Recognition Highlights Innovation, Collaboration, and Community Impact Across Davis School District
Davis Education Foundation was recognized with four Best of State medals at the 2025 Best of State Awards gala on June 10, celebrating its work to build community partnerships, expand student opportunity, and support innovative education across Davis School District.
This year’s awards highlight the Foundation’s impact in communication, collaboration, inclusive athletics, and workforce development. Davis Education Foundation received Best of State medals in the following categories:
Community Communications
Food & Beverage Service Education (recognizing the Catalyst Center’s innovative food service and student-led catering programs)
Player Development (honoring Unified Sports)
Public/Private Partnership
“These awards are a tribute to the passion and purpose behind our work,” said Jodi Lunt, Executive Director of Davis Education Foundation. “Each of these initiatives is built on relationships—with students, educators, and our amazing community supporters. That’s what makes this recognition so meaningful.”
From groundbreaking student-run culinary programs at the Catalyst Center to expanding access to Unified Sports across the district, the Foundation’s work continues to break down barriers and create pathways for student success.
The Public/Private Partnership award celebrates the Foundation’s longstanding collaboration with business and community partners, whose contributions provide funding, mentorship, and hands-on experiences to students throughout the district.
District-Wide Recognition
Davis Education Foundation’s wins were part of a broader celebration for the district. Davis School District received 13 Best of State medals in total—more than any other school district in Utah this year. These honors span from fine arts to preschool programs to utilities and teacher excellence, showcasing the district’s wide-reaching commitment to quality public education.
Davis School District’s 2025 Best of State Awards:
Arts in Education: Davis School District Fine Arts Department
Community Communications: Davis Education Foundation
Documentary: Davis School District - Communication Department
Food & Beverage Service Education: Davis Education Foundation
Internship Program: Davis School District Teacher Academy Schools
On-line Education: Davis Connect Online School
Player Development: Davis Education Foundation
Public Preschool Program: Davis Head Start and Title I Preschool
Public/Private Partnership: Davis Education Foundation
Smart Homes & Buildings: Davis School District - Utility Services
Support Personnel: Doug Anderson, Utility Services Director
Teacher – High School: Kyle Guymon, Layton High School
Teacher – Kindergarten: RaeAnn Shelley, South Clearfield Elementary School
A Season of Support
This latest recognition follows Davis Education Foundation’s recent community win in the Best of Davis awards, where local residents voted the Foundation among their favorite nonprofit organizations in Davis County.
“To be honored by both the state and our own community in the same season—it means everything,” said Lunt. “These awards aren’t just a pat on the back. They’re a sign that people believe in the work we’re doing for students.”
To learn more about Davis Education Foundation programs or to get involved, visit daviseducationfoundation.org.