Education Foundation.

His efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.

“Mitch has done such incredible work to build such an outstanding program in a short period of time,” Farnsworth said in a press release. “It’s just remarkable. He has brought together his talent, his passion, his enthusiasm, and his love for music and for his students.”

Hall also was recognized for his efforts to make young learners stronger inside and outside of the classroom. “What I think makes him stand out is how he focuses on developing his students and their character, helping us be a better person — that’s really all that matters,” said Jack Eldredge, a student and member of the Cedar Valley marching band.

Speaking of students, the Utah State Board of Education adds that the excitement of a teacher of the year award can help boost the morale and engagement throughout the school. “Recognition of a Teacher of the Year can significantly boost morale and pride within the school community. It sends a clear message to students, parents, and fellow educators that teaching is a valued and respected profession,” USBE Educator Development Specialist Katie Jones said in a press release. “This, in turn, can lead to increased engagement, collaboration, and overall satisfaction among staff and students alike.”

Hall commented on the award, saying his class is more than about teaching band — it encompasses skills students will go on to use in their everyday lives. “My favorite thing about being a teacher is honestly watching the students grow,” he said. “Teaching band is so much more than teaching music. We teach life lessons, and the students get to develop skills that are going to benefit them for the rest of their lives. Watching those things click for those students, and then learn how to be productive in those ways, that’s what makes it really enjoyable for me.”

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