Adding an unforgettable moment to a high school music performance, Young Kia surprised Bountiful High School director of band Branson Bell — who won Davis School District’s teacher of the year award — with an all-expenses paid, one-year lease on a new 2026 Kia Sportage on May 14.
News of Bell’s accolade was delivered in the middle of a performance when superintendent Daniel Linford entered the stage alongside school district officials, as well as representatives from the dealership, the Young Caring for Our Young Foundation and Goldenwest Credit Union. After inviting Bell’s wife and family to join the teacher, he announced the win and turned the time over to Young Kia general manager Dallin Breshears to deliver the keys. Cheers erupted from the crowd throughout the presentation.
“I am beyond the capability of having emotion right now,” said Bell after the concert. “From walking backstage to grab some of the equipment to take back out onto stage and seeing the superintendent standing back there and then turning and seeing Logan Toone and turning and seeing a bunch of other famous people, I didn’t have much room for feeling after that for a while. We’re getting out of a band concert at 10 o’clock at night, so I’m sure I’ll be feeling it a little bit more later, but it’s been a great night, a wonderful performance.”
Along with the lease, Bell received gas for an entire year, as well as insurance offered by Goldenwest Insurance Services.
The effort — which was also contributed to by Kia America and the Davis Education Foundation — is part of a tradition Young Kia has led since 2016. Unlike Bell though, most recipients have had their announcement take place during an assembly, populated primarily by students and faculty.
“Part of what made this giveaway special was that we were able to witness the qualities that made Bell a winner in real time,” said Breshears. “We caught him in a moment where he was demonstrating his teaching abilities, connecting with students and showing the community the progress his class had made. Shortly after the car was presented, he rushed back in to finish the concert. His commitment to teaching is indisputable, and we’re so glad the car went to a deserving recipient.”
In addition to Young Kia’s giveaway, Young Mazda Utah recently delivered an all-expenses paid, one year lease on a Mazda CX-70 to Mount Ogden Junior High School math teacher Robert Bennington. Goldenwest Insurance Services covered that vehicle as well.
“Initiatives like these testify to what can be accomplished when organizations share a vision for good, and act on it,” said Kellee Belnap, executive director of the Young Caring for Our Young Foundation. “It’s a privilege to work with partners who are dedicated to making their communities a better place, and we appreciate all of the efforts they make to give back.”