Millcreek Journals | May 2024

THE JOURNALS INTRODUCES NEW PROCESS TO ENSURE LOCAL NEWS DELIVERY

TheCity Journals have published newspapers every month for the past 33 years. During which 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 30% do not. That is a consider-

able 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 to guarantee 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.

Using cutting-edge logistics technology 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 readers. 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

ATTENTION: USE THIS QR CODE TO MAKE SURE YOU KEEP GETTING THE JOURNAL

approach, the Journals reaffirms its position as the leading provider of local news, delivering stories that matter to our valued readers.

Residents can now choose if they want to receive the Journal at their home by using the QR Code or by visiting Mail.TheCityJournals.com. We ask all residents to complete this form to continue receiving the Journal each month.

Share this message with others in the city who may not be familiar with the newspaper and want to sign up. l

Millcreek resident awarded the Carnegie Medal for Heroism

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

RiverBarry has never been trained in rescue techniques although she’s read about it a little. But in 2022, while getting ready for a mountain bike ride in Moab, she was asked to rescue an injured BASE jumper who was injured and stranded on the mountain. She didn’t hesitate.

“I pretty much just jumped into action,” she said. “There’s not a lot of time to waste when this type of stuff is happening. I was like, I don’t know if I can get up there but I’m sure as hell going to try.”

The BASE jumper was a man from Australia who’d jumped from the cliff but his parachute malfunctioned. He hit the side of the cliff, breaking his leg, then fell until his chute caught on the rocks, leaving him hanging 70 feet off the ground.

His friend, Justin Beitler, approached Barry in the parking lot, asking if she could help. Her rock climbing gear was in her van and, at first, she thought Beitler was asking if he could use it to rescue his friend. When she realized she’d be doing the rescuing, Barry set up her gear and went to work.

“About halfway up, I started getting indicators that he was breathing and conscious, which was really exciting because we just didn’t know much about his condition,” Barry said. “When I got up there, it was very clear that he was quite messed up. He was really begging me for help at that point.”

With assistance from Beitler, Barry was able to get the man off the cliff and safely to the ground where he was taken to the hospital in critical condition where he was treated for a compound leg fracture.

Barry, a Millcreek resident and mental health therapist, was recently awarded the Carnegie Medal for Heroism from the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission. She doesn’t know

how she was nominated or how the foundation heard her story, but she was grateful to have been in the right place at the right time.

“I’ve had trouble hearing the word ‘hero’ or ‘saving someone’s life,’” Barry said. “It’s hard to hear those things because when I think about that day, I was just doing what I needed to do. And it’s a weird word, ‘hero.’”

The Carnegie Hero Fund recognized 17 people in 2024 for their acts of heroism, where each person risked injury or death to save others. The Carnegie Medal for Heroism is North America’s highest honor for civilian heroism. Since its creation in 1904, by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, the organization has presented more than 10,000 individuals with the honor.

More than the award, Barry appreciates the friendship she created with the Australian she rescued, who asked to remain anonymous.

“We definitely keep in contact. I’ve gone off to Australia and hung out with him at his house,” Barry said. “‘Hero’ makes it sound like I’m so special. I’m just a regular girl, I’m just a normal human.” l

The Millcreek Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout Millcreek. For information about distribution please email hello@thecityjournals.com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website. The views and opinions expressed in display advertisements do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions held by Loyal Perch Media or the City Journals. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the owner. © 2019 Loyal Perch Media, Inc.

Bryan Scott | bryan.s@thecityjournals.com

EDITOR

Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

Mieka Sawatzki | mieka.s@thecityjournals.com

Jason Corbridge | jason.c@thecityjournals.com

Ryan Casper | ryan.c@thecityjournals.com

Greg Tanner | greg.t@valuepagesutah.com

Lydia Rice | lydia.r@thecityjournals.com 385-557-1022 Rack

MILLCREEK TEAM

River Barry, a Millcreek resident and accomplished rock climber, was presented with the Carnegie Medal for Heroism after saving a man’s life in 2022. (Photo courtesy of River Barry)

The

Short-legged racers attend the Millcreek Doxie Derby for some doggone fun

Millcreek Doxie Derby was held at the end of March at Millcreek Common at the skate loop. It was a race that was too cute for words but perfect for woofs.

