We are excited to announce our second recipient of the United Ambassador Award. This distinction is designed to honor individuals in our community who have made significant, positive impacts through their service, support, and dedication.
These ambassadors exemplify the core values of our organization by going above and beyond in their efforts to support our school’s mission and vision.
These recipients are pillars in our community who inspire others to contribute to the growth and spirit of our school.
Please help us honor and show appreciation for Paul Dahlen. Paul has blessed our school abundantly through selfless giving of his time as our most dependable volunteer.
All of our staff and students have been touched by his presence at school. Here is what some of our staff had to say about Paul:
“Paul Dahlen exemplifies the selflessness of a servant of Christ here at UCA. His time with students out at recess is just one example. He plays with the students and they really enjoy his personality and energy! I cannot count the number of hours he has helped provide supervision and interaction in this way. Hats off to Paul Dahlen!” - Dr. Tim Morrison, Elementary Principal
“I love the way Paul gets to know all the students and works to remember their names. They clearly have connected with him and Paul's work with our students has gone a long way to helping develop the culture of relational discipleship that we foster here at UCA. Thank you, Paul, for pouring into the lives of our students! You are deeply appreciated!!” - Jennie Hohnstadt, Academic Dean and Tech Director
“Your dedication to UCA (and Bethany) has been extraordinary! Your countless hours of service go unmatched and we appreciate you tremendously. Thank you for being so consistent and helping out from the smallest to the biggest of jobs. You have always been there "in the thick of it" no matter what the task has been, and your encouragement and support means so much to all of us! Thank you for your countless smiles, memories, and laughs. You are a faithful treasure to this community. Thank you so much!” - JayAnn Ray, 3rd Grade Teacher
“Paul has been an excellent volunteer for athletics. The way he is willing to help and step in is unmatched and I am so grateful for all his hard work. Whenever I am down a line judge, he is there and willing to step in. Have no idea how easy that makes my life during game days! Also is the best line judge in the state!” - Sam Peterson, Athletic Director
“Mr. Dahlen has made a huge impact on my time here at UCA. From my first school year up until now, he has always made me feel welcome. If he sees a need he fills that need, no questions asked. He brings joy to the office and I never go a day without laughing when he comes in.” - Ally Juvland, Admin Assistant
“I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for Mr. Dahlen and all that he does for the school. He shows unwavering dedication to our school, our staff, and our students. His tireless hard work, I hope, does not go unnoticed. His willingness to lend a helping hand, whether it be volunteering everyday, showing a little extra care to a student who needed it, his goofiness with the students, or helping the office with tasks (even going out into the cold to help with the cones so we don't have to), truly show his commitment to our school. He brightens people's days with a positive attitude and his dad jokes! So thank you to Mr. Dahlen for his pillar of strength and dedication to our UCA Family. We are very fortunate to have him.” - Ciri Meyen, Admin Assistant
“Having worked closely with Paul for 7+ years, I can confidently say that he is the ideal school volunteer and mentor for students. No job is too small, too trivial, or beneath him. No job is too large or intimidating for him. Paul sees the good in each and every student, while modeling Christ-like servant leadership. Paul works tirelessly and ceaselessly to keep everything humming along smoothly. From sporting events to pep fests to open houses, he's often the first to arrive and the last to leave. From taking time to learn countless students' names and passions, to sweeping the floor, to cheering on our athletes, Paul is truly a treasure.” - Kevin Peters, Phy Ed and Health Teacher
“Mr. Dahlen is a staple of the UCA community! His enthusiastic smile has often greeted students at the door to start their days. His behind-the-scenes service has ensured the success of this school in innumerable ways. His amazing girls, likewise, bring so much joy and humor to our community. Paul has contributed so much to this school, and we are all the better for having him and his family here!” - Jocelyn Coleman, High School Language Arts Teacher
“In my 28 years of teaching I've never met anyone who is as generous with his time as Paul Dahlen. He is so faithful! I also love how he gets to know every student's name. That is so impressive! Because of his dedication, he makes it possible for teachers to have more prep time. That is such a blessing to us.” - Deb Otterblad, 2nd Grade Student
“Mr. Dahlen is a rockstar volunteer! I am so impressed by how he knows every student by name. The kids LOVE seeing him at lunch and recess. He teaches them how to double dutch, plays games with them, teaches them cute songs, and so much more. We are so thankful to have Mr. Dahlen at UCA. He has made a huge impact on every student.” - Jase Anderson, 1st Grade Teacher
“One thing that is really great about Paul is that even though his youngest is in 7th grade, he still pours into the elementary and makes it a point to know all of the students by name.” - Trevor Curtis, Band Teacher
“Mr. Dahlen exemplifies what it means to have a true servant's heart. He can be seen throughout the school helping out in any capacity. I've seen him help parents, students, and staff each day he's here. I remember the first week he was here I asked another staff member what he did at the school since I hadn't met him at orientation. He wasn't a staff member! It also speaks volumes to me that his own students are in middle and high school and he volunteers at the elementary lunch and recess everyday! We are blessed to have him at our school!” - Courtney Meyen, Resource Teacher
On behalf of the entire UCA community, we extend our deepest gratitude to Paul. We thank him for his unwavering support, his faithful service, and his kind generosity. UCA truly would not be the same without you, and we are blessed to have you as part of our school family.