two bars
Celebrating excellence: Murray Education Foundation honors outstanding educators, staff and volunteer
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
For 22 years, Murray Education Foundation has celebrated outstanding educators, support staff and volunteers who make a significant impact on the Murray School District.
The prestigious Pinnacle Award honors their contributions and achievements in the field of education. This February, MEF selected seven individuals from more than 119 nominations, surprising them with balloons in front of their students and colleagues.
One of the honorees, Longview third-grade teacher Jai-Dee Riches, had been volunteering in the District for years before becoming a teacher in 2010. She was wrapping up a math lesson when the door opened.
“I was expecting my son’s girlfriend to come help with preparations for parent-teacher conferences, but when I looked up, it was my entire family holding a huge bouquet of balloons,” Riches recalled. “It was such a surprise. I saw all the people I love, standing there, smiling.”
It took a moment for her to realize her daughter, who lives in Casper, Wyoming, had traveled to surprise her and her son, who had just started a new job, had taken time off to be there.
“I was confused at first. I wondered why they were all there. Then I saw the superintendent and MEF board, and it hit me. I could feel the blood rushing out of my face. I’m so grateful to everyone who took the time to nominate me,” she said.
Riches has a passion for teaching and getting to know her students.
“Teaching is my happy place. I love connecting with kids and knowing them as individuals and tailoring lessons I know will be interesting and engaging to kids. I love the sense of community I have with students I teach every day and watch them grow and figure things out,” she said.
The other recipients of the Pinnacle Award include Parkside first-grade teacher Emily Cox, who has taught in the District since 2017; McMillan fourth- and fifth-grade teacher Laura Leishman, who has taught with the District for 11 years; Riverview Junior High Spanish teacher Lara Slade, a 34-year District veteran; and Murray High art teacher Rich White, who started teaching in the District in 2000.
Also honored were Hillcrest counseling secretary Gloria Herrera, who has worked
in the District since 1991, and volunteer Katrina Harris, who has made significant contributions to multiple District schools.
Murray School District Superintendent Jennifer Covington congratulated the awardees.
“This prestigious award recognizes their exceptional dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to our students,” she said. “Their hard work makes a profound
Continued page 15
Seven dedicated individuals recognized for their dedication to Murray students.
Murray School District Superintendent Jennifer Covington surprised Murray High art teacher Rich White with the District’s top award, the Pinnacle. (Photo courtesy of Murray Education Foundation)
Ladies Take the Lead with Experience, Passion and Purpose at CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospitals
“Ido this work for my father, for families like ours, and ultimately, for the glory of God,” said Martha Boutsikakis Gamble, Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) at Holy Cross Hospital - West Valley and registered nurse for over 20 years.
For many, a career in healthcare is more of a calling - a decision made that was shaped by past experiences with loved ones, or even personal health scares of their own. This type of desire to care for others and passion to pursue a career in healthcare rings especially true for the ladies who are taking the lead at our CommonSpirit Health Holy Cross Hospitals in West Jordan and West Valley City.
Martha was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, to immigrant parents from Crete, Greece. While her parents spoke conversational English, her role as the eldest child often involved translating for them in settings where language wasn’t necessarily the barrier but rather, cultural understanding wasthis included translating at her dad’s appointments with his dietitian.
“When I was only about 11 or 12 years old, my father was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes,” said Martha. “It quickly became clear during his appointments that the meal recommendations we were receiving didn’t align with the food we grew up eating, nor did they consider the cultural context of our meals.”
In an attempt to adapt to the dietitian’s recommendations, the meals Martha and her family ate were repetitive… for nearly a decade.
“These early experiences fostered in me a calling—not only to serve but to advocate for
communities like mine, where language and culture can create unseen barriers to quality healthcare,” said Martha.
For Christine McSweeney, President of Holy Cross Hospitals - Jordan Valley and West Valley, her path to healthcare leadership began as a passion to explore the science behind nutrition and how to properly fuel our bodies.
“I’m a science nerd at heart,” said Christine. “I get excited about seeing people and myself thrive and improve through proper nutrition and care”
Christine’s career began at Banner Health in Arizona where she was a clinical dietitian. Over the course of 20 years, Christine climbed the ranks to eventually serve as Chief Operating Officer of a large academic center in downtown Phoenix before she joined the CommonSpirit Health leadership team five years ago, stepping into her current President role in 2023.
“My experience here in Utah has been like no other. It is full of neighbors helping neighbors, strong family values, amazing outdoor beauty and a true haven for healthy lifestyles. This way of living and thinking really brings me back to my roots as a dietitian” said Christine. “In addition, it certainly doesn’t hurt that the people we have working for CommonSpirit in the Greater Salt Lake market are loyal, dedicated and lean into our mission with their values first!”
Katie Flores, CNO at Holy Cross HospitalMountain Point and Interim CNO at Holy Cross Hospital - Jordan Valley, kicked off her healthcare
career in 2001 as a registered nurse - initially caring for patients at the bedside in Med/Surg and in the Emergency Department.
Over the years, Katie transitioned into leadership roles and has been serving as CNO for the last 10 years. A passionate caregiver, Katie’s background actually started with a dream to work in broadcast media… but that quickly changed.
“I realized early on that broadcast wasn’t the right fit for me - I felt a lack of connection and fulfillment so I pursued a career that would allow me to make a meaningful impact on others,” said Katie. “After going through some personal life experiences that led me to seek healthcare myself, I decided to make a change. I went back to school to pursue a career in healthcare—one that I could feel passionate about every day and truly connect with on a deeper level.”
Though different backgrounds and experiences fuel this leadership team’s passion to do what they do every day, Christine shared that the common thread between them all is, “This team of women lead with strength, confidence, curiosity, determination and heart…. it is present in everything we do and apparent in the quality of care our hospitals provide. I cannot wait to see all we continue to accomplish, together.”
At 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.
Learn more about the services, care providers and missiondriven work of the Holy Cross hospitals and CommonSpirit Health at www.holycrossutah.org.
Ross Romero takes oath of office for Salt Lake County Council
Former Democratic legislator Ross Romero takes seat for Salt Lake County Council District 4.
By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
In January, Ross Romero was sworn in as the Salt Lake County Councilmember for District 4, marking a significant milestone as one of the first Latino (Carlos Moreno was also sworn in) to hold the position. District 4 spans much of the county’s east side, encompassing parts of Salt Lake City, South Salt Lake and Murray, as well as all of Holladay, Millcreek and Emigration Canyon.
Romero's journey into public service began with his education at the University of Utah, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science in 1993. He later attended the University of Michigan Law School, graduating in 1996 with a specialization in environmental and municipal law.
Following law school, Romero worked as a litigator at Jones Waldo, handling cases related to land use and municipal law. He then transitioned to Zions Bank as Vice President of Public Finance, where he played a key role in structuring bonds for infrastructure projects, including water conservation initiatives and public transit expansions. In 2020, he founded Inclusion Strategies, a consulting firm advising organizations such as Intermountain Healthcare and the Salt Lake Chamber on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) frameworks and policy compliance.
Romero told a 2024 DEI roundtable discussion hosted by Utah Business, “Progress requires listening to marginalized voices and finding common ground.”
Romero’s political career began in the Utah Legislature, where he served from 2005 to 2012. As a member of the House of Representatives (2005-06), he authored bills to increase funding for ESL programs and
expand Medicaid coverage for low-income families. He later served in the Utah State Senate (2006-12), where he sponsored the 2008 Clean Air Act amendments, tightening emissions standards for industrial polluters. He retired as Senate Democratic Leader.
