Granite School District, alongside the Granite Education Foundation and dedicated partners, celebrates the triumph of the human spirit through the “Absolutely Incredible Kid” award. Year after year, this honor recognizes students who defy the odds, surmounting obstacles with unwavering strength to soar in their educational pursuits.

This year’s beacon of inspiration is none other than Kalia Gomez, a remarkable senior from Cyprus High School whose journey embodies the essence of resilience. In the face of profound loss following her mother’s passing in 2022, Kalia found herself navigating uncharted waters, yet she refused to let adversity define her.

As her school counselor, Carson Checketts, aptly observes, Kalia’s journey has been marked by countless hurdles, each met with an unyielding determination to succeed. Not content with merely navigating her high school curriculum, Kalia embraces advanced coursework through the GTI, steadfastly pursuing her dreams. With plans already in motion to attend the University of Utah in the Fall, Kalia has also been accepted into an externship with the Huntsman Cancer Institute in their infusion department.

In a touching display of support and recognition, the Granite Education Foundation, bolstered by the generosity of sponsors like Foundation4Life, Granite Credit Union, and VLCM, bestowed upon Kalia this well-deserved honor. The surprise unveiling of the award, accompanied with her GTI classmates in attendance, served as a testament to Kalia’s indomitable spirit and passion to serve her community.

Despite the challenges she has faced, Kalia remains steadfast in her belief that every obstacle is but a stepping stone to greatness.

“You just kind of have to push through it. It sounds really cliche, but you just have to look towards what you want and what you want to be. And just know the situation you’re in currently isn’t going to last forever. There’s always more ahead.”