Draper Journal | May 2024

THE JOURNALS INTRODUCES NEW PROCESS TO ENSURE LOCAL NEWS DELIVERY

The Journals have published newspapers every month for the past 33 years. During that time we have mailed a copy of the Journal to nearly everyone in the city. We know from audits that over 70% of the households in the city read the Journal, but that means that 30% do not. That is a considerable amount of wasted paper. We also know that some people in the community are not receiving the Journal, although they want it.

Until now there was no way to address these issues. But now, using this QR code, you can select if you want to receive the Journal.

Because staying informed about local happenings is more important than ever, The Journals is proud to announce an innovative process designed to guarantee that community members receive their local news each month.

Recognizing the vital role of local journalism in fostering community engagement and connection, the Journals has developed an approach to ensure timely and reliable news delivery to every doorstep within our coverage areas.

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gy and a dedicated team of delivery professionals, we can create enhanced route planning, tracking systems and distribution methods. The Journal aims to overcome challenges that have hindered timely news delivery in the past.

"It is important to keep readers informed about what's happening in their neighborhoods, schools, businesses and local government," said Bryan Scott, publisher at The City Journals. "With this new process, we're not only reaffirming our commitment to high-quality local journalism but also ensuring every member of our community has reliable access.”

We have deep gratitude for the United States Postal Service, whose dedication enables the delivery of more than 200,000 monthly Journals to our readers. This partnership is instrumental in ensuring our local news reaches every household efficiently and consistently. With our new system, readers will still receive their Journal in the mail each month but with more accuracy and control based on our new process.

This underscores the Journals' unwavering dedication to providing trusted local news and information for our read-

ers. Whether reporting on community events, highlighting local businesses, or investigating important issues affecting our neighborhoods, The Journals remains steadfast in its mission to celebrate and build the community.

The Journals encourages readers to provide feedback on their news delivery experience, allowing for improvement and refinement of the process. With this groundbreaking approach, the Journals reaffirms its position as the leading provider

of local news, delivering stories that matter to our valued readers.

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Besides having catchy songs and big dance numbers, “Legally Blonde: The Musical” offers audiences something to think about as well. “It’s not a pink, fluffy piece,” director Mindy Eckroth explained. “There is so much more to it. People will really get something out of the story.” The musical, based on the same novel that inspired the 2001 hit movie, will be presented at Draper Historic Theatre May 10 through 25.

The plot starts out as a standard romantic comedy. Sorority girl Elle Woods’ seemingly perfect life is turned upside down when her aspiring lawyer boyfriend breaks up with her. Determined to win him back, Elle charms her way into Harvard Law School where trouble awaits in the form of peers and professors who stereotype and misjudge her. With the support of new friends, however, Elle is able to prove herself and realize her potential.

Ellie England, one of the actors who plays Elle in the production, spoke of the challenges her character faces. “Elle is very bubbly, she likes pink and she’s from Malibu,” England said. “People think she’s stupid. They underestimate her.”

Both England and Makayla Conner-Marriott, who portrays Elle in alternate performances of the show, drew parallels between the character and their own lives.

“Throughout my life, people have compared me to Elle Woods,” England said. “Playing this role has actually really helped me with my confidence and self-esteem.”

“I enjoy playing Elle,” Conner-Marriott said. “In theater, there are a lot of stereotypes that follow theatrical roles. This is an intense story of redemption and self-growth. This role is layered, there is a lot of depth to Elle.”

Eckroth, who grew up watching the movie version of “Legally Blonde” on VHS, said

the

in Draper Historic Theatre’s ‘Legally Blonde: The Musical’

By Katherine Weinstein | k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com

that another theme of the show is about the journey of friendship and sisterhood between the characters. “Amazing things can happen when we stop tearing each other down and start building each other up,” she said.

The obvious difference between “Legally Blonde” the movie and the musical is that the latter tells the story through song and dance numbers. Bradley Barker, one of the actors who plays Elle’s fellow law student, Emmett, said, “The music really helps to drive the story, it makes it more fun. The musical does a better job of telling Elle’s story.”

Nathan Metcalf, who plays Elle’s sleazy law professor, Callahan, added that the musical numbers serve to tell the stories of all of the characters in the show. “There’s a fantastic

character arc with Paulette,” he said, referring to Elle’s hairdresser friend who is also seeking romance. “Her story is shown more through the music.”

“Each character goes on their own journey,” Eckroth said.

Travis Wright, who has also taken on the role of Emmett, explained, “One of the things that this show does well is that there are so many good parts. Each character has their own chance to shine. There are no bad parts in this show which makes it very fun.”

“It’s fantastic to play the bad guy,” Metcalf said. “It’s all about entertaining the audience.”

Even the canine actors seem to be enjoying themselves on stage. The two chihuahuas who play Elle’s dog, Bruiser, and Paulette’s

pup, Rufus, live in the same household and have appeared in the musical before.

The Draper Historic Theatre website states that the production is rated PG-13 for sexual content and mild language. Metcalf explained that the darker elements in the movie, such as Callahan’s harassment of Elle, is presented as “more comical, more of a caricature” in the musical.

Annabelle McKinnon, who plays Elle’s rival, Vivienne, said, “If you’re a fan of musical theater, you’ll love it, it’s just fun. You’ll leave with a smile.”

Draper Historic Theatre presents “Legally Blonde: The Musical” May 10 through 25. Performances are on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday evenings at 7 p.m. with Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. The theater is located at 12366 S. 900 East in Draper. For tickets, visit draperhistorictheatre.org. l

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Elle Woods stands out from her peers at Harvard Law School in the Draper Historic Theatre production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical.” (Photo by Ashley Loewer, courtesy of Draper Historic Theatre)

Makayla Conner-Marriott is one of the actors playing the role of Elle Woods in the Draper Historic Theatre production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical.” (Photo by Ashley Loewer, courtesy of Draper Historic Theatre)

Honoring patriotism: Alta High students receive national award for Veterans Day assembly

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

In 1994, Alta High senior Tyler Perry told his principal, Linda Sandstrom, he wanted to organize a Veterans Day assembly.

“She was leery of me being able to pull off an assembly,” he remembered.

With the help of former teacher and student body adviser Don Ward and the student government, Perry and Alta students held the assembly honoring Alta teachers who were veterans. Former twotime most valuable baseball player in the major leagues Dale Murphy shared his experience about playing ball in another country and “tied that back to the blessings we have as a result of freedoms we enjoy,” Perry said.

At that assembly, he sang, “God Bless the USA.”

Fast forward to November 2023. Perry returned to his alma mater where 200 flags stood waving around the campus. He performed the same song at the same assembly, which now involves more than 200 students participating, and students invite about 175 veterans to be honored.

“I was dumbfounded to learn it had become a main assembly that students are still doing until they invited me to come and participate,” he said. “That first assembly was impactful because afterward, students I didn’t know would stop me in the hall and thank me for putting it on. That was that really touched me and now to know that it still is impactful after all these years, it says so much.”

Perry said by organizing the assembly, he was fulfilling a commitment. He had received a scholarship from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge to attend a program the summer before his senior year. While there, he saw historical sites and attended a series of lectures about the founding principles of the country with others from across the country.

In exchange, he and other scholarship recipients promised to hold a freedom-based program or assembly at their schools.

That commitment has become a traditional Alta assembly, and one that was recently recognized by the Freedoms Foundation. The school received the George Washington Honor Medal, a national recognition.

In its 75th year, Freedoms Foundations, which promotes civic education, has recognized more 57,000 citizens, schools, organizations and community leaders through its national awards. The criterion for honoring schools includes students’ community involvement with an emphasis on patriotism, individual character and responsible citizenship.

Current student body president Garrett Jessop received the honor on behalf of the school, supported by his current student body adviser, Shaley Louder, as well as Ward and principal Ken Rowley. Student body audiovisual officer Jessica Cai also was in attendance.

Jessop was escorted to the front of a banquet hall where he listened to the citation being read. Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson and the Utah Chapter of the Freedoms Foundation presented him the award, which now is displayed in the school’s main foyer.

“It was awesome,” he said. “At the assembly last fall, I told Tyler Perry how much we appreciated everything he’s done. It’s because of him starting the assembly and those who supported him, and others who carried it forward all these years, that we received this prestigious award.”

Even more so, Jessop appreciated the award gives honor to veterans.

“I was glad that it gives veterans recognition because they are heroes in our community. Some people don’t realize all the veterans we have around here and by this award and our assembly, we’re able to give them the honor and the recognition they deserve with their sacrifice and service,” he said.

Jessop said many area schools now follow Alta High in honoring veterans and thanking them for their service.

“Many veterans are humble; others appreciate receiving the honor. Regardless, they deserve our respect and gratitude,” he said.

Louder said that Alta students invite the veterans and their families to a breakfast before the traditional assembly, which includes student performances, tributes and singing.

“The students gain an understanding about their rights and privileges, and we honor those who served with a moment of silence,” she said. “It’s really inspiring, and students realize their liberties aren’t defined by politics, but by the commitment and sacrifices of individuals, some who are about their same age when they started serving.”

Perry, who had other siblings also receive the same scholarship, said his grandfather and great-grandfather served in the U.S. Army. His father was the chairman of the national Freedoms Foundation.

Patriotism is in the blood of our family. The founding principles of this country are engraved in me,” he said. “Having that assembly back then really resonated with me and it still does—and now, it has with many more people.” l

In 1994, then Alta High senior Tyler Perry seen here, sang “God Bless the USA” at the Alta High’s Veterans Day assembly he organized; he returned this past fall to sing the same patriotic song. (Photo courtesy of Linda Perry)

Alta High’s Principal Ken Rowley, student body audiovisual officer Jessica Cai, student body president Garrett Jessop and student body adviser Shaley Louder smile after receiving the national George Washington Honor Medal for the school’s Veterans Day assembly. (Photo courtesy of Stefanee Jessop)

Career days help shape future of elementary students

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Brittany Gharring met James Blake while working on “Spiderman: Across the Spider-Verse.”

As a celebrity makeup artist, she did his hair and makeup. Her services have been used for other celebrities, from Disney and Marvel productions to Nike and Kroger campaigns.

It’s a career that has taken her from Los Angeles to New York, but it started 20 years ago with a skill she learned at school. She now chooses Utah to raise her family; her kids attend Oak Hollow Elementary in Draper.

“I learned a skill and developed it to take it to where my career is now,” she told students at Oak Hollow’s career day. “Find your passion, your inspiration and start learning about it.”

She was one of hundreds of career day speakers at Canyons School District’s elementary schools’ career days, which dotted the calendar throughout the school year.