During President Barack Obama’s second administration, Romero was appointed to the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, where he evaluated educational excellence criteria and promoted STEM opportunities for minority students. He also served as a Democratic National Committee representative from 2020 until early 2024.
“Ross Romero is the embodiment of dedication and leadership,” Sindy M. Benavides, president and CEO of Latino Victory Fund said. “His deep understanding of local government and his commitment to environmental sustainability, affordable housing, and economic equity makes him an ideal candidate to serve Salt Lake County. We proudly endorse his campaign and believe
he will be an outstanding advocate for his community.”
In 2011, Romero was a candidate for Salt Lake County Mayor.
Beyond elected office, Romero has been deeply involved in community service. He has served on the YWCA Community Advisory Council, advising on policies to support domestic violence survivors and expand childcare access. As a board member of Hale Centre Theatre, he championed initiatives to make arts education accessible to underserved youth. His leadership extends to national organizations, including the National Association of Latino Elected & Appointed Officials (NALEO), the Utah Hospital Association, and the Institute for Diversity and Health Equity.
After the Utah legislature passed HB261 dismantling some DEI programs, Romero posted on Instagram, “As your councilmem-
ber in Salt Lake County’s District 4, I will always advocate for practices that prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to have a seat at every table.”
Romero outlined his views on development on the campaign website, “I promise to advocate for development that is both progressive and mindful of its impact on our community. This approach emphasizes responsible land use, environmental stewardship and collaboration with stakeholders to create developments that enhance our quality of life while preserving the unique character of our county.”
Residing in Holladay with his family, Romero volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah and mentors first-generation college students at the University of Utah. l
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Ross Romero (far left) was sworn in as councilmember for Salt Lake County District 4. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County)
Salt Lake County District 4 Councilmember Ross Romero.
Unified hoops: Murray and Hillcrest teams shine at halftime scrimmages
Students with and without disabilities come together in a heartwarming display of teamwork and support during exciting halftime games. Hillcrest High at Murray High.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Theloudest cheers weren’t necessarily for the hard-fought rebounds during the Murray High versus Hillcrest High girls basketball game nor for the one-possession game during the second half of the boys basketball game, but for the unified basketball scrimmages that took place at the halftimes.
While Murray emerged victorious in both games, there was excitement and spirited support for the Murray and Hillcrest unified basketball teams, who showcased their skills during the breaks.
Unified basketball teams mix students with and without intellectual disabilities on the same squad, based on the belief that practicing and playing together fosters friendship and understanding, said Boston Iacobazzi, Special Olympics Utah college-growth coordinator for unified champion schools, who added the program’s popularity has soared in recent years; there are more than 200 high school coed unified basketball teams.
Dean Domiguez, a coach for Murray’s unified team, said the scrimmages offered a unique game-like experience.
“It’s hard to duplicate this big crowd cheering in an ordinary practice, so it’s an opportunity for the players to understand the crowd is into it and supporting them,” he said. “This experience builds a positive environment, and it helps to give more exposure to people who are unfamiliar with what unified is and see the opportunity to participate or support the unified teams.”
Murray’s unified team member Vale Condori can score, but he prefers dribbling and passing.
“My favorite part is playing to win,” he said. “I like playing with my friends, and I love when my family and teachers cheer for me. It makes me happy.”
Senior Hailey Farmer plays alongside Condori and other unified teammates.
“I’ve made so many great friends I wouldn’t have made if it wasn’t for unified sports,” she said. “We practice once per week and get to spend our day together at tournaments, playing and cheering on everybody. It’s a warm and welcoming community, and I’ve learned patience and to make the most out of what I’m doing.”
Domiguez said he’s seen improvement with his team.
“A highlight for me is just watching them develop and see them have success.
You see the players who start with a certain skill at a certain level and through practice, they’re getting better,” he said. “Another highlight is seeing the happiness when the players interact with them. They’re just excited to see each other. Unified sports is another way to integrate these kids into society.”
Hillcrest High sophomore Yadi Rodriguez is enthusiastic about his unified team.
“My team is my favorite; Kevin Durant and the Golden State Warriors is my second favorite,” he said. “My team is skilled and we want to win the championships. We’re good friends too.”
He said while he has fun scoring baskets, he likes to pass the ball to his teammates.
“I love cheering when they score, just like they do for me,” he said.
Hillcrest junior Khloë Buchanan, who pulled on a jersey over her cheerleading uniform to play in the scrimmage, has been a peer tutor and has played unified sports for three years.
“I just fell in love with it,” she said. “Unified brings the whole school together. It’s both competitive and fun. Everyone supports each other, and we make sure everyone gets a chance to dribble or score. Everybody cheers for everyone, and we celebrate everyone’s basket. It’s awesome to see the fans here supporting the unified teams.”
Hillcrest’s coach Rebecca Remy was proud of her teams. It was a rematch of last year’s halftime scrimmages.
“They did awesome; their smiles are worth all the hard work,” she said. “We want to make it a tradition, even though we’re not in the same region next year. It’s cool to give the kids opportunities to play in front of so many fans.”
Murray Athletic Director Brady Smith sees the value of the scrimmage.
“It gives both teams a platform with lots of support, and it allows them to showcase their incredible talent,” he said. “At Murray, we’re fostering an inclusive environment across all of our basketball programs. Unified basketball brings inclusion and positive energy, giving every student a chance to perform. It also allows the entire community—students, parents and others—a chance to witness the magic that happens when students with and without disabilities play together.”
Both schools’ team played at the tournament Feb. 10 hosted by Canyons School District. Murray High was slated to host a tournament Feb. 20. Both Murray High and Hillcrest High are scheduled to play in the regional tournament the week of March 10. State unified basketball is set for March 26 at the Delta Center. l
Unified basketball players with and without intellectual disabilities play together to foster friendships and inclusion. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Bridging language gaps: Translation stations transform education at Murray High
glish, but these English language learners also can read it in their mother tongue in live time.”
Ford, who heads the science department, said he first tried the idea of the translation station when he got a new computer and AI training. It only worked when PowerPoint was in use.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
InColby Ford's classroom, a 43-inch monitor displays Spanish text, seamlessly translating his English lecture and instructions. At other times, it can convert his speech into Arabic or Samoan—or one of 80 languages.
This technology, fondly nicknamed a "translation station," is a live translanguaging system present in every science classroom at Murray High School. Soon, the system will be implemented in every Murray High classroom as well as be installed at Hillcrest and Riverview junior high schools.
Ford calls the system a “game-changer.”
He said when he first set up his computer as a translation station last year, it allowed English language learners to become involved with the lessons and discussion. Previously, many of these students disengaged by resting their heads on desks or falling asleep because they didn’t understand. Now, they're actively participating and asking questions.
Murray High School has seen a growing number of multi-language learners in recent years, with many students needing extra support in learning English. According to the Utah State Office of Education, this trend is statewide. House Bill 432 in the state legislature aims to further assist these students.
Murray High Principal Quinn Linde is aware of the challenge and responsibility in providing education for every student. This year alone, more than 180 Murray High students require some level of English language support, most of whom are Hispanic or Pacific Islander.
“My goal is to have these translator screens in every core class within the next two years,” Linde said. “When teachers deliver instruction, all students hear it in En-
“If I was doing anything else on my computer or showing a video, it didn’t work,” said the zoology teacher, who said “a large number of ELL students” enroll in his six sections.
But once Ford saw his students engaged, he knew it was an essential tool. So, he sought help from Jason Eyre, Murray School District’s technology department coordinator.
