Draper Journal | January 2025

CORNER CANYON FOOTBALL REMAINS ON TOP WITH SECOND STRAIGHT STATE TITLE, FIFTH IN SEVEN YEARS

By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

Thisfootball season did not go as planned for the defending 6A state champion Corner Canyon squad, but it sure ended in a familiar way with the Chargers hoisting another trophy – its fifth since 2018 after a 30-27 win over Lone Peak in the title game Nov. 21 at Rice Eccles Stadium.

Three key injuries early in the season seemed to set the tone early that this fall would be a test of the depth of the program.

Senior running back Bryton Brady broke his fibula and then in the third game of the year – on the second play of the game – the Chargers lost five-star wide receiver Jerome Myles to a season-ending injury.

On Sept. 20, junior quarterback Helaman Casuga left the game with a foot injury and never got back on the field the rest of the way.

“It was really rewarding to see the boys come together through adversity and unite and push through to win the championship,” said head coach Eric Kjar. “Our captains did a good job of uniting the team and pushing their teammates in practice and in the weight room. I felt like our guys had really grown and become a strong team through all the challenges that we faced earlier in the season.”

Senior lineman – and Utah State-bound – Paxton Naegle, who also missed five games with an injury this season, said, “This was special because we weren’t supposed to win it, even though we’ve been to the championship game sev-

for

en years in a row. Everyone was doubting us and that just motivated us to prove everyone wrong. We had to change our mindset a bit and just work hard and focus on the small things. It was something special and we got the job done. I couldn’t be prouder of my guys for what we battled through and to be able to go out strong.”

“It was constant adjustments and constant stepping up from backups who did a great job filling those roles,” said ju-

nior running back Weston Briggs. “The coaches had no doubt that we could do it and we went out there and did it. It took extra work. We all had to put in a little more effort outside of football whether it be lifting harder, extra film in the morning with coach, or even practices on Saturdays even after our wins. We had to learn how to play together, and I think we did a great job of coming together and having each other’s

The Corner Canyon High offensive line were unsung heroes in the 6A state championship game, helping the Chargers account

more than 300 rushing yards in the successful state title defense. (Photo courtesy AStrong Photography)

Corner Canyon High head football coach Eric Kjar picked up his 100th win Nov. 21 with the Chargers' successful state title defense. (Photo courtesy AStrong Photography)

Continued from front page backs.”

Senior lineman Nai Fillivao said, “This year’s team had a strong resolve to keep on going no matter the circumstances. It felt amazing!”

“To be able to go through all the trials, challenges, setbacks and struggles and then to win it all, I can’t even put into words the flood of emotions that I felt,” said junior quarterback Bronson Evans. “I wish I could bottle it up and share that moment with everyone. Everyone deserves to experience that type of joy and satisfaction that comes from achieving your dreams.”

Senior defensive back Brock White said, “It felt amazing being able to go back to back with our team. Going into this year, we wanted to build a legacy with our group of guys so I’m just happy that we could go get that done.”

“It was the best feeling to win state and defend our title. It’s unlike any other feeling I’ve ever had,” said senior wide receiver Chryshaun Lee. “This team had a goal and no matter what we were gonna achieve that. Guys stepped up when needed and we got it done.”

2024 MaxPreps Utah High School Football Player of the Year Zion Finau, a senior lineman, said, “This team knew what it took to win. They are definitely one of the most hard-working groups I’ve been a part of. We never quit or lost sight of our goal despite of the challenges we faced.”

In its second game of the year, Corner Canyon faced IMG Academy, a top-five team nationally and came away with a historic 35-34 win.

“We knew as a team we could come out on top and that’s exactly what we did,” Fillivao said.

“Just like the championship game we were down but we never gave up and it was a great win against one of the best teams in the nation,” Lee said.

That ultimate high didn’t last long as

the Chargers, who were ranked No. 1 in 6A, lost to Lone Peak 28-21 the next week.

“We were on top of the world, but this led to our downfall as all of the next week of practice we did not train as hard or give as much focus because we were still on the high of the win,” White said. “I do believe we needed to lose that game though to get to where we are now. It taught us that nothing in this game comes easy and we have to work for everything that we get.”

“I think the early loss to Lone Peak refocused them,” said coach Kjar. “Our practices throughout the season got better each week. I think they really focused on the finer details of football in order to make improvements. I also felt like they understood that they could play a lot better and wanted to be able to push and play better football as they progressed through the season.”

“We grew as a team so much after that and as a group knew we didn’t want that feeling again,” Finau said.

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With a “next man up” mentality, Evans took the reins, fulfilling a dream he has had since he was 8 years old that he would find himself as quarterback at Corner Canyon. “In some ways I’ve been preparing for this season since then,” Evans said, noting that he works on the physical, mental and mechanical aspects during the offseason at high-level facilities with successful college and professional quarterbacks. “When [quarterback] Helaman [Casuga] arrived here, I knew he was going to make me better and push me to compete at a higher level. When he got injured, I was ready. It was an unfortunate situation for him as he’s a great leader and an even better teammate. We rooted for each other all season long and have become great friends. I feel blessed and fortunate to have been given the opportunity to live a childhood dream.”

“We had a lot of players shuffling around to fill spots,” Naegle said. “But, we felt like no one is really different from each

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other; we were all in the summer workouts together, we were all doing the same stuff, we all have the same coaches. The guys just stepped up and played at a high level.”

The Chargers went on a dominant run following the setbacks, winning the remainder of its games by an average score of 42 to 19 with its depth on full display. Evans went 8-0 as the starter while completing 68% of his passes for 1,897 yards and 20 touchdowns. Briggs stepped up to produce 1,328 yards rushing on 177 carries, scoring 13 TDs.

Lee and junior wide receiver Kai Meza combined for more than 2,000 yards and 26 TDs.

Defensively, CCHS allowed an average of 14 points per game behind defensive back Brock White’s team-leading 73 tackles while junior linebacker Mason Wood had 69 tackles, senior linebacker Jayden Talauega had

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Corner Canyon High junior running back Cooper Kingston ran for 147 yards on 12 carries and one score in the 6A state championship game. (Photo courtesy AStrong Photography)

Corner Canyon High junior Weston Briggs had 24 carries for 140 yards and two touchdowns in the 6A state championship game. (Photo courtesy AStrong Photography)

66 and senior defensive back Keaton Adamson had 60.

Senior offensive lineman/defensive tackle Finau was used in red-zone packages, recording 25 carries for 55 yards and scoring 13 TDs.

“Those are super fun,” Finau said. “They give me a chance to put points on the board but also put teams in uncomfortable situations in the goal line. Towards the end of the season we were able to pass the ball out of that formation to keep teams honest.”

In the 6A state playoffs, the No. 1-seeded CCHS squad beat Westlake 56-0 Nov. 1 in the second round before defeating Weber 59-34 Nov. 8 to return to Rice Eccles Stadium for the eighth consecutive season.

In the semifinals against No. 4 Lehi, Evans led Corner Canyon down the field at the end of the game – and down seven points – to a 14-yard score to Meza on fourth and two to extend the game. In overtime, the Chargers got in the endzone first on a Cooper Kingston 11-yard TD run and then Lehi countered, but missed the extra point to send Corner Canyon to the title matchup.

In the 6A state championship game, the Chargers avenged its only loss of its 14game season to Lone Peak with a 30-27 win. Corner Canyon was down 21 to 7 in the first half before narrowing the deficit to just one score by the break. They went up 23-21 at the end of the third quarter and held on for the win which was No. 100 of coach Kjar’s CCHS career.

“The coaches really challenged us to ‘play for something bigger than yourself,’ the second half of the season,” Naegle said. “I also encouraged the younger players to ‘do it for the seniors.’ When you play for others, you play harder. I’m so proud of how Bronson grew. He didn’t know what this season would look like, but he prepared, he stuck through it and he thrived.”

“Our boys grew as leaders and did a great job of pushing each other and playing

for each other,” coach Kjar said. “It united them and brought them closer together. It took a lot of hard work that this group had started in the offseason and they continued to build upon this throughout the season. It took a lot of detailed and focused time and effort in order to get to where we finished which is why it’s so rewarding when we finish it off the right way.”

Kjar pointed to “behind the scenes” leadership from his players – in particular Finau – as a key to the ultimate success of the team that went 13-1 and was recognized nationally in the top-20.

“This came out from our captains in the way we practiced and in team meetings,” he said. “I think getting to see their leaders push themselves and those around them is very unifying. Having peers they look up to challenging them and showing emotion and conveying to their teammates how important each other are to the team I think really pushed us into a place where we could reach our final goals.”

Finau also noted the reliability of the running game this season. “A huge shoutout to our o-line and running backs,” he said. “The team depended on us and we were able to take the challenge on and embrace it.”

Evans credited the “incredible coaching” this season. “I truly believe we had the best coaching staff in the state of Utah, the best offensive line coach in BJ Cavendar, the best backfield coaches and our defensive coaches. When you play for coach Kjar there’s a different level of confidence and moxy that you feel just by having him on the sidelines. I don’t think people realize how much time he spends with the football team. We have a whole offseason lifting and running program, and it’s not uncommon for him to train with the team. He made things a lot easier for me and he’s the best to do it.”