Most, like Gharring, were parents invited by their students to share expertise in their field, said work-based learning facilitator Jared Vincent, who helped coordinate the career days in 27 elementary schools.

“It’s important to start planning early so they can be college and career ready; they may choose to learn a trade or attend a vocational school,” he said.

Oak Hollow fifth-grade teacher Alexis Johnson said prior to Gharring speaking, no student showed interest in wanting to cut hair or do makeup.

“Now everyone is excited about that career,” she said. “We want students to learn what careers are out there so they can find their passion and realize what they’re learning in school applies to future careers.”

While fifth-grader Zach Boyster said it was “really cool” to hear about how she does hair and makeup, he connected more to hearing details of an orthodontist who came to speak.

“It might be a fun job,” he said. “I’d need to set a plan, go to college and get a degree.”

Speaker Zach Gibbs told classes about being a software engineer.

“Sometimes it can be really hard to get systems to talk to each other,” he said. “I have had to write a lot of programs and sometimes, there’s not enough memory so I have to problem solve and use critical thinking while working with others. I learned that in school.”

He’s even compared writing code to writing a school paper.

“I’ve spent all day writing code just to throw it out and start over the next day to make it better. Sometimes, you may have to write again and again when you have to revise an essay. It can seem long, but when you’re doing either one, you can be creative as you try again,” Gibbs said.

April Burnell told fourth graders she’s a steward for the environment as a national park ranger. It was a career she picked as an elemen-

tary school student.

“I asked questions; I studied everything I could about the environment, nature, animals, people; I got a college degree and was able to turn my passion of enjoying the outdoors into my dream job,” she told students. “The decisions you can make now can impact your future.”

At nearby Willow Springs Elementary, Steve Ball spoke about being a bomb technician to fourth graders.

“I studied a lot of math and science, especially chemistry, electronics, robotics, in school,” said the bomb squad leader of 11 years who also was a SWAT team member for 17 years. “In the U.S., there are 3,000 bomb technicians and every bomb squad—there’s eight in Utah—go to Huntsville, Alabama for more training.”

It’s a job that he finds is intriguing and where he always is learning new things.

“I like to help people and through my education and ongoing training, I can,” he said. “I hope students learned that learning never ends.”

That, too, was a message interior designer Candice Marsh, who spoke to Midvalley Elementary students in Midvale.

“I took art classes in school and use those skills all the time,” she said to students. “I use math when I measure and draw a design to scale. I need to communicate with my customers. I’ve been mostly doing residential houses, like the ones we live in, but now, I’m in school as I want to do commercial or design for hotels. You can always keep learning.”

She gave first-grade students a challenge. Each student received a piece of material and

editing where he “brings it all together with the best takes.”

Down the hall, Rivka Wilkins shared her work as an artist and graphic designer with students. They oohed and aahed when she showed them her Northern Lights artwork and were intrigued when she explained her technique.

Wilkins explained that while she loves blending colors, she also has a business mindset. That is a concept she wanted students to understand.

“As my own business owner, I do the marketing, the pricing and work with my 2,000 serious clients,” said the Instagrammer who has about 275,000 followers. “If I do nothing, I don’t get any sales. Then, my art isn’t shared.”

At Ridgecrest Elementary in Cottonwood Heights, students learned about doing surgery on animals to building a custom bicycle. They asked West Valley City police officer Hunter Burbage how to escape out of handcuffs.

A retired professor, a historian and grandfather of a Ridgecrest tiger, Ron Esplin, won the hearts of many students.

instruction to design a room around that color. It gave them a chance to be creative and apply skills they’re learning in school.

In a kindergarten classroom, Trent Labrum pointed out the router in the classroom and explained his career.

“I’m a superhero of the internet,” he said. “I work on stuff behind the Wi-Fi to connect you to the internet, and I put up safety guards to keep the bad guys away. I use my computer to do good things.”

Kindergarten teacher Kylie Falke said not only does it help their “brains to start thinking about careers they may want someday, but it also ties into learning about our communities and people who work in it. They’re learning that the reading and math they’re doing now could someday be built upon the careers and skills they’ll do in the future.”

Metal grinder Trevor Woodford, who has two children at Sandy’s Peruvian Park, talked to a class and told them that he fabricates new tools “that nobody else makes.”

“It can be challenging and creative to make something useful out of nothing,” he told students—most, who were learning about the career for the first time.

Talking to a class nearby was filmmaker Dan Kettle, who’s first job was to make a video for a friend’s restaurant in trade for food.

“My camera has taken me to some cool places from Hawaii to Ghana,” he said. “Well, maybe not my first camera anymore. It fell into the ocean during a boat tour, but I dove in to save it.”

He walked students through writing scripts in preproduction, talked about the excitement that comes during filming and then

“I write the stories of our past so we know who we are, where we come from, the possibilities of what we can do and how we can be even better,” he said. “I look at documents, court records, journals, letters and books. I’m like a detective and get clues to get the story behind the story. Then, I write what I find out and connect the dots.”

Esplin said that he hopes the students do the same thing in school.

“Connecting what you read and learn in school with your writing is fun,” he said. “It’s like magic.” l

April Burnell told Oak Hollow fourth-graders she decided she wanted to be a national park ranger when she was an elementary student. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Willow Springs Elementary career day speaker Steve Ball said he uses his education and ongoing training in his job as a bomb squad leader. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

With homelessness on the rise in Utah,

what is the role of police and what services are available?

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

Project Human Dignity, an effort launched by the Utah Impact Partnership, says homelessness is on the rise in Utah. Their statistics show that 11 out of every 10,000 Utahns is homeless and 29,579 people sought homeless services in the state in 2023.

The organization’s website (projecthumandignity.org) defines and differentiates situational homelessness versus chronic homelessness. Situational homelessness happens because of sudden life setbacks and often improves with social services and affordable housing. Chronic homelessness is a lack of shelter that is a symptom but not a root cause of a bigger problem such as debilitating trauma, disabilities, etc.

Project Human Dignity’s statistics indicate that chronic homelessness has nearly doubled since 2019, there’s been a 27% increase in chronic homelessness in the past year, and 66% of homeless families are experiencing homelessness for the first time.

Following is a Q&A with Draper Police Chief Rich Ferguson about what’s happening with homelessness at the local level:

Q: What is the role of the police department regarding homeless people in the city; when is it necessary for the police to get involved and when is it not?

A: It is not illegal to be homeless and it’s not a crime to be mentally ill, but the police department gets a lot of calls for service where people are concerned about an individual who appears to be homeless. We respond to check welfare. Sometimes they need medical assistance, so we contact the fire department. Other times they may need resources, and we tell them resources offered in Utah…we don’t currently have any (resources) in Draper. Of course, if a crime is being committed, we deal with that in the same way we would

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if they’re homeless or not. Our job is to protect the civil liberties of all people, including the homeless and the mentally ill.

Q: Why do you think homelessness or the presence of homeless people in Draper is on the rise?

A: I don’t have anything to show that it’s on the rise (in Draper), and our calls for service haven’t skyrocketed. But I do think people within the homeless community may feel preyed upon at shelters and vulnerable (in the city), so they go to quieter suburbs for refuge. They’re riding TRAX to come to Draper.

Q: Is interacting with homeless people part of your department’s training?

A: Yes, we have training on how to deal with people in crisis, people in need, dealing with the mentally ill. Our new Community Oriented Policing team consists of a sergeant and two officers dedicated to full-time policing issues within the city. In addition to working with local businesses to teach courses on active shooter situations, helping with nuisance houses in the city, putting on the eightweek Citizens Academy and other things, they also deal with homeless issues. They work with UTA police to clean up encampments. If a camp is abandoned, they clean it up. If it’s not, they ask the people to move along. When we come across encampments where people are starting fires, trespassing into people’s yards, or becoming belligerent, then we deal with that appropriately. The reality is, they’re just human beings. We talk to them just like any other person.

Q: What should residents remember about homeless people they might encounter and do you have any recommendations on how best to interact?

A: Instead of supporting panhandling, I encourage people to donate to the Utah Food Bank.

Q: Whose responsibility is it to come up with solutions for the homeless crisis?

The police department often gets calls about homeless people in the community, and officers are trained to offer assistance and refer to resources as best they can, but being homeless isn’t a crime. “The reality is they’re just human beings….The majority of people believe it’s all drugs and it’s not. A lot of people are one check away from homelessness with rent so high,” Draper Police Chief Rich Ferguson said. (Stock photo courtesy unsplash.com)

We do what we can.

Draper resident and Salt Lake County councilmember Suzanne Harrison offered these responses in a Q&A on what’s happening countywide to help the homeless:

Q: What is happening at the county level to help alleviate homelessness?

This led to a comprehensive regional fiveyear plan that has been developed. Annual initiatives including the Point-In-Time Homeless Count and winter efforts including operating a Code Blue facility during harsh weather demonstrate an ongoing commitment to understanding and alleviating homelessness at the county level.

Q: What would you want people to know about interacting with homeless people?

A: An encounter with an individual experiencing homelessness should be handled in the same manner of approaching any stranger. A smile and a kind hello are a great place to start.

Q: Any tips for how best to help the homeless or direct them to resources?

A: It’s a complex issue. You have to look at the root of why are people catapulted into homelessness. The majority of people believe it’s all drugs and it’s not. A lot of people are one check away from homelessness with rent so high. Solving homelessness is not a police issue, we just happen to be the ones who get called for a remedy to it. We don’t have the answers and what we can do is limited, but we are there to offer them guidance, counseling, support, and that’s what we do. I’ve seen police officers carry extra water, gloves, jackets they’ve purchased with their own money, and even officers who have paid for hotel rooms out of their own pocket for a homeless person.

A: Concerted efforts are underway to address homelessness through a multifaceted approach. The County provides administrative support to the Salt Lake Valley Coalition to End Homelessness which functions as the local homeless council, designated by the State of Utah. This coalition brings together stakeholders committed to minimizing homelessness by rendering it rare, brief and non-recurring. Efforts extend to securing federal funds for housing, services and support…we have initiatives like the Medically Vulnerable Persons Program, Tiny Home Village, and deeply affordable housing projects like The Point. Mental health services are a crucial focus with contracts in place for providers to offer support at various levels, including residential and group homes. Youth services are also prioritized. In fact, there are plans for a new homeless shelter tailored to youth to open in May. Public health issues are addressed by the Salt Lake County Health Department. Working with the state, Salt Lake City and others…we worked together to identify gaps and barriers in the system and analyze the cost of necessary additional investment.

A: Share the following resource guide: www.endutahhomelessness.org/salt-lakevalley/community-resource-guide.