Eyre said science teachers realized the system was designed for hearing-impaired students, since the translation was displayed captions. However, when they realized the captions could provide live translations, they started experimenting with the system.
“What we’ve created feels almost magical,” Eyre said. “We just needed to tweak it with the Huddly camera that has five microphones at the top, and we used a donated monitor and an extra PC we had for fine tuning. We’ve used what we have so it hasn’t cost the District anything extra.”
The system uses the Huddly camera which tracks Ford's movements in the classroom. The AI in the camera translate Ford’s instructions into any of the languages his students speak, regardless of where he is in the room. Before, Ford relied on Google Translate, which was time-consuming.
Now, with the live translation, Ford can communicate instantly with students in their native languages. He estimates there are more than 100 English learners in science classes benefitting from this technology.
“The translation stations are making a huge difference,” he said. “My ELL students have raised their grades by a full letter and they're engaging with me in ways they never did before. Students who barely spoke English are now asking questions, laughing and participating in discussions.”
Eyre noted the success of the translation stations is also because of the data-driven approach of the science teachers. The teachers were quick to notice how the technology changed their classrooms, turning previously disengaged students into active learners.
“AI has helped turn what could have been a miserable classroom experience into one where students are not just learning, but also forming relationships with their teachers and peers,” Eyre said.
Ford, who speaks Thai and is working toward an English-as-a-Second-Language endorsement, said the data collected shows his ELL students are outperforming those from the previous year.
“The turnaround has been phenomenal,” he said. “If I could line my classroom with monitors, I would. It would mean almost every student could interact with me at any moment, and we would have a relationship, which would be awesome.”
Chemistry teacher David Vala, who speaks both English and Czech, also has embraced the translation station. He now focuses on using clear, simple language and avoids idioms, which often don’t translate well.
“It’s been a challenge with technical terms, but the program does its best,” Vala said. “The most important thing is students are now more involved. They understand the value of education and are empowered to learn more.”
The translation stations are still evolving. Physics teacher Conner Winder customized the system to allow easy switching between languages. With the touch of a button, the system can toggle between English, Spanish, Arabic, and other languages the students speak.
While there are some limitations—such as being able to translate only one language
at a time—Ford believes this system is a huge step forward. They explored the possibility of having students use their Chromebooks for translation as a solution, but the same issue arose—students couldn’t use the translation feature while doing other tasks.
Ford and Eyre presented their findings at the Utah High School Education Technology Conference, where national organizations expressed interest in their work.
“We found a benefit of the student being immersed into the classroom, not just immersed into what the teacher was saying,” Eyre said. “The live (translation) system has changed the way I thought about AI. It has changed the way I thought about translation and what it means to have a student in an active classroom.”
Eyre added the system possibly could support Navajo, to help preserve the indigenous language.
“We’re just starting to realize the potential of this technology,” Ford said. “It could lead to a translator app that displays multiple languages on split screens. The goal is to help students learn English while ensuring they understand the material in their native languages. They get a double benefit, which is why we’re so excited about it.”
Winder has even incorporated ChatGPT into his teaching, allowing students to ask questions and receive additional support, further enhancing their learning experience.
“We’re doing more than teaching science; we’re building relationships,” Ford said. “The best part of teaching is getting to know the students, and this technology is helping us connect with them like never before. It’s allowing them to bring their cultures into the classroom, which helps everyone learn more.”l
Murray High teacher Colby Ford gives students instructions for the day’s assignment with the help of live translation shown on the monitor in the front of his classroom. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Murray High Robotics tackles ‘High Stakes’ challenges on road to state contest
Murray High robotics team gains hands-on engineering, problem-solving and teamwork skills through VEX program and competitions.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
It’s high stakes time for VEX robotics high school teams, both literally and figuratively.
This year, the state VEX Robotics competition will take place March 7 in Lehi, featuring the aptly named “High Stakes” game where teams score rings on posts and tackle the challenge of climbing a giant truss.
Teams are competing for a chance to qualify at various contests, including the Iron Spartan, a 32-team contest hosted by the Murray High Robotics Team for the first time. The event, which took place earlier this season, was led by second-year coach Conner Winder.
“Last year I was learning about VEX and took the team to one competition; this year, we’re competing at four, including ours,” he said.
Winder said VEX robotics tournaments offer students more than just a shot at qualifying for state; they provide valuable learning experiences.
“Every time they go to one of these big competitions, it's high stakes. It’s a high stress situation where students are tinkering with the robot constantly. They learn a lot about how well their robot performs during a round and in between rounds, they can go back to their base and improve their robot,” he said. “The atmosphere is friendly though. Students can walk over to another table and say, ‘I like this about your robot. Tell me about it,’ and the other team will show them their code. They'll show their design and say, ‘This is why we did this. This is how it works.’ There’s great sportsmanship and a collaborative spirit.”
Winder said the engineering process is just as important as the result.
“The final product is not nearly as important as learning for these students. They put together a prototype, figure out what's wrong with it, and try again. It’s a process they repeat over and over and over for months until it's as good as it can be,” Winder said.
The experience also hones critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as teamwork.
"They need to coordinate to make sure things get done on time and meet the game’s specifications," Winder said. "They learn to be efficient, not only after school, but also at competitions.”
This was evident at the Iron Spartan competition, where all three Murray teams faced some robot issues, but persevered with adjustments.
"Our competition was open to any team, so we had teams from Nevada, California and Texas in addition to Utah. Our students gained valuable insights watching how other teams approached the challenges," Winder said.
Two of Murray’s team members, senior Cody Pratt and sophomore Preston Marshall were busy rebuilding their robot, “Wormhole,” after the competition.
“We’re building a two-piston mechanical clamp,” Marshall explained. “Our intake worked well, but we struggled with placing the ring on the clamp. We noticed a loss of grip, which caused the ring to fly off instead of landing straight down, often throwing it too far.”
Pratt added, “We also needed a longer hook, and after many trials, we figured that out. While we rebuilt our entire bot, including new wheels that help us get closer to the ground and drive under the vertical bar. Our other two teams kept their robots the same, but they added improvements."
Murray High’s robotics club is student-led and meets twice a week. As competition dates near, the students put in extra hours to refine their robots.
Both Pratt and Marshall are interested in engineering and have learned to fix design flaws, improve their CAD skills and work collaboratively.
Marshall is planning to enroll in a yearlong robotics class which will be offered next year.
“The class will be more structured,” Winder said. “We're going to talk about what it means to be an engineer in a modern economy and the skills they need. We're going to talk about mechanical principles, circuitry and apply those concepts to robots. Students will do everything my club members are doing, but they also receive formal instruction in engineering robotics.”
When Winder, a 2018 Murray High graduate, came into the physics teaching position last year, he agreed to advise the robotics club.
“It sounded cool, and I knew some tech stuff I do some on the side,” he said. “When I took my students to the competition last year, I realized how awesome this is. Advising the team has become a passion I’m here to help, but I love watching the students come up with ideas and get excited about what they build. Success, for them, is not how high they place; it’s about learning and applying something new.” l
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About 15 different schools took part in Murray High’s VEX robotics competition, where students built and programmed their robots to perform tasks in this year’s game. (Photo courtesy of MHS robotics)
Scott Goodman brings community focus to Murray City Council
With decades of military service and a passion for public engagement, Scott Goodman is ready to bring transparency, collaboration and fresh ideas to the Murray City Council.
