Senate recognizes Utah Teacher of the Year Mark Daniels and his students

The Utah State Senate on Feb. 2 honored Mark Daniels, a performing-arts instructor at Weber High School and the state's 2022 Teacher of the Year, welcoming him and his students who joined the chamber virtually.

Senator Milner introduced Daniels, saying Daniels' classroom served as "a haven of safety" through the pandemic and that "he truly exemplifies a master teacher and is the perfect representative for Teacher of the Year." Milner noted Daniels graduated from Weber State University and often directs large student productions; he told the Senate Daniels could not appear in person because he was helping students prepare a school production.

President Adams welcomed Daniels and his class to the chamber, saying "Welcome to the Senate," and members of the body offered congratulations. Other senators who spoke praised Weber High's theater program and encouraged the public to attend the school's performances.

The recognition was ceremonial; no formal legislative action accompanied the acknowledgement. The Senate resumed its regular business immediately after the presentation.