Bronson Evans Jr. QB

Bryton Brady Sr. RB

Brendan Peavley Sr. DB

Drew Whatcott Sr. WR

Jayden Pearce Jr. DE

Jaxon Evans Jr. WR

Blake Ames Jr. WR

Dustin Otuafi Jr. LB

David Conan Sr. DB

Jaxon Pehrson Soph. QB

Scottie Pepper Jr. WR

Jake Roe Jr. DB

Tanner Adamson Jr. DB

Isaac Otuafi Soph. WR

Mason Hamilton Jr. DB

Kai Meza Jr. WR

Lucas Jackson Jr. WR

Davis Nelson Jr. WR 18 Jase Kozlowski Jr. DL 18 Jack Rasmussen Soph. WR 19 Omarion Sanders Soph. WR 20 Axyl Meine Soph. LB

20 Mason Ames Soph. WR 21 Jabez Haungatau Jr. WR 21 Deken Knowles Jr. DB 22 Tate Patterson Jr. LB 23J aden Allen Jr. DB 23 Josh Harris Soph. DB 24 Cooper Kingston Jr. DB

25 Mason Brady Sr. DB

25 Weston Briggs Jr. RB 25 Luke Hale Soph. WR 26 Will England Jr. WR 27 William Tenney Soph. DB 28 Chase Richards Soph. LB

Zach Adamson Soph. DB

30 Seth Carlson Sr. DB

31 Dallon Stokes Sr. RB/DB

31 Kaigan Solberg Jr. DB

32 Jackson Carruth Soph. RB

33 Eli Borg Jr. DE

34 Solomone Nau Jr. RB

35 Dylan Macievic Soph. WR/DB

36 Ethan Alejo Soph. LB

37 Cameron Wade Soph. DB

38 Marshall Ostler Soph. DB

39 Landon Welling Soph. DB

40 Kampton Dutton Soph. LB

41 Hudson Armstrong Soph. LB

42 Bridger Young Fresh. LB

43 Braxton Crawford Soph. LB

43 Lisiate Fevaleaki Soph. DE

44 Eli Paynter Sr. DE

45 Chryshaun Lee Sr. WR

46 Dayton Vance Soph. WR

47 Aedan Marr Sr. LB

47 Owen England Jr. LB

48 James Dowland Soph. LB

49 Fui Vakapuna Soph. LB

50 Bridger Matthews Jr. OL

51 Cole Bonham Jr. LB

52 Breven Ewing Soph. WR

54J ames Bowman Soph. OL/DL

55 Wyatt Warner Soph. DE

56 Eddie Otuafi Soph. OL

57 Mikah Larkins Jr. OL

59 Alapiti Pili Jr. DE

62 Crue Rugg Soph. OL/DL

64 Nai Filivao Sr. OL/DL

65 Mateo Castro Soph. OL

66 Ryan Harkness Jr. OL

68 Cale Rashid Soph. OL/DL

69 Luis Sanchez Jr. OL/DT

70 Jackson Boswell Soph. OL

71 Will Chandler Jr. OL

73 Zion Finau Sr. OL/DT

75 Kaydon Williams Sr. OL/DL

76 Jackson West Soph. OL

77 Esun Tafa Jr. OL

79 Chase Peterson Soph. OL

80 Dallin Bradshaw Soph. DB

81 Rylan Hughes Soph. WR

82 Tui Angilau Soph. LB

83 Deagan Mason Soph. WR

84 Alex Orr Soph. WR

86 Pierson Degracie Soph. WR

87 Carson Burnett Soph. WR

88 Rhett King Jr. WR

90 Drew Towner Jr. DB

91 Jordan Barlow Sr. QB

92 Tinau Fiaui Jr. DE

93 Teagan Johnson Sr. OL/DL

97 Xavier Shaefer Sr. DL

98 Nate Holladay Sr. OL/DT

Blake Parkinson Soph. WR Manase Brown Soph. DL

Parker Reading Soph. DL George Neibaur Soph.

Coach Kjar is appreciative of all those around him. “I really want to thank the community of Draper for all their support,” he said. “Our parents are amazing and do an outstanding job with these young men. They help in so many ways that go unnoticed that really makes a difference for our program. Our assistant coaches are a great group that work tirelessly to help these young men progress and get the most out of these young men. I can’t thank everybody that’s a part of our program enough. It really takes so many key contributors in order to run a successful program.”l

Corner Canyon High sophomore wide receiver Diesel Dart recorded 351 yards receiving and a touchdown this season for the state champion Chargers. (Photo courtesy AStrong Photography)

Our favorite Draper photos of 2024

The Corner Canyon boys lacrosse team won its fourth straight 6A state lacrosse title with a 12-11 win in double overtime May 24 to continue its domination at the top of the state ranks the past four seasons since UHSAA sanctioned the sport. (Photo courtesy Chandra Tillotson)

Corner Canyon High senior Isaac Neibaur had 12 points and five rebounds in helping the Chargers to a 19-8 record and a second-place finish in 6A. (Photo courtesy All-Star Photography)

Juan Diego’s Grayson Gagnon and her father Dave share a moment after she made par on the final hole of the 3A state golf championship at Meadowbrook Golf Course May 9 and then was told that she earned medalist honors. (Photo courtesy Grayson Gagnon)

A gentoo penguin named Ava selects a small stone which she will give to a prospective mate. (Photo courtesy Loveland Living Planet Aquarium)

“STEAM night is a good hands-on experience for the kids and families to get engaged in while bringing our community’s families together.” (Julie Slama/City Journals)

The Corner Canyon High cheer team successfully defended their 6A state championship Jan. 25 at Utah Valley University. (Photo courtesy Whitney Lunt)

Corner Canyon High’s Kaydon Williams won the 6A state wrestling championship at 285 pounds Feb. 17 at Utah Valley University. His finish helped the boys Chargers team to third place, its highest finish in program history. (Photos courtesy Robin Simmons)

Corner Canyon High sprinter Jerome Myles won the 100 meters in record-breaking fashion at the 6A state championship May 18 at Brigham Young University. He also took first in the 200 meters and ran on the winning 4x100 meter relay squad. (Photo courtesy AStrong Photography)

The otter, who came to Draper via North Carolina Aquarium, was born at Ocean Park Hong Kong in 2020. (Photo courtesy Loveland Living Planet Aquarium)

A brave little girl is held up by her mom while she rings the bell to cheers of a park employee before entering the haunted house. (Rebecca Olds/City Journals)

The Corner Canyon High boys track team won the 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400 relays at the 6A state track championships at Brigham Young University May 20, helping the Chargers win the state title for the fifth consecutive year. (Photo courtesy AStrong Photography)

Costumed soloists and dancers performed with Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society at the Broadway-themed concert. (Photo courtesy Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society)

The Gold Star memorial at Draper Park was unveiled in an emotional and patriotic ceremony May 18. (Courtesy Draper City)

Willow Springs students cheer as they finish running their traditional jogathon. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

No homes in the Willow Creek neighborhood flooded as a result of rapid snow melt in June, but the street in front of Corner Canyon High School was temporarily closed because of flooding. (Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)

Let’s get to The Point! What’s happening there in 2025?

By Mimi Darley Dutton | m.dutton@mycityjournals.com

LastJuly, the Point of the Mountain State Land Authority (Land Authority) announced the departure of Alan Matheson and a national search for a new Executive Director for The Point. Two months later, the Land Authority introduced Mike Ambre as their new leader. Ambre hails from Utah and comes from within the ranks, having served on the Land Authority board as division director for the Utah Division of Facilities Construction and Management (DFCM). Notably, Ambre has overseen construction of the new prison as well as demolition and abatement of the old prison to make way for development of The Point. The October announcement indicated Ambre has developed a track record of delivering public projects ahead of schedule and under budget.

“Mike is exactly the right person at the right time…His leadership has already proven immensely valuable to the success of The Point and we are confident that he will hit the ground running on day one,” read an October statement from Land Authority Co-Chair Jordan Teuscher.

Ambre is no stranger to the area. He grew up in Sandy near Alta High School and he remembers riding his bike to Draper as a kid. He graduated from Judge Memorial High School, started college at Utah State,

worked for the state the last 24 years. He was responsible for building the new prison and demolishing the old one in Draper to make way for development of The Point. (Courtesy The Point)

and transferred to Weber State. He graduated with a degree in Construction Management and he has worked for the state for nearly 25 years. During that time, Ambre has overseen hundreds of construction projects, including the new North Capitol Building which completes the 20-year master plan on Utah’s Capitol Hill.

“I started at the bottom in Facilities Management and worked my way up to the

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largest project the state has undertaken, the new prison,” he said.

Ambre describes development of The Point with excitement. “It’s a rare opportunity. You’ve got this 600-acre parcel that’s the bullseye between Salt Lake City and Utah County. It has the potential of really being a cutting edge, urban, sustainable community with innovation too, a hub that creates good jobs for Utah citizens,” he said.

Despite The Point’s national search for a new Executive Director, Ambre believes he was chosen based on his experience managing design and construction of the new prison. “That’s a city. You have everything from dentistry to Jiffy Lube, and you feed 4,000 people a day,” he said.

he learned about a “Sky Lift” or cable car/ gondola there. “It’s a way to transport people around a city without using a traditional automobile,” he said.

Ambre would like to assuage people’s fears about problematic traffic The Point might create, particularly for Draper residents since The Point falls within city limits. “The entire philosophy behind this design is to limit vehicle use. We’re trying to implement a different mindset with an urban feel and different options than driving a car, things like taking a ‘Circulator,’ Bus Rapid Transit, light rail, biking and walking. We’re trying to change people’s mindset on how to navigate through this community,” he said.

