Kerry Downs – Orem High School

May 29, 2012, 6:32 PM | Updated: Jan 15, 2021, 6:13 am

My English teacher, Mr. Downs, would be a very deserving winner of the KSL “Teacher Feature” award. Every time I come to class, my admiration for him grows. He has a unique way of teaching students not only how to form proper sentences and highlight and annotate essays, but also how to live high morals and standards. He connects with his students by actively involving himself in our lives.

Mr. Downs is passionate about his school. He graduated from Orem High and has been teaching English there for 32 years. His school spirit is illustrated at the beginning of every class period. He reminds his students of upcoming sporting events, school plays, and other activities going on at Orem High. He recognizes the students in his class who are involved in these activities, congratulates them on their accomplishments, and wishes them well at upcoming performances. Mr. Downs doesn’t only encourage students to attend these events, but goes to them himself. I just finished my last season playing on the Orem High ladies’ tennis team and it was always a delight to see him on the bleachers cheering us on.

At the beginning of this school year, we each received a textbook that teaches us about the patterns for college writing. I’m not a fan of textbooks, but Mr. Downs’s enthusiasm for this book and his love for writing has transferred to me. In this textbook, there are numerous sections on different styles of writing such as Exemplification, Cause and Effect, and Argumentation. We use these styles to form our own essays. Every time I read my finished paper to the class and hear other students’ papers, I am always amazed at how well written they are. It is unquestionably a product of the time Mr. Downs has taken to make sure we fully understand each concept of writing. When we turn in assignments, there is a high-quality expectation required that has motivated me to always turn in my finest work.

Aside from being an English teacher, Mr. Downs is also a Driver’s Education instructor. Every morning at 5:00, Mr. Downs will be at the driving range ready to teach two students about the rules of the road. Driving for the first time can be an intimidating experience, but Mr. Downs made me feel at ease and ready for his driving tips and instructions. I probably owe my life to him. There have been several situations after receiving my license when I remembered something he taught me that has benefited my driving ability and prompted me to act safely.

Mr. Downs will always be a marvel at Orem High School as he makes certain the moments spent with him are well worth his students’ time. He continues to teach different styles of writing that will benefit me in college while his sense of humor keeps me laughing throughout the class period. This is why Mr. Downs is my favorite teacher and highly deserves this award.

–Emily Nelson

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of t...

Simone Seikaly

Extending state flooding emergency, firearm restrictions, among topics for Utah special session

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of the legislature.

11 months ago

A video recorded by Facebook user Larry Jacquez shows the police response following the shooting in...

Jamiel Lynch, CNN     

At least 3 people killed and 2 officers wounded in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police say

Multiple people were shot and at least three killed in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police said in a Facebook post.

11 months ago

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible...

Waverly Golden

Younger adults are becoming more susceptible to strokes

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible to stroke.

11 months ago

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now....

Allessandra Harris

Camping over Memorial Day Weekend? Plan ahead

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now.

11 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

11 months ago

Melissa Coleman crouches next to her husband, , Brad Coleman, of North Ogden, who sits in a wheelch...

Jenny Carpenter, KSL.com

Young stroke victim survives with quick, lifesaving treatment in northern Utah

After a 36-year-old man had a stroke, he and his wife say to be aware of the signs of stroke and that young people are also at risk.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Kerry Downs – Orem High School