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Margaret Obray, who is retiring at the end of this year after teaching for 30 years, was in Washington, D.C., with students from the Close Up program.

Bishop addressed those assembled on the morning of Nov. 29 on the House floor, calling her “one of the best examples of a dedicated teacher.”

Obray, who was not expecting Bishop’s remarks, said she felt surprise and gratitude for what Bishop said.

“It was such a nice thing to do. Teachers don't often get recognized,” Obray said. “It was really a honor.”

Bishop, who knows Obray from his time as a teacher in Northern Utah, said she was one of the “good ones.”

“School teachers are an overworked and under-compensated group, but the good ones are always appreciated for the time and effort and commitment they make to kids,” Bishop said.

He praised Obray for her dedication to her students.

“Ms. Obray has dedicated the past three decades of her life to actually encouraging her students both in and out of the schoolroom, worked tirelessly to open the minds and guide and direct them to live a productive and meaningful life,” Bishop said.

He closed his remarks by thanking Obray for her work at Mountain Crest.

“We want to thank you for what you have done, for the impact you've had on students you've taught in the past, the ones you are teaching currently, and we have pity for all those kids in the future who will never have that experience,” Bishop said.

Obray and Bishop knew each other when Bishop taught at Box Elder High School. He helped her establish a debate program at Mountain Crest. The two also worked together while being a part of the Hinkley Institute.

Now that Obray is retiring, she plans to spend more time with family and doing things she loves.

“I'm going to read things not required,” Obray said. “I have 19 grandkids, and I’m going to teach them all the things I know.”

She also intends to do more gardening and cooking.