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Ambre also thinks having been in state government for 24 years and the relationships he has built in Utah for more than two decades led to him being chosen as The Point’s new leader. “I’m very plugged into the design and construction community. I’ve lived here and I understand how to navigate the politics and the key stakeholders,” he said.

He is complimentary of his predecessor Matheson for having been a “visionary planner-type person who did all the heavy lifting when it came to imagining what this could be and look like.” Subsequently, Ambre says he himself is “the guy that we need to implement the plan now,” including complicated agreements and negotiations.

Ambre has traveled both the country and the world, and he said those travels influence his vision for what he’d like to see implemented at The Point. “We’ve done tons of studies with mobility and what will be here in 40 or 50 years that we haven’t thought about. I’ve been to Europe where the streets are a lot narrower, they have a more urban feel, they’re tree lined and quaint. That’s part of the environment we’re trying to create here,” he said. He’s also visited New Zealand, and though he didn’t see it personally,

Regarding art at The Point, studies have been done and a 305-foot-tall “Statue of Responsibility” has been mentioned as a possibility. The design of that sculpture is intended to act as a “bookend” on the Pacific Coast to the Statue of Liberty on the Atlantic Coast. Ambre said that statue remains a possibility, but no specific decisions have been made. Thus far, it’s been a matter of identifying locations for public art at the site and deciding how that art will be financed, procured and maintained.

According to Ambre, the timeline for the next 18 months at The Point will start with the movement of dirt in early 2025 to strategic locations using large equipment. That dirt will eventually anchor a bridge to gap the River to Range trail, but dirt must first be piled and allowed to consolidate over months to form a proper anchor for future projects. In the next six months and beyond, equipment will be digging trenches and installing pipe. Roads will begin to be constructed in the next 12 to 18 months.

“It’s been talked about and planned for so long, the most exciting part is to see it implemented. We’re going to start to see utilities, and in the first quarter of 2027 we should have our first occupied building,” Ambre said. l

The Point’s new Executive Director Mike Ambre grew up in Sandy and has

A rendering of the River to Range parks and trails planned for Phase 1 of The Point. New Executive Director Mike Ambre said the coming year will bring the movement of dirt to strategic construction locations and the laying of pipe followed by roads beginning to be built in 2026. (Courtesy The Point)

Looking for an uplifting volunteer experience? Draper Library would love to have you

By Mimi Darley Dutton | m.dutton@mycityjournals.com

Summer Davidson has been a library patron for years, especially as a stayat-home mom who homeschooled her children. Those children are growing up and needing her less, so when she saw a poster advertising a need for people to help with Draper Library’s All Ability Activities for teens and adults with intellectual disabilities, she decided to volunteer.

“I went the first time and it was such a great experience that I wanted to keep going back. The whole environment is positive. The librarians that facilitate it are upbeat and welcoming and the participants are accepting, warmhearted, authentic and sincere. Just being with them feels like I’m helping them become involved with a wider community. It’s doing good!” Davidson said.

The program started six years ago under branch manager Sarah Brinkerhoff. Through the years, library staff fine-tuned the activities and figured out how to accommodate people with mobility devices including wheelchairs and walkers. They also learned to expect and invite groups from care homes and transitional schools in the area. “It has grown enormously,” Brinkerhoff said.

Because of the high demand, the library offers the program three times per month from September to May and twice per month during the summer. Summer months bring more youth volunteers because school is out, but the need for volunteers is especially great September to May. “This is such a fabulous program and a wonderful opportunity to volunteer with

a community that can be so isolated. We’d really like to get more volunteers,” Brinkerhoff said.

November’s programs brought 278 total participants with very few volunteers. Sixty-two participants came one day, 102 another, and 114 came the Friday before Thanksgiving.

Attendance is on a drop-in basis for participants. They come for 30-45 minutes to complete the craft and then leave, making room for more participants to come and go. Volunteers are asked to stay for the duration. Most often it’s a craft with a fun theme such as learning about animals in winter, outer space, or making a gingerbread-type house out of graham crackers. Twice each year they play bingo instead of creating crafts.

“What we want with our volunteers is someone who can sit and talk at a table and help them get started with their crafts. Some individuals have high support needs. Some are non-verbal. You don’t have to be talented with crafts, it’s just things like opening markers, taking the backs off of stickers, tying knots, things that are hard if you have fine motor skill issues, but things you might take for granted being able to do. Having volunteers means caregivers are still there helping but participants aren’t left waiting for their caregiver to get them started on a project or craft,” Brinkerhoff said.

Because caregivers come with participants, a volunteer’s role is simply to talk with participants and help them with the craft. It’s never the role of a volunteer to manage the behavior of participants, but

volunteering does require some patience. “We have one patron that likes to tell jokes and recite the alphabet backwards,” Brinkerhoff said.

“There’s this one young man who repeats the same things over and over, but it’s with a huge smile, so I’ll think of different responses. I can’t not look at him without his smile being contagious to me. He’s so happy and cheerful that I can’t help smile myself,” Davidson said.

Volunteers preferably help with one two-hour session each month and they must first pass a background check, designed for the safety of the participants. “You could try it, see if you like it, and decide if you want to keep coming. It’s really rewarding for our volunteers too because you’re getting someone who is so excited to be shown some attention, something that’s hard to quantify,” Brinkerhoff said. Volunteers under the age of 16 must come with a parent and volunteers under age 14 are considered on a case-by-case basis.

There are flexible volunteer opportunities as well. People can support the program by preparing and assembling activity kits for the crafts on their own time or in their own home. Brinkerhoff told the story of a woman who is fighting cancer, but when she’s feeling up to it, she works on assembling the activity kits at her home and has her neighbor deliver them to the library. The library keeps activity kits on hand for people with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers to take home in case coming to the programs proves to be too difficult, so assembling those activity kits is

another thing volunteers can assist with. Both Brinkerhoff and Davidson say the most important thing about the program is helping a group that can often be isolated feel part of the community instead. “I feel like this activity the library has planned is really filling a need because it’s so well attended,” Davidson said.

Brinkerhoff explained that adults with intellectual disabilities often don’t have control over their own lives. “Building those connections is really hard if you don’t have control. Participants form relationships with volunteers because they’re people you see every month so you’re not so isolated, helping you feel connected to the world outside. That’s a beautiful thing,” Brinkerhoff said.

It’s not just the participants who gain a sense of connection. That happens for volunteers too. “We all need those connections. A lot of us in the world are isolated. Volunteering at the library helps people feel more connected to other people and to their community. We all could use more of that connection,” Brinkerhoff said.

Davidson has done a good deal of volunteering, but she says this is a productive way to spend her time, and this activity has become her favorite way to give back because it simultaneously gives back to her. “I leave and my heart has been warmed. I leave feeling uplifted. My step is lighter when I leave,” she said.

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Brinkerhoff at sbrinkerhoff@slcolibrary.org or fill out an application at the library. l

Participant, caregivers, librarians and volunteers come together three times each month for Draper Library’s All Ability Activities. The program has become so popular that more volunteers are needed. “This would be a perfect volunteer opportunity for lots of people,” said branch manager Sarah Brinkerhoff. (Courtesy Draper Library)

Draper Library manager Sarah Brinkerhoff said it’s important to help teens and adults with intellectual disabilities build community connections so they don’t feel isolated, particularly because they don’t have a lot of control over their own lives. These two friends hadn’t seen each other for a while and they were delighted to reconnect at the library. (Courtesy Draper Library)

Recently retired councilmember Marsha Vawdrey returns

By Mimi Darley Dutton | m.dutton@mycityjournals.com

Afamiliar face has returned to the Draper City Council. Recently retired councilmember Marsha Vawdrey was selected from among 40 individuals to fill the vacancy created by Cal Roberts’ election to the Utah House of Representatives. Roberts ran unopposed and resigned from the council Nov. 12.

State code dictated the procedure to follow and mandated the position had to be filled within 30 days of Roberts’ resignation. According to code, the city advertised the vacancy and received 51 applications. Councilmembers conferred and decided to give each applicant two minutes to state their case as to why each was the best candidate for the job. Applicant attrition occurred (some withdrew or didn’t show up for the interview) and 40 individuals interviewed at the Nov. 19 council meeting. Following the final presentation, the council briefly recessed and returned to vote.

Mayor Troy Walker thanked the applicants for their interest and noted this kind of civic interest is rare. “Another city recently had only two applicants. You’re an impressive bunch of members of our community,” Walker said. Knowing only one could be chosen, Walker encouraged all who applied to look for other city involvement opportunities.

The four councilmembers explained their reasons for choosing Vawdrey. “There’s no

learning curve with Marsha…she understands what we’re trying to do with smart growth and regulatory constraints…I think it will be the right decision for this short period of time and then we’ll let the community decide going forward,” Councilmember Mike Green said.

“We know she had been elected by residents in the past, so I knew Draper residents would approve,” Councilmember Bryn Heather Johnson said. Councilmember Tasha Lowery commended all the applicants for keeping their interviews positive in a time of political discord. “Every one of us are here because we love Draper…by supporting Marsha, we’re bringing back someone who has the knowledge and competency to do this for a short period of time. Then you can put your names in and run. That way, no one has a running start over everyone else,” she said.

