SNAPPED: Park City educators honored with Excellent Educator Awards

Debra Alcox, a Park City High School health science and math teacher, received the Sarah and Stephen Doilney Award, selected by the senior class for the educator they consider the most influential of their Park City School District career. Photo: TownLift//Randi Sidman-Moore

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — Park City School District educators were recognized Friday as part of the Excellent Educator Awards, a long-running Park City Education Foundation program sponsored by the Doilney and Louis families.

Each school’s Excellent Educator is selected by fellow teachers, staff, and administrators, who vote for the person they believe best exemplifies an excellent educator. The Sarah and Stephen Doilney Award is selected separately by the Park City High School senior class and honors the teacher students consider the most influential in their PCSD career.

This year’s Sarah and Stephen Doilney Award went to Debra Alcox, a Park City High School health science and math teacher.

The 2026 Excellent Educator Award recipients are:

Ecker Hill Middle School: Zachary Giddings, music
Jeremy Ranch Elementary School: Jennifer Riggs, fourth grade
McPolin Elementary School: Sam Thompson, fifth grade
Park City High School: Mary Purzycki, CTE and science
Parley’s Park Elementary School: Avery Kidd, second grade
Trailside Elementary School: Lori Drivdahl, instructional coach

Award reveals were scheduled throughout the morning at Park City High School, McPolin Elementary, Trailside Elementary, Parley’s Park Elementary, Jeremy Ranch Elementary, and Ecker Hill Middle School. PCEF said this year’s celebration also included a caramel apple from Dolly’s Coffee and Confectionery for every PCSD employee.