Huntsman Award

Last Friday, my Dad was given the Huntsman's Excellence in Education Award. He's a highschool shop teacher. They put his story and picture on every Utah news channel and in every Utah newspaper. We were all invited to the award ceremony at the Little America Hotel. While we were all mingling before the dinner started, it was pointed out that Elder Ballard was there. He had a glass of wine and was getting wasted. Just kidding, he had a lemonade and was standing against the wall, watching all of us mingle. I walked over to him, and shook his hand. "He looked me in the eyes and said "what is your name....nice to meet you." I felt peace when I looked into his eyes. I told him that it was an honor to meet him. Melanie was really shy. She shook his hand, but didn't say anything. We were then escorted into another room to meet John Huntsman and his wife. They were SOOO nice. John Huntsman asked Melanie how old she was, and she was so nervous she forgot. After pictures, we sat down for dinner. There were about 200 people in attendance. Dinner was soooo good. It was filet minon and chicken cordon bleu. Each plate would have cost over 50 dollars according to the Little America's banquet menu. I ate all of my food and some of Melanie's and my Grandma's. While we ate, my Dad was honored. A newscaster from channel 5 (can't remember her name) shared some stories about my dad and the others that were awarded. They called him up to the stage and gave him a check for 10k and a huge glass statue/trophy. I am so proud of my Dad. He puts a lot of care and hard work into his job. It was said that he has the best highschool welding shop in the nation. I always asked him why he didn't go get a higher paying job, because he has the skills and business savvy to do it. He loves to teach, and doesn't care that much about money. I really admire that about him. We really had a nice night. How often to you get to meet an Apostle and a billionaire in the same day, and hear praises about your father. Oh yeah, by the way, Elder Ballard said the opening prayer, and it was really cool. I always wanted to hear an Apostle or prophet pray, since they obviously have had success in praying. He spoke as if God was right in front of him . He spoke with simple words and much sincerity. His prayer was full of gratitude. Here's a few pics

Brett, Mason and Emmy, Elliot's 2 youngest brothers and sister.

Bruce and Lisa Decker (Elliot's parents)Stuart(Elliot's lil bro) and Erin Decker
Grandpa and Grandma Decker
Grandma and Grandpa Evans
Elliot and Melanie