Kane County School District – The Mountain Plains Adult Education Association (MPAEA) has officially named Elizabeth “Libby” Button as the Utah recipient of the Award of Excellence, honoring her transformative impact on adult education within the region.
The Award of Excellence, formerly known as the Award of Commendation, is a singular honor reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of adult education at the state or local level. Only one educator per state is selected for the distinction each year. Since stepping into the role of Coordinator at Kane County Adult Education, Button has been driven by a singular mission: ensuring that no student is left behind, regardless of their past. Colleagues say she made it her personal goal to reach every individual within the criminal justice system, offering a second chance through education. Button’s classroom doors have remained open to all, including those who found themselves removed from traditional high schools. Her philosophy of radical acceptance has become the hallmark of her tenure. “She judged no one because of their circumstances or past behavior,” the MPAEA nomination stated. “She was their friend and loved them, and they knew she was there for them.” The results of Button’s approach have been nothing short of historic for Kane County. Relying almost exclusively on word-of-mouth recommendations from grateful students, she built what is now recognized as the most successful adult education program the county has ever seen. The program’s growth eventually outpaced traditional expectations, often resulting in a student body larger than a single educator could realistically manage. In response, Button simply increased her hours, working late into the evenings to ensure every student received the attention they required. The impact of Button’s dedication is clearly reflected in local graduation statistics:
- Highest Success Rate: Under her leadership, the program has frequently graduated more students with high school diplomas during a single school year than any other high school in Kane County, with the sole exception of Kanab High School.
- Statewide Recognition: Her ability to scale a rural program to such heights earned her the top spot for the state of Utah in this year’s MPAEA honors.
The MPAEA cited Button’s “unparalleled success” and “unmatched love for her students” as the primary drivers for the award. As Utah’s Award of Excellence winner, Libby Button stands as a testament to the idea that with enough heart and hard work, education can truly change a community. Congratulations to Mrs. Button, we appreciate your dedication to our students in the Adult Education program.