By Bailey Chism
After 30 years of military service and four years on the Public Safety Advisory Board, Anthony “Scott” Goodman is ready to serve in a new capacity: as a member of the Murray City Council. Goodman said he's eager to bring leadership experience and passion for public service to the city he calls home.
“I just want to give back more to Murray rather than just the country,” Goodman said. “I’m super excited about it.”
Infrastructure, public safety and building greater resident engagement in local government are Goodman's major focuses as he steps into the councilmember role. He wants to keep the balance between improving the city infrastructure and keeping
it at its best while not forgetting about one of the most important areas – public safety.
"The last city council meeting, I was there and there were only a handful of people there," he noted. "If they got more involved in what’s going on in the city, maybe they would understand it.”
Encouraging Resident Engagement
Goodman has already brainstormed a number of innovative ways to involve residents in city government, including what he describes as "Bike with a Councilman." The concept is he would make himself available at various locations in the district for informal bike rides, which would provide a casual setting in which constituents could discuss issues.
“I love biking, so I thought maybe there’s other people who would be interested in biking around the district a little bit," he said.
He also hopes to bring more transparency, making sure all city discussions and decisions are done out in the open.
"I just want all the business of Murray City out in front of the citizens," Goodman said.
Working Together for a Better Murray
Goodman is stepping into a city council that he describes as highly collaborative. While councilmembers have different backgrounds and priorities, he believes mutual respect and teamwork are essential for success.
“We all have different priorities, and we’re only going to accomplish that with working together,” Goodman said.
As for his future on the council, Goodman plans to run in the upcoming election this November. While his initial priorities are infrastructure and public safety, he remains open to adjusting his focus based on community input.
“If enough people tell me that stinky trees are the biggest issue in Murray, then maybe we change the priority to the stinky trees,” he said.
Goodman views this as an opportunity to serve and promises to use each day working for the betterment of Murray.
"I'm just in awe that I was chosen to represent such a great district," he said. "I hope I do a good job—I'd feel bad if I didn't."
Goodman emphasized the support he’s gotten from his wife during this time and how much he appreciates how she stands by him as he steps into the leadership role.
As Murray looks to the future, Goodman's leadership, dedication, and approach to resident involvement will be a key factor in Murray’s development this year. l
Half century of music and community connection
The Murray Symphony marks its 50th anniversary
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
The Murray Symphony is celebrating a remarkable milestone: 50 years of uniting the community through the power of music. Originally started as the Holladay Pops Symphony Orchestra in 1975, the symphony has offered affordable, family-friendly concerts while allowing musicians to use their talents and perform in a supportive environment.
Michelle Willis is the Murray Symphony’s music and artistic director. She started with the organization in 2018 as assistant director, playing strings, brass and percussion instruments. She took over as director in 2022 and loves the fellowship of musicians who show up to practice and perform together.
“Even though not all of the members in the Murray Symphony live in Murray, we’re all from surrounding areas and we’re very invested in our community,” Willis said. “A lot of times, if we played in high school or college, if we don’t do it as a profession, it disappears. This allows everybody to get back into what they used to do and collaborate with their fellow musicians and enjoy that music-making experience again.”
As director, Willis finds creative ways to engage musicians and audiences in collab-
orations. The upcoming Murray Symphony performance “Masterworks” is scheduled for April 26 at Hillcrest Junior High (178 E. 5300 South).
Working with visual art teachers in the Murray School District, Willis has arranged for students to listen to the music that will be performed in April and create art pieces based on what they hear. The pieces include Gustav Mahler’s “Symphony No. 1” and “Rienzi” by Joseph Wagner.
“The students will create artwork that will not only be in the lobby, but when we’re playing the pieces, there’s going to be a slideshow of their work based on what they listen to,” Willis said.
As a teacher at Early Light Academy in South Jordan, it’s important to Willis to incorporate some type of educational element with each performance. Whether it’s including dancers, soloists or artists, she wants students to interact with music in a way that’s meaningful to them.
“These students that are doing music now will be our next generation of symphony members,” she said. “We want to keep that connection strong and to know we’re here for them. That’s why we exist.”
In another partnership, symphony member and composer Michael Packham was commissioned by the symphony to create a piece called “The Great Salt Lake: A Tone Poem for Orchestra.” The work covers the history of the Great Salt Lake from Lake Bonneville to its current plight. The six-sec-
tion piece will be performed during the Murray Symphony’s concert in June.
“I feel strongly about the demise of the Great Salt Lake and what we can do to rejuvenate it so I wanted to write something to motivate people to care more about the lake,” Packham said. “For listeners and performers, I treated their needs equally. I wanted a piece that would be fun for my colleagues to play and a piece that would be fun for the audience to listen to. It’s profound in some sections and just fun in others.”
As the Murray Symphony embarks on its next 50 years, Willis is excited to bring new music and experiences to members and audiences. She encourages musicians to
come play with the non-auditioned group to continue their musical journey.
“We have people that have been here for 30-plus years, and a lady that recently retired a few years ago who started from the very beginning,” Willis said. “We’ve gotten so much interest that we’ve had people drive hours to come and be with us and perform. It was something they loved so much that they were willing to make the drive.”
For information about upcoming concerts, tickets, volunteering, donations or playing with the Murray Symphony, visit MurraySymphony.org. l
Anthony “Scott” Goodman was elected to Murray City Council Jan. 21 by a vote from the current members. (Photo courtesy of Scott Goodman)
For a half-century, the Murray Symphony has provided a place for musicians to work together and audiences to enjoy beautiful performances. (Photo courtesy of Murray Symphony)
One block, two bars, downtown Murray has a place for everyone
On 4800 South, across the street from the new Murray City Hall, Club 48 and Ice Haus have long offered Murrayites a place to get a drink, a bite and say hello to neighbors and friends.
By Ella Joy Olsen e.olsen@mycityjournals.com
Club 48 has been owned by lifelong Murrayite Cory Billings for 20 years, but his dad started the club in 1989.
“We’ve been here a long time, and we have people who’ve been coming here since the day we opened,” Billings said. “When they come in, I know where they’re going to sit, what they’re going to drink and what they’ll have to eat.”
Amy, a bartender who has been at Club 48 for nearly a decade, agrees. “We get a lot of regulars, like ‘Cheers,’” she laughed. “It’s kind of come as you are.”
Club 48 is known for their Wednesday steak night, where you can get a steak, baked potato, salad and garlic bread for $10, and customers love to come in for a greasyspoon breakfast and football on Sunday.
The place has two pool tables and they host an inhouse pool tournament on Tuesdays and various outside leagues on other evenings, plus there’s a dart tournament on Saturdays. A large banquet room is a good spot for private parties, meetings, gatherings for special events like New Years and the Super Bowl, and over the years, even a wedding or two.
“What I like about [Club 48] is that it’s kind of a dive bar and a country bar, in the best way. You have cowboys and older peo-
ple who don’t want to go where the loud music and wild crowd is, and it feels like family. I’ve met some of my best friends here,” Matt Berardy, Murray resident and a regular, said. “Plus, the drinks are a little cheaper, so it’s a little easier on the pocketbook. And the Sunday breakfast? You can’t beat it.”
Ice Haus, right next door, has its own vibe.
The club was started in 2015 by Murray residents Dave and Shelly Morris. Kenny Sutton, now the general manager, helped renovate the building and open the bar. A few years ago, the club was sold to the group that also owns Piper Down in SLC, and several properties in Ogden, but many things have stayed the same.
“We’ve always had a German-themed menu, huge soft pretzels and brats,” Sutton said. “And also, a vegan menu since the original owners were vegan. Especially when we
first opened, vegan bar food was unusual and it brings in people. We also have a great selection of booze. You can try some really nice mixed drinks and whiskeys for less than the downtown Salt Lake bars.”