Encourage folks to utilize 2-1-1: www.211.org.

Direct folks to the Wiegand Day Center – 437 W. 200 South. They can access food and other resources such as shelter. The dashboard showing bed capacity is at www. endutahhomelessness.org/daily-bed-availability/ or call for info on available beds, 801-990-9999. l

Canyons School District’s woodworking contest spotlights talent and craftsmanship

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Twenty-five woodworking students—five from each of Canyons School District’s five comprehensive high schools—had their tools ready to begin.

Only they didn’t know what they were creating in the four-hour block of time.

Welcome to Canyons woodworking and turning contests.

At the given time, the plans and materials to make a toolbox with a rounded handle were distributed and students began as their woodworking teachers looked on.

In a second room, additional woodturning students started on making a three-legged stool on lathes.

“The projects change every year,” said Ben Poulsen, Corner Canyon High’s career and technical education coordinator. “Last year, it was an end table. The year before, a chessboard with a drawer.”

The competition has been going on since before the District formed 15 years ago, when it was Jordan School District.

“It was an event that was always well attended by the schools on the east side so naturally, we continued it when we became Canyons,” he said. “It sets students up for the Skills USA woodworking contest, which also has students figure out how to build the project on their own. That’s why this is set up the same way; it give students an opportunity to compete and to hone their skills. It prepares them for the state competition.”

While state is limited to one student per school, this experience also allows more students that level of competition, Poulsen said.

“The one at state is more of a cabinetmaking competition, which is a box-building activity. Here, we do more of a furniture type level, which involves joinery, and that’s more difficult than box-making so we give them more of a deeper experience to learn from,” he said.

In the woodworking contest, students are given wood for them to cut to size for the toolbox.

“If they mess up and they cut something too small, they have to work with what they were given. They can’t get any more lumber. It’s one of those measure four times to cut once,” Poulsen said. “They may make the overall project smaller than what was on the plans or glue boards back together. You may still see the glue line to make it the original size, but it can look really nice because their excellent craftsmanship. These students just don’t give up.”

That was the experience of Hillcrest High senior Fischer Coleman, who said he was calm and thinking logically, when the miter saw wasn’t fully locked in.

“I have a good memory and that usually allows me to get ahead of my competition, but this time, I messed up,” he said. “The miter saw slipped. I’d have to unglue everything to make it smaller and at this point, I’d rather help my friends. I’ve done this contest twice before and finished in the top three last year so now, the best thing I can do is be a good teammate and help them. I love the fact we can use teamwork; the best way to help your friends is for them to learn from my mistakes. Honestly, I’d rather them win than for me to do OK trying to

undo it to fix my mistake. Helping them is the best part of this competition.”

Coleman even offered tools and advice to a student from another school.

“I don’t really care about winning. I would rather everyone has a fun time doing it and see them perform really well,” he said.

His teacher, Alaina Hales, said teamwork is part of the students’ learning.

“I see students looking at somebody’s project problem solving, collaborating and talking it out,” she said. “Everybody gets to benefit; they realize that ‘I don’t have to shoulder this project all on my own. I can talk to my peers. Every year, we have great successes and failures. And we tell the students we make mistakes too; the art of woodworking is learning how to cover those out so that they look like you did it on purpose. In fact, the expectation is you will make mistakes, but you’re going to be judged on how well you deal with those mistakes.”

Hales watched as students interpreted the plan using the wood and tools provided.

Brighton High woodworking teacher Paul Otterstrom also liked seeing students put into practice what he teaches.

“They have to be able to read the plan and figure out how to build something on the fly,” he said. “A lot of times in our classes, we hold their hand. Now they’re just taking their knowledge, applying it and building upon it.”

Brighton sophomore Ryan Paul is thinking his future career may not be in woodworking, but real estate or music. In his woodworking class, he was making a guitar.

“I really love to play guitar so it’s fun to be able to make one,” he said. “This toolbox I’m making may sit in my garage, but the guitar will be played.”

Coleman also likes the creative side of woodworking. He started woodworking his freshman year and has continued doing it throughout his high school experience.

“My first year, it sounded like a fun class and I liked using tools. Now, I’m in my fourth year doing woodworking, and I really enjoy the artistic side of it. It’s fun to express your creativity and to come up with something in your head and make it exist with the wood,” he said. “I like that I can create something I can use in my life and it can be passed down for generations.”

Poulsen said it’s just fun to watch students who are passionate about woodworking.

“It’s just really fun to observe them applying what they’ve learned and seeing what they turn out; it’s amazing to see how much they get done in four hours.”

The top three students in the toolbox competition were Gage Day, Corner Canyon; Brody Clayton, Corner Canyon and Kaden Huffman, Alta High. In the turning contest, Brighton High students swept the competition with winners Andrew Jensen, Lincoln Zacharias and Whitney Boyack.

Paulsen said that businesses support students, from Intermountain Wood giving a 50% discount on the contest wood to industry professionals judging students works awarding them with donated tools or gift certificates. l

Students use lathes to make legs for three-legged stools in the Canyons School District lathe woodworking contest. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Canyons School District woodworking students compete in a four-hour woodworking contest making tool boxes. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Natural gas pipeline going in at The Point with water and roads soon to follow

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

AsThe Point continues its progression, stakeholders are focusing on an essential aspect: infrastructure.

“After a few years of listening to the public and creating a vision, developing plans and getting development partners in place, we’re now in a position to start building. Those driving by the site can see that infrastructure work has already begun. When you’re building out a community like this, it’s easy to forget what happens under the ground, but you don’t have a communi-

ty without well-functioning infrastructure to allow construction and occupancy to move ahead,” said Alan Matheson, executive director of The Point.

Natural gas pipeline is going in now and a request for bids went out in April for the site’s water tank. According to Matheson, that water tank for future residents will contain four million gallons to start and will grow as demand increases. Following natural gas will be piping for wastewater, stormwater and culinary water, roads, and utility infrastructure including telecom fiber. Electrical lines will also be going in and a new substation will be erected at the site.

“Projects needed for future parts of the development are more efficient to put in now when they can be done at the best cost and functionality,” Matheson said.

Matheson indicated speed of work is a consideration when analyzing bids for projects at The Point. “We hope that some bids come in with an aggressive schedule.”

Meanwhile, finishing touches are being put on road alignment plans to improve traffic and to make the site more compatible with transit, and requests for those bids will go out to the construction community in the coming months. “One of the first infrastructure projects will be the extension of Porter Rockwell

Boulevard from 14600 South to the 600 West interchange on Bangerter Highway, which will provide construction access and improve regional traffic flow,” Matheson said.

Matheson admitted it’s hard to project, but he hopes roads will be going in, pipes will be laid under rights of way, and grading for the River to Range Trail will be happening as soon as this coming September or October.

He explained that infrastructure will likely take 18 months to two years to complete, but vertical construction will begin before all the infrastructure is finished. “The development partners plan the first vertical buildings within one year. So much depends on the market, but that’s our goal at this point,” Matheson said.

Vertical construction will begin with The Promenade, a mixed-use shopping district. “That’s going to be the heart of the whole project. As part of that, we’ll put in Convergence Hall, the beginning of the Innovation District. We want some of the first pieces of this development to be focused on innovation for higher learning to be working with industry on developing new technologies and solving Utah problems,” Matheson said.

The Governor’s Office of Economic

Opportunity has identified five industry clusters they hope to attract to The Point. They include advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, financial services, life sciences and healthcare, and software and IT. The Point’s Innovation District will focus on those areas as well as Utah challenges such as water and energy.

In September 2023, a Community Advisory committee was established to help shape development of The Point with input from members of the surrounding communities including Draper, Bluffdale, Riverton, area businesses, Silicon Slopes, and the Jordan River Commission. Councilmember Tasha Lowery is Draper’s formal representative on that committee. Matheson said he has weekly calls with Mayor Troy Walker and City Manager David Dobbins.

“We’re committed to making sure this is a real benefit to the people of Draper,” he said. Walker serves on The Point’s 12-member State Land Authority Board which meets monthly.

“People will see steady construction into the foreseeable future. It’s exciting to see that after laying the groundwork, we’re going to have this innovation community that we’ve all been waiting for,” Matheson said. l

Large pipes like

for infrastructure necessities such as natural gas are being installed at The Point. “Our goal

The Point ready (for vertical construction) for when interest rates come down,” said Draper Mayor Troy Walker, a member of The Point’s State Land Authority Board. (Courtesy The Point)

Infinity Jewels

9290 S. Village Shop Drive

801-900-9995 • Info@in nityjewelsusa.com Instagram and Facebook: In nityjewelsusa

Tro Hagi Manoukian is the owner of In nity Jewels, elevating elegance with beautiful one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. Since 1995, he’s been designing and manufacturing ne jewelry of enduring beauty and re ned craftsmanship. His remarkable jewelry collection is more than adornment; it’s a testament to artistry and craftsmanship, and a celebration of nature’s most precious gems.

What sets your company apart from your competitors?

This is a family business where we take time to sit with the customer, we listen to what they need and we bring their desired jewelry to life at the fastest speed, best quality and best prices.

What products and services do you o er?

We o er custom jewelry and jewelry repair, and we provide ready-made, in-store jewelry that’s very unique. We also take jewelry trade-ins and can refurbish your old jewelry into any desired design. At In nity Jewels, we buy precious metals and watches, and make all of our customers feel welcome.

Who is your ideal client?

Customers who shop at In nity Jewels understand fashion and trends, and the art of being chic. They appreciate the value of high-end jewelry. They know a beautiful piece of jewelry adds a touch of glamour and

sophistication to their style because nothing compares to the allure of ne jewelry.

How do potential clients choose between you or a competitor?

We make impossible things possible for our clients. Things other jewelers can’t solve, we will. We create individualized designs quickly with high quality and competitive prices. We invite anyone looking for a custom piece to stop by. I assure them we can meet their jewelry needs.

When it comes to jewelry, what is your best advice?

Wear unique jewelry. It sets you apart from the crowd and is beautifully eye-catching. A custom piece of jewelry, whether it’s a necklace, a ring, earrings or a bracelet, re ects the owner’s personality. It also creates con dence and courage as you allow yourself to stand out from runof-the-mill jewelry crowd.

What is your favorite product your company o ers?

I can’t pick one product because every custom piece of jewelry is my favorite. We have stunning pieces for men and women that become lifelong treasures. Meticulously designed with unparalleled excellence, each piece is exceptional and provides timeless allure. From classic and simple styles to adventurous statement pieces, the jewelry at In nity Jewels is the height of luxury and sophistication. Are you running any specials?

