(PRUnderground) February 25th, 2026

Ten Utah educators are being recognized for helping students develop healthy habits that enhance both their academic success and long‑term well‑being. Select Health – wholly owned subsidiary of Intermountain Health – recently announced the 2026 recipients of its annual Brain Body Boost Awards. This recognition was given to K-6 teachers who integrate physical, mental, and emotional wellness into everyday learning. Each recipient receives a $1,000 award for classroom supplies, fitness equipment, and other tools that promote student health.

Helping children develop healthy habits early plays a critical role in their long-term health. When students learn how to care for their physical, mental, and emotional health at a young age, they are better equipped to build confidence, resilience, and positive routines that last well beyond the classroom.

To support this work, Select Health created the Brain Body Boost Awards, a program recognizing Utah educators in grades K–6 who go above and beyond to include health and wellness into everyday learning.

“Educators play a vital role in shaping lifelong wellness habits,” said Kimberly Ruiz, Select Health community relations coordinator. “The Brain Body Boost Awards celebrate teachers who are helping students build healthy routines early — supporting not just academic success, but long-term healthy habits.”

The Brain Body Boost Awards highlight educators who create learning environments that encourage students to set personal health goals, practice mindfulness, and understand how healthy choices connect to their overall quality of life.

Teachers are nominated by peers, administrators, parents, or community members and are selected based on demonstrated impact, creativity in wellness instruction, and dedication to promoting health education in the classroom. A review committee evaluates nominations and selects ten recipients from schools across the state.

Among this year’s recipients is Greta Thorderson, a K–6 physical education teacher at Wasatch Elementary School in the Salt Lake City School District. Thorderson helps students set realistic wellness goals and track personal progress. Her classes combine movement-based learning, teamwork challenges, and breathing exercises, reinforcing that mental wellness is as important as physical activity.

“My goal is to help students see that being active and making healthy choices can be simple and fun,” said Thorderson. “When those habits start early, they can last a lifetime.”

Parents report that students are gaining confidence, motivation, and independent healthy habits at home. Thorderson will use the award funds to expand gym activities and purchase new fitness equipment.

Another 2026 recipient is Emily Cook, a physical education specialist at Newman Elementary in the Salt Lake City School District, a Title I dual-language school serving a diverse student population.

Through interactive games and team-based activities, Cook teaches students how physical activity supports both physical and mental health. By creating a welcoming and supportive environment, she ensures each student feels seen, capable, and motivated to develop healthy habits.

“For many students, physical education is about discovering what they are capable of,” said Cook. “When a student who was hesitant chooses to participate, encourages a classmate, or finishes something they didn’t think they could do, that’s when real growth happens.”

At Wasatch Elementary School in the Davis School District, Jaden Camp uses health education and learning to help students build habits and routines for daily life. Each week, students make simple goals such as choosing a healthy snack or deciding to spend more time outside.

Camp teaches students about nutrition, exercise, and how daily choices affect energy and focus. Students create projects explaining how the heart, lungs, muscles, and digestive system function sparking learning and conversations about healthy meals and active lifestyles.

“I want my students to understand how their bodies work and feel proud of taking care of them,” said Camp. “When they go home excited to share what they have learned, that’s when I know it’s making a difference.”

Award funds allow teachers to purchase new equipment, expand wellness activities, and create experiences that reinforce healthy choices and habits.

2026 Select Health Brain Body Boost Award Recipients:

• Cindy Smith, Blackridge Elementary, Jordan School District
• Devree Gassman, Bennion Junior High, Granite School District
• Emily Cook, Newman Elementary, Salt Lake City School District
• Greta Thorderson, Wasatch Elementary, Salt Lake City School District
• Heather Miles, Ensign Elementary, Salt Lake City School District
• Jaden Camp, Wasatch Elementary, Davis School District
• Katelyn Parker, Meadowlark Elementary, Salt Lake City School District
• Mashell Stott, Westridge Elementary, Provo School District
• Rochelle Deeter, Hartvigsen School, Granite School District
• Seth Orme, Nibley Park School, Salt Lake City School District

Through the Brain Body Boost Awards, Select Health continues its commitment to proactive care and prevention by recognizing educators who are helping students build strong foundations for lifelong health.

Nominations for the 2027 Brain Body Boost Awards will open later this year in November. Educators, administrators, parents, and community members are encouraged to nominate teachers who are making a meaningful impact on student health and education.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Additional images and video available upon request.

About Intermountain Health

Headquartered in Utah with locations in six states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Health is a nonprofit system of 34 hospitals, approximately 400 clinics, medical groups with some 4,600 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a nonprofit health plan called Select Health with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For up-to-date information and announcements, please see the Intermountain Health newsroom at https://news.intermountainhealth.org/. For more information, see intermountainhealth.org/ or call 801-442-2000.

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