This was the Wasatch Front Wiener Dog Racing Association’s first Millcreek Doxie Derby. A race just for dachshunds, you know, doxies or wiener dogs. All racers had to be 100% dachshund.

Dachshund owners from all over brought their shortlegged cuties to this friendly competition for prizes, bragging rights and just good old doggone fun.

A large excited crowd gathered around the skate loop as the announcer began the race by shouting over the speakers, “GET SET, GOOOOOOO!”

The adorable, short-legged little dogs were off and running

By Jolene Croasmun | j.croasmun@mycityjournals.com

down the track.

Conner Nelson and his little dog Toby were at the event and Nelson said, ''I saw the event posted online and thought my dog would probably love to go and see some other wiener dogs like him. However, Toby is pretty confused and just looking for some food.”

There were 147 wiener dogs registered to race but even more little dogs and their owners came out to witness the Doxie Derby.

"We saw this event on the news and we have owned wiener dogs my whole life and my kid’s whole life and had to come out,” said Mikaela and Jen from Taylorsville. They brought their wiener dogs Rona, Stella and Dash with them but none of their dogs were in the races.

“We did not want Rona to get out. She is the escape artist and Dash is 17 and blind and it would have taken him days to make it down the track,” Mikaela said with a laugh.

Millcreek resident, Patty Hession and her well-dressed young pup Meg, decided to spend their Saturday afternoon watching the Derby. Hession did not enter her dog into the race. “Meg is still a puppy, just 6 months old, and I was worried she would want to play with the other puppies rather than race.” l

Bystanders watching the Dachshunds race down the track at the first annual Millcreek Doxie Derby held at Millcreek Common in March. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)

Patty Hession and her 6-month-old dachshund, Meg. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)

Jen with her dog Stella in her backpack at the Doxie Derby. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)

Owners and their wiener dogs at the starter’s line of a race during the Millcreek Doxie Derby. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)

There were 147 wiener dogs registered for the Millcreek Doxie Derby including this determined lovely pup using a dog cart. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)

Get to know County Councilmember and former Skyline teacher Laurie Stringham, an eclectic mix of skills, hobbies and experience

By Ella Joy Olsen | e.olsen@mycityjournals.com

An eclectic mix of skills, experience and hobbies are stitched together in Laurie Stringham, Salt Lake County Councilmember since 2021 and newly-reelected council chair.

Uniquely, Stringham is the first ever at-large member of council to be elected from the valley’s west side. Stringham raised her family in Kearns and still lives there with three of her five children.

Of note, there are three at-large members on the county council who serve sixyear terms and represent the entire county. The other two at-large members are Suzanne Harrison and Jim Bradley.

Her election was also unusual in that she unseated an existing member of council, Democrat Shireen Ghorbani, who had outspent Stringham in the campaign seven to one.

“I think people responded to me when I told them that the westside needs a voice,” Stringham answered when questioned about the upset. “Even when I campaigned on the eastside I told people, ‘You know you need a voice [on council] from the westside because you’d feel bad if you weren’t represented, and many issues that affect the westside also affect you.’”

Stringham is Republican and a fiscal conservative, indicating, “Both people and the government should save up for what they need and pay for what they have.”

She believes that residents were concerned about the 7.8% property tax increase that was implemented by the county the year before her election. “People want county services and consistently vote for the benefits provided by say, the ZAP tax but they also want transparency and frugality.”

However, Stringham is also socially liberal. “I don’t believe that the government should legislate morals. Parents should be able to raise their children in the way that feels right to them.”

She feels this deeply as one of her five children is transgender. “National politics and the messages being broadcast are fueling a lack of civility and kindness,” Stringham said. “This is not Christian behavior.”

Her “cloak of many colors”

Stringham is the oldest of nine children and was raised in Sandy. Growing up, there was never much money and she started working as a babysitter at age 8 to pay for clothes and spending money. Despite the tight budget, her mother (a Scottish dancer and accordion player) encouraged each of her children to play an instrument.

“I play all the string instruments both single and double bow and all the woodwinds,” Stringham said. “I’m no good at brass because I can’t tulip my lips small

enough for the mouthpiece, except on the tuba. I can play the tuba.”

She took this penchant for the arts to college and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Technical Theater from the University of Utah, specializing in wigs, makeup and puppetry. “I think I’ve worked in all performance venues in the county, both private and public,” Stringham said. “And if you can believe it, I’ve costumed ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ 28 times!”