Yes, through May 15, we o er a Mother’s Day discount of 20% for any ready-made or custom jewelry.

Draper restaurants offer gluten-free menu items

By Katherine Weinstein | k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com

ay is Celiac Awareness Month. Fad diets may come and go, but for those with celiac disease and gluten allergies, the gluten-free diet is an absolute necessity. As the number of people with celiac disease continues to climb, there is greater demand for gluten-free cuisine. Many restaurants, including several in Draper, make an effort to accommodate diners who need to

Elcio Zanatta, CEO of the Aubergine Kitchen restaurants, stated, “We felt since the beginning that the community was concerned about gluten. Most of our menu is gluten-free. We try to give our best to

Gluten is a protein that is found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye. It is present in bread, breakfast cereals, pasta and baked goods made out of those grains. Many processed foods, sauces, dressings, soups and even certain candies may contain gluten.

When people who have celiac disease consume gluten, their immune system attacks the lining of the small intestine. The resulting damage can lead to malabsorption of nutrients and many other health problems. Some patients suffer severe gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming gluten, while others may have no symptoms at all. Eating even the smallest amount of gluten can aggravate the problem. There is no cure for celiac disease aside from sticking to a strict gluten-free diet.

According to the National Institutes of Health, celiac disease affects approximately two million Americans, with more new cases being diagnosed every year. As the number of people avoiding gluten continues to rise, some restaurants are making an effort to provide a safer dining experience.

Amanda Wybrow, general manager of Toscano, explained that their menu includes gluten-free options due to customer demand. “There’s just a lot of people who have celiac disease,” she said. At the Garage Grill, general manager Ryan Coleman said, “We’ve had gluten-free options on the menu because of demand, people asking about it,” he said.

A quick search on the website findmeglutenfree.com reveals that Draper has quite a few restaurants that have gluten-free menus or

Aubergine Kitchen stands out for the fact that nearly the entire menu is gluten-free. “We have three items that are not gluten-free,” Zanatta explained. “However, we try to make them in a way so that they are not touching oth-

One of the pitfalls of dining out for celiac disease patients is that gluten can stick to cooking surfaces and utensils, contaminating otherwise gluten-free foods. This is less of a problem at Aubergine Kitchen due to the restaurant’s focus on minimally-processed, fresh whole foods and raw foods. “We make

food that’s good for our bodies and good for the community,” Zanatta said.

Aubergine Kitchen has an extensive menu of gluten-free desserts, all made in-house. These include brownies, cookies, three kinds of pie as well as a choice of lemon or chocolate cake. “Our chia pudding,” he added, “it’s all gluten-free, people love it.”

At Toscano, the kitchen staff is also careful to avoid cross-contamination. “Almost all of our pasta dishes can be made gluten-free,” Wybrow said. “We have gluten-free pasta inhouse and use a separate pot.” She explained that all of the sauces, salads and salad dressings at Toscano are also gluten-free. The kitchen staff uses separate utensils.

“Our chef is amazing,” she added. “We always have a tomato basil soup of the day that is gluten-free. In fact, most of the soups are gluten-free.”

While The Garage Grill does not have a specific gluten-free menu, “we can usually find a good option for you that’s gluten-free,” Coleman said. “We have lots of salads and all of our sandwiches can be made on gluten-free bread. We make a lot of meat here, so there’s things like tacos that are gluten-free.”

Zanatta, Wybrow and Coleman were all careful to say that because their restaurant kitchens prepare gluten-containing foods, they cannot guarantee that their gluten-free meals are always 100% gluten-free. In spite of taking precautions, there is always a chance of cross-contamination. Patrons with special diets must speak to their server when ordering and should decide for themselves whether to dine at a particular restaurant.

Aubergine Kitchen is located at 499 E. 12300 South, Suite A. The address for Toscano is 11450 State Street and The Garage Grill is located in Hidden Valley Shopping Center at 1122 E. Draper Pkwy. l

The Garage Grill offers up gluten-free salads as well as sandwiches and burgers on gluten-free bread and buns. (Katherine Weinstein/City Journals)

education SECTION

A publication covering local graduation stories and events in the Salt Lake Valley City Journals presents:

With a little PREP in their step, underrepresented students are college-bound

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

“Without PREP, I'd be a loser right now,” West Jordan High School graduate Arlen Villalba Guerrero said. “I wouldn't be very far, just the same old boring stuff, getting ready to do a job that I didn't even enjoy.”

Arlen is one of 15 students graduating from high school with an Engineering Drafting and Manufacturing Technology Certificate of Completion from Salt Lake Community College through Jordan School District’s Pre-freshman Engineering Program (Jordan PREP).

Jordan PREP students, many of whom are typically underrepresented in STEM careers, take four years of science, technology, engineering and math summer courses to prepare to earn 30plus general and engineering college credits by the end of high school.

Arlen joined the program his sophomore year and immediately began to explore his options.

“Being in PREP, you get to think so early about how you're gonna get to what you want to do,” he said. “PREP makes you do so much better and shoot for so much more. I know everything I wanna do right now. I know exactly how to get where I wanna be, and I know exactly what I need to do to get where I wanna be.”

Arlen is now on the pathway to become an Air Force fighter jet pilot, with a head start and higher pay grade due to his college credits.

Natalia Solis said the PREP classes she took as a 12 year old helped her discover her interest in drafting and interior design. She is already on her way to earning a college degree, the first person in her family to do so.

First generation college students, those from economically disadvantaged families or underrepresented minority groups make up the majority of the

students in the Jordan PREP program, which recruits interested students from Title 1 designated schools to motivate and prepare them for STEM careers.

Jordan PREP Coordinator Stacy Pierce has been amazed by the students’ dedication to the program despite difficult life circumstances.

“You've got kids that you had no idea the challenges they had at home— and the challenges got far greater—and they're going to make it,” she said. “They're going to graduate from this program regardless of those challenges.”

She said the rigorous academic enrichment courses students take each summer during their middle school years, prepare them academically, socially and mentally for advanced courses in high school and increase their opportunities to attend college.

“Because it's not a camp—it's a rigorous academic program— I think that's been key to making these kids believe that they could do anything and pursue any career,” Pierce said.

She said the math courses have the biggest impact.

“Math is the gatekeeper that keeps kids out of, say, 80% of the higher paying jobs that help these kids break into a different economic level,” she said. “To help them maintain and build that math confidence—I think it's absolutely huge.”

Anna Fotheringham said staying academically active during the summer with PREP courses gave her an advantage.

“You learned a little bit of math before [school started], so when you did math [in school], you already kind of knew what you're doing,” she said. “So I feel like it gave me a step ahead in regular classes, and then also just in life, because we have a lot of college classes

done that kind of set us up to, if we want, pursue the certain career that they have set up for us to go into.”

When she was younger, Anna wanted to work in a nail salon but is now planning to earn a manufacturing degree.

“Doing programs like this made me realize that doing nails is not really going to give me enough money to live on my own, basically,” she said. “It made me realize I can do harder careers.”

Ayden Bascom said many of his friends don’t have a post-graduation plan yet, but that PREP taught him to think ahead.

“In PREP, especially with Stacy [Pierce], she tells you this earlier, to be prepared for life,” he said.

Natalia said the expectations set in PREP classes, especially during her middle school years, helped her set

higher goals.

“It pushed me into showing myself that I can do harder stuff than I had set myself to, because I had set my standards low for myself,” she said. “You can do much more harder things than you think you can.”

Lai Lai Havili almost dropped out of the program but is glad to be graduating high school with college credits he can use as a fallback plan if his dreams of playing in the NFL don’t work out.

Talon Johnson, who has always known he wants to be a chemical engineer, said the PREP program has not only given him a head start that will save him time and money, but the confidence to be successful in college.

“I have this foundation that a lot of other students may not, and I can push

Continued page 14

Jordan PREP Plus students have fun exploring technology. They will graduate high school with 30-plus college credits. (Photo courtesy of Stacy Pierce)

Unique traditions make graduation ceremonies special

By Jet Burnham and Julie Slama

Thousands of students will be graduating at the end of this month and each school will conduct their graduation ceremony with unique traditions, awards, celebrations and themes.

Students will be the main speakers at Providence Hall High School’s graduation ceremony. The student body president, two valedictorians and two other students will share their thoughts and wisdom with their peers.

“We really make it kid focused, so adults don't speak more than three minutes,” Principal Melissa McPhail said. “I feel like if we're waiting ‘til the last day to teach them something, then we have not done our job for four years.”

McPhail said one of the student speakers chosen to speak this year is not a well-known student but will share an impactful message.

“We get these kids who have had a unique journey through high school, and we catch the attention of those kids that weren't the activity type or the academic type,” she said.

Providence Hall’s graduation ceremony is always less than an hour and 40 minutes to ensure the students have time to celebrate with friends, family, and former elementary, middle and high school teachers who attend the ceremony. Of this year’s 155 graduates, 29 have attended Providence Hall since kindergarten.

After the speeches and diplomas, the students will leave the stadium as the ‘song of the year’ plays. McPhail chooses the song that best fits the graduating class. Last year’s song was Bon Jovi’s “It’s My Life” and in 2020, it was R.E.M.’s “It’s the End of the World As We Know It.”

“The kids really want to know all year what their song is going to be, but I wait until the day of graduation,” McPhail said.

Providence Hall’s ceremony will be held at the Zion’s Bank Stadium at nearby Salt Lake Academy, which also has a unique graduation tradition. Following the graduation ceremony, each Salt Lake Academy graduate receives five roses to give as a ‘thank you’ to their parents,

Continued from 13

myself to do more, to do better because of this foundation,” he said.

Talon will return to Jordan PREP in June as a tutor for some of the 220 PREP students taking classes this summer.

Many of this year’s program gradu-

teachers, counselors or friends.

“They get to present them to people who have influenced them along their journey,” school office manager Cheryl DeHeck said.

Gifts are also a part of South Valley School’s open house style graduation. Students and their families will also be treated to refreshments and a slide show highlighting each of this year’s 35 graduates.

Here is the pertinent information. ADA accommodations are available at all locations.

Academy of Math, Engineering and Science — An anticipated 118 students will take part in the school’s commencement exercises, which will feature nine student speakers and two musical numbers. The 90-minute ceremony will begin at 2 p.m., May 23 in Cottonwood High’s auditorium.

Alta High — About 545 seniors are to walk through commencement exercises at 10 a.m., May 29 at the University of Utah’s Huntsman Center with Canyons Board of Education Vice President Amanda Oaks and Board member Holly Neibaur speaking and will be joined by Director of High Schools Tom Sherwood. This year’s theme is “Alta, Let’s Fly!”

