They are that intangible and often magical ingredient that keeps Utah's public schools working. They are educators. For the 13th year, the Jon M. and Karen Huntsman family is recognizing some of the professionals who have dedicated their lives to helping students learn and live. The 2005 Huntsman Awards for Excellence in Education honor 10 teachers, administrators and a volunteer for their dedication and commitment to Utah's public schools. On Monday, The Salt Lake Tribune will profile the 10 recipients of the prestigious award, which includes a crystal trophy and $10,000. Among them is a special-education teacher who shows her students that they should never accept failure. Another is an applied-technology instructor who gives his students life skills to guide them wherever they go. And one is a retired engineer who volunteers as a math tutor. All are exceptional. The following 10 recipients were selected by a panel of judges comprising some of Utah's most distinguished educators and business leaders:

* Cheryl Jenkinson, teacher at Helen M. Knight Intermediate School in Moab.

* Kris Wright, teacher at Centerville Elementary School.

* Brian Conley, principal at Uintah Elementary School in Salt Lake City.

* Lori Leverton, teacher at Vernal Junior High School.

* Zac Bettinger, teacher at Cedar Ridge Middle School in Hyde Park.

* James Young, assistant principal at American Fork Junior High School.

* Robert Gowans, teacher at Tooele High School.

* David Smith, teacher at Highland High School in Salt Lake City.

* Peter Weiler, volunteer at Summit High School in American Fork.

* Paul Hansen, principal at Olympus High School in Holladay.

"Winning a Huntsman is a humbling thing. But reading what parents write me after I've made an impact on their child because I've spent time with him, that's the most validating thing for me," Hansen said. "Those parents are writing to me about the most important thing in their lives: their kids. I'm a parent, too, so I know what it means to entrust my children into another's hands."

It is such commitment that the awards salute.

"Our family is honored to recognize the selfless commitment to our children that is characteristic of each of the 2005 award recipients," Jon M. Huntsman said in a statement. "We are very proud of the 10 outstanding individuals whose success stories merit special recognition."

- Christopher Smart

and Mike Cronin

Coming Monday

Profiles of the 10 Huntsman Award winners.