She has also taught theater at Skyline High. “Public teachers in the arts are typically part-time employees, which I was, though they often work full-time hours because of the practice and performance schedules,” Stringham said. “I was a dedicated teacher and loved it, but I couldn’t afford to keep teaching those hours for the money after my divorce.”

So she took her skills to the University of Utah where she worked in services, which led her to working security/services at major events in both Utah and Las Vegas. She even worked security at the most recent Super Bowl. Track record

At her election, Stringham had served on the board of the Kearns Oquirrh Park Fitness Center and Ice Sheet for 22 years. Always an advocate of public health, she is proud of the work that she and the county council have done for public health by providing quality facilities and programing at county rec and senior centers.

She hopes to continue to bring positive changes to the whole county, but especially the west side of the valley. “Did you know that the majority of people who suffer from asthma and are hospitalized are from the west side. Why?” Stringham asks rhetorically. “We’re trying to figure out the causes so we can address the situation.” The county has installed air quality monitors on electric UTA buses to pinpoint the reasons and locations of the poorest air quality in the valley.

Encouraging civility

Currently, Stringham is working toward implementing a “pay for performance” structure for the nearly 5,000 county employees (some are seasonal). “We want to encourage staff to be innovative and invigorated and receive additional pay for taking on new projects or learning

new skills, rather than simply receiving time-served raises.” She believes this will increase retention of quality employees who are willing to go the extra mile, which will save taxpayers money in the long run. “We want to fund services the public really wants.”

She also wants to harness new technologies, including AI. “Every county facility is a storefront and constituents should be able to access county services at each... marriage licenses, bill payment, and so on.”

Stringham held the role of council chair in 2022, recapturing it for 2024. Her intent as chair is to encourage and require civility, as she believes that national politics are fueling a lack of civility across the country. “In government you’ll never please all of the people all of the time, but everyone should have a chance to be heard and understood.” l

County Councilmember Laurie Stringham moonlights as security detail in Las Vegas at Super Bowl 2024, here pictured in her official garb. (Photo courtesy Laurie Stringham)

County Councilmember Laurie Stringham participated in the first urban skijoring event in downtown SLC in February. (Photo courtesy Laurie Stringham)

County Councilmember Laurie Stringham moonlights as security detail at Super Bowl 2024. (Photo courtesy Laurie Stringham)

Mixed results for Skyline lacrosse teams prior to state tourney

By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

It’sbeen a season of streaks for both the boys’ and girls’ lacrosse teams at Skyline High School. There are four matches left for both squads as they position themselves for postseason play.

The boys are currently 5-6 on the year and 2-2 in region—good for fifth place. After starting with two losses, then three wins, and then four losses with two straight victories, the boys’ team is hoping it has righted the ship.

They beat West Jordan 14-5, taking a 7-1 lead at halftime. Senior Zach Sasich led the way with six goals and one assist. Senior Patrick McNally added three goals and had six assists, while senior Brock Ploeger and sophomore Alex Brown each scored two goals. Senior Brock Buelt had three saves in goal.

The Eagles then beat Highland 12-10. Sasich had four goals, McNally added three with five assists, senior Tate Allen and junior

added a score. Buelt made nine saves in goal.

The Lady Eagles won seven straight to open the season, but have dropped five straight, all in region play as of April 24.

Skyline lost a heartbreaking 16-15 game to West Jordan despite five goals from junior Sammy McMaster. Junior Loralai Himle scored four goals and had two assists, and seniors Sage Roberts and Elaina Smok-

la each added two goals. Sophomores Jane Johnson and Mette McNally each scored a goal as well.

The Eagles then lost to powerful Highland 19-11.

Both boys and girls teams have four matches remaining until the state playoffs begin on May 14. l

Nik Kath each scored twice and freshman Duncan Monahan

Sam Gustafson plays defense for the Eagles lacrosse team. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

Senior Zach Sasich holds off his defender while corralling the ball. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

Junior Sammy McMaster recorded 39 goals in Skyline’s first 12 games to lead the Eagles. (Travis Barton/ City Journals)

Junior Nik Kath looks for an opening during a hard-fought loss to Olympus. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

Granite School District hosts Parent Resource Night at Churchill Jr. High School

Ona rainy evening in April, Granite School District invited parents to attend a special Parent Resource Night at Churchill Jr. High, where they promised attendees would be treated to a compelling panel discussion on resiliency, a notable guest speaker, and plenty of cookies to go around.