American Academy of Innovation — About 60 seniors will take part in their commencement exercises. Graduation will be at 6 p.m., May 29 at Thanksgiving Point’s show barn.

American Preparatory Academy —

At APA’s commencement ceremony, 52 students will graduate at 10 a.m., June 1 at the school. The APA Chorum Vita choir will be singing a Latin piece titled "Omnia Sol" by Z. Randall Stroope and "For Good" from the Broadway musical “Wicked.” The valedictorian will be selected in early May. The ceremony is by invitation only.

Beehive Science & Technology Academy — Twenty-three students will listen to their commencement speaker, Sandy City Council Member Mar-

ates were part of the first cohort of the Jordan PREP program which began the summer of 2018 with 25 seventh graders. It has since served over 300 students.

Nationwide, PREP is only a threeyear program. With grant money, a sponsorship by Merit Medical, and a partnership with Salt Lake Community College,

ci Houseman at 7 p.m., May 23 at Salt Lake Community College’s Miller Free Enterprise Conference Center’s auditorium. This year’s valedictorian is James Nelson and salutatorian Lliam Delahunty.

Bingham High — Commencement exercises will be held at 5:30 p.m., May 30 in the UCCU Arena at Utah Valley University in Orem. The theme is from author T.S. Eliot, “The end is where we start from.” Speakers will include Jordan School District Superintendent Anthony Godfrey, Jordan Board of Education members Marilyn Richards and Bryce Dunford with Board president Tracy Miller and District Administrator of High Schools Brad Sorensen in attendance.

Brighton High — Canyons School District Assistant Superintendent McKay Robinson is scheduled to speak to 520 students who are expected to graduate at 2 p.m., May 29 at the Maverik Center. Joining him will be Canyons Board of Education President Amber Shill and former Board president Nancy Tingey. This year’s theme is “The future depends on what we do in the present,” by Mahatma Ghandi.

Copper Hills High — May 29, 6 p.m. UCCU Arena at Utah Valley University

“Be your best self”

Jordan District’s program expanded to a PREP Plus program, continuing through high school to earn a college certificate and set the students up for a promising future.

“It so far exceeded anything I ever dreamed of when I first started the program,” Pierce said. “If they decide not to pursue any more education, they've

Corner Canyon High — “Always One” is the theme for 550 seniors who will graduate at 2 p.m., May 29 at the University of Utah’s Huntsman Center. Canyons School District Director of High Schools Tom Sherwood is scheduled to speak. Joining him is Canyons Board of Education Vice President Amanda Oaks and Board member Holly Neibaur.

Cottonwood High — About 400 seniors will walk through the traditional commencement exercises at 10 a.m., May 24 at the University of Utah’s Huntsman Center.

Cyprus High — May 23, 1 p.m. Maverik Center

Diamond Ridge — About 60 students will graduate at 6:30 p.m., May 28 at Eastmont Middle School’s auditorium. Canyons School District Director of High Schools Tom Sherwood is scheduled to speak. Joining him is Canyons Board of Education Vice President Andrew Edtl, former Board president Nancy Tingey and Board member Karen Pedersen. This year’s theme is by Canadian poet and author Rupi Kaur: “You don’t just wake up to become a butterfly. Growth is a process.”

Entrada — Canyons School District Director of High Schools Tom Sherwood

got a sustainable livelihood, and then they also have the option to continue their education and have the means to pay for it.”

For more information, see prep.jordandistrict.org.

Former Sunrise students who studied at several Salt Lake Valley high schools reunited at their elementary school prior to their 2023 graduation ceremonies. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

is expected to address 135 soon-to-be graduates at 7 p.m., June 26 at Alta High School. Canyons Board of Education President Amber Shill and Vice President Amanda Oaks will be present. The theme is “Winners never quit. We choose to win!”

Granger High — May 24, 7 p.m. Maverik Center

Granite Connection High — An open house will be held 4-7 p.m. on May 22 and 23 at Granite Connection High.

Granite Peaks High — June 5, 6:30 p.m.

Granite Peaks

Granite Transition Services — The graduation ceremony will be 10 a.m. on May 23 in the Granite Connection Auditorium.

Hartvigsen School — May 23, 12:30 p.m.

Hartvigsen gym

Herriman High — May 30, 7:30 p.m.

Herriman High Football Stadium “Here and Now”

Hillcrest High — About 480 seniors will turn the tassel at their 9:30 a.m., May 29 graduation at the Maverik Center. The speaker is Canyons School District Assistant Superintendent McKay Robinson. Joining him will be Canyons Board of Education Vice President Andrew Edtl and member Kris Millerberg. The theme comes from American businessman and writer, Max Depree: “We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are.”

Hunter High — May 24, 2 p.m. Maverik Center

Jordan High — Canyons School Board of Education Vice President Andrew Edtl and Karen Pedersen will address the 430 seniors at the 6:30 p.m., May 29 commencement ceremony at the Maverik Center. For their theme, the seniors selected “And the Beet Goes On,” to tie into their nickname, the Beetdiggers. Canyons School District Assistant Superintendent McKay Robinson will be in attendance.

Jordan Prep Plus — May 3, 10 a.m. Maverik Center

Jordan Valley — Canyons School District Special Education Director Nate Edvalson will talk to five students who will graduate at 3:30 p.m., May 24 at the Hillcrest High School’s fieldhouse gallery. Canyons Board of Education former president Nancy Tingey and Board member Kris Millerberg will join him. The

theme is “Adapting to Change.”

Juan Diego Catholic High — The Baccalaureate Mass for 168 students in the Class of 2024 will be held on May 21 at the Cathedral of the Madeleine Catholic Church. The commencement exercises will take place on May 25 at the school. Both events require a ticket to attend.

Kearns High — May 24, 9 a.m. Maverik Center

Kings Peak High — May 30, 6 p.m.

Hidden Valley Middle Auditorium

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”Eleanor Roosevelt

Life Skills Academy — Eight students will graduate at 12:30 p.m., May 28 at the school. The theme is a quote by author J.R.R. Tolkien; he said: “The greatest adventure is what lies ahead. Each day brings new possibilities for exploration and discovery.” Speaking will be Canyons School District Special Education Director Nate Edvalson and he will be joined by Canyons Board of Education President Amber Schill, former president Nancy Tingey and member Karen Pedersen.

Lone Peak High — May 22, 12:30 p.m.

BYU’s Marriott Center

Mountain Ridge High — May 30, 1 p.m.

UCCU Arena at Utah Valley University

“This is the Time”

Murray High — The graduation ceremony will be held at 11 a.m., June 6 at the Lifetime Activities Center on Salt Lake Community College’s Redwood Campus.

Olympus High — May 24, 2 p.m. Huntsman Center

Paradigm High — At 4 p.m., May 30, 55 seniors will graduate at the University of Utah’s Kingsbury Hall. The yet-to-benamed valedictorian will be the student speaker.

Providence Hall — May 24, 10 a.m.

Zions Bank Stadium

River’s Edge — “Level Up” is the theme for this year’s commencement, which will be held at 1 p.m., May 31 in the school’s auditorium. Speaking will be Jordan Board of Education President Tracy Miller and Jordan School District administrator Lisa Robinson. Joining them will be Board vice president Darrell

Robinson and Board member Lisa Dean.

Riverton High — May 30, 8:30 a.m.

UCCU Arena at Utah Valley University

“Beginnings are usually scary, and endings are usually sad, but it's everything in between that makes it all worth living.” - Bob Marley

Salt Lake Academy — May 30, 10 a.m.

Zions Bank Stadium

Skyline High — May 24, 6 p.m. Huntsman Center

South Valley — May 29, 3 p.m.

South Valley School Cafeteria

“Chart Your Course”

Summit Academy High — May 30, 2 p.m.

Summit Academy High Gymnasium

Taylorsville High — May 23, 6 p.m. Maverik Center

Valley High — Graduation will be held at 10 a.m., May 29 at Zions Bank Stadium at Real Academy in Herriman. This year’s theme is “The People, The Stories, The Experiences.” Speaking will be Jordan Board of Education President

Tracy Miller and Jordan School District

Administrator of High Schools Brad Sorensen with Board vice presidents Darrell Robinson and Niki George and Jordan District administrator Becky Gerber in attendance.

Waterford School — At 10 a.m., June 6, the school will honor its Class of 2024 on the campus’ east soccer field. About 70 students are expected to participate in the commencement exercises, which will feature Waterford’s vocal ensemble, the Troubadours, as well as a musical performance by the Lower School students. ADA access is on the southwest side of the field.

West Jordan High — May 29, 2 p.m.

UCCU Arena at Utah Valley University

“We didn’t know we were making discoveries, we were just having fun.”A.A. Milne in Winnie the Pooh

Young women in Jordan and Canyons School Districts are shaping the future of business

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

A celebration was held for the 22 graduates of the South Valley Chamber’s Junior Women in Business Program. This year’s cohort was the biggest so far in the history of the initiative that coaches high school seniors through leadership, business and mentoring opportunities.

Young women from high schools across Jordan and Canyons School Districts spent the year attending women in business events, meeting female entrepreneurs in the area, doing job shadowing, participating in service projects and receiving one-on-one mentoring with prominent business and civic leaders.

Savanna Barlow (Alta High School) said the experience was a valuable way to create connections with female leaders, gain experience with the legislative process and develop relationships with the other young women in the program. She plans to attend the University of Utah to get a degree in business management. Each graduate received a $1,000 scholarship.

“That scholarship was only the tip of the iceberg for what this program gave us,” Savanna said. “It was amazing. First of all, the monthly luncheons and the guest speakers

were incredible. We talked to CEOs, authors and entrepreneurs…Each of these women told us about the challenges they faced in the business world and in their personal lives. Those experiences are priceless.”

Sponsored by America First Credit Union, WCF Insurance, Intermountain Health and Crystal Maggelet, president and CEO of FJ Management, the Junior Women in Business program started 12 years ago.

Along with Savanna, these high school seniors also graduated from the program: Aubrey Campbell (Brighton High School), Ava Pezely (Riverton High School), Brooklyn Woodley (AHS), Chantel Moore (Jordan High School), Daira Camacho (West Jordan High School), Gabriella Martinez (WJHS), Giovanna Grant (BHS), Grace Mahoney (JHS), Grace Palmer (RHS), Hannah Bradshaw (Juan Diego Catholic High School), Healani Hernandez (Bingham High School), Jaci Elzinga (BHS), Kaitlyn Rios (Herriman High School), Kate Taggart (Corner Canyon High School), Kiara Sunil-Singh (Providence Hall), Madison Crowther (Copper Hills High School), Makai Johnson (Mountain Ridge High School), Mya Ruiz (American Preparatory Academy), Samantha Picker-

ing (JDCHS), Sienna Yang (Hillcrest High School) and Zoe Kener (CCHS).