Fred Lowry was the only councilmember to vote against selecting Vawdrey. “This is by no means disrespect to Marsha. However, I have a differing opinion on this. When we have 40 applicants…I have a feeling we should consider some others,” he said.

Vawdrey was sworn in immediately after being selected. The position will end Jan. 5, 2026. Vawdrey initially joined the council in 2013 in a similar fashion. Then-councilmember Walker was elected mayor, leaving a va-

cancy for the remaining two years of his term. Vawdrey was chosen from approximately 18 applicants. She started on the council in 2014 and was re-elected twice.

Vawdrey said she’s enjoyed her retirement, including a cruise to the Panama Canal, but she and her husband recently sold their small business, leaving them with more free

JUAN DIEGO CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Senior Service Project: A Journey of Social Justice and Compassion

At Juan Diego Catholic High School (JDCHS), the Senior Service Project is a transformative experience designed to immerse students in the realities of social justice through direct service to marginalized communities. This hands-on initiative aims to deepen students’ understanding of social inequalities by engaging them with people who have experienced being pushed to the fringes of society.

Every January, JDCHS seniors dedicate a week away from classes and exams to engage in community service. Students choose three agencies they are interested in serving, with placements assigned on a rst-come, rst-served basis. This year, JDCHS has partnered with 23 charitable organizations across Salt Lake and Summit counties.

The project’s core purpose is to educate

seniors about the complex issues surrounding social justice, teaching them empathy, compassion, and the importance of advocacy. Students are encouraged to work with organizations that serve vulnerable populations, including the homeless, people with disabilities, the elderly, and those a ected by poverty or discrimination. Through these interactions, students witness rsthand the challenges of being marginalized and gain a deeper appreciation for the dignity of every person.

In addition to fostering personal growth, the Senior Service Project also emphasizes the value of community and responsibility. Students re ect on their experiences, considering how their actions can positively impact and create a more just and inclusive society. By the end of the project,

time. “I feel like I was in a unique position to fill in during a short vacancy. I know the job and the responsibilities and can step in and help to keep things moving along,” she said.

Vawdrey has encouraged women to get involved after being encouraged by others to initially interview for the council. She feels women offer a unique perspective. She will join fellow female councilmembers Tasha Lowery and Bryn Heather Johnson behind the dais, though this is not the first time there have been three women on the council. Vawdrey, Lowery and Michele Weeks all overlapped for a period of time.

In a moment of lightness during the interviews, applicant Angie Quinlan said Vawdrey is akin to Taylor Swift in Draper, well-known for her community service. “I laughed but also felt honored by her words,” Vawdrey said.

The November 2025 municipal election will have two four-year seats on the council, one two-year position to fill the remainder of Roberts’ term, and a mayoral election. Having just returned to the council starting with the Dec. 3 meeting, Vawdrey is not ready to say if she will or will not run in that election.

“When I put my name in for consideration, I intended to return for this one-year opening, but I have not committed to anything beyond that,” she said. l

JDCHS seniors not only developed a stronger sense of social responsibility but also carried forward the lessons of empathy and justice into their future endeavors.

Ultimately, the Senior Service Project embodies the Catholic values of love, service, and solidarity, preparing students to be compassionate leaders working for the common good in a diverse and often divided world.

JDCHS seniors will commence their Senior Service Project on January 27th in conjunction with National Catholic Schools Week.

About Juan Diego Catholic High School

Juan Diego Catholic High School in Draper, Utah, is a college-preparatory private school rooted in the Catholic tradition. Established in 1999, the school is part of the Skaggs Catholic Center, a comprehensive 57-acre campus that also houses Saint John the Baptist Elementary and Middle Schools and the Guardian Angel Child Development Center.

For more information on how to enroll or schedule a tour, visit jdchs.org or call 801-984-7650.

Marsha Vawdrey was selected and immediately sworn in for a one-year term on the city council created by Cal Roberts’ election to the legislature.

(Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)

h ealth & W ellness

By Rebecca Olds

Moving and getting in shape doesn’t have to be a chore.

Finding something that you enjoy doing makes exercising and being active feel more like play rather than work, while still giving you the same or better benefits as visiting a normal gym.

Unique fitness experiences exist around Salt Lake County which offers unique excursions and experiences like a new underwater yoga flow, an educational and adventurous late-night snowshoe tour, and so much more.

Here are six fitness adventures including indoor and outdoor fun for all skill levels:

Yoga with the Sharks at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (Draper)

There’s a certain type of Zen to obtain surrounded by shark-infested waters. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium offers an hourlong instructor-led class in front of a tank teeming with sea creatures on select Monday nights.

Allison Barker, director of development and chair of the Conservation Committee at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium said many participants have said the unique atmosphere creates a peaceful environment with many health benefits including “the gentle rhythm of the water and the mesmerizing movements of the sharks, fish and sea turtles” helping to reduce stress and anxiety.

“Ultimately, Yoga with the Sharks offers a transformative experience combining physical and mental benefits,” she said. “By practicing yoga in such an unusual and beautiful setting, participants gain a deeper appreciation for themselves and the natural world.”

The 2025 dates will be released near the end of December.

Included with the event is admission to check out the rest of the aquarium, but you’ll probably want to go earlier than

the class time from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. because the aquarium closes at 8 p.m. The class is open to 8-year-olds and older.

Registration is online and costs $25. The aquarium recommends bringing your own equipment but has some for new yogis.

Momentum Indoor Climbing (Millcreek, Sandy)

If you’ve never gone rock climbing, no biggie. It’s a new year to try new things and Momentum is a great place to learn. The Sandy location offers a variety of classes including belay instruction, rope climbing and even bouldering for any skill level.

“Our class structure is designed with progression in mind so that there’s always something for you to learn and work toward no matter your current ability,” is the Momentum mission.

If learning to climb isn’t your thing, the gym also offers yoga and group fitness classes.

Sign-up is online.

Intro to aerial class at Aerial Arts of Utah (Salt Lake City)

Think Zendaya in “The Greatest Showman”—that could be you this year. Granted, it’s a beginners class for more than just trapeze, Aerial Arts of Utah is offering quite the deal at $90 for three one-hour classes every Wednesday night.

The class is an introduction to several different types of aerial fitness, including fabric and static trapeze for those aged 13 years or older. Sign-up is online. Onyx Pole and Aerial Fitness Studio, hoop, pole, silks and hammock classes (Sandy)

In one studio, there are at least five different aerial fitness classes to choose from. Onyx offers everything from pole workouts to silks and hoops for differing levels of ability. The hammock beginner

2025 near Salt Lake County

class (1.0) is referred to as the “perfect class to not only begin your journey but to keep coming back to build those forever essential movements.”

Most classes range from beginner (1.0) to pro (4.0).

Paddleboard yoga in a natural hot spring (Midway)

The name of the Midway Crater is becoming more well-known as a unique spot to visit in Midway, but did you know that you could not only swim in it but it’s large enough to do paddleboard yoga in?

Midway Crater offers a paddleboard yoga execution that offers a unique opportunity to find your Zen in one of nature’s beautiful (and oldest) yoga studios. Blue 95-degree Fahrenheit mineral water offers an inviting cushion if you fall in.

Booking can include just the paddleboard experience or be bundled with hiking, snowshoeing and more. Park City Yoga Adventures also offers yoga in a backcountry yurt, mountaintop yoga and winter forest meditation. Book online.

Cottonwood Canyons Foundation offers four types of snowshoe guided tours, with three open to the public. For the first time, the foundation is offering tours free of charge to celebrate their 25th anniversary, including a special treat with their moonlit tours.

“It's a wonderful night when you get to hear the great horned owls calling, and you get to see some good dark skies up there,” said Liz Anderson, Cottonwood Canyons Foundation education director.

Anderson said that tours start up again on Jan. 24 and are offered every Friday and Saturday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. in January and February, and 7 to 9 p.m. in March. All you need to do is bring some snow shoes and preferably a red flashlight, poles optional. Come ready to learn more about the native wildlife.

Registration opens one month before the event date on cottonwoodcanyons.org/events.

Guided full moon snowshoe tour by Cottonwood Canyons Foundation (Alta)

(Courtesy Loveland Living Planet Aquarium)

Creating healthy financial habits in the new year

By Holly Curby | hello@hollycurby.com

As we begin a new year many people set goals of unlocking their financial freedom as they strive to live a purposeful life. Sarah Fernandez, personal financial expert, claims, “The journey to financial freedom begins with acknowledging the importance of having a financial plan.” She emphasizes that a well-structured financial plan not only clarifies your current economic status, but also empowers you to make informed decisions. “Financial success is not just about numbers,” Fernandez said, “it's about mindset and discipline.” She highlights the importance of living within your means while still enjoying life's pleasures and encourages you to take control of your financial future in the new year through the following four ways.

1. A key indicator that money might be dictating your life is often referred to as “the vanishing paycheck phenomenon.” This is where you live paycheck to paycheck which can often produce a feeling of being overwhelmed by expenses. Fernandez suggests in situations such as this to focus on the concept of “having versus experiencing” and how it affects spending habits.

2. Cultivating a mindset for financial success. Fernandez encourages people to

adopt an abundant mindset and likens this to a growth mindset, where the belief that improvement is always possible fuels your financial journey. This mindset shift not only focuses on progress and improvement, but is essential for overcoming financial stress and achieving long-term goals. Fernandez reiterates that this perspective shift allows individuals to live their best life at the moment while working toward a brighter financial future.