The night started off strong with a panel discussion hosted by local anti-bullying organization Stand4Kind. Per their website, “Stand4kind started because there was a problem in our schools; students were hurting, and people didn’t know how to help. We’re committed to making sure that students, parents, and teachers have access to quality training, resources, and programs.”

The panel was comprised of several Stand4Kind representatives, featuring some notable names including BYU alum and former NFL player Bronson Kaufusi and local activist Jaynee Paulson. Kaufusi was able to touch on his experiences as a student-athlete and spoke extensively about how dedicating time and energy to sports taught him about responsibility and perseverance. Paulson, a mother four times over, was also able to shed light on how she pushes her kids to try new things, highlighting that failure is necessary and doesn’t have to be written off as negative.

Stand4Kind has held events all across the state, addressing both students and parents through their assemblies. The organization discusses a handful of subjects, particularly those that are plaguing modern students like bullying and substance abuse. While there are some aspects of teenagerhood and adolescence that seemingly endure from generation to generation, it’s clear that many contemporary parents are feeling a sense of disconnect when it comes to establishing an effective parenting style.

At one point in the night, the audience was encouraged to ask Kaufusi, Paulson, and other Stand4Kind members any questions that they may have. One parent took to the microphone to express his confusion at how to best parent his child, despite feeling like he often can’t relate to what his son is experiencing.

“Our world views are just so different,” the father said. “I sometimes don’t relate to my kids because I feel like the pressures are so different. What’s so different in our world?”

Both Kaufusi and Paulson acknowledged that the generational divide is real, pointing to technology and social media as the primary culprits. Both explaining that never before have children been so inundated with thousands of competing messages due to social media’s widespread influence.

“Social media opens them up to a lot more,” Paulson said. “They’re dealing with the same sort of things [we were], but just on a much larger scale. And the political climate. That effects them too. Nothing ever stops for these kids.”

Another parent wondered how they could teach and instill a sense of resiliency in their child. Paulson talked about the importance of letting children “fail forward” which starts by creating opportunities to try new things, especially outside of the child’s comfort zone. Kaufusi agreed, before saying that when he was a kid he was often reluctantly try new things by himself. However, he mentioned that his parents would regularly encourage him to try new things in a group setting, where he could be surrounded by like-minded friends and peers. By creating that sense of community, Kaufusi felt more comfortable engaging in activities that were outside of his comfort zone.

Before guest speaker Duncan Kirkwood took the stage, one parent provided the final question of the night. “Could you talk a little bit about peer pressure? And how to address things like vaping, drinking, and drugs with your child?”

Paulson explained that honesty is typically the best pol-

By Lizzie Walje | l.walje@mycityjournals.com

Social media opens them up to a lot more. They’re dealing with the same sort of things [we were], but just on a much larger scale. And the political climate. That effects them too. Nothing ever stops for these kids. Jaynee Paulson

icy when it comes to sensitive topics. She also urged parents not to lie about their own experiences with the aforementioned, stressing that it's OK to be upfront with children and admit you’ve made mistakes.

Ultimately, Paulson thinks that modeling good behavior is the best way to impart morals and values on your children. Showing them how to act by modeling good behavior is often more effective than telling them. “When it’s all said and done, it’s going to be difficult to get them to meet your standards of behavior, if you’re not even meeting those standards yourself,” Paulson said. She also made it clear that this doesn’t mean parents can’t make mistakes. “Just try to be honest and transparent when you do make mistakes,” she added.

The night concluded with a presentation given by Duncan Kirkwood, a former Marine turned activist, motivational speaker, and author who travels the country giving speeches on resiliency. Earlier in the day before Kirkland presented at parent’s night, he addressed an auditorium of Churchill middle schoolers, teaching them coping mechanisms and

telling them how to cultivate a sense of resiliency within themselves.

Like the Stand4Kind panel members before him, Kirkwood spoke about the importance of teaching kids that it's OK to fail. He explained that while a parent’s natural inclination is to protect children from pain and harm, it's necessary to let them fail once in a while. Failure is what teaches resiliency, because it teaches students that failure is not the end of the world.

