South Jordan Journal | January 2025

ASPEN ELEMENTARY BOUNDARIES AMONG KEY ISSUES FOR NEW JORDAN SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Before opening in August 2021, 397 students registered for Aspen Elementary. Now, with more housing developments in one of the area’s fastest growing areas, the Daybreak school serves more than 800 — and the school population continues to grow.

After receiving feedback from the community and teachers, Jordan Board of Education members are posed to make a boundary decision that would alleviate Aspen’s large enrollment and would be effective for the next school year.

It’s been a learning process of listening and looking at numbers to make the best decision for the two new board members who will take the oath of office in January.

Representing district 4 is Erin Barrow, who was elected to fill the retiring Marilyn Richards’ seat. Richards has served on the board eight years.

“I was able to sit in the back and observe the parents and teachers who came and were talking to the board about their concerns,” Barrow said. “I was very touched by all the people who went and talked and gave their concerns. I did not realize how many boundary changes there had been in that area; there’s been a lot of changes in a

schools in my area, communicating with the administration on their needs and hearing the families to make sure their needs are being met. I want to make sure I’m out there and listening to people, not just making decisions in the castle on the hill, disconnected from everyone. It’s going to be messy, and there's going to be hard decisions that need to be made and that not everyone will be happy with. That's going to be tough, but that's what this job includes.”

Suzanne Wood was appointed by the school board in late November to take Tracy Miller’s seat in district 3 as Miller was elected earlier that month to the Utah state legislature. School board president Miller served nearly eight years.

short amount of time. I know some of our schools, Aspen in particular, are going to be overcrowded soon, and that's not OK leaving those students and teachers in a crowded situation where it might make learning harder.”

While the boundary decision was ex-

pected Dec. 10, as of press deadline, there was talk it could roll over past that date.

“I’d need more information,” Barrow said if the date is extended. “I’ll talk to board members who have been thinking about this for a while. I want to make sure while I'm a board member, I am visiting the

“If it rolls over to January 14 or later, the feeling I'm getting from the students and parents is they would just like a decision made so they can plan for next year,” she said. “There are a few neighborhoods which have been in three or four different schools for the last few years. I’d be sensitive to change the boundary for them again. I do believe that the administration was providing some more numbers and data to the

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Left to right: incoming board member Erin Barrow, outgoing Marilyn Richards, outgoing Tracy Miller and incoming Suzanne Wood. (Photo courtesy Darrell Robinson/Jordan Board of Education)

board to help them make a decision. I've not been privy to that, but I do feel some sensitivity toward (students) crossing busy roads and kids who have had several school boundary changes.”

The two new board members are meeting with school administrators and volunteers. They’re connecting with students and teachers. They’re introducing themselves to the PTA, school community council, city council and others.

They’re learning and understanding guidelines put in place, including the recent cell phone policy limiting students’ phone use, which was rolled out after fall break.

There was division on how and if cell phone use should have limitations. While phones can be a useful tool, the Jordan Board of Education’s decision aimed to keep students from being distracted from learning.

The Board put in place that elementary students can’t use their phones during the school day, while secondary students are limited to lunch and passing periods.

During Barrow’s campaign, she favored a bell-to-bell policy and wants to investigate an education component to teach kids how to use their phone wisely without funding something extra and burdening teachers to teach one more thing on top of their curriculum.

“I have heard some good things about it, and that it is working so far,” she said. “I am happy they put in a new policy, and we probably can add to it, but we should just kind of let it sit and marinate, see how it goes, and then figure out how and if we need to tweak it.”

Wood, too, supports the policy.

“The parents I've talked to are glad for it. It helps kids focus, not be so distracted. I like they didn't go so far to an extreme to ban it entirely at the (secondary) schools;

which has been very helpful, just getting my feet a little wet before it becomes official in January.”

Wood recently left her position in health care, ready for a new adventure. She didn’t know it would be the school board.

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I feel this is reasonable between classes or after the school day that they still have it in their possession. It'll be a win for the teachers, a win for the students,” she said.

The two come from different backgrounds.

Barrow has been active volunteering and serving on the PTA at Riverside Elementary, where her children attend. She will continue to be a crossing guard, where she gets to know some students.

“As PTA president, I could see more struggles the school was facing. I had been approached about possibly running for the legislature, but that felt too broad, too big for me. Then I found out Marilyn Richards was retiring, and I already knew I was passionate about schools, so I jumped on board. I said, ‘That's something I can get behind.’ Marilyn has been such a strong voice for

our area; I wanted to make sure there's someone in there who's doing it for the kids and the teachers and the families and is going to be there listening. I already had a sense of what's going on at the schools, and I knew I had that drive and could jump right,” she said. “I do feel Jordan School District and the board do a good job, but I would like to help change the pace on how slowly they tend to move on things. I think we can move a little bit faster and still be thoughtful and thorough.”