Ice Haus is also a neighborhood bar, and like Club 48, many patrons walk over for a drink and a meal.
“We like to think we are a place for everyone. Different people come in for different events,” Cassie Rothman, assistant general manager and bartender, said. “We have bingo, live bands on the weekend, karaoke on Thursday and Monday evenings, trivia on Mondays. And, of course, people always come in to watch the games.”
One draw in the summer is the dog-friendly/permitted patio. “It’s another reason for people to walk to the bar,” Sutton said. l
The cozy bar at Club 48 invites customers to stay a while. “We’ve been here a long time, and we have people who’ve been coming here since the day we opened,” club owner Cory Billings said. “When they come in, I know where they’re going to sit, what they’re going to drink and what they’ll have to eat.” (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)
“We’ve always had a German-themed menu, huge soft pretzels and brats,” general manager of Ice Haus, Kenny Sutton said. “And also, a vegan menu since the original owners were vegan.” (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)
By Collette Hayes c.hayes@mycityjournals.com
Scouting America launches statewide food drive
The Utah Food Bank reports that hunger affects 1 in 6 children in Utah. The state saw an increase from 93,000 food-insecure children in 2021 to 143,000 recently, marking a 53% increase. School-age children facing food insecurity are more likely to be absent, hyperactive, and struggle academically in school. Prolonged food deprivation in children can lead to severe mental and physical health challenges. To address food insecurity among children in Utah, Crossroads of the West Council, a local scout council of Scouting America, launched its 39th annual Scouting for Food Drive in February.
A kick-off event was held Feb. 6 at the Granite Education Foundation Donation & Distribution Center in Murray. This year’s food drive sponsors were Bank of Utah, Red Hanger Cleaners, Young Automotive Group, Arctic Circle, Utah National Guard, and Smith’s Food and Drug. The sponsors joined together in launching the annual drive and asked the public to help fill the state pantries with nutritious and nonperishable canned and boxed foods. Each of the spon-
sors actively supported the food drive by donating bags to customers, publicizing the food drive, and acting as a collection site for donors.
According to Lorna Koci, chair of the Scouting for Food Drive, the event is supported by a partnership with the Souper Bowl of Caring, a statewide initiative dedicated to fighting hunger locally. It wasn’t a coincidence that Saturday, Feb. 8, was targeted as Scouting for Food Day, when the
public typically shops for their Super Bowl parties held on Sunday.
“We are calling on the public to help fill our state pantries with nutritious canned foods such as beef stew, soups, canned meats and vegetables,” Koci said. “We will be asking for food donations at 53 Smith’s Food and Drug stores across the state. Additionally, we are mobilizing 400 Cub Scout packs, Scout troops, and Venture crews to help provide food for 16 community pantries across Utah.”
The food drive came at a time when food supplies at local food pantries were beginning to thin, primarily due to the holiday season. Last year, the drive collected over 100,000 pounds of food for Utahns experiencing food insecurity. This year, Scouts across Utah hoped to gather even more food in an ongoing effort to fight hunger across the state. The Utah National Guard provided the essential workforce, resources and equipment to collect food items from various locations and then made deliveries to the food pantries.
Granite School District is the third largest district in Utah, serving over 58,000 students. Approximately 2,700 students qualify for the federal free and reduced lunch program, and 1,600 students are experiencing some level of homelessness in their communities. The Scouting for Food Drive in Salt Lake County will specifically target the food needs of children in the Granite School District by collecting food donations for the Granite Education Foundation. This 501(c) (3) charitable organization provides essential resources for students, teachers and schools within the District.
“We hope that people in Salt Lake
County will be donating food items for their children's hunger school programs,” Koci said. On Feb. 8, Smith’s stores had special requests and lists for food items needed in the Granite School District. “These items will provide food-insecure children with a meal before, during, and after school and on the weekend. These types of programs will be happening throughout the state as well as in Granite,” Koci said.
According to the Utah Food Bank, many families in Utah are often forced to make difficult choices between basic needs, such as paying rent, keeping the lights on or buying groceries.
“The current economic challenges in our state are impacting many families,” Granite School District social worker Sherrie Sanchez said. “The cost of food at the grocery stores has increased significantly. Feeding a family of four isn’t what it used to be. It’s difficult for kids to focus on schoolwork if they haven’t had their first meal of the day. We are grateful that we can provide students with the food they need, made available through donations to the Granite Education Foundation. We know this is a place we can turn to for support when there are challenges.”
Vincent Ni was one of several scouts that welcomed shoppers Feb. 8 at the Smith’s Food and Drug store on Bengal Boulevard in Cottonwood Heights. He encouraged shoppers to donate food to the drive and shared information about the special request items.
“The most important thing about the scout food drive is, it benefits people who go hungry every day,” Ni said. “We’re helping someone to have a better life, at least, I hope so.” l
To address food insecurity among children in Utah, Crossroads of the West Council launched its 39th annual Scouting for Food Drive in February. (Photo courtesy Scouting America)
SECONDARY ART SHOW
Join us for the Secondary Art Show at Fashion Place Mall from April 29 to May 1, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM! This showcase features artwork from students in grades 7-12. Participants have the chance to win cash prizes and ribbons across various categories. For
M URRAY S ENIOR R ECREATION C ENTER
10 East 6150 South, Murray, Utah 84107
801-264-2635
murray.utah.gov/140/Senior-RecreationCenter
seniorrec@murray.utah.gov mcreg.com
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Check our website for any changes in programs.
CHEF OMAR LIMON
Daily Lunch
Date: Tuesday through Friday
Time: 11:30 a.m. – noon
Cost: Cost is $5; prior registration not required
CLASSES
Ceramics
Date: Tuesday and Thursday
Time: 9:00 a.m. – noon
Cost: $1.50 each class plus cost of supplies
Grief Support
Date: Friday, Mar. 7 and 21
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Vital Aging: Strong Self-Confidence
Date: Friday, Mar. 28
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
DANCE
Beginning Line Dance Instruction
Date: Tuesdays
Time: 1:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Cost: $5 for the month; register now Thursday Evening Social Dance
Live Music provided by Tony Summerhays
Date: Thursdays
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $5
FITNESS
Daily Fitness Classes – check our current newsletter for the schedule and fees
PROGRAMS
Bingo
Date: Wednesdays and Fridays
Time: 12:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Cost: Free, donations are appreciated
Bridge Lessons
Date: Mondays
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Hand and Foot Card Game
Date: Mondays
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Mexican Train Dominos Game
Date: Thursdays
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
HEALTH SERVICES
Haircuts
Date: Wednesdays
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $12; advance appointment required
CLUBS
Martial Arts
Date: Wednesdays
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Cost: $15 initial club fee; $10 per month
Thursday Quilters
Date: Thursday, Mar. 13
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
TRIPS
Wendover
Date: Thursday, May 1
Time: 8:15 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Cost: $30; register now
PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS
Murray City has several Public Works projects on the horizon for Spring 2025.
Murray’s Street Department will be spot replacing concrete curb and gutter as well as sidewalk on Morning Dew Drive and Daisy Lane. Following the concrete work, each roadway will be milled and overlaid for a new surface. Neighborhood streets east of State Street and north of 4800 South will receive slurry seals on the roadway surface.