3. Understanding how family upbringing can shape financial habits is vital, especially in relationships where partners may have different spending and saving tendencies. By recognizing these differences, couples can work together to align their financial goals, foster a sense of unity and understanding while building a prosperous future. “By having open and honest conversations about spending habits and priorities, couples can create a financial plan that supports their shared dreams and aspirations,” Fernandez said.

4. Credit card usage is a double-edged sword that requires careful management. While the perks of earning miles or cash back are enticing, it's important to use credit responsibly to avoid potential pitfalls. From personal experience Fernandez stresses the necessity of self-awareness in financial decisions. “Setting boundaries and knowing when to steer clear of credit misuse are crucial steps in maintaining financial discipline” Fernandez said. Fernandez dives deeper into practical advice on how to navigate

these challenges effectively in her interview on Holly’s Highlights podcast (season 3 episode 13).

“Financial freedom is attainable for anyone willing to put in the effort and make informed decisions” Fernandez said. “By cultivating a mindset of abundance, setting clear goals, and managing finances responsibly, individuals can transform their financial habits and pave the way for a successful future.”

Tune in to the complete interview with Fernandez on Holly’s Highlights podcast Season 3 Episode 13 for expert tips, personal anecdotes, and actionable strategies that will equip you with the tools needed to master your financial journey. Whether you're single or in a relationship, young or old, Fernandez's insights will inspire you to take charge of your financial destiny and live a life full of purpose. Holly’s Highlights podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts including Apple podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, Tune-in and on www.HollyCurby. com.

Children learn healthy financial habits at a young age. (Photo courtesy of Holly Curby)

Full interview with Sarah Fernandez available on Holly’s Highlights podcast. (Photo courtesy of Sarah Fernandez)

How assisted stretching helps relieve pain and improve mobility

By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com

As we get into the cold months and lose the desire to go outside, we can become stagnant, sitting inside all the time. While some people may have more upbeat jobs, moving around throughout the day, some people are stuck inside, sitting at a desk all day.

We’ve all heard the benefits of regular exercise and the importance of stretching afterward, Dec. 11 was even National Stretching Day. But what about assisted stretching?

It’s not something widely known, but it may have more benefits than regular athome stretching. Stretch Zone is hoping to make it more well-known.

“We want to not be the best kept secret anymore,” said Jennifer Gibbs, general manager at the Draper Stretch Zone.

The company, founded in 2004 by Jorden Gold, started with an experience close to his heart. After watching his grandfather’s growing limitations due to diabetes, he decided to start helping his grandfather through assisted stretches. Within a year, his grandfather went from not being able to walk, to walking with a walker, to a cane, to dancing at his cousin’s wedding all through that stretching.

At this point, Gold knew he had to do something more, to help others that may be going through what his grandfather went through or to prevent them from getting to that point.

“The whole reason that I started Stretch Zone was sparked from watching my grandfather becoming immobile because of his diabetes,” Gold said in a statement. “It motivated me to develop a proprietary stretching method that I hoped would prevent others from having to see themselves and the people in their lives suffer in the same way.”

There are now four locations in Utah, one of them being in Draper, another in Cottonwood Heights. The practitioners at Stretch Zone offer a new approach to improving range of motion and flexibility. While traditional stretching methods can make you more flexible, it may take some time. Assisted stretching can get you there faster because you don’t have to think about the stretches you’re doing, or worry about other muscles aside from the one you’re stretching.

“So instead of walking around at 80% or 90%, super tight and stretched all the time, they can just live in a more manageable, normal, relaxed way and these changes become more lasting,” Gibbs said.

Assisted stretching can benefit everyone, even if you don’t feel like you have problem muscles. For those sitting at an office all the time, they are stuck in the same position, cramping muscles that should be able to stretch and move throughout the

day. Stress can also play a large part in muscle tension.

Assisted stretching can help reduce everyday pain and help people move more fluidly for longer periods of time. Gibbs said she’s seen a number of different types of people walk through the Stretch Zone doors. Office workers that need to get away from cramped muscles, gymgoers and marathon runners preparing for races, older adults, even CEOs that may be more stressed than others.

Gibbs said assisted stretching can also help when there’s been trauma involved, like a car accident or surgery.

“The body is so wise,” she said. “It develops all these mechanisms that get all tangled up. And then you have another thing and another thing, then it’s hard to unwind yourself.”

She said developing that range of motion back, assisting and breaking down scar tissue that develops prevents movement. She’s seen people in recovery and also people anticipating a surgery. She said assisted stretching can help loosen muscles before they’re put through surgery to stop it from yanking something around that shouldn’t move.

“The body is so amazing,” Gibbs said. “How it can heal itself with something so holistic, like a stretch.”

Usually, clients at a Stretch Zone start going multiple times a week, maybe two or three times, then as time goes on and they begin to heal, they’ll only need to come twice a month for routine maintenance.

One of Gibbs’ favorite stories to share is a marathoner that started coming in 12

ed up helping the client cut down on their race time.

“It’s keeping them healthy, too,” Gibbs said.

Many of their clients say they’ll stick with assisted stretching their entire lives. Heather Hemingway-Hales shares this point of view. Hemingway-Hales is still as active as ever, doing regular exercise, yoga, cycling, mountain biking and participating in 50-plus races. She comes in regularly to Stretch Zone.

“Just coming in here and getting this deep stress really helps,” Hemingway-Hales said.

Stretch Zones are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and open for half-days on Saturday.

Gibbs said if you’re curious about assisted stretching, to try it out for a complimentary first visit.

weeks before a race to stretch their muscles, mainly the hamstrings and hip flexors. Doing this routinely for those 12 weeks end-

“I just encourage open invitation to anybody to just give the studio a call,” she said. “So I just invite anybody to come in and try it out, because it is such a new concept.” If you want to learn more about Stretch Zone and what they offer, you can visit stretchzone.com to find the location closest to you.

Stretch Zone patented their table with their “championship belt” to stop clients from falling off the table.

(Bailey Chism/City Journals)

Turn New Year’s fitness goal into lasting habits

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Nearly half of the people worldwide set a New Year’s resolution to improve their health.

A 2024 Forbes survey reveals 23% of U.S. participants fail in the first week and 43% drop out by February.

This trend is something Steve Espinosa, a nationally certified personal trainer at VASA's Draper gym, sees firsthand when the gym sees a spike in attendance during January and February, only to taper by March.

“It's their New Year's resolution to start working out and they have a long-term goal, but usually, it’s not specific enough for them to stick with it,” said Espinosa, who serves as the gym’s lead trainer. “Often people’s resolutions are too general, like, ‘I want to lose weight,’ ‘I want to get into the gym to build muscle or do a pull up.”

One of the first things he asks new clients is “Why do you want to come to the gym?”

Many respond with a desire to lose weight, but Espinosa digs deeper.

“Often, it’s not just about losing weight; it’s about feeling more comfortable in their bodies and gaining confidence — and that’s the why,” he said, adding often the answer is tied to emotional reasons or to prevent

health problems they’ve seen in others.

One of Espinosa’s clients, a 60-yearold woman started training three years ago, fearing she was following the same sedentary path as her mother.

“Her daily life has become easier with improved fitness. She’s stronger, more confident and skiing — and doing activities she never thought she could do, without being worried about being sore or getting hurt,” he said.

Unlike the vague New Year’s resolutions which often lead to early burnout, Espinosa works with clients to set specific, achievable goals. He recommends writing down goals to make them tangible and breaking them into smaller, incremental steps.

“You need to have a specific goal. Ask yourself, ‘What am I trying to achieve every month?’ A goal of going to the gym three times a week is a more realistic and attainable goal,” he said. “Set mini-goals, whether it’s five minutes, or an hour to hit your weekly goal. Then, build toward monthly, sixmonth, and yearly goals.”

Espinosa emphasizes the importance of regularly reassessing goals.

“Check in with yourself: ‘Am I am I doing enough?’ If you’re not seeing results, ‘what am I not doing? Is my gym time efficient?

Am I pushing myself as hard as I should be?’” he said. “Sometimes your goals may change, and you need to evolve with them.”

Espinosa talks from experience. He spent years strength training before running his first half-marathon.

“After I did one, it changed everything. I'm still working out, but my workouts changed with my goal to run more half-marathons,” he said. “Your training and your resolutions are going to evolve. The result is where you want to get to, but the journey is going to get you there.”

After being a high school athlete, Espinosa fell into unhealthy habits, including fast food and lack of exercise. Eventually he redefined his goals, embraced healthy eating, and became certified in endurance training, weight loss, muscle management and training for older adults.

“Pushing yourself beyond your comfort

zone, being comfortable in the uncomfortableness of working out, makes you mentally stronger,” he said. “When I see that, it makes me happy. I want to help people.”

Other advice Espinosa offers:

• Use the gym as an escape: Espinosa said people join the gym because they need a break from the stresses of work and home. “Being in the gym helps you focus on what you're here for — yourself and your goals.”

• Be accountable: While personal trainers can provide motivation and customized workout plans, Espinosa emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility. “You need to be accountable to yourself.”