“At the Chamber, we’re trying to do some good, and I think the community is a better place,” said Jay Francis, South Valley Chamber president and CEO. “We have 22 young ladies who have rubbed shoulders with some of the best business women in the community. We’ll just keep multiplying that and we’ll just be better.”

At the graduation ceremony held at the Jordan Academy for Technology and Careers South Campus, Sarah Davies (The Piano Place), Alma Lopez and Diana Lopez (Cakes by Edith), and Sadie Bowler (SadieB) participated in a panel discussion talking about their business journeys as female entrepreneurs.

“From the age of 11, I decided I wanted to go to business school and learn how to manage business, how to hire people, how to manage a group of people and eventually how to become an entrepreneur,” Alma Lopez said. “I feel super happy and blessed that my sister and I are able to take the reins of the business and manage the business and be entrepreneurs.”

Nearly two dozen young women graduated from the South Valley Chamber’s Junior Women in Business Program in April, after receiving leadership and entrepreneurial training. (City Journals)

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium introduces their latest arrival, an Asian small-clawed otter

By Katherine Weinstein | k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium recently welcomed an Asian small-clawed otter. The otter, who came to Draper via North Carolina Aquarium, was born at Ocean Park Hong Kong in 2020. His parents, named Si and Fun, were confiscated by the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and relocated to Ocean Park in 2018. Asian small-clawed otters are the smallest species of otter. They live in rivers, freshwater wetlands and mangrove swamps throughout South and Southeastern Asia. Unlike the larger North American river otters, Asian small-clawed otters have shorter

claws. They use them to capture the crabs, fish and other small aquatic animals that comprise their diet. Asian small-clawed otters are playful, intelligent and social animals. Because of threats such as habitat loss, poaching and the illegal pet trade, they are protected in almost all range countries. Asian small-clawed otters are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan Program which seeks to maintain biologically sustainable populations. (Photo courtesy Loveland Living Planet Aquarium) l

Fager siblings place high at wrestling nationals

By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

in the 190-pound 11th-grade division

With bright and open amenity spaces and warm and spacious residences, Crescent offers customized, compassionate care for you or a loved one. Whether it’s helping with life’s daily activities, improving mobility, coordinating care with your physicians, or making sure you look your best for one of our exciting events, you can count on us to be there.

Corner Canyon High junior Leimana “Mana” Fager placed second

at the National High School Coaches Association wrestling nationals April 5-7 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He now ranks 15th in the nation in that weight class for all high school grades. His sister Clarion, a sophomore, finished seventh in the girls 170 pound ninth-12th-grade division. “They wrestled awesome,” said their father, John Fager, who assists the Chargers wrestling program. Pictured, from left to right, are Clarion, John and Mana. (Photo courtesy John Fager)

CCHS baseball off to hot start

By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

Gettingbigger, faster and stronger was the emphasis for the Corner Canyon High baseball team in returning to the field this season. And that focus has put the Chargers as the No. 3 team in 6A.

“We have worked hard and are focusing on the things that we can control—throwing strikes and playing good defense,” said CCHS head coach Jeff Eure, who is in his seventh year.

Sophomore Nathan Horstmann leads the team in batting with a .458 average with 22 RBIs while nine other players have driven in multiple runs this season.

Junior pitchers Andrew Nice and Jacob Troast have both won four games on the mound. Other key players for Corner Canyon this year are senior shortstop Ryder Florence, senior second baseman Kash Koncar, senior catcher Cannon Cotterell and senior pitcher Rylan Dunn; juniors Logan Nordhoff and Drew Whatcott; and sophomores Garrett Downing and Ayden Dunn.

Also on the CCHS squad, who is currently 5-3 in Region 2 play and 12-5 overall, are sophomores Justin Delgrosso, Logan Kelley, Tanner MacKay and Jaxon McCray; and freshmen William Baik, Bowen Bodily, Lincoln Eure, Lincoln Flamm, Maddux Florence,

Charlie Hansen, Dane Hendrickson, Roan Hendrickson, Kaleb Hunter, Colton Lewis, Dawson Mair, Axyl Meine, Jack Munson, Baylor Neal, Aiden Parry, Carson Paulsen, Jenson Pollard and Porter Slavens.

“We have a great freshman class push our returning players,” coach Eure said.

Eure is being assisted this season on the coaching staff by David Waung, Dusty Haycock, Craig Goff, Chris Paulsen, Hayes Hall and Zak Felix.

So far this spring, Corner Canyon has defeated Alta 10-7, Weber 9-3, Roy 8-0 and Lone Peak 8-2 and lost to Brighton 3-1. The Chargers competed in the Ryan Lemmon Tournament in Irvine, California April 1-3 where they went 2-1 defeating Tustin (California) 5-1 and Marina (California) 8-3 with a 5-4 extra-innings loss to Mission Viejo (California) the only setback at the tournament.

In opening up Region 2 play, Corner Canyon swept Herriman in a three-game series 10-3, 6-5 and 13-2 and were 2-1 in the series with Bingham—winning 12-2 and 3-1 while losing its first region game 6-2.

“We’re off to a great start,” Eure said.

The Chargers are also scheduled to play a three-game series against Mountain Ridge and Copper Hills. l

Corner Canyon High catcher Cannon Cottrell, shortstop Ryder Florence, pitcher Rylan Dunn and second basement Kash Koncar have been key leaders on the field for the third-ranked Chargers who are 5-1 in Region 2 play and 11-3 overall. The four seniors have combined for 27 RBIs so far this season. (Photo courtesy All-Star Photography)

Chargers boys lacrosse leading 6A teams; girls rebuilding

By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

TheCorner Canyon High boys lacrosse team has been on top of 6A since the sport was sanctioned by the Utah High School Activities Association for the 2021 season, winning all three of the titles. The Chargers began the season ranked No. 1 and—despite graduating six of its seven First Team All-State players—were 10-1 at press time, including an undefeated run in Region 2 through eight games.

Corner Canyon has been led in scoring by freshman attacker OJ Ika with 35 goals and 24 assists while senior attacker Kisen Muramoto has recorded 31 goals.

“This team is a great mix of veterans and rookies new to the stage,” said fourth-year coach Aaron Ika. “We’re excited to see this team taking shape. Like any other Corner Canyon team, the boys have their focus on improving in all the little facets of the game by the time we hit the playoffs.”

So far this season, the Chargers have defeated Northridge 12-3, Riverton 15-3, Herriman 15-4, Alta 9-8, Mountain Ridge 21-0, Bingham 17-9, Copper Hills 14-2 and Riverton 13-0. Its lone loss was to Brighton 13-6 early in the season.

“We have started to get to work. The boys are keeping their heads down and grinding through tough practices and runs trying to ensure they are ready for when the real challenge of games start,” Ika said.

Also on the CCHS team this year are seniors Jack Dalley, Nick Erasmus, Ashton Free, Carson Hall, Braden Larson, Anderson Lewis, Mitch Phippen, Parker Vincent, Conner Welling and Conner Zaharis; juniors Ben Andrews, Kaden Ballman, Will Broman, Lincoln Crittendon, Easton Daynes, Noah Dunbar, Jagger Gamache, Cason Hiatt, AJ Leggett, Perry Lundstadt, Maximus McKenna, Tanner

Oldroyd, Miles Parkinson, William Perry, Will Russell, Brock Sorenson, Max Taylor, Cole Wentworth and Michael Wheatley; sophomores Tanner Adamson, Cole Bonham, Jake Bonham, Ashton Brown, Cameron Crayke, Luke Fankhauser, Luke Fisher, Rhett King, Deken Knowles, Andrew Laker, Austin Larson, Asher MacPherson, Marcus Mellenthin, Ren Neilson, Teag Quinlan, Jake Roe, Zack Ware and Bridger Zimmerman; and freshmen James Bowman, Pierson Degracie, Kampton Dutton, Blake Parkinson, Jack Rasmussen and Cameron Wade.

“Our goal is to be a cohesive, bonded, aggressive team that works together to champion the type of Corner Canyon success we have come to see out of Corner Canyon lacrosse,” coach Ika said.

Girls

Junior attacker Cat Faucette is the leading scorer in 6A with 69 goals—and fifth in the state—in leading Corner Canyon this spring. She has also 12 of the team’s 15 assists on the year.

Fourth-year head coach Matthew Kenning also noted the play of junior midfielder Sophie Jacobs, “our team leader, a do-it-all player who controls our offense and our defense and does what it takes for the team to be successful.” Jacobs, who is committed to play at Westminster, has scored 31 goals while junior Mia Ambrose, who is a “strong, fast defender,” according to Kenning, is among the top defenders in Region 2

“These players are amazingly talented,” Kenning said.

So far this season, the Chargers have defeated Lehi 13-9 and Copper Hills 12-8 while losing to Cedar Valley 12-11, Bear River 19-8 and Brighton 16-7. In region play, Corner Can-

yon has faced several 6A title contenders and lost to Riverton 20-13 and 22-11, Herriman 1211, Mountain Ridge 20-7 and Bingham 18-5.

“We are in the middle of a rebuilding year with a lot of young and new players,” Kenning said. “We also play one of the toughest schedules in the state. Our record right now stands at 2-8 with some close losses, but we are seeing a lot of progress. We get better every week and our players understand the difficult task we have with our schedule this season and are not discouraged by the losses. We look forward to improving during the second half of the season and preparing for playoffs.”

Also on the CCHS team this season are seniors Marissa Parker and Kayla Vaughn; juniors Janset Avkanat, Abigail Burton, Brinley Criddle, Emme Dowland, Lilly Hall, Tessa

Hannon, Sophie Jacobs, Lillian McAllister, Britta Neilson and Becca Smiley; sophomores Avery Berger, Anna Brough, Lillian Burnett, Helen Galbreath, Emma Gordon-Smith, Alice Linford, Kate Moffat, Julieta Morales, Hailey Neff, Ava Nelson, Myla Taylor and Ivy West; and freshmen Lizzie Bradshaw, Amaya Felix, Sophia Hall, Hazel Jonas, Rebekka Morris, Megan Muirhead, Gigi Smart and Madi Story. “We’re very talented. We’re just young, it is a transition year for us, for sure,” Kenning said. “Our entire starting attack line is made up of juniors and sophomores. While our midfield and offense is as good as anyone’s, our defense is just young and there’s room for a lot of growth and improvement. Next year we expect to be 6A title contenders. We know it will pay off eventually.” l

Fun in the field: Corner Canyon’s robotics team shows success

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

C

orner Canyon High’s Charger Robotics won five of its qualification rounds Feb. 29-March 2 during the Utah Regional FIRST Robotics Competition, which was held at the Maverik Center.