Murray Water will be completing work on the 500 West waterline replacement on Century Drive (north of 4500S) and then replace failing 6” water main with a new 8” mainline on Harwood Lane from Pontiac Drive to 900 East, improving both capacity and fire flow. Later in the spring, Murray Water will be upgrading the 6” cast iron main in Murray Boulevard from Vine Street to Hunter’s Woods Apartments with 12” ductile iron to improve capacity, fire flow and reliability. Murray Engineering is in the process of designing a mill and pave project on Murray Boulevard that will improve both roadway surface and active transportation. Widening and traffic signal improvements will also begin this spring at the intersection of Winchester and 700 West.
In addition to the City projects, Lumen is continuing expansion of its Quantum Fiber in Murray City and recently completed work in the Germania neighborhood. Their contractor, Fugal, is planned to begin work in the Walden Glen, Potomac and Halcyon/Lucky Clover neighborhoods in April 2025. Fugal will be distributing flyers to affected residents in the days leading up to their work, but Murray City Public Works will also post to our social media in the coming months and weeks before the work begins as we get more information. While they are coordinating with Murray City Public Works for work within the right-of-way, the city does not give permission for their work on private property. Rather, this is allowed through existing easements and through permission of the affected property owner. Maps will be posted on both the Murray City Public Works Facebook and Instagram pages. Any questions or concerns regarding this work should be directed to Fugal at https://fugal.com/neighbor or at 801-796-5046.
MARCH 2025
THE PARK CENTER HE K CENNTER
THE PARK CENTER
Tues Coed Ages 6-7
April 22-May 27
8-9
April 11-May 16 Practice
April 12-May 17 Practice
you need emergency care fast, the closest emergency room is a smart thing to know. You never know the level of care you’ll need when an emergency happens and choosing the right ER can make all the difference. And a hospital ER comes with the confidence of additional services right on-site.
Murray boys take second in state swimming, girls place seventh
By Josh McFadden j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com
Murray High swimming has a strong tradition, and this year was no exception.
The Spartans had a stellar state swimming meet, Feb. 7, 8 at Brigham Young University. The boys were runners-up to Park City, while the girls took seventh. The boys accumulated 258 points, just six away from first place. The girls, meanwhile, had 135 points, 10 below sixth-place Timpanogos.
“I am so proud of this team and the outcome from the state meet,” head coach Kyle Snowder said. “The girls team put up a fight and placed seventh overall, which is pretty impressive considering the small team that we had. The boys team dominated both relays and individual events throughout the weekend. We knew from the beginning of the season that we would have to work hard and improve daily if we wanted a chance at the state title. These boys worked as a team up through the very last event of the day, pushing each other to be better. We kept a positive attitude, even when scores were close, working until the very last second.”
The boys took first overall in the 200yard medley relay. The group, consisting of senior Austin Sorensen, senior Riser Lundeberg, sophomore Marcus Richter and senior Aiden Martin finished the event in 1:39.96,
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difference every day, helping students succeed and elevating our entire school community. We sincerely appreciate their excellence in education and the inspiration they provide to those around them. We celebrate their remarkable achievement.”
The award winners will be celebrated at a gala Thursday, March 20, where they will receive a statuette and a gift basket, including a $1,000 check and various donated gift cards. The evening will feature performances by secondary school students and meal preparations by Murray High’s culinary arts students. The keynote speaker for the event is Kristin Andrus, founder of Gathering for Impact and a prominent advocate for women, children and vulnerable populations in Utah.
The Murray community is encouraged to nominate educators, staff and volunteers for the Pinnacle Award. Each year, a committee of teachers, administrators and volunteers reviews the nominations.
“What we look for are strong nominations that possess specific examples that demonstrate above and beyond actions—things that go beyond routine work or expectations,” said Doug Perry, Murray Education Foundation executive director. “We like to see examples of acts that inspire co-workers, or that spark something magical in a child.” l
.07 seconds ahead of Mountain Crest. In the 200 freestyle relay, the Murray boys were second behind Park City, finishing .91 seconds out of first. Sorensen, freshman Isaac Lawrence, Richter and Martin made up the group.
The Murray boys also got a big lift from Richter when he took first in the 200 individual medley, which he swam in 1:58.52, more than a second ahead of the next competitor. Sorensen took first in the 100 free with a time of 48.34, while Martin was fourth in that event with a time of 48.94 seconds. Two Spartans placed high in the 50 free, as Sorensen and Martin were second and third, respectively.
In the 500 free distance event, the top Murray swimmer on the boys’ side was Richter, who placed fourth, swimming with a time of 5:02.38. In the 100 breaststroke, Lundberg placed fifth with a time of 1:01.77.
The girls were first in the 200 medley relay, beating Sky View for the top spot. The team of senior Adelaide Stoddard, senior Kathleen Richter, sophomore Brooklyn Richter and senior Elsie Shumway completed the race in 1:53.12. Brooklyn Richter was also second in the 50 free with a time of 23.70 seconds and was runner-up in the 100 free with a time of 52 seconds even. Kathleen Richter was second in the 100 backstroke, finishing the event in 1:08.28.
Snowder was pleased with the girls and boys and highlighted several of his swimmers
for their efforts against strong competition.
“Marcus Richter, Aiden Martin and Austin Sorensen were key factors to our teams, scoring a large portion of our points in both relays and individual events,” he said. “Brooklyn Richter, Kat Richter and Addy Stoddard were crucial in scoring points for individual events for their team.”
This was the second season in a row that the Murray boys were runners-up in the 4A state meet. Last season, the boys finished well
behind champion Crimson Cliffs. The girls were third a year ago.
Snowder loves being at the helm of the program and is eager to see both the girls and boys teams grow.
“I am proud to say that we have some of the fastest boys in the state, not just in 4A,” he said. “Being one of the top teams in 4A will hopefully lead to an increased number of students coming to Murray to join our team.” l
The Murray High School boys swimming team celebrates its second-place showing at the Class 4A state swim meet. (Photo courtesy of Kyle Snowder)
Granite unified basketball teams foster friendship and fun on the court
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Forbasketball enthusiasts, it’s an ideal setting. At any moment, two competitive games are taking place on one of three courts.
But these aren’t just any high school games.
These are unified basketball teams, where students with and without intellectual disabilities play side by side. This approach, based on the belief that practicing and playing together encourages friendship and understanding, is advocated by Boston Iacobazzi, the Special Olympics Utah college-growth coordinator for unified champion schools.
The program has gained significant popularity in recent years, now with more than 200 high school coed unified basketball teams. Districts like Granite have supported the creation of tournaments, giving students more opportunities to play.
Cottonwood High player Nico Steven Gagliarei Campos had just finished his game and was watching a match between Cyprus and Skyline high schools. On another courts, Taylorsville squared up against Olympus.
“I love playing basketball and spending time with my teammates,” he said. “I enjoy sharing the ball and giving high-fives. My teammates and I support each other, and we always show respect. Sportsmanship is about the game of basketball and connecting with everyone.”
The sophomore learned the game from his dad and uncle.
“I love the game so much that I practice for two or three hours every single day, even though our team practices 30 minutes every other day. I focus on dribbling, rebounding, boxing out opponents and shooting around,” he said. “I’m always ready for a game.”
His teammate, Cottonwood sophomore Kennedi Hazzard, values the relationships
built through basketball.
“I love helping others and meeting new people,” she said. “Basketball feels like a family. You make so many friends, and it’s so much fun. You get to hang out with them all day.”
Granger head football coach Pete Smolin was in another gym, cheering for the players.
