Patrice Worlton, the administrator at Dry Creek Elementary School, got into education because she loves kids. “I like to know that working with children is helping the overall lifestyle in our world.” Patrice grew up in Sandy, Utah, and graduated from Alta High School in the Jordan School District. She moved to Utah County about 25 years ago and, when her youngest son was in fourth grade, went to Utah Valley University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in education. Five years into teaching, she decided she wanted to be an administrator, and attended Utah State University for her masters degree. She taught at Harvest Elementary for nine years, then worked as the assistant principal for three years. She moved to Dry Creek Elementary as the assistant principal and, a year later, became the principal. The 2025-2026 school year will be her tenth year at Dry Creek.
Patrice remembers her fifth grade teacher as engaging and fun, and his teaching style was impactful on all his students. Patrice remembers hearing him read Where The Red Fern Grows out loud, and that she cried when he reached the sad part. His influence inspired her to want to be a really good teacher. Some of her favorite memories from her time as an educator is when she sees kids suddenly understand something. “It’s just so exciting to see the light turn on.”
Patrice keeps things fun at her school with Popcorn Fridays for the staff, themed Halloween costumes (last year they did Top Gun, which the kids loved!), outdoor lunches with individual classes, Christmas singing assemblies, first day balloon arches, and more. “The more connections that I have with the kids, the more they’ll like school and want to come back.”
Patrice loves helping kids navigate through challenges and overcome their difficulties. “Kids can have a really hard time. So I want to help them not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well. It makes my job so rewarding.” Patrice shows her students, teachers, staff and parents how much she cares about them and their growth, and the positive impact is apparent. “Schools are a great place to be, and the reason that people are in the schools is because they want to be the best for kids and the community.” Show some love to your favorite educators in your life, because they work so hard and care for our future!