In FIRST Robotics, the teams first are challenged to build industrial-size robots following strict rules and limited time and resources, while also fundraising to meet their goals, designing a team “brand,” and advancing respect and appreciation for STEM within the local community.

Then, at the regional competition, they take part in Crescendo, this year’s game themed around music. It involves two alliances consisting of three teams each competing to perform various tasks, including shooting rings known as “notes” into goals, and hanging on chains at the end of the match.

Sandy’s Waterford School’s Ravens grabbed seven wins in qualification rounds and won four of its five playoff matches to be an event finalist. They also received the Autonomous Award in Utah and at the Idaho Regionals, the Quality Award.

The school’s second team, First-Year Ravens, claimed five qualification wins.

Other Sandy teams competing in Utah’s Regionals include Alta High’s ICARUS INNOVATED, which secured eight wins in qualification rounds and was an alliance captain in the playoffs. The team won the Team Sustainability Award sponsored by Dow in Utah and at the Idaho Regionals, the Creativity Award sponsored by Rockwell Automation.

Alta High’s second team, the New Hawks, won five qualification rounds.

Jordan High’s Gravediggers recorded four qualification round wins.

Murray’s AMES’ Amperes was awarded the “Quality Award” and grabbed two wins and Cottonwood High’s Underdogs won four qualification wins. South Jordan’s Bingham High’s 8-Bit Miners won five of its qualification rounds and competed in the playoff rounds while Holladay’s Olympus High’s BityBots 8174 won four of its qualification rounds.

Midvale’s Hillcrest High’s Husky Robotics won a qualification match and received the Team Spirit Award. In addition, Hillcrest’s sophomore Senya Walker received the FIRST Dean’s List Finalist Award and will be attending the World

Championships. The team received the same awards at the Las Vegas Regional contest. l

Corner Canyon High freshman attacker OJ Ika has been leading the three-time defending state champion Chargers team with 35 goals and 24 assists. (Photo courtesy Chandra Tillotson)

Corner Canyon High’s Charger Robotics competed in the Utah Regional FIRST Robotics Competition. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

MURRAY PARK

Murray

Tickets: Scan the QR code or use link below in a web browser!

JDCHS boys lacrosse No. 2 in 4A; girls led by one of the best in nation

By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

The Juan Diego Catholic High School boys lacrosse team have won eight of their nine games this season as the second-ranked team in the 4A ranks so far this season.

“While our defense and attack are younger, we are fortunate to have experienced seniors leading our team through the midfield and between the pipes,” said third-year head coach Greg Stamatov.

The girls squad is being led by the 12thbest player in the country, Olivia Prosper, who has committed to Stanford. The 76 goals she has scored this season is second-best in the state so far this season, adding to her total of 197 that she netted her first two years of high school.

“Olivia could literally score every goal, she’s that good,” said head coach Shaun Judd, who is in his fifth year. “We’ve gotta step up the rest of our game to keep up with her.” Boys

The boys team is being led by senior attacker Aidan Wigton with 31 goals, sophomore attacker Noah Schuyler with 23 goals and freshman attacker Parker Stolz with 22 goals. Schuyler has also helped offensively with 16 assists while Wigton added 11. Junior defender Will Conley has recorded 59 ground balls and senior goalie Austin Lund has 122 saves in the cage.

“Our team’s strength is our cohesive culture, characterized by dedication, tenacity and teamwork,” Stamatov said. “We are committed to continuing to play exceptional lacrosse by executing our roles with precision

while prioritizing the collective success of the team.”

Also on the 2024 JDCHS team this season are seniors Peter Azar, Jose Calderon, Weston Eder, Andrew King, Reven Lee, Angelo Lewis and Tommy Rock; juniors Antonio Archuleta, Aidan Janiga, Aidric Liljestrand, Nik Gil Martin, Caden Kerrigan, Roman Rossano, Miles Sears and Daniel Sosa; sophomores Brandon Backman, Loklin Cruiz, Juan Diaz, Christ Jimerson, Hunter Landers, Mario Maestas, Teag McMahon, Trey Nicolodemos, Cuauhtemov Pedroza, Colton Pugmire, Sebastian Ramirez, Liam Ross, Jack Stoback and Brian Walker; and freshmen Kai Fairbanks, Cooper Pecora and CJ Starks.

So far this year, Juan Diego has defeated Resurrection Christian, Colorado 13-11, Salem Hills, 8-5, Ridgeline 10-6, Skyridge 11-0, Cedar Valley 11-8, Waterford 12-11, Hillcrest 21-0, Jordan 21-5 and Waterford 8-6. The Soaring Eagle team’s one loss this year was to Judge Memorial 10-8 and Riverton 6-2.

They are still scheduled to face Judge Memorial, Hillcrest, Jordan and East during the regular season with the 4A state playoffs slated for May 14-24.

They are currently 9-2 overall this year and 4-1 in Region 10 play.

Girls

So far this season, Prosper has scored 70 of the team’s 79 goals in wins over Springville 15-13, Jordan 15-4, Uintah 17-4, Wasatch 13-0

and Hillcrest 16-4. Juan Diego has also lost to Highland 14-6 and Waterford 19-3 this year.

Just nine of the 19 players on the roster are returners from a year ago. “As a smaller school, every year is a building year where some are brand new to the sport and we continually rebuild,” Judd said. “And, with the limits on official practices from tryouts to games, we went right into play to start the season.”

Key players that are back from last spring are seniors Sam Horner and Alex Moreno, juniors Sarah Azar and Hope Lowery and sophomores Ella Fortune, Hannah Haney and Kaitlin Hulverson. Newcomers of note this year are senior Hannah Bradshaw and juniors Campbell

Gentry, Alli Green, Arianna Simonutti and Kesyn Worrall.

Also on the JDCHS team this season, who are currently 2-1 in Region 10 play and 5-2 overall, are senior Mia Perez-Ventura; sophomores Peyton McCoy, Jocelin Diaz and Kimara Benward; and freshmen Ruby Mags and Ana Paul.

“I am counting this season as a success if we can continue to come together and play as a team, learning to trust and respect each other,” Judd said. “If we can do that, we will see magic happen and win more games.”

Juan Diego is also scheduled to face Judge Memorial , Waterford, Hillcrest and Jordan The 4A state tournament will be held from May 1424. l

The Juan Diego Catholic High School girls lacrosse team is currently 5-2 this season, being led by Stanford-commit Olivia Prosper who has already scored 70 goals so far this season. (Photo courtesy Charity Ryan)

CCHS softball honors fallen soldiers in annual tribute game

By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

For more than a decade, the Corner Canyon High softball team has been hosting a military honor game. And this year, the Chargers teamed up with Salem Hills on April 20 to recognize nearly 50 fallen soldiers in a game that means much more than the final score—which was 13-3 in favor of the Skyhawks.

“Honoring the fallen soldiers and their families is important to me because it gives us an opportunity to show support to these Gold Star families who have sacrificed so much to defend our freedoms,” said CCHS softball team mom and manager Robin Bassani, who has organized the event the past four years. “These families are so happy to have the community remember their loved ones. They share stories about their soldier and express such appreciation that we have not forgotten the fallen.”

“It was awesome,” said Corner Canyon High head coach Kathy Meyers.

Posters recognizing each fallen soldier that both teams were playing were placed on the fences around the batting cages while flags, provided by Follow the Flag in Pleasant Grove, lined the sidewalk leading to the softball field. The Draper Fire Department draped a flag from their ladder truck. Former CCHS player Alexis Parker brought her 12U competitive Chargers softball teams to the event and they participated in stretching out a flag on the field.

The Operation Hero organization displayed a smaller version of its combat boot memorial to honor the families of those participating this year. The nonprofit was formed seven years ago by Antoinette Stapley in honor of her husband Tracy who died July 3, 2013 in Qatar at the age of 44 after 26 years of military service.

The Gold Star Families—those who have lost loved ones in active military service—began arriving early to interact with the athletes who would play for their soldier. The Patriot Guard Riders, captained by Steve Booth, presented coins to the athletes and teams, and then following the national anthem performance by Corner Canyon High student Gagan Guddep, the teams took the field to play in honor of their fallen soldier.

Players from Salem Hills wore these names on their game jerseys: PFC CJ Dorris (Bryton Buttars), SSG Roman Turner (Aliyah Elmer), Maj Terry McCray (Cameron Guest), SFC Tyler Hill (Brooklyn Hansen), SSG Doug Moxon (Caybrie Hansen), AO3 Tevin Spencer (Samay Haveron), SSG Daniel Turner (Emma Higginson), CW3 Matthew Wagstaff (Rilyne Keck), SGT Sheldon Loveless (Katey Keel), SGT Adam Gage (Tessa Moly-

neaux), SPC E. Kioa (Keyana Murray), SSG Daniel Hawkins (Grace Neves), SSG Clemente Bellah (Beau Newitt), CPL Todd McGurn (Jocile Norman), SPC Kasey Beatty (Leila Stevenson), PFC Cody Towse (Audree Stokes), SSG Landon Henscheid (Whitney Vonachen) and Capt. Austin Sisneros (Emmery Wilson).

Fallen soldiers honored by CCHS players and coaches were: SSGT Taylor Hoover (Bella Bassani), SGT Aaron Kramer (Grace Bastek), CWO2 Daniel McKenzie (Olivia Broderick), PVT Phillip M. Christensen (Hannah Brown), SPC Micheal Anderson Hatfield (Gwen Curry), SGT

Brandon Allen Parr (Cece Faucette), CPT

William W. Jacobsen Jr. (Audrey Floyd), SGT Hayden Rabins (Mikaela Gale), SGT

Quincy Andrews Fenn (McKenna Gibbons), 2LT John Alley (Savannah Healy), SSGT Ben Deveraux (Brooklyn Hyer), SSGT Dean Witt (Taylor Johnson), SGT

Jesse Allen Blamires (Katelyn Law), SPC

Jordan Matthew Byrd (Cadence Leeder), 1SG Tracy Stapley (Ashley Nelson), LCpl

Dion Stepehenson (Avery Nickerson), HM2 Daniella Juliana Casey (Noa Pack), LT Joshua Ryan Wall (Bently Paynter), SPC Daniel G. Dolan (Emma Rasmussen), SSGT Alex Mitchell (Audrey Smith), SPC

Kyle Mecham (Hailey Sundquist), PV1

Cody Gene Hendrickson (Neil Sundquist), SPC David Gannon (Jojo Van Noord), SFC Rocky H Herrera (Todd Thompson), LCpl Quinn Keith (Kathy Meyers), SSGT

Christian “Fox” Larsen (Robin Bassani), SGT Erick Hicken (Cheryl Kidder) and SFC Paul Omstead (Nick Healy).