“Most of these students are in unified PE; that is an awesome class,” he said. “We’ve been practicing basketball in the winter, soccer in the fall and track in the spring to prepare them for the unified sports seasons. brought six of my football players to join 22 unified kids on two teams. It’s a powerful experience to see people of all abilities working together.”
Through the unified model, Smolin believes everyone benefits, learning from one another.
“In our football program, we focus a lot on character and leadership development, and we also do a lot of community service, like this, about 100 hours every year. It helps develop the entire student-athlete,” he added.
Granger junior Ifo Pili, one of the football players, values his time on the court.
“This is a really great experience, and I’ve learned to have a lot of patience,” he said. “These guys are always upbeat, always have a smile on their faces. They have selfless joy, no matter the circumstances. We helped them learn the basic skills, but for them, it’s about enjoying the game and being part of a team that represents our school.”
Watching his school play Hunter High, Kearns High senior Mario Rivera admits he
was initially hesitant about participating.
“At first, I was scared. I didn’t know how to help or teach these kids, or what to expect,” he said. “But once I came, I realized they’re just like me and everyone else. I just needed to talk to them and get to know them. I’ve helped in our unified PE class and as a peer tutor, and I have joined them during lunch. I give them high-fives in the hallways. Unified sports is a perfect fit because I love sports and enjoy working with kids. Seeing them smile and become friends is the best.”
Kearns High’s Special Education teacher Natalie Nelson has witnessed the friendships which have blossomed through the unified PE class and sports programs.
“It’s been a meaningful experience for all the kids, both with and without special needs,” she said. “They’re learning how to interact with each other, and those friendships often extend outside the classroom, with kids socializing in the hallways or eating lunch together. For parents, it’s an incredible experience to watch their kids participate in sports for the first time. There’s so much pride when they hear the crowd cheering for their child. It’s brought friendships, teamwork, self-pride, skill development, acceptance—so many positive outcomes.”
For Kearns junior Noah Williams, the boost in confidence is clear.
“I’ve made 40 baskets,” he said. “I like winning.”
Unified teams from the Granite School District will compete in the regional tournament the week of March 10, with the state unified basketball tournament set for March 26 at the Delta Center. l
Cottonwood takes the shot during the unified basketball game against Skyline High at Granite School District’s unified tournament. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
After the unified basketball games concluded, some players took part in a skills challenge. (Julie Slama/ City Journals)
Hunter takes a shot against Skyline’s defense during the Granite School District’s unified tournament. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Agroup of 10 students from Liberty Elementary gathered on the library rug, eagerly sharing their stories with one another.
One tale was about a walk in the woods, while another story featured a candy cane painter. Some stories were spooky, and others were humorous. Most were original, though two students shared a Guatemalan tale passed down through their heritage.
Storytelling groups and workshops are part of schools in Murray School District and at Woodstock Elementary in Granite School District. Seven professional storytellers are helping students craft their own stories or retell classic fairytales and tall tales.
One student in the Liberty group, Maddie Jordan, joined the storytelling group so she could learn to write and tell stories to her younger cousins, nieces and nephews. She wrote about a 13-year-old boy who became a keeper of time.
“I’ve liked writing my own story; it’s given me something to do on weekends,” she said. “I think it would be fun to share my story with others.”
A select group of students from each school as well as those from groups who meet at the Murray Library and Murray Senior Recreation Center will have the opportunity to showcase their work. They each will tell a three- to six-minute story at the Murray Storytelling Showcase April 26 at the senior center, 10 E. 6150 South.
Maddie and others have been learning about storytelling under the guidance of Lora Schmidt, a professional storyteller. Schmidt works with third- through sixth-grade students after school, teaching them the art of storytelling during 90-minute sessions twice per week for five weeks.
“Everybody is a storyteller; at the start, they just don’t know it,” she said. “I teach them how to write, organize, and tell their own stories. We play theater games to help them understand emotions and how to use their body, face and hands to tell a story. I also encourage them to use extraordinary words to make their storytelling stand out.”
Schmidt teaches her students the basic structure of a story—beginning, middle, end and a problem to solve.
“That’s what makes a story. These kids are such good writers; their stories are wonderful,” Schmidt said.
After writing their stories, students create story maps, illustrating their tales through pictures.
Schmidt also works with 30 students at Grant Elementary, where she pairs students to retell folk tales.
“At Grant, the students start with story maps. When they tell their stories aloud, they discover what details they might be missing or what they can leave out,” Schmidt explained.
With a theater performance degree and 32
Students weave tales in storytelling program
years of storytelling experience, Schmidt also shares stories with children at hospitals, offering comfort to both patients and their families.
“I prefer old stories, folk tales, and tall tales because they’re universal. What was true in ancient China about what it means to be human is still true today,” she said. “I’ve learned that people listen to stories differently. I don’t use props or costumes, but some storytellers do. It’s all about the words and the storyteller’s passion for the story. You have to love the stories and love telling them.”
Schmidt takes a tale and adds her own spin to it.
“I pick and choose from different sources and add my own elements. I like to find lessknown stories,” she said.
With about 200 stories in her repertoire, Schmidt doesn’t memorize them.
“I see the story in my mind, and I describe the movie that’s playing in my head. I use hand gestures and sometimes include a moral to get my point across.”
Through storytelling, students not only develop oral and written communication skills, but they also learn sequencing, word choice, vocabulary, editing, listening and teamwork.
Connecting with others is important, for students and seniors alike, said Caitlin Larson
connect with the community,” she said. “Many seniors share their own stories that become part of their autobiographies or personal histories.”
The Murray Storytelling Festival, founded in 2013 by professional storyteller Holly Robison, began with just 17 participants. The fes-
For Ana Vatuvei, a Liberty Elementary student who joined the after-school program to learn how to write and tell her own stories, it has also provided an opportunity to make friends.
“I’m shy, especially speaking in front of people,” she said. “I’ve learned I can do it here.
Liberty’s Ana Vatuvei shares her story with classmate Maddie Jordan during the school’s after-school storytelling program. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Unity on the dance floor: Granite District hosts inclusive sweethearts dance
Local schools celebrate community and togetherness at unified sweethearts dance.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Hunter High sophomore Daniela Pacheco was excited to be on the dance floor.
“I take a dance class so it’s going to be fun dancing here with my friends,” she said.
She, along with a busload of her classmates, arrived at Kearns High School just ahead of the Feb. 13 snowstorm for the Granite School District’s unified Sweethearts dance. Buses from across the District, as well as from Murray High, brought students—both with and without disabilities—together for the special event.
Dressed in suits, ties and elegant dresses, the students entered the gymnasium, which had been transformed with red, white, and pink balloons, bows, crepe paper and other festive decorations, all put together by Kearns High student government members hours earlier that day.
“My favorite part is preparing everything and seeing the excitement on their faces as they arrive,” said Kearns sophomore vice president Deven Glade. “We want everyone to feel included at school dances. This one is for unified students, their peer tutors and student governments. It’s going to be fun, just less crowded, but the same music.”
Students danced to the music of Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Chappell Roan and others played by DJ Russ Powell from Squawkbox Sound, who donated his time. In between songs some students posed at a photo shoot, donated by Bell Photography, or had snacks provided by the Granite Education Foundation.
Kearns High special education teacher Natalie Nelson highlighted the significance of the event.
“It’s a big deal for our students to connect with their peers outside the classroom,” she said. “This dance also offers a chance for special ed students to interact with their peers, the peer tutors and student leaders from other schools.”
Emily Williams, Kearns’ unified coach and student body advisor, said the idea grew out of Kearns hosting their first unified prom last May.
