Eliza R. Snow Award for the Performing and Visual Arts

Daris W. Howard ’84 is a BYU-Idaho math teacher and he was instrumental in establishing the Internet on the BYU–Idaho campus.  He is a father and grandfather and in his spare time writes books, plays, and musicals.  Daris has written over 12 plays and musicals, he runs a summer community theater in Saint Anthony, Idaho, and he has written several books.  He has received several awards in theater and his plays have been performed at Temple Square and several countries overseas.   In 1997, Daris’s first musical, Lilacs in the Valley was produced. A heart-warming story of love, hardship, and hope, it was an instant hit. His next play, The Mail Order Bride didn't open until three years later. It was also very popular and has played to audiences in many countries and nationalities. His first book, The Three Gifts, based on his award winning play, has now been published.   Daris and his wife Donna are the parents of ten children, and three grandchildren.