Jonathan Kesler knows Brighton High School's hallways better than most. He spent roughly 10 years maintaining them as a Canyons School District facilities technician. This fall, he switches sides.

Kesler will begin student-teaching sculpture, ceramics, and fiber arts at the Cottonwood Heights school, becoming the first recipient of the district's Aspiring Canyons Educator (ACE) Scholarship to complete the program's intended loop: take the tuition money, earn a teaching credential, and return to a Canyons classroom. The district announced the milestone Tuesday, July 28.

"I've always been interested in learning, and art is my particular emphasis," Kesler said. "I also have family in education, so it was just one of those fits that seemed to work out and click."

Kesler received the inaugural ACE award in 2024 and has been taking classes half-time while continuing to work full-time for the district, which accommodated his schedule. The scholarship, funded entirely by Canyons employees through an optional payroll deduction, provides up to $5,000 per year in tuition assistance.

Since its 2024 launch, the fund has doubled in size. Eight people have received awards so far: six district employees and two graduating seniors. The Canyons Education Foundation, which administers the program, has distributed more than $40,300 in total tuition support.

Brooke Carn, development officer for the Canyons Education Foundation, said the scholarship gives employees across every department a path into teaching and called Kesler's return proof that the program is working as intended.

The inaugural 2024 class also included Alyssa Hill, a paraeducator, and Melody Otterstrom, then a Brighton High senior.

Brighton High sits at 2220 E. Bengal Blvd. in Cottonwood Heights. Kesler's student-teaching assignment begins when the district opens for the 2026–2027 school year in mid-August.

Residents who want to support the ACE fund can make a one-time donation online at fundraise.givesmart.com/f/4ilg/n?vid=1rituv. Canyons employees can also sign up for payroll deductions each fall.