Following the game, those attending enjoyed a barbecue provided by the Chargers players’ families to establish further bonds and celebrate in the military members’ service and ultimate sacrifice.

“It’s important to acknowledge and support these families, not just on Memorial Day, but year-round,” Robin Bassani said. “We had a great turnout and the game was a lot of fun.”

Draper Mayor Troy Walker, along with City Councilmembers Tasha Lowery and Bryn Johnson were also on hand to support the event.

“It’s nice to take a moment to honor these soldiers,” Walker said. “I try to come every year I can and be supportive of this.”

Walker noted the special nature an event like this takes on as his good friend [former North Ogden mayor and Major] Brent Taylor, who was honored at the 2022 event by Salem Hills the year after he was shot and killed in Afghanistan.

“It’s also personal with both of my sons currently serving in the military—for the Utah Air National Guard and the Army National Guard,” Walker said. “My wife and I look at each other any time we hear

The Corner Canyon High softball program’s Military Honor game, which has been a tradition for 11 years, was held April 20. The Chargers and Salem Hills again teamed up in what’s become an annual matchup between the programs the past few years to play for 47 fallen soldiers. (Photos courtesy All Star Photography)

that a soldier has died and think, ‘That could have been our son.’ Just 1% of the population join the military, so we truly appreciate those who serve.”

Bringing it further home, the city has a ceremony planned for May 18 at

11 a.m. at Draper City Park for the completion of a Gold Star Memorial Monument created by Medal of Honor recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams as a tribute to the fallen soldiers and their families. l

Photo by Michelle Walker

ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM

to Honor Military Veterans for Their Service to Our Country

Monday, May 27, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

At Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy

FEATURED SPEAKER: Congressman Blake Moore

PROGRAM WILL INCLUDE: Hill Air Force Base, Honor Guard, Utah Firefighters Emerald Society Bagpipes, Patriotic Music by Brian Stucki and the Minuteman Brass Quintet

OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC

Over the last few years, more readers are emailing us about the Life and Laughter columns that run in the Journal. Last month, realizing the topic was more controversial, we decided to ask for reader feedback. Our readers left nearly 200 responses.

Over 60 percent of readers agreed with the article. Here is a small sampling of the comments that we received from our readers.

“I always love Peri Kinder's articles. I am on the same page with her politically. However, the length and tone of her articles make clear they are written for people who already agree with her - not for people on the fence or are looking for information on a topic”

“Peri inspired some thoughts that I hadn't paid much attention to.”

“Peri's bigotry is showing. No one should have to apologize for their sex, race, income status, or sexual orientation, unless of course, according to Peri, you’re a straight white male in Utah. Replace white with black and male with female in her piece and maybe you’ll be able to recognize the vitriol for what it is. Women are entitled to safe, private spaces, and I guarantee that if there were a man pretending to be a woman ogling at Peri in the bathroom, she might feel just a wee bit uncomfortable. As a woman, I’m tired of feminists telling me to “just get over it” and that my feelings don’t matter. Must I once again subjugate my desires in deference to a man who wants things his way? Maybe you should ask the girl in Virginia who was sexually assaulted by a transgender girl in the girls’ bathroom at school. Just because Peri doesn’t mind men in her bathroom doesn’t mean the rest of us aren’t traumatized by it. The Legislature did absolutely the right thing, carefully balancing the rights of transgender people with women’s right to privacy and safe separate spaces.”

“Biological men do not belong in the same restroom as women. I do not want my children to ever be in a bathroom where a man is present. Just because the author has not encountered a “creepy man dressed as

Life and Laughter Reader Response

Mrs. Doubtfire, accosting women in the restroom,” does not mean this has not occurred. There are numerous cases where women have been assaulted by so called transgender info inside of women’s restrooms, for example, the case in Louden County VA.”

“I really like a lot of her articles but I am very opposed to pretty much everything she said in this one.”

“I agree with most of the comments about the legislature. However, I do not want transgender (born male) in my women's bathroom. They can use the family bathrooms which are becoming much more available.”

“Responding to "the article" as a whole cannot be done here because many different opinions were expressed on many issues. My only reaction to the overall article is "what happened to laughter"? I have often enjoyed your humor but this article had none! That's sad.”

"I agree that Trans women should not be allowed in the female bathrooms. Why? Because they are not women. There are only two genders. There always have been two genders and that cannot change. It is not dependent on what we think we are or are not. We cannot and should not change the gender

given to us by our Creator. I think He knows best.”

“Also, the author makes it sound like not allowing Trans women in a female bathroom is being unloving...love thy neighbor. Since when does disagreeing with someone's lifestyle directly correlate to being unloving? In any relationship we have with others, there are likely times we don't fully agree with someone's opinion or choices. We can still love that person, but not agree with their actions or lifestyle. These days it seems that if you disagree in any way with diversity, equity and inclusion you are labeled a hater. How is it that everyone else is entitled to their opinion but if mine is different in any way, I am wrong. How is that loving? We live in a free country that allows us to have a variety of opinions and express those opinions in a respectful way. But we also have to understand that not everyone is going to agree with each other and that is OK. With the bathroom issue, single stall bathrooms that allow either gender is the best solution in my opinion."

woman who lives here and this was nice to see. I worked at the airport before, now I'm looking for a new job. It's been a rough couple of years for trans people and can seem overwhelming at times. Thanks for reminding me there's allies out there.”

“Peri is so sensible. I appreciate her writing this column.”

"I completely agree. We have a short legislative session and too much time and efforts were made supporting hatred and exclusion, singularity of thought and government being for themselves instead of for the people.

Read the polls: none of this is what the majority of voters are asking for.”

“It is so refreshing to read an opinion driven by common sense and compassion, rather than ignorance and fear. I know people in Utah are more compassionate than those who represent them, based on proposed legislation.”

“Agree 100%. Peri is right. Sometimes it is embarrassing to live in this state with the things the legislature worries about and focuses on, and the bills they pass. There are more important problems to deal with than worrying about which bathrooms people are using, fighting DEI, and what books kids should or shouldn’t be reading. Frankly I think some of these things send the wrong message; I fear the kids are only learning that the adults don’t trust them to make good decisions. Or any decisions at all which will only lead to more problems down the road… an even more intolerant society with no critical thinking skills which is never a good thing.”

“This article is right. I couldn't agree more with all of Peri Kinder's articles. This one is my favorite.

I usually read the Peri Kinder column to get a good chuckle but this one hit the nail right on the head.”

“Thanks for printing this. I'm a trans

“I look forward to Peri Kinder's article every month. This article was especially "spot on". Government needs to be more transparent! Not hidden behind so called "privacy" laws that block access to to the daily calendar of elected officials. I also agree with Peri's stance on public restrooms. Nobody goes into a restroom 'looking for" a transgender. They are there to "do their business" and leave asap! I have noticed that airports, some restaurants, and some of the wonderful theaters (Pioneer Theatre's new Meldrum Theatre and The Eccles) have an open doorway. The stalls allow for individual privacy, but the rooms are open and very visible. This is the first time I have used my scanning code. I felt it was important to express my point of view.”

“Acceptance has been slow over the years, but acceptance of the reality is gaining more support as people learn about their families.”

“I question the comments about guns in schools but clearly agree with the rest.” l

dog, Jedi, runs to the closet where her leash hangs. She spins in circles as I take it off the hook and click it on her collar. She bites the leash and pulls because I’m just not moving fast enough. She is so happy to walk the neighborhood and terrorize small animals.

Usually, these daily walks cheer me up, but recently, I follow behind her like I’m wearing cement shoes on a muddy beach. Does anyone else feel soul-tired?

I’m the weariest I’ve been since my daughters were newborns when sleeping two hours a night left me moving through life in a haze of dirty Pampers and milk-sour T-shirts.

But what’s my excuse now? I’m a deflated balloon, bouncing along the floor without the helium needed to float. I’m too weary to yawn, too sluggish to nap.

I guess I’m not alone because author and computer science professor Cal Newport said we’re in the throes of “The Great Exhaustion.”

It’s not about getting more sleep, it’s not about eating more fiber or fewer Hostess Twinkies, it’s a complete burnout because rest is a sign of weakness.

Taylor Swift recorded a double album while performing in a sold-out global tour

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

Dead on My Feet

and then flew halfway around the world to catch her boyfriend’s little football game. And here I am, struggling to write a column and make it to my granddaughters’ soccer games.

I sprawl on the couch watching dust accumulate on the end tables, too fatigued to do anything about it. I pray a brisk breeze blows through the house, scattering the dirt back to the floor where it belongs.

I feel a lot of people are in this same engineless boat. It doesn’t help that companies now require employees to return to the office, even though the flexible, at-home schedules have kept thousands of women in the workplace. Even though, for the first time in history, job schedules have helped women feel like work and home are almost manageable.

Our energy is also being drained fast-

er than our bank accounts because we’ve trained ourselves to be 24/7 content creators. We spend a crapload of time making reels about our trip to the Grand Canyon or a TikTok video about how to raise goats and make goat milk ice cream.

But there’s more! Start a tech company during your free time! Renovate your kitchen and use time-lapse videos to share with the world! Become an Instagram influencer by creating beauty masks using pencil shavings! Document all the moments all the time and share on all the platforms!

With nonstop information from streaming shows, music, podcasts, audiobooks and social media going directly into our big noggins, our brains are tired. Every person in your household (and possibly your pets) is processing information at speeds unheard of just a few years ago. There’s probably smoke coming out of our ears.

It’s a firehose of electronic data. Everything is breaking news. Everything is trying to capture our brief attention. Life is one big clickbait link and we doomscroll like we’ve been enchanted by a wizard to sell our souls for just a little more spilled tea.

Are you feeling burnt out? Tell us about it.

Are you feeling fresh, share your secret with us!

The funny thing is, we can turn it off, silence the noise and deactivate the notifications. But our cortisol addiction is out of control.

So what do we do?

Jedi has the right idea. Walking outside, breathing fresh air, maybe even chasing a cat up a tree reminds us the small things matter. Quiet rituals are important. “The Great Exhaustion” is a bone-deep weariness but also a reminder we’re not alone as we stumble through life.

Maybe in sharing our weariness, we can find a listening ear, a comforting shoulder or a Hostess Twinkie.