• Prioritize your fitness: “Make time for it. Don’t say, ‘When I have time, I'll do it,’” Espinosa said. “Schedule an hour twice a week to work out and build from there.”

Steve Espinosa, a nationally certified personal trainer at VASA Draper’s gym, said fitness goals should be manageable so they can be eased into routines and naturally, become habits. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

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Honoring service: Canyons’ superintendent recognizes dedication of outgoing school board members

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Twelve years ago, when middle schoolers were born, pre-pandemic issues in education focused on teacher pay, need for increased technology and student college and career readiness.

Canyons School District’s Board of Education member and former president Nancy Tingey not only witnessed it all, but she worked to find solutions for them all.

Never one to focus on herself, but compliment those around her, Tingey led the board to increase teacher salaries and provide support for student learning and preparedness for their future.

She also navigated Canyons through the pandemic, often working with then new Superintendent Rick Robins.

“Through the pandemic with the different voices, the passion and the issues we faced, one thing I remember most is Nancy would always say to us, ‘Listen, listen to the silent majority; listen to those who are not speaking,’” Robins said. “I always took that to heart, because in these jobs, sometimes we get so many different voices from different angles, and we try to listen to all, but Nancy would always remind us to listen to the silent too. She’d

ask, ‘What are those who are not speaking really saying to us?’ Those people send their kids to us, they trust us and they love their schools and their teachers. They may not voice it in an email or come to a board meeting, but we need to listen to them too. That is something I learned from her in leadership, and it applies to keep balance in the issues we face in the district. She taught me that great lesson.”

Tingey is retiring from the school board at the end of this term, but she still plans to volunteer at Quail Hollow Elementary.

“Nancy’s impact and legacy is a true example of what a servant leader is,” Robins continued. “I've been fortunate to work with her as superintendent. To see her calm, steady hand guide the District all those years has been really impressive, and we're going to miss her leadership and her dedication to Canyon School District. If there's a person that really symbolizes the birth of this district and what it has meant to this entire community, it’s her.”

Fellow board member, Kris Millerberg, also will leave the board and has plans to help in schools. She stepped up

to fill the position after the February 2024 death of her husband, Mont Millerberg, who served the board since its infancy.

“Kris came in at a time when Mont passed away, when there was a lot of anxiety about his position as he was an icon in Canyons School District,” Robins said. “She stepped into her husband's shoes being a stalwart and it turned out, we needed her style of leadership. She stabilized the situation, bringing a calm leadership. I appreciate how she’s always positive and she’s often in our schools and at schools’ activities. Her commitment and dedication to the District is notable, and knowing Kris, she will continue to support Canyons Education Foundation. That’s something she and her family have really taken to heart. I see the Millerberg family continuing to be part of our District going forward.”

He said he appreciates their hours of service, their positive and calm leadership and willingness to serve.

“They’re both great servant leaders who support our students and our teachers,” he said. “We’re most grateful.” l

At a Dec. 3 reception, current and former colleagues came to thank Canyons School District’s Board of Education member and former president Nancy Tingey for her 12 years of service. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Salt

Newly elected Lewis aims to amplify youth voice on school board

Lake Community College political science student

Jackson Lewis is easily Canyons School District’s youngest board of education member in the District’s 15 year history. He may be the state’s youngest elected official ever.

At 19, he was elected to office. Two months later, in January, at age 20, he will be sworn in.

The last time Lewis was elected to office was as a second grader at Canyon Rim Academy in Millcreek, when his class was learning about government.

He has been in meeting after meeting since being elected. Recently, in a meeting with other school board members, state legislators and city officials, he learned about gang behavior in schools from local law enforcement officers.

“There's an issue with our schools now, specifically with THC (vaping) cartridges, and it’s what gangs are doing to recruit in schools along the Wasatch Front,” he said.

As a 2023 graduate, he isn’t far removed from walking into the high school bathroom, smelling weed.

“I’m grateful to be able to sit in on this meeting because I'm elected to serve a constituency, and I was sitting there brainstorming the entire time, ‘how are we going to work to make it better?’” he said. “I live right next to Union Park, so I see kids hanging out at the pavilion often with drugs; they should be in school.”

He realizes he’s more under a microscope as the youngster on the school board unlike Katie Dahle, who also was elected for the first time this term or re-elected member Holly Neibaur. He plans to use his fresh, firsthand experience as a recent student to address issues important to current students and educators.

“During my campaign, I talked about chronic absenteeism because I had firsthand issues with it so I'm bringing that perspective to the board, where we can address these issues,” he said.

It was during high school when he attended Skyline High that he had some family issues which impacted him.

“I struggled a lot with my mental health,” he said, adding it continued when he transferred to Hillcrest his senior year and where his sister now is a senior. “There was a period of my high school time, particularly senior year, where I was absent for a good chunk of it.”

Lewis said by “endlessly” talking to his Hillcrest counselor, Kimberly Walters, they found a way to get him motivated to return to school.

“I started the school day at 9 (a.m.) so I got the sleep I needed. Instead of starting the day in a lecture-based classroom or sitting there doing a worksheet, I started in weight training. As a teenage male, I love going to the gym, and that brought me into the school building; it got me to graduate,” he said.

Now, Lewis wants the school board to focus on the issue.

“We need to meet students where they are, find what makes students excited to go to school, and focus on getting kids to school. A lot of students have a big issue with getting out of bed and going to school every day. It's a post-COVID world. It's not just here; it’s a nationwide issue. We need to find a way to make sure students want to be in school and it will pull a lot of kids out of chronic absenteeism,” he said.

It won’t happen with one big “swoosh,” said former Alta High history and government teacher Rique Ochoa, who has analyzed campaigns and elections with his students.

“It’s a good thing he's being more specific, but does he have a plan to solve chronic absenteeism?” Ochoa said.

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

“He's going to have to institute small solutions initially to get people on board. Once he gets that and it’s moderately successful, he needs to look at ‘How will we expand this?’

He can’t expect change to be immediate; it’s going to be small, incremental steps, and then get a broader picture later. At 19, you come in with a lot of inexperience and a lot of great ideas, but practicality also has to come into play.”

As a teenager who prefers riding a scooter to driving, Lewis advocates for the best routes for students and pedestrians, wanting to move the Safe Walking Routes away from busy arterial roads into neighborhood streets with lower speed limits. He wants students to be able to ride UTA transit for free and supports UDOT’s proposed bike freeway.

“I want to create a partnership between the District, Salt Lake County, local city governments and the state department of transportation so when new infrastructure projects go up in this area…we design new pedestrian pathways…in a way students also can use them. I want this to be a conversation over my upcoming term,” he said.

Lewis became curious about the school board during a college and career readiness day in Karla Moosman’s English language arts class. He remembers learning about education bills passed in the legislature and realizing how complicated it was for the school board to put some in place because “they don’t get the resources they need from the state.”

At that point, he looked up who his board member was and the 18 years old age requirement, which then he hadn’t reached. Later in the year, he worked for the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel when the local dem-

ocratic party offered their support for him to run.

“I was running for my community. I popped into the race expecting to lose to (then incumbent) Mont (Millerberg). He was an extremely important and major community figure,” Lewis said.

Lewis will serve in District 1, where Millerberg, a longtime member and board vice president, served until his unexpected death in February 2024. Lewis beat out Millerberg’s wife, Kris, who served in the seat following her husband, and ran as a write-in candidate. He also beat candidate Rainer Lilbook.

Lewis thinks he resonated with voters partially because of his age.

“A lot of the conversations I had were about my age. The perspective I bring to the board is of a former Hillcrest High School student and a lifelong resident of Midvale. I offered a perspective that has direct impact over thousands of very young people. Quite a few times I was told by voters, ‘a 19 year old on a school board makes perfect sense.’ People are just ready for new, young perspective,” he said.

Ochoa believes Lewis won for three reasons.

“First of all, many people don’t know school board elections. It’s like when you get your ballot and see all the judges to retain or not. Some people don’t know anything about them and start alternating yes and no because they don’t know,” he said. “The same thing may be true with school board members’ elections. Many people don’t know the candidates. For those who do, I think he may have resonated because he gave specifics on his campaign. He's going to make a ripple right from the start, because he's talking about specific problems. Others, who just talk generically, can take pretty much any action they want and say it supports teachers, or it supports education. Their campaigns deal with generalities, because who's going to say they're against supporting education, against the teachers, nobody is.”

Having Kris Millerberg as a write-in candidate also likely impacted the vote, and split the vote, he said.

In District 3, Dahle was elected to take the seat of longtime member and former board president Nancy Tingey, who is retiring. In District 7, Neibaur retained her seat on the board.

Canyons District Supt. Rick Robins said he welcomes the new board members and anticipates continued focus on students.

“I'm really excited for Jackson and for Kate, and I'm just so grateful to both of them for deciding to run for elected office,” he said. “The board has dynamics like a family as different people join. But our board has been great at assimilating and finding common ground and being able to stay focused on what's most important, students.”

That’s where Lewis is focused.

