PCEF’s Excellent Educator Awards return to celebrate Park City teachers

Leann Rocchi, surrounded by cheering students at Parley’s Park Elementary, is surprised with a 2024 Excellent Educator Award during a celebratory visit led by the Park City Education Foundation. Photo: Amber Schiavone Photography

PARK CITY, Utah — Educators across the Park City School District will be honored for their impact and dedication during the annual Excellent Educator Awards on April 25, a long-standing tradition inspired by two Park City families with deep ties to education.

Established in 1996 by Jim Doilney in partnership with the Park City Education Foundation (PCEF), the Excellent Educator Awards recognize outstanding teachers and staff as selected by their peers at each school. The initiative was inspired by Doilney’s mother, a teacher who instilled in him a lasting appreciation for the profession.

In 2019, the Louis family joined the effort to help sustain and grow the awards program. Hank Louis, a former educator, and Doilney share a belief in the vital role teachers play in shaping future leaders, innovators and problem-solvers. Today, both men’s adult children—many of whom have students currently enrolled in the district—continue the tradition, ensuring the awards remain a cornerstone of community appreciation for education.

“This is about recognizing the individuals who make a real difference every day in our children’s lives,” said Ingrid Whitley, PCEF president and CEO. “It’s meaningful that this effort comes from families who are part of our schools and community.”

On April 25, Jim Doilney, Hank Louis, and their families will join PCEF and district leaders on a celebratory tour to each campus, where award recipients will be surprised in person. The procession will be led by the Park City Bands’ New Orleans-style band, bringing music and fanfare to each stop.

A special presentation will take place at Park City High School, where the Sarah and Stephen Doilney Award will be presented. Voted on by the senior class, the award honors the educator who had the most influential impact throughout their years in the Park City School District.

The Excellent Educator Awards remain one of PCEF’s signature programs, recognizing the power of peer-nominated praise and underscoring the Park City community’s commitment to educational excellence.