Barrow contacted Richards before being elected and asked questions.

“She's given me a little bit of her wisdom and some advice on what it'll be like,” she said. “I've been able to sit at the table for a few meetings next to her, and she's given me some advice and explained things to me while they're discussing topics,

“I had set a goal when I was younger, that one day I would like to be on the school board,” she recalls having written in a journal when she was on the brink of adulthood. “I thought that was more in the future, because I haven’t been in schools much here as I have a preschooler. But when the seat opened, I just felt compelled to apply. I haven’t been president of the PTA. I haven’t been on the school community council. I don't have that resume. What I do have is a breadth of life experience with a master's degree in social work. I did work at an elementary school in Michigan and years later, I worked at a private school for children, primarily with autism, in the Chicago area. I've always thought that the school is a place where you can really make a difference with kids, because you reach so many kids. I hope my experience will help me understand the parents and the students and even the staff and the district.”

While she doesn’t have an agenda to check off, she said with her background, she plans to look into mental health and special needs students to see if there are improvements needed.

She, also, is being mentored by her predecessor and learning what’s happening in schools on Instagram accounts.

“I need to get there and get their calendars and see what they're doing — even the schools that aren't in district 3,” she said. “If I'm going to be voting on things that will influence them, it's important to get a sense of the entirety of the district so we can make knowledgeable decisions and improvements.” l

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Seen with South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey at Bingham High’s 2023 graduation, outgoing members Marilyn Richards and Tracy Miller have served on the school board the past eight years. (Photo courtesy Tracy Miller/Jordan Board of Education)

‘Everything they learn is for the first time,’ local’s

passion aims to jumpstart learning

By Linda Steele | l.steele@mycityjournals.com

Shilo Moore likes the idea of what Mr. Rogers said, “play is the work of childhood.”

Moore is the owner of Bright Beginnings Early Learning Preschool. Moore has been an elementary school teacher for 14 years. She has had her at-home licensed preschool, Bright Beginnings Early Learning Preschool, open for one year.

“I’m teaching 4- and 5-year-olds because it's so fun. Everything they learn is for the first time, it is so exciting, it makes this the best job in the world,” Moore said.

It’s part of her philosophy that “play is so important for a child's learning.”

“I really like to work on play, different ways of learning letters, numbers, manipulatives, toys, songs, poems, centers and letting the kids explore. I have more of a creative license to do those things when teaching at my preschool,” Moore said.

Early childhood education is a critical period during a child's formative years, Moore says. It is important to provide children with stimulating environments helping to strengthen their cognitive abilities during their preschool years.

Moore grew up in Price. She has lived in South Jordan for 14 years with her husband and three children. She studied at the University of Utah and got her Master of Elementary Education Reading and Literacy. She got her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Southern Utah University.

Moore taught four years in Alpine School District, five

years in Salt Lake School District, Jordan School District for two years, and she was an aide at Welby Elementary for 18 months. She then got a job teaching kindergarten. She has three children and thought it was a lot of teaching in schools and raising her children, so she decided to teach at her home.

“I love little people, they are so unique and special,” Moore said.

Moore, who also teaches a baton and dance class that performs in the South Jordan parade and at the Festival of

When things go wrong, we provide the right care.

Trees, has a passion for teaching that combines two important philosophies.

“We must help children develop a love of learning. In order for this to happen, early learning should include play, music, building social skills, and fun. Pre-reading skills are crucial to reading success. Children learn phonemic awareness through songs, poetry, and more. Preschool is a new adventure; I am loving it,” Moore said.

When Moore can see the children learning, it is a great pleasure for her. When teaching her students to count, Moore will use objects, such as beads. “At first the children are all over with numbers. It is great to see them get the idea of counting and be able to count in order. After three months of learning they are great and they understand how to do things.”

Moore is planning a field trip to the dentist. “The field trip to the dentist is to help the children not be scared when they go to the dentist,” she said. They already did a field trip to the fire station, and she will be doing more field trips.

One of Moore’s main goals is “for the children to start with the love of learning and they will be happy and want to be here. If I can take the 4- to 5-year-olds in preschool and give them the really important pre reading skills, then they will start kindergarten and be ready,” Moore said.

