EVANSTON — Disability:IN Uinta County held its 25th Annual Awards Banquet at the Machine Shop in Evanston on Tuesday, Oct. 24. This year’s theme was “Everyone has a Story,” and attendees were encouraged to use provided notecards to write and share their own stories of overcoming difficulties.

Micki Cox delivered the mayor’s welcome.  Board member Hanni Cluny recognized the mentors, and the awards were presented by last year’s recipients.

Randy Swann, a special education teacher for 14 years, the last seven with Uinta County School District No. 1, received the Mentor of the Year from Marny Huffaker of Murdoch’s.

“I had no idea. It’s a joy — I love working with these kids,” Swann said.

First Bank branch manager David Benton awarded the Employer of the Year to Westar Printing.

The Employee of the Year award went to Robert Huff, who is employed at both Westar Printing and Floors and More, was presented by Jennifer Joiner.

“I didn’t even know I was supposed to go [to the event],” Huff said.  “I feel it’s cool; it’s not every day you get an award.  I wasn’t expecting anything, I was just told to come down here this morning.”

Disability:IN Uinta County Executive Director Gina Jones introduced the Wanda Rogers Spirit Award, “an award given for recognition to businesses or individuals who demonstrate exemplary effort to promote the vision, mission and spirit of Disability:IN Uinta County,” she said.

The award is named after the program’s late co-developer and former executive director.

“She left a great legacy behind,” Jones said of Rogers. 

The first-ever recipient of the award went to Kayne Pyatt for “advocating for our mission through her work at the Uinta County Herald,” Jones said.

“There is a lot that can [be] said about Kayne, but what we feel is the most important is that she is the epitome of community.  Kayne is a true pillar of Evanston and we are pleased to present her with this distinguished honor.”

Pyatt wasn’t in attendance, but the award was formerly presented to her the following day, when the awards banquet for the Bridger Valley was held.

“I loved Wanda,” Pyatt said. “I miss her, and I’m totally honored that I get an award associated with her. She was a very special person, and her spirit infused mine. I could sit and talk to her and feel better every time I left. She became a real friend.”

This year’s event was a little different from those of years past.

“We didn’t bring in a speaker this year,” Jones said, “I wanted to keep it local.”

She then introduced Jared Briggs, an insurance sales agent at MyLife Financial in Randolph, Utah. 

Briggs shared his journey of having big dreams and goals, while finding school difficult. He cited the film “Coach Carter” as a particular inspiration.

He quoted character Timo Cruz’s pivotal speech as words he’s lived by: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we’re powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most.”

Briggs also credited his mother incessantly saying, “You can do anything you set your mind to,” as proof that a life lived with a positive mindset cannot lose.

Attendees were then shown a film featuring the deeply personal stories of two Evanstonians. Kortney Clark discussed her experiences as a multiple sclerosis warrior, and that of a mother of two daughters; one with cystic fibrosis and the other living with celiac disease. She highlights the importance of having a safe space — for her it’s the gym — and also to have a good support system.

“I’m pretty strong and able to get through it,” Clark said.

Local educator Tyler Willis shared his experience with sudden onset disabilities following a traumatic hiking accident in the Tetons. A search and rescue mission was required to extricate Willis from a 30-foot fall through the ice.

He was hospitalized for five days, then spent several months trying to regain his physical capacities — such as the use of his arms — that were lost when his own rapelling ropes cut off circulation during the several-hours-long rescue. 

“I really appreciate life, and I keep doing the things I love,” Willis said. “I’m definitely more careful now and know things can go wrong.”

He offered some final advice at last week’s event. “Don’t judge it, whatever situation people are going through,” he said.

The recognized mentors included Bear River Dental, For Pete’s Sake, Ace Hardware, Bear River Vet, LUCDA, The Pie Hole, ECDC, Uinta County Sheriff’s Office, Smith’s Food & Drug, Uinta Eye and Vision, CCB Construction, City of Evanston Engineering, Murdoch’s, Main Street Deli, Addicted Power Sports, Evanston Police Department, Freeway Tire, Varsity Ink, Sports World and My Local Radio.

Lunch was catered by Austin Bunot. Kevin Kallas and Napa Auto Parts sponsored the music. Photography was provided by Shanna Alldredge.