“My plan right now is to serve this full term; if Jackson Lewis, a year ago, got to look at the world now, he would not have expected anything that had happened this last year to happen,” he said. “I've always had a strong sense of what is right and wrong. I've always been into politics, I love policy. I want to leave the world a better place than when I was born, that's why I know politics is my calling; a great vessel for change is through politics. As a school board member, I have goals; I have plans. Obviously, compromise is not the enemy of progress, and I am not going to step on the District’s feet or my own feet for some purity test. That's not the politics. That's not the kind of person I am, but I do want to make a difference.” l

At age 20, Hillcrest High 2023 graduate Jackson Lewis will take the oath of office Jan. 7 and will become the youngest to ever serve on Canyons School’s Board of Education. (Photo courtesy of Jackson Lewis)

Winter is the perfect season to create lasting family memories. Whether you bundle the kids up for an ice skating party, sled down powdery hills or enjoy a cup of warm cocoa, this season reminds us to embrace togetherness and make the most of these cold months. Here are some thrilling winter activities your family and friends will love.

Snowshoeing in Millcreek Canyon

Visit your favorite trails in the winter for a snowshoeing adventure. Millcreek Canyon has lots of fun trails that take you past waterfalls and rivers as you snowshoe through the area. The Church Fork Trail in Millcreek is highly recommended for winter adventures. Snowshoes can be purchased or rented for the entire family and dogs can join you on these trails. The Church Fork trailhead is located about 3 miles up the canyon at the north end of the picnic area. Dress appropriately and bring water and snacks. There is a $5 fee to enter canyon.

Herriman Ice Ribbon, 13082 S. Fort Herriman Pkwy.

Celebrate winter with a trip to the Herriman Ice Ribbon for outside skating at J. Lynn Crane Plaza. Take a lap, or two, around the ice ribbon, then warm your hands by the fire pits. Opened in 2017, the skating location has

5 winter activities for the family

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

grown in popularity and reservations are required. Skaters of all levels are encouraged to participate and there are walkers to help beginning ice skaters. The cost for an adult (14+) with skate rental is $10, children (3-14) cost $8 with skate rental and children 2 and under are free. Visit Herriman.gov/ice-ribbon for daily schedules and to reserve skating time for your group.

Sledding at Sugar House Park, 1330 E. 2100 South

Sugar House Park is the perfect location for a family sledding experience. The park spans more than 100 acres and popular hills provide a variety of steepness offering the perfect mix of thrill and safety for sledders of all ages. With the Wasatch Mountains towering in the background, the park becomes a winter wonderland. Convenient parking makes it easy to enjoy the fun. Finish the day with a cup of hot chocolate from local vendors in the area.

Fat tire biking in the canyons

Don’t let the snowy roads put your cycling on ice. Jump on your fat tire bike (rentals are available) and head to the hills. Millcreek Canyon (fee), Corner Canyon and Butterfield Canyon offer numerous cycling trails for cyclists of any level, with the bigger, less-inflated

tires providing better grip to keep you riding safely in the snow. The best time to ride is after the trails are tramped down, so powder days are not a good option. Be sure to dress in layers, carry water and snacks and watch the weather forecast!

Visit the Homestead Crater

If you’re done with snowy, cold activi-

ties, take a trip to Midway and warm up in the Homestead Crater at the Homestead Resort. This geothermal spring is hidden within a beehive-shaped rock and stays at around 95 degrees all year. While in the crater, you can soak in the therapeutic waters, swim, scuba dive or take a paddleboard yoga class. Reservations are required so visit HomesteadResort.com to schedule your adventure. l

In January, Utah becomes a winter playground with activities the whole family can enjoy. (Stock photo)

How Salt Lake County’s ZAP initiative shapes everyday life in Draper

By Katherine Weinstein | k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com

Last Nov. 5, voters in Salt Lake County once again expressed their support of the Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) program at the ballot box. Since it was first voted on and passed by county residents in 1996, the ZAP initiative has shaped the cultural life of the county. In Draper, ZAP dollars help to support the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium as well as the construction of county parks and the Draper Recreation Center. Many of Draper’s cultural nonprofit organizations stay afloat thanks in part to ZAP.

Sherri Jensen, founder and director of Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society, remarked, “I encouraged everyone I knew to vote to renew ZAP. It touches everyone’s life and people don’t often realize it. When that grant comes through, we are so grateful.”

The Zoo, Arts & Parks program’s mission is, “To educate, support and engage partner organizations to enhance the quality of life for Salt Lake County communities and visitors through artistic, cultural, botanical and recreational experiences.”

It is taxpayer funded in that for each purchase in Salt Lake County that includes sales tax, one penny of every $10 goes to support it. To quote from the county website, “All those pennies add up!”

ZAP funds are distributed through a tiered system. Zoological funds are divided between Hogle Zoo, Loveland Living Planet Aquarium and Tracy Aviary. Tier I funding supports 22 major cultural organizations in the county that enhance economic development for the entire state. Tier II funds are made available to smaller cultural organizations throughout Salt Lake County that do not qualify for Tier I. These groups must go through the process of applying for ZAP grants.

Last July, the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah published an in-depth study of the impact of the Zoo, Arts & Parks program. According to the study, Salt Lake County collected $36.7 million in ZAP tax revenue in fiscal year 2023. In total, those funds supported organizations throughout the county that employ nearly 15,000 people and receive over 11 million visitors annually.

According to the report, 16% of ZAP funds in 2023 went to zoological institutions. Hogle Zoo received the lion’s share followed by the Aquarium and Tracy Aviary. While the Aquarium takes in revenue from ticket and membership sales and receives grants from foundations as well as individual and corporate donations, it also uses ZAP funds to help cover the costs of basic operations and educational programming. To show appreciation for the public support of ZAP, the Aquarium offers a

ZAP Guest Appreciation Day annually in which the cost of admission is just $2.

Thirty percent of the annual ZAP tax revenues support Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation. In Draper, the only two parks managed by the county are the Flight Park at Point of the Mountain and Wheadon Farm Park. Most of Draper’s parks and trails are funded and maintained by the city itself. Salt Lake County Communication Manager, Joshua Reusser, commented, “Draper City has a robust park system.”

The Flight Park was established and opened to the public in 2006 thanks in large part to the ZAP program. Located at Point of the Mountain, it has two launch areas for hang gliders and paragliders. It is known as one of the best places in the world for hang gliding. “It’s a very unique place as far as wind conditions are concerned,” Reusser said. “People will take the updraft and fly throughout the Wasatch range.”

Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation utilized ZAP funds to construct the Draper Recreation Center located at 657 East Vestry Road which opened in 2020. “It’s unique because it has an indoor field house," Reusser commented. "It also has both an indoor and an outdoor pool."

Sports such as soccer, football, lacrosse and baseball may be played on the indoor field all year round. As in all Salt Lake County rec centers, everyone is welcome to enjoy the amenities for a small fee.

Municipal arts and humanities councils throughout Salt Lake County also receive ZAP support. Mike Weaver, the outgoing treasurer of Draper Arts Council, explained that while the arts council is funded largely by Draper City and by ticket revenues, ZAP dollars are essential. "ZAP has rules about what you can use the funds for," he said, noting that they cannot be used for capital expenditures. "You explain what you need the money for when you apply. We've earmarked it for our sound equipment, like microphones, which get a lot of wear and tear. We need to update and upgrade the technology."

Draper Arts Council is dedicated to providing creative opportunities and entertainment to the Draper community. They typically stage three productions at Draper Amphitheater during the warm weather months. "We usually do a big show in June, then a youth show in late July," Weaver said. "Later in August or September we do a big band show with the Riverton Jazz Band. We have a dedicated following of people who love that show."

Each summer, Draper Arts Council also offers a Children's Theater Workshop camp along with an audition workshop for

aspiring actors in February. These programs are also made possible in part by the ZAP initiative.

Draper Historic Theatre applies for and receives ZAP grants as well. Bret Haymond, chairman of the board, explained that those dollars are making a difference as the theater has undertaken changes to its programming and physical space in recent years.

"We want to revive the theater back to its glory days," he said. "We've brought in better directors and better talent." Draper Historic Theatre has also invested in upgrading the theater itself by renovating their lobby restrooms, installing new lighting and moving the booth where lighting and sound are controlled downstairs.

Draper Arts Council, which receives ZAP grants, produces a Big Band concert every other year featuring the Riverton Jazz Band. (Photo courtesy Valaura Arnold/ Draper Arts Council)

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is one of the zoological institutions in Salt Lake County that receives annual funding from the Zoo, Arts & Parks Program. (Photo courtesy Loveland Living Planet Aquarium)

The theater’s upcoming 2025 season is bigger than ever and includes more productions for children and youth. The demand for children’s theater in Draper has been growing. “We want to respond to the community and carve out an opportunity for younger kids to get involved,” Haymond said.

As Draper Historic Theatre’s productions have attracted larger audiences, they have added more performances which increases the cost of royalties. “The cost goes up as you add more shows,” Haymond said. “Royalties are about 30% of our budget. ZAP funds help us to cover those costs.”

Grants from the ZAP program have a huge impact on smaller arts organizations like Draper Historic Theatre and Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society. As Draper does not have an indoor community perfor-

mance space, Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society rents the auditorium at Corner Canyon High School for its concerts.

“ZAP grants help with the rental fees and production costs,” Sherri Jensen said. “We use it for all the things it takes to build a show. We probably get around 6% or 7% of our show’s budget from ZAP.”

Thanks in no small part to the Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts & Parks program, the Draper community continues to enjoy access to a worldclass aquarium, unique opportunities to engage in sports and quality musical and theatrical performances.