“I talked with unified coaches from other schools who held their own dances, so we thought it would be a fun idea for everyone to have a dance together,” she said. “Unified sports have opened the doors for inclusion, allowing kids from all walks of life to be part of the community. Now, all our students can have fun at a dance together.”
Hunter High special education teacher John Young said the event was a wonderful opportunity for his students.
“This dance brings together unified programs from across our district and from Murray High,” he said. “It’s a chance for students to connect with their peers, the same ones they play sports with, and now they get to interact in a social setting. It’s a great way for them to get to know each other better.”
Cottonwood High senior Alizia Sherard was doing just that.
“I love dancing,” she said. “My grandma got me this dress, and it’s just beautiful. I’m having so much fun, dancing and meeting new friends.”
Murray High senior Eleanor Myers, president of her school’s chapter of Best Buddies, an organization promoting friendship and leadership for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, said inclusive events are important.
“I love the inclusion unified sports gives us and this is an extension of it by getting everyone together and being accepting of one another,” she said.
Hunter High peer tutor and senior Jada Tingley appreciates the sense of community.
“It’s such a friendly environment,” she said. “You always get a smile and a positive response, no matter who you talk to.”
Granite District Superintendent Ben Horsley smiled as he saw the students dancing together.
“These activities exemplify why public education is important,” he said. “This doesn’t happen anywhere, but in public education, where we have a chance for our special education students to interact in enjoyable social activities and educational ex-
periences with their traditional educational counterparts. So, whether it’s the unified theater program, the unified sports program or the unified dance, it’s as important of an experience for our special education students as it is for our traditional students. We’d love to see these types of things continue to expand. Our traditional ed kids learn valuable skills beyond the educational realm when they have opportunity to interact and support our special education students.” l
High school students from Granite School District and Murray High dance at the unified Sweethearts prom. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
High school students from Granite School District and Murray High took to the floor during an inclusive dance at Kearns High. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
UPCOMING EVENTS:
3/13/25 Thursday @ 12 PM
Larkin Sunset Lawn: 2350 E 1300 S, SLC, 84108
3/18/25 Tuesday @ 12 PM & 6 PM
The Chateau at Le Jardin: 1910 E Dimple Dell Rd, Sandy
3/26/25 Wednesday @ 12 PM
Elysium Legal: 1802 W South Jordan Pkwy, South Jordan
3/27/25 Wednesday @ 12 PM
Elysium Legal: 1802 W South Jordan Pkwy, South Jordan
We often talk about infamous warriors like Harriet Tubman, Susan B. Anthony, Amelia Earhart, and justice OG Ruth Bader Ginsburg, but so many women have left their mark on this world without acclaim, awards or national days.
President Trump’s executive order mandates a pause on federal events promoting diversity, including Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Pride Month and Holocaust Remembrance Day. But I’m not a federal employee and refuse to follow his directive. Happy Women’s History Month!
Throughout the ages, women are described as the gentler sex, the homemakers and the caretakers. And, yes, women are given those roles. But women are also fierce queens, savage muses, legendary goddesses and wild forces of nature.
We often talk about infamous warriors like Harriet Tubman, Susan B. Anthony and Supreme Court Justice (and original-gangster) Ruth Bader Ginsburg, but so many women have left their mark on this world without acclaim, awards or national days.
Women like Mrs. Strange who made storytime at the Murray Library a magical experience. Her rendition of “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” was an Oscar-worthy perfor-
Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
A Woman’s Work
mance. When the biggest billy goat knocked the mean, ugly troll off the bridge, we all cheered in triumph.
Or women like Frankie Whipple, my long-suffering, patient, eternally-frustrated piano teacher. She listened to my musical scales, arpeggios and recital pieces without visibly wincing. Usually. The only annoyance she displayed was when I didn’t do my music theory lesson for five years straight.
Mrs. Lambert taught my second grade class at Viewmont Elementary. Under her guidance, I went from reading to show off to reading for pleasure. She taught me poetry, art and a life-lesson about friendship. Plus, she wore hip,‘70s polyester pantsuits that looked amazing.
Grandma Brickey was a fearless powerhouse. She loved her grandkids without judgement and let us eat all her chocolate raisin cake. Widowed for decades, she had many boyfriends but refused to give up her independence. She was a dancing queen, a
vivacious flirt and a woman who lived life on her own terms.
When I was 12-years-old, a neighbor lady trusted me to watch her children all summer. Thanks to her, I quickly learned I was a terrible babysitter and should probably never have children.
Women like Ms. Pettis, my ninth-grade English teacher at Riverview Junior High, taught me that even when I thought my life was over, I was valuable to her. She showed up at my home every week to make sure I stayed on top of my assignments and she encouraged my writing. She is a hero.
My Aunt Judy created a safe place for 8-year-old me when I ran away from home because Mom was censoring the books I read. She didn’t think “Jaws” was an acceptable summer read for a third-grader but Aunt Judy let me stay the night until I calmed down. Then I read “Jaws” in secret.
Renee Smith was my dance instructor for eight years. She taught me tap, jazz and ballet, and encouraged me to try out for “The Nutcracker”. But because I wasn’t actually coordinated, I never landed a part. She always believed I would. At least she said she did.
Mom was an unrivaled teacher, encouraging me to read (except “Jaws”), write poetry, make music, dance, ride bikes, play basketball and try new things. It wasn’t her
fault I didn’t see her value until I became a mom.
My daughters, my granddaughters, my sisters, my nieces, my cousins, my aunts, my grandmothers, my friends, my colleagues, my teachers: all these women have made me what I am today. Yes, it’s their fault.
Even when the president (and Google) removes Women’s History Month from the calendar, women will do what we’ve always done: help other women to be powerful, to find their voice, to live their passion, to stand up for what’s right, to lead and to shine brighter than ever. Don’t mistake our gentle demeanor for passivity.
MEET DR. HARARAH, M.D.
Dr. Hararah, a triple board-certified physician, completed his residency in Family Medicine at NYU Langone and a fellowship in Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine/Wound Care at SUNY Upstate University Hospital. With additional training in Bariatric Medicine and certification from the American Board of Obesity Medicine, he brings expertise in primary care, dive medicine, bariatric medicine, and clinical hyperbarics. A firm believer in the biopsychosocial approach, Dr. Hararah views patients as complex individuals whose lives and experiences shape their healthcare.
Known for his compassionate care and dedication, he listens intently, prioritizes your well-being, and works to find the best diagnosis and treatment plan. As the owner of Riverstone Medical, Dr. Hararah is committed to helping you achieve your best health.
OUR SERVICES
Specializing in Wound Care:
• Chronic, non-healing wounds
• Acute, minor wounds
• Diabetic foot ulcers
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Primary Care:
• Annual preventative physical exams
Dry AMD is a
• Venous ulcers
Dry AMD is a Degenerative Disease and May Result in Vision Loss
• Arterial ulcers
• Pressure injuries
• ...and more!
Degenerative Disease and May Result in Vision Loss
• Cancer screening
• Sick visits
• Specialist referrals
• Medication refills
• Chronic disease management
Patients First: Dr. Hararah understands the daunting and sometimes demoralizing feelings health care sometimes causes, and wants patients to be truly seen and valued as human beings.
We'd love to see you!
Call or text to make an appointment:
801-509-9138
688 Vine St., Suite 16, Murray riverstone-medical.com
SCAN TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS SERVICES
Dry AMD a ects people in di erent ways
Dry AMD a ects people in di erent ways
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Symptoms of dry AMD may include:
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Loss of central vision, which is necessary for driving, reading, recognizing faces and pe orming close-up work
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