Blanding woman is named UHSAA Female Official of the Year

Denise Johnson, of Blanding, is the 2019-2020 Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) Female Official of the Year. She was honored with the award at Sleepy Ridge Golf Course in Orem, UT on January 15.

Johnson is a part of the UHSAA’s 2019-2020 Distinguished Service Award class, honored in conjunction with the National High School Activities Week.

The award recognizes outstanding contributors to Utah high school activities and brings together Utah’s finest educators, officials, and contributors at the high school level.

Johnson grew up in Blanding. She is a San Juan High School graduate, where she also played volleyball. She has officiated the sport for over 20 years and said she plans to continue as long as she can.

Johnson explained that the reason she has given such excellent service to high school activities is “because I love the youth of this world. They are our future in every aspect. I love working with them, I love being around them, I love teaching them, and I love learning from them.

“I have a love for music and for volleyball, so being able to work with the youth in these areas has probably helped me more than it has helped them. Giving of my time to these activities is so worth it if I can help the youth love and excel at these things as well.”

UHSAA Distinguished Service Nominations are presented by regions through the UHSAA Executive Committee each year. Recipients are typically recognized at an awards luncheon with the UHSAA Executive Committee.

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