PAROWAN — When Parowan Elementary School’s third grade classes presented their annual Utah History program on Feb. 21, it was a historic milestone in itself.
The program marked the final one of many for longtime third grade teacher Rex Burton, who has announced he’s retiring at the end of the current school year.
Burton’s career as an educator spans 45 years, and all but the first one were spent at Parowan Elementary.
Burton himself even attended elementary school in that same building.
“Rex was going into the first grade when this building was opened for school for the first time,” noted Darlene Rowley, one of several of Burton’s friends and former colleagues who lined up to read snippets of his life story before a large crowd that filled the school’s multipurpose room to capacity.
“Mr. Burton’s legacy will live on here in our school,” added Shirley White. “After all, he has spent more time in this school than any other person. He attended six years as a student and 44 years as a teacher here.
“There has never been a more devoted teacher. He cares deeply for all of his students.”
Another former colleague, Richard Thatcher, summed up a few of the many things for which Burton is known:
His willingness to step up and lead cannot be matched. Whether it’s putting on a third grade program, with all of its projects and quilts, leading music in Parowan’s birthday celebration and flag ceremony, his dedication to his overhead projectors, his sliding into base during the sixth grade softball game, or his unmatched positive attitude to greet each day with a ‘Good morning!’ and a smile, he will be greatly missed!
The two-hour program, which highlighted various aspects of Utah’s and Parowan’s history, was presented twice that day, once in the morning for the students and staff of the school and once in the evening for parents and others in the community.
Each year, one or more members of the Parowan community are spotlighted as outstanding citizens, with aspects of their life stories being shared as part of the program. This year’s honorees were Ron and Susan Roth and Marilee Stowell.
The stars of the program itself were the more than 60 third graders at Parowan Elementary: the 22 students in Burton’s class, plus those in Emily Contrys’ and Sidney Adams’ classes. Their entertaining presentations included a variety of popular Western songs, narrative monologues, pioneer stories, a humorous skit and a couple of dancing numbers.
The program wrapped up with a brief discussion of the legend of Parowan’s name, followed by the songs “Parowan the Mother Town” and “Utah: This is the Place.”
At the conclusion of the event, Burton thanked those in attendance for their participation and support.
Burton and his wife Chris are the parents of five children; they also have 15 grandchildren.
Photo Gallery
Parowan Elementary School third grade teacher Rex Burton gives instructions to students prior to Utah History program, Parowan, Utah, Feb. 21, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Parowan Elementary School principal Trevor Heaton and third grade teacher Rex Burton help students find their seats prior to Utah History program, Parowan, Utah, Feb. 21, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Parowan Elementary School third graders have created quilts and other Utah History projects over the years, Parowan, Utah, Feb. 21, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Parowan Elementary School third graders have created quilts and other Utah History projects over the years, Parowan, Utah, Feb. 21, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Parowan Elementary School principal Trevor Heaton presents third grade teacher Rex Burton with a plaque of appreciation, Parowan, Utah, Feb. 21, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Friends and former colleagues read biographical snippets about Parowan Elementary School third grade teacher Rex Burton prior to Utah History program, Parowan, Utah, Feb. 21, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Plaque of appreciation presented to Parowan Elementary School third grade teacher Rex Burton, Parowan, Utah, Feb. 21, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Longtime Parowan Elementary School third grade teacher Rex Burton is recognized prior to Utah History program, Parowan, Utah, Feb. 21, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Longtime Parowan Elementary School third grade teacher Rex Burton is recognized prior to Utah History program, Parowan, Utah, Feb. 21, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Parowan Elementary School third grade students present annual Utah History program, Parowan, Utah, Feb. 21, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Parowan Elementary School third grade students present annual Utah History program, Parowan, Utah, Feb. 21, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Parowan Elementary School third grade teacher Rex Burton watches students present annual Utah History program, Parowan, Utah, Feb. 21, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Parowan Elementary School third grade teacher Rex Burton watches students present annual Utah History program, Parowan, Utah, Feb. 21, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Panoramic photo of Parowan Elementary School’s third grade Utah History program, Parowan, Utah, Feb. 21, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Parowan Elementary School third grade students present annual Utah History program, Parowan, Utah, Feb. 21, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Parowan Elementary School third grade teacher Rex Burton watches students present annual Utah History program, Parowan, Utah, Feb. 21, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Parowan Elementary School third grade students present annual Utah History program, Parowan, Utah, Feb. 21, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Parowan Elementary School third grade students present annual Utah History program, Parowan, Utah, Feb. 21, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Parowan Elementary School third grade students present annual Utah History program, Parowan, Utah, Feb. 21, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Parowan Elementary School third grade students present annual Utah History program, Parowan, Utah, Feb. 21, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Parowan Elementary School third grade students present annual Utah History program, Parowan, Utah, Feb. 21, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Parowan Elementary School third grade students present annual Utah History program, Parowan, Utah, Feb. 21, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Parowan Elementary School third grade teachers Mrs. Contrys, Mr. Burton and Ms. Adams watch their students present annual Utah History program, Parowan, Utah, Feb. 21, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Parowan Elementary School third grade teacher Rex Burton watches students present annual Utah History program, Parowan, Utah, Feb. 21, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Parowan Elementary School third grade teacher Emily Contrys helps students with lyrics to “Parowan, the Mother Town” during annual Utah History program, Parowan, Utah, Feb. 21, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
Parowan Elementary School third grade students and teachers after their presentation of Utah History program, Parowan, Utah, Feb. 21, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News
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