For Information about Shilo Moore’s preschool email Shilojmoore@gmail.com or visit Bright Beginnings Early Learning Preschool on facebook.com. Registration for the 2025-26 school year will begin in January. l

Preschool children at Bright Beginnings Early Learning Preschool line up, showing off their art they made in the preschool classroom. (Photo courtesy Shilo Moore)

Favorite SoJo photos of 2024

Mayor Dawn Ramsey and her little helper plant trees for Arbor Day. (Photo courtesy South Jordan)

Fifth-grade teacher Corrine Fiso reacts as confetti falls after receiving a highfive from Jordan School District Superintendent Dr. Anthony Godfrey on being named Jordan Ridge Elementary’s and one of Jordan School District’s Outstanding Educators of the Year. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Between the stacks of books and wrapped in blankets, students read to themselves or with parents during Monte Vista Elementary’s readathon. (Photo courtesy Monte Vista Elementary)

Bingham High’s varsity cheerleaders celebrate winning the 2nd place trophy at nationals in Orlando, Florida. (Photo courtesy Amber Thomas)

Jordan School District Superintendent Dr. Anthony Godfrey with Mayor Dawn Ramsey at their first ever State of the City. (Photo courtesy of South Jordan City)

Welby Elementary Principal Aaron Ichimura plays ukulele and sings happy birthday to each student during the year. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

The Rio Tinto Kennecott Visitor Center is open seven days a week, from April through October, weather permitting. (Photo courtesy Rio Tinto)

When the wait was over and the countdown reached one, egg hunters raced to pick up as many eggs as they could at South Jordan’s Spring Spectacular celebration on Saturday, March 31, 2024. (Rebecca Olds/The City Journals)

The Pianos for Schools foundation places pianos in schools to help students benefit from music education. (Photo courtesy Pianos for Schools)

South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey and Pure SoJo team gather for the first taste of recycled water. (Photo courtesy Tyson Cole)

The South Jordan City Council tours the incoming baseball stadium. (Photo courtesy South Jordan City)

Herriman’s Tomsick back on court, making an impact

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

This past fall, Herriman High School’s JJ Tomsick was busy tearing it up on the golf course, placing eighth in Class 6A. He also helped the Mustangs take third as a team. Now, the senior is helping Herriman on the basketball court.

Tomsick is part of a Mustangs’ squad that has gotten off to a good start for the 2024–25 season. Head coach Doug Meacham’s team won five of its first six contests, with its only loss during that span coming against a foe from Colorado. Herriman took down strong teams such as Pleasant Grove, Lone Peak and Lehi early on.

Though he might not be putting up eye-popping numbers, Tomsick is a valuable member of the basketball team, providing leadership and steadiness. Meacham said Tomsick’s prowess on the golf course has helped him develop as a basketball player and contribute to the team’s success.

“JJ has developed a mentally tough mind to handle challenges and adversity while being one of the top golfers in the state this last year,” Meacham said. “Golfers experience it on every hole. They develop a ‘next play’ mentality, or they don't succeed in golf. This carries over from golf to basketball for JJ.”

On the season, Tomsick averaged five points, two assists and nearly two rebounds a game through the Mustangs’ first six outings. He has also played a key role on the defensive end of the court, where Herriman surrendered just 54 points a game through mid-December. In the first six games, the Mustangs never allowed more than 62 points.

A good shooter, Tomsick said he prides himself on playing tough defense and working well within Meacham’s offense.

“I shoot the ball well, execute set plays and defend well too,” he said. “I feel like those attributes are some of the most important parts of my game I bring to the team.”

Though golf might be Tomsick’s top sport, he is no stranger to basketball. He started playing at a young age, largely due to his father’s influence.

“I’ve been playing basketball for as long as I can remember,” he said. “My dad got me into it really young. It’s always been his favorite and he loved it in high school just like I do.”

While all players have different reasons why they play and what they like most about the sport, Tomsick said he loves the feeling of accomplishing goals and working hard to win a game. He likes playing alongside his teammates, whom he considers some of his best friends. As for playing for the Mustangs, Tomsick appreciates the culture that Meacham has helped to establish. Tomsick said the players get along well and

do what it takes to be successful.

“I really enjoy winning with all my best friends,” Tomsick said. “We’ve grown up together, so my main motivation is doing all I can to help bring a region and state championship to me, my coaches and my teammates and friends. I love playing for Herriman because we have a lot of people who love to support us, and we have a winning culture under coach Meacham. One thing I like about playing for this team is our will to win. I know everyone on and off the court wants to win just as bad as I do, and it helps me trust my teammates.”

Coming into this season, Tomsick had been battling some injuries, which has hampered him a bit. Still, he has strived to get better as a player, especially with collecting more rebounds to help his team.

“Something I am really trying to improve on for this season is my rebounding, both on offense and defense,” he said. “I haven’t grabbed as many as I feel I should coming off of an injury.”

Tomsick is back in the Mustangs’ lineup this season after sitting out his junior season. He didn’t play a season ago, as he chose to concentrate more on his golf game. He saw some time two years ago as a sophomore. By being out of action last season, Tomsick had to shake off some rust when play began this season. Fortunately, he’s getting into the offensive and defensive flow, he said.

