Roland-Gardner  Distinguished  Service  Award

The Roland-Gardner Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor given by the Utah Middle Level Association. The award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated a level of service, integrity, and leadership in middle level education that warrants this special recognition. 
​A nominee for this award should

• Be known as a person of high personal ethics reflecting a model of exemplary behavior and reputation associated with the spirit of the award,
• Have made a statewide impact on middle level education,
• Have a minimum of ten years of distinguished service a reputation as a state leader,
• Be an active advocate for middle level reform, and
• Actively pursue opportunities to bring success to middle level students.

The following documentation must accompany the nomination

• Award Nomination Form with contact information for both nominee and nominator
• Included 1-3 pieces of evidence with the nomination form:
  • Letters of reference and support that speak directly to the stated criteria
  • Work Samples
  • Examples of activities
• ALL AWARDS APPLICATIONS AND DOCUMENTATION MUST BE SUBMITTED BY January 6.

Selection procedures
Selection procedures include a committee review of nominations and materials, with the ultimate decision being made by the Utah Middle Level Association Board Members.

​In 2023, the Peggy Lee Rowland Award was renamed the Rowland-Grander Distinguished Service Award to honor both Peggy Lee Rowland and Lori Gardner, who were both exemplary leaders in middle level education.
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Past recipients of the Peggy Roland Award:

• 1998 Peggy Roland, Assistant Principal, Dixon Middle School, Alpine District
• 1999 Dorothy Bingman, Principal, Evergreen Junior High, Granite District
• 2000 Martin Tadlock, Professor, Utah State University, Logan
• 2001 Mary Kay Kirkland, Box Elder District, Brigham City
• 2002 Sandy Rudert, Teacher, West Hills Middle School, Jordan District
• 2003 Margie Coombs, Principal, Rowland Hall-St. Mark’s Middle School, SLC
• 2004 Sue Smith, Assistant Professor, Westminster College, Salt Lake City
• 2005 Annette West, Teacher, North Cache 8-9 Center, Richmond
• 2006 Lori Gardner, Principal, Hunter Junior High School, Granite District
• 2007 Kristy Stevens, Teacher, Willowcreek Middle School, Alpine District
• 2008 Holly Tippetts, Teacher, Dixon Middle School, Alpine  District
• 2009 Amy Roberds, Teacher, Riverview Junior High School, Murray District
• 2015 Tricia Jackson, Online Learning Administrator, Park City School District
• 2017 Todd Monson, Oquirrh Hills Middle, Jordan School Dist UT
• 2021 Dixie Garrison, West Jordan Middle School, Jordan School Dist, UT
  In 2023, the Peggy Lee Rowland Award was renamed the Rowland-Grander Distinguished Service Award to honor both Peggy Lee Rowland and Lori Gardner, who were both exemplary leaders in middle level education.