To learn more about the ZAP program and its far-reaching effects on Salt Lake County and the state of Utah, visit www.saltlakecounty.gov/ zap/. l

Utah launches round-up program to fund homeless services

By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com

During the final days of the 2024 Utah Legislature, a new provision into the omnibus alcohol bill for the year came together last minute.

The bill, HB548, established a new program at state liquor stores to ask customers whether they’d like to round up their purchases to donate to a state fund that supports homeless service programs across Utah.

Starting Nov. 19, 2024, the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services officially launched that program in liquor and wine stores across the state.

Now, at checkout, liquor store cashiers will ask customers if they would like to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar. If they agree, their donation will go directly to the Pamela Atkinson Homeless Account, a fund named after a prominent homeless advocate. The state uses the fund to direct donations to a wide variety of homeless programs, according to state officials, including:

• Emergency services like temporary shelters, meal services, day centers and outreach programs.

• Supportive services, including case management to help people move into stable housing.

• Housing services, including rapid rehousing programs, transitional housing, rental assistance, case management and security.

• Domestic violence service providers.

“This program offers Utahns a simple way to make a meaningful impact,” said Senate Budget Chair Jerry Stevenson, R-Layton, in a statement. “By rounding up, we can provide essential resources to those who need them most and make significant strides toward addressing homelessness in

our state.”

Though the round-up program will be asking Utah customers to donate small amounts – less than a dollar – each transaction can add up. Last year, Utah saw more than $579 million in alcohol sales, according to the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services’ 2023 annual report.

State officials estimate it will bring in roughly $2.5 million a year to the Pamela Atkinson fund.

To spread the word about the new program, officials from the Utah Office of Homeless Services and the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services held a media

event at one of the state’s liquor and wine stores in Salt Lake City.

State officials said they were eager to launch the program after the Pamela Atkinson fund’s annual donations has been “pretty stagnant” in recent years.

Utah’s growing homeless system is also seeing more projects come to fruition, including a new 50-bed microshelter community on state-owned land under freeway overpasses in Salt Lake City. State officials are also looking at possibly doing more for youth and family homelessness, as well as generally expanding the state homeless system’s capacity.

Through the round-up program, Utahns can contribute to services that have faced increased pressures as Utah’s homelessness population has grown amid diminished housing affordability, increasing cost of living, and other issues including increased needs for mental health and substance abuse treatment.

In recent years, Utah’s emergency homeless shelters have been operating at essentially mass capacity, people suffering from mental illness have been living in shelters and jails, and “the deficit for deeply affordable housing is at 77,000 units,” according to a January report issued by the Utah Office of Homeless Services.

Meanwhile, state leaders have also dramatically increased the amount of state and federal funds funneled toward homeless services over the past three years as state leaders have taken on a more active role, agreeing that homelessness is a statewide problem, and not just a Salt Lake City problem.

In 2022, Utah appropriated about $35 million in state and federal funds on homeless services, according to the state’s budget website. That amount grew to $70 million in 2023, then to over $167.7 million in 2024 – including $30 million in one-time COVID-19 relief funding, plus about $37.3 million in other federal funds. For fiscal year 2025, state leaders appropriated about $153.7 million in state and federal funds. Ongoing revenue resources are harder to come by than one-time money during the legislature’s budgeting process, so even though it’s a comparatively small amount to the state’s larger homeless services budget, the round-up program will still help. l

Members of Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society, which receives ZAP grants, performed in Prague in 2023. (Photo courtesy Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society)

Utah officials have launched a new program allowing customers to round up their purchases at state liquor stores to support homeless services. (Photo by Mihály Köles on Unsplash)

South Jordan business named one of 100 Companies Championing Women

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

NeuroHealth in South Jordan (10437 S. Temple Drive) was recently named as one of 100 Companies Championing Women in Utah. The clinic provides transcranial magnetic stimulation to help those battling depression, OCD or recurring migraines.

Created by the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, the Cox-Henderson Administration and the Utah Women & Leadership Project in 2022, the 100 Companies Championing Women initiative encourages businesses to provide family-friendly policies and promote women in the organization.

NeuroHealth was named to the 2025 100 Companies Championing Women cohort, recognized for building a family-centered company culture.

“As an employer, we have focused on creating a work environment that is attractive to the modern woman in Utah,” NeuroHealth Manager Jason Corbridge said. “Each employee is empowered to make decisions to positively impact the experience of our patients.”

Pay equality, flexible parental leave and scheduling, and a family-first mentality helped NeuroHealth attain the status of 100 Companies Championing Women. NeuroHealth CEO Bryan Scott said creating a workplace where women feel comfortable was imperative when starting the business.

“Not only is it the right thing to do, but those working in the mental health space must be compassionate and empathetic,” Scott said. “I believe that these skills are more innate in women than in men. By not putting these policies in effect, we would have made it harder for us to find the right caregivers. Our goal is to help people suffering from depression and anxiety, we take that into account in every policy we create.”

Corbridge said the majority of NeuroHealth’s patients are women suffering from postpartum depression, major depressive disorders, anxiety or OCD tendencies. He believes it’s critical

to hire women who can connect with and support other women who are taking steps to improve themselves and their mental health.

Moving forward, NeuroHealth will continue to staff the clinic with women who are in the best situation to help those struggling with mental health issues.

“There are so many voices out there that tear people down,” Corbridge said. “Expectations and pressures that make life seem unbearable. These fantastic women in our clinic help fight that, and when people leave, they leave feeling better. They ensure every experience here is a positive one.”

According to WalletHub’s 2024 Best States for Women results, Utah ranks 36th in women’s economic and social well-being and ranks 35th overall. The state’s Inspire in Utah initiative is designed to support women in business at every level and to offer resources to help them succeed.

Other companies in the 100 Companies Championing Women 2025 cohort include Mortenson, Mountainland Technical College, Squeeze, MAG and What Utah Makes. For more information, visit InUtah.org.

Scott is the publisher of The City Journals, a company that was named in the 2024 cohort of 100 Companies Championing Women. The City Journals implements recruitment strategies to encourage women to apply for positions with the company while creating flexible work schedules and remote work options.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the team we put together at NeuroHealth,” Corbridge said. “These women care and go above and beyond to help everyone who walks in our door. They make sure every patient feels safe, secure and accepted.”

To learn more about NeuroHealth’s treatment options, visit NeuroHealthUtah.com. l

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valid with other offers. Expires 1/31/2025. 519 East 12300 South • Draper 801-998-8155 sweetlakefresh.com

NeuroHealth was recognized as a 100 Companies Championing Women business. Women make up 75% of the company’s employees. From left, Elizabeth Sweat, Sophia Pitts and Jazlynn Powell work at the office in South Jordan. (Photo courtesy NeuroHealth)

Remember in the Looney Tunes cartoons when Wile E. Coyote runs off the edge of a cliff and hangs suspended in midair before he realizes there’s no ground beneath his feet? That’s how I feel going into 2025.

The holidays offered a jolly buffer between the U.S. presidential election and the official transfer of power this month, but now I’m looking down at the canyon floor, holding up a sign that reads “Help!” and preparing myself for the plunge where I hit rock bottom. Then, as I’m lying in a coyote-shaped hole, an anvil will land on my head.

Historically, January in Utah is not for the faint-hearted with its frigid temperatures, smoggy inversions and lack of holidays that involve celebrating with pie. Nothing screams January like buying a pound of peppermint chocolate bark on clearance and scarfing it down while binge-watching “Bridgerton” in sweatpants.

But for those of us still reeling from the election, every batty presidential cabinet pick, each mention of mass deportations and every promise to roll back environmental regulations is another anvil to the head.

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

“BEEP BEEP!”

I’m not a person who gets amped about “A new year!” and “A better me!” but my goal this month is to change my mindset. I need to put down the leftover Christmas candy, change out of my sweatpants and do what I can to bring about positive change.

Maybe I’ll make a vision board or start repeating daily affirmations. Perhaps I’ll exercise more, although the gym will be as crowded as Times Square for the next six weeks. I will definitely not observe Dry January.

I could learn how to use the tech I got for Christmas or take up a new language. Like Russian. I could try to enjoy winter activities and make an effort not to groan when someone suggests a winter hike or a sledding trip at the local park.

One way to change my mindset is to volunteer with organizations that support causes dear to my heart. Getting out of my

head and into the idea we can all make a difference could make this dreary month (or year) bearable.

I should also take a social media break because the algorithm on my feeds stokes the flames of my angst and frustration. Haha! Just kidding. I’m not giving up TikTok until the government rips the phone from my grasping fingers. That platform brings me instances of joy with its mischievous pets, hilarious cooking vids and comic relief.

Maybe taking up a new hobby could put me in an optimistic state of mind, but not crocheting because that’s ridiculously hard. Perhaps I could start ballroom dancing or interpretive cake decorating. It’s conceivable I have a hidden talent for base jumping or parkour. I guess we’ll never know.

Some readers have suggested I take a writing class. I guess I could look into that.

Chasing that elusive Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote faced catastrophes every day. His ACME explosives blew up in his face, he was smashed by boulders over and over, he fell off cliffs and spent thousands of dollars for Road Runner traps that inevitably went wrong. His rocket-powered unicycle experiment didn’t end well.

But every day, he showed up to try again, creating ingenious ways to catch the Road Runner. He never stopped believing one day he would succeed, that one day he wouldn’t be crushed. That’s where I am. I’m peeling myself off the boulder and starting over, never giving up hope that one person can change this world for the better.

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