Cache Valley school employees thrilled over COVID-19 vaccine

Many school employees were elated to be among the first Utahns to gain access to COVID-19 vaccines.

“My teachers have to carry the heaviest load as they deal with students being in and out each week because of COVID or because their parents are being more cautious than usual about any signs of sickness,” said Stacie Williamson, the principal of Canyon Elementary. “I must say they have all handled it like champs with wonderful, positive attitudes. They are getting vaccinated as quickly as possible.”

Kristin Lee, a Green Canyon High School teacher, said the pandemic has added to her list of responsibilities.

“Instead of just being a teacher I feel like I am a sanitizing specialist, mask enforcer, Zoom meeting pro and pandemic therapist,” she said.

Lee said she has heard some people express concerns that the vaccines “pushed through too fast,” but she was undeterred from obtaining an early inoculation. 

“I want to be able to say that I did everything that I could to keep myself and others safe during this pandemic,” she said. “If that means trying out a new vaccine, then I will do it.”

Logan City School District public information director Shana Longhurst said she was “thrilled” the vaccine was made available in the Cache Valley area.

“It has provided a great deal of comfort and hope to many of our employees,” she said. “Vaccination clinics continue to fill quickly.”