“Learning how to fail is a lot like learning how to ride a bike. When you’re learning to ride a bike you fall, cry, get knocked down. The lesson is that falling is part of your journey, and that’s a good lesson to connect as you do anything in life,” he said.

Kirkwood explained that while it's not always easy to watch, allowing your children to fail once in a while is how you teach them how to become more resilient, especially in the face of adversity.

“We didn’t allow our kids to fall enough. Now we’re scared to even let them fall. But you need to give them space to fall because in the struggle they develop new skills. If you rob your kid of that, you rob them of their potential,” he said.

Kirkwood also emphasized the importance of communicating with your children, which he acknowledged is not always easy to do at this stage of their lives. This is why he encouraged parents to ask more pointed questions, instead of the generic go-to questions we’re all guilty of having asked at one point or another.

“Instead of just asking your child how their day was, which doesn't always lend itself to conversation, ask them to tell you three things about their day that was good,” he recommended. “Not only does that get your child talking but it also encourages them to talk about things that are positive.” l

Duncan Kirkwood, a former Marine turned activist, author, and motivational speaker, travels across the country teaching kids and parents about how to cultivate resiliency. (Lizzie Walje/City Journals)

Churchill Jr. High’s student body officers address a crowd of parents during Granite School District’s Parent Resource Night. (Lizzie Walje/City Journals)

Controversial Utah State School Board Member Natalie Cline loses GOP reelection bid

Natalie Cline, a controversial Utah State School Board Member who faced criticism as recently as last month, will no longer serve as a board member after being defeated by Amanda Bollinger at the Salt Lake County Republican Party Convention held April 13.

After receiving only 37% of the delegate vote, Cline was officially ousted as the Republican party’s nominee for the coveted school board seat. Instead, Amanda Bollinger emerged as the party’s choice, winning the vote of 211 delegates to Cline’s 123.

Back in February, Cline came under fire after penning a controversial Facebook post that publicly questioned a Granite School District student’s gender identity. The post featured a photo of the student in her basketball uniform, under which Cline had captioned, “Girl’s Basketball….” falsely implying that the student in question was transgender.

Almost immediately Cline received backlash. In fact, her post garnered so much traction that it even caught the attention of Gov. Spencer J. Cox and Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson after the story was picked up by multiple local and national news outlets. The politicians issued a rare joint statement condemning Cline for her “unconscionable” actions.

“We were stunned to learn of the unconscionable behavior of board member Cline and others toward a high school student today,” Cox and Henderson wrote at the time. “The last thing our children need is an elected official harassing them on social media.”

Cline initially backpedaled, removing the post before issuing an apology, stating, “My deepest apologies for the negative attention my post drew to innocent students and their families.”

However, the apology itself elicited even further criticism after many felt Cline was evading accountability by writing that she “never claimed the student was a boy.” But that “[The student] does have a larger build like her parents. We live in strange times where it is normal to pause and wonder if people are what they say they are because of the push to normalize transgenderism in our country.”

Cline is referring to an ongoing debate centralized on the validity of transgenderism in America, that has proved to be a divisive topic dominating the cultural zeitgeist during recent years. Nevertheless, despite conflicting political affiliations and viewpoints, it appeared that most people on both sides of the aisle found Cline’s behavior reprehensible. Not only did her post propagate dangerous misinformation, but it also resulted in a major breach of the student’s privacy, leading the student to request police protection.

Amid the controversy, the student in question has, understandably, remained silent. However, the student’s parents have spoken out on her behalf.

“To look at someone’s outer appearance and make an assumption that they’re either

By Lizzie Walje | l.walje@mycityjournals.com

playing in the right arena or not, based on how someone looks I don’t think is appropriate,” the girl’s mother, Rachel van der Beek, told KSL. “It just broke our hearts that we needed to have this conversation with our daughter.”

The student’s father, Al van der Beek, chose to draw attention to the dangers of cyberbullying, which often results in devastating consequences for its victims. While fortunately, the student has predominantly received an outpouring of support, oftentimes the outcome is tragic. Al van der Beek further explained that for many kids the “worst case scenario” has permanent, catastrophic consequences, as many teenagers who have faced pervasive cyberbullying have taken their own lives in the aftermath.

“What if our daughter didn’t have that strong character and have our support, and community support to where she internalized this?” Al van der Beek said.