“The main challenge that I’ve faced so far is missing out on my junior season,” he said. “I decided to take a year and focus on golf during the winter, so trying to come back and make an impact wasn’t easy at first, but I’m feeling much more comfortable now.”

Herriman faces stiff competition in Region 2 and Class 6A. The Mustangs will contend with Corner Canyon and Bingham in league play, among other squads. Winning the region and making a run in the state tournament won’t be easy. But those lofty aspirations aren’t holding Tomsick back.

“I only have two goals for this year,” he said. “They are to win a region championship and a state championship. Those are how success will be measured this year.”

Last season, the Mustangs were close to bringing home a state crown. Herriman lost by a single point to Lehi in the semifinals and finished 20-6 overall.

Though Tomsick’s competitive basketball career may end once this season is over, his athletic career is far from over. He recently signed to play golf for Utah Valley University, where he’ll enroll this fall. He plans on studying business management while helping the Wolverines on the golf course. Before that, he hopes to hoist a state championship trophy in basketball.

Herriman’s JJ Tomsick shoots a free throw in action earlier this season. He’s a contributor for a Mustangs’ team that got off to a hot start this season. (Photo courtesy JJ Tomsick)

A senior-laden team led by head coach Kyle Straatman has only lost to reigning 5A champion Olympus, and that came on an overtime buzzer beater

Could this be the year that the Bingham Miners have their breakthrough?

Olympus went into the game Dec. 3 as the defending 5A champions, but the Miners let the Titans know that there was a new sheriff in town—and his name was Bingham High School.

The Miners led 12-5 after one quarter, and 23-13 after two before Olympus woke up and realized there was an actual game being played in their gymnasium. The Titans took a three-point lead to the sideline after three quarters, but the Miners were not there to do some sightseeing; they sent the game into overtime, where Olympus only won 59-56 by splashing a three as the buzzer sounded.

Head coach Kyle Straatman has been suggesting this day, this season may come soon—he didn’t know precisely when all the lights would go on in the Bingham Miner house.

After three years in which kids like senior Luke West and junior guard Parker Snedaker collected elbows from bigger, faster opponents after having put up extra shots in the auxiliary gym during the wee hours of the morning, the Miners have been avenging those losses during the first five of their six

By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

games of the season.

At West Jordan in the season opener Nov. 20, Bingham [6-1 at press time] got more than five points apiece from nine different players. The Miners stormed ahead with a 30-7 first quarter lead, increasing it slightly to 49-15 by halftime and set their drill to neutral as they coasted to an eye-popping 82-32 win. The craziest part of all? No Bingham player scored more than 14 points in the victory. The

Miners only rained down six total threes, but hauled in 37 rebounds, dished out 19 assists, robbed 27 dribblers [steals], and a partridge in a pear tree.

This 14-point rule continued back at home against Westlake Nov. 22, as seven Miners players scored seven or more points. They carried a six-point lead into the locker room at 29-23 and doubled that in the second half in a 65-53 victory. Led by West with 14 points, Bingham drilled 11 threes, had 26 rebounds, doled out 16 assists and pickpocketed 14 Thunder players.

Back on the road at East Nov. 27, Snedaker broke the 14-point mold by scoring 18 and having eight rebounds. The Miners held a talented Leopards squad to 16 first half points, scored 45 of their own by halftime and rolled to a 76-45 win. Senior Jason Peterson added 14 points and West, 13. Bingham again filled the stat sheet with rebounds, assists and steals.

Using a similar formula, the Miners outlasted Davis by the final score of 7372 on Dec. 4 at The Pit, thumped Pleasant Grove 75-62 at their place on Dec. 6 and got past Fremont 56-51 Dec. 10 in their most recent game.

Most Common Winter Ailments & How to Prevent Them

With the winter season in full swing, so too are those pesky illnesses and ailments we all seem to catch this time of year. We’re sitting down with Dr. Jared Lambert, MD, at CommonSpirit Health West Jordan Family Medicine Clinic, to discuss what illnesses he treats during the colder months and how you can prevent them!

What are the most common winter ailments you treat year after year?

1. By far the most common illness seen this type of year are viral respiratory tract infections. This could be one of the many types of viruses that cause the common cold, RSV, influenza or COVID-19. Typical viral symptoms include sinus congestion, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, fever, and cough. These illnesses are best treated with over-the-counter medications to ease symptoms as our bodies fight off the viral infection. Typically, symptoms last 1-2 weeks and some common medications include over-the-counter decongestants, cough suppressants, ibuprofen and Tylenol. In the case of a COVID-19 infection however, higher risk patients (i.e. having a history of diabetes, asthma, age >50, or having COPD) are recommended to be seen by their provider to strongly consider utilizing the antiviral medication “Paxlovid”. This medication can decrease their risk