Cline leaves behind a legacy that is contentious to say the least. First appointed in 2020, Cline would quickly find herself embroiled in controversy mere months after her induction when she took to her Facebook page in early 2021 to criticize educators who had attended a conference held by the Utah Pride Center. Cline claimed that students who identified as LGBTQ+ were simply “gender confused” and that educators who attended the aforementioned conference were being taught how to “indoctrinate children.”

Next, Cline shifted her focus to issues of race, firstly calling out Black Lives Matter, for also using “indoctrination” tactics. She then criticized the inclusion of critical race theory in school curriculum by labeling it “inherently biased” as it teaches white children that they are “always wrong.”

These Facebook posts and comments, amongst others, prompted over 49 formal complaints to be lodged against Cline resulting in three separate investigations that were conducted by the Utah State Board of Education. Ultimately, while they advised Cline and others to be mindful of what they post online, they ruled in favor of “free speech.”

While it’s no secret that many people oppose Cline and the beliefs that she upholds, there does exist a cohort of individuals who applaud her actions, framing her as someone who is just being honest and candid. For instance, when the post questioning the female student-athlete first went live, it was met with praise from early commentators.

Following the incident earlier this year, Cline was still vocal about her intentions to run for reelection. In the face of numerous calls to resign, Cline doubled down and proclaimed that she would not be pressured into abdication. Nevertheless, when it became clear at the April 13 convention that she was not going to receive enough votes, she proceeded to rush out of the auditorium at Cottonwood High School where the event was held.

As Cline exited the auditorium, her chal-

lenger, Amanda Bollinger quietly embraced family members. When her nomination was then formally announced, she addressed the press who questioned her about her thoughts on the evening’s outcome.

“Parents and our delegates, they’re making a statement. Our goal is to protect our children and that we want to make sure they are safe in schools and those of us who are leaders are also prioritizing the safety of our children,” she said.

A career educator, school administrator and coach, Bollinger has served students for many years in a multitude of roles. She looks forward to rebuilding trust within the district, telling the press: “[The outcome of the vote] makes me feel like all things happen for a reason, that it is time for me to serve our state. [This outcome means] that people care about kids, and it means people are willing to trust me to put the trust of education back in the system.” l

Controversial Utah State School Board Member Natalie Cline was officially ousted from her seat after failing to secure a nomination from the Salt Lake County Republican Party. (Utah News Dispatch)

From writers to mentors: Former teen authors help current teenagers achieve their publishing dreams

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

In 2021, she penned “The Art of the A: A Guide to Earning Straight A’s in Middle and High School Without Sacrificing Your Social Life, Sleep Schedule, or Sanity.”

It was shortly before she graduated from Alta High School herself. It was her second book she had written.

Emily Erickson, now a University of Utah student, has teamed up with Mel Torrefranca, who authored novels, “Leaving Wishville” and “Capsule” in high school. The two are offering an online summer camp beginning June 10 for aspiring teen authors called Exceptional Pursuits.

For eight weeks this summer participants aged 13 to 18 can work to complete a rough draft of their book while learning how to edit, publish, and promote it after the camp concludes.

“While the camp is focused on helping teens become authors, our mission is to give young people the sense of creative confidence which comes from having a big idea and making it a reality—an experience grade and standardized test focused schools don’t really provide and our inspiration for starting the camp,” Erickson said.

Erickson reached out to Torrefranca online to become partners in the venture. While Erick-

son coaches the non-fiction writers, Torrefranca, who is the founder of the indie publishing house, Lost Island Press and is working to produce an audio book of her novel, “Nightshade Academy,” helps the fiction writers.

It’s the second year the authors have coached teenage writers. While Erickson is based in Utah, Torrefranca’s home is in Thailand. Many of last year’s participants lived around the world.

Applications are now open for the camp at www.exceptionalpursuits.com. Writers need to submit a couple of different essays—one on their book ideas, another on what exceptional pursuits mean to them and a third on what the experience of writing a book means to them.

“We evaluate their writing samples, and reach out to the people who’ve been accepted, and then we meet one on one with them before the camp starts to solidify their ideas and just answer any questions they or their parents may have. We hold a kickoff week, where we meet for two hours a day, every day of the week to outline their books and get a really good structure for when they start writing. We also talk a lot about the big ideas of breaking a big project down into manageable steps, getting over the fear of perfectionism in writing,” Erickson said. They also encourage campers to just start

writing, to get over their fears or anxieties.

“We talk a lot about ‘word vomit,’ where you just get the idea out on the paper and then come back and edit it and clean it up later. This is a community where we share the same goal in getting published so when we meet, we have a leaderboard that shows word count, but it’s a friendly competition, one of support.”

At the end of that kickoff week, they hold a writing sprint.

“We encourage them to write the first two, three chapters of their book so that they have that initial momentum and success. Over the coming weeks we have more writing sprints, but the writing is largely self-directed,” she said, adding that they hold lessons such as how to tie together chapters or character dialogue.

The camp includes weekly track-specific instruction, one-on-one coaching, author question-and-answer sessions and group sessions.

Last year, the two writing camp co-founders coached book ideas from real-life autistic experiences to fantasy stories.

“Last year, everyone was self-motivated and passionate, and wrote at least 17,000 words,” she said. “I think it’s really inspiring for kids to see people who have written and published books as teenagers and done so successfully. Most high school teachers may encour-

age you, but they haven’t written and published their own books, and really can’t advise you on how to do that. This community where it’s expected that you can and you will write a book and you will be an author at the end of the summer is inspirational and with an environment of accountability you don’t get anywhere else.”

The camp costs $800. Partial scholarships are available. l

Students interested in writing their own books can enroll in Exceptional Pursuits’ summer writing camp. (Photo courtesy of Exceptional Pursuits)

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

Jordan PREP Plus students 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

Continued from 11

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-

parents, 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 Marci

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,

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

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

“Be your best self”

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

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)

Director of High Schools Tom Sherwood is expected to address 135 soon-tobe 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

“I can't say enough good things about the Sammy Center. The director, sta , interns and volunteers are nurturing and knowledgeable. They communicate regularly. They respond swiftly to the special needs of my child. I'm incredibly grateful.”

—Jesse, parent

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.”

Join A Community Where Each Member Thrives

801-355-7485 - www.rowlandhall.org

Choosing Rowland Hall will give you complete confidence that your student will be known and nurtured. In small class sizes with personalized attention, students are valued for who they are as individuals. Our goal is to foster a community of learners who are healthy, motivated, and thriving in a dynamic world.

Rowland Hall teachers forge life-changing relationships with students. Here, educators value all learners and encourage students to take risks and strive for improvement.

Our teachers know and nurture each student. With an average class size of 15 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, teachers engage in meaningful collaborations with students every day. As active participants in their own learning, students use their unique voices, question ideas, take on challenges, and offer solutions to problems, all in a safe environment.

As mentors, Rowland Hall teachers support the whole child—from helping young learners discover their passions and grow intellectually and emotionally, to promoting student well-being. Through a robust ethical education curriculum; opportunities for open dialogue; and a focus on compassion, empathy, and a supportive peer environment, Rowland Hall is leading the path for student wellness in Utah. We foster a community of learners who are prepared for the opportunities and challenges life has to offer.

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)

WLI celebrates 10 years of creating gender diversity in the state’s business and political sectors

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Five years ago, the Ken Garff Automotive Group had a 112% turnover rate for women on its sales team. It was a warning signal that the company’s culture, environment and leadership weren’t as healthy as they should have been. Joe Barnard, vice president of human resources at Ken Garff, reached out to Pat Jones, CEO of the Women’s Leadership Institute, to create solutions that would empower both men and women.

“Listening to Pat and listening to our employees caused us to think differently about the employee experience. For the first time in 90 years, we rolled out a fully paid maternity and parental leave program, that is not common in the industry,” Barnard said. “There were nearly 700 promotions last year and it’s a record for us. More importantly, there was a record number of females promoted in our company with a 300% increase.”

Barnard shared his story during an event celebrating WLI’s 10th anniversary. The organization is focused on promoting women into leadership positions throughout all industries in the state, including the political realm.

WLI’s ElevateHER Challenge encourages organizations to increase the retention rate of women, invite women to serve on boards and commissions, close the gender pay gap, create leadership programs for women and support women in their run for political office.

“Through the support of Utah’s key business leaders, we are making headway in changing Utah’s business culture to advance women’s leadership,” Jones said. “We’re proactive and positive in our approach and tone. We don’t like to blame or shame men. That is not what works and it shouldn’t work, and it isn’t working. We believe that men are allies and advocates of women.”

In 2015, Zions Bank CEO Scott Anderson approached Jones with his concerns about the status of women in the workforce. He said although the state was doing well economically, there was a perception that Utah wasn’t the best place for women in the workplace. With Jones’ background in both business and politics, Anderson felt she was the best person to lead the new WLI initiative.

Although she was ready to retire,

Jones accepted the challenge and set out to build a foundation for women that included a political and career leadership series, a rising leader program, the ElevateHER challenge and a golf program to introduce women to the game, giving them opportunities to network.

“The principles that Pat teaches pay dividends,” Anderson said. “They’re economically sound, they’re sustainable, and they create value for employees, for customers, for communities and for shareholders. And so as we celebrate this 10year milestone, I want to thank Pat and honor her for what she has accomplished. She has truly started this process of elevating the stature and status of women in our communities. She has shown that women leaders are everywhere in our communities and that they can do anything they want to do.”

Stacy Bernal is a graduate of the WLI political development series. She was elected to the Ogden School Board in 2023 and is currently running for office in Utah State Senate District 3.

“When I took the political development series in 2019, I didn’t have intentions of running. I just wanted to learn more about local politics,” Bernal said. “When I won the [school board] election, it made us an all-female body. Being connected with the Women’s Leadership Institute in my professional work, and now

campaigning again, it’s just great to have the support of women.”

Since its inception, more than 330 companies have committed to the ElevateHER Challenge and nearly 1,000 graduates are part of WLI’s alumni network. The organization has built partnerships with Utah Tech University, ShePlace SheMoney and Chambers of Commerce statewide.

For its second decade, WLI plans to extend programs, increase data collection and offer an ElevateHER Challenge certification for companies. It remains the exclusive charity partner for the LPGA Epson Tour and will continue to present its A. Scott Anderson Ally Award, which includes Ken Garff as its second honoree.

“We’re more deliberate about our structure and about our culture,” Barnard said. “More than 80% of primary buying decisions are made or heavily influenced by women. They’re smart, they’re shrewd and they’re talented. Most importantly, they’re fantastic listeners. They are a perfect fit for our company, as we’ve become a better fit for them. Our story isn’t fully written but make no mistake it is a success story, in large part, due to the ElevateHER Challenge and the amazing Pat Jones.” l

(From left), Ron Jibson (former Questar CEO), Pat Jones (WLI CEO), Joe Barnard (Vice President at Ken Garff Automotive Group) and Scott Anderson (former CEO and president of Zions Bank) take part in the 10th anniversary celebration for the Women’s Leadership Institute. Anderson tasked Jones with creating and building the organization that champions gender diversity. (Photo courtesy of WLI/Kinser Studios)

Benefits of Deep Brain Stimulation

with Dr. Joel MacDonald

Deep brain stimulation is an important surgical treatment option for patients experiencing progressive symptoms from Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder with prominent impairment of movement including a disabling combination of tremor, rigidity (stiffness), and bradykinesia (slow movements). As these symptoms worsen, they interfere with daily function and diminish quality of life. Even simple daily tasks like using utensils to eat can be extremely difficult. Many patients notice declining effectiveness of medications over time.

Deep brain stimulation both directly improves these symptoms and allows medication doses to be decreased so that side effects are minimized. The process involves a brief surgical procedure under local anesthetic to implant electrodes within specific targets of the brain. The targets are selected based on the predominant symptoms. The electrodes are then connected to a small implanted stimulator that can then be programmed to improve movement function. Programming is done by a neurologist. Most patients recover from surgery quickly but optimal programming can take some time. This type of surgery has been routinely performed at Holy Cross Hospital - Salt Lake for several decades. For more information about CommonSpirit Health and our Holy Cross hospitals, including information about neurological disorders, please visit www.holycrossutah.org.

As CommonSpirit Health, we make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all.

Eagles battle through difficult season

Photos by Travis Barton

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Captain Dante Stock and the Skyline boys soccer team was 3-8 at press time though should still qualify for the playoffs where the Eagles tend to come good, reaching at least the semifinals the last three years.

Jax Jameson, a junior, is one of Skyline’s more talented attackers. After dropping their first five games of the season, the Eagles have responded going 3-3 over the last six games beating West and perennial powers Alta and Brighton.

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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

Life and Laughter Reader Response

not encountered a “creepy man dressed as 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."

“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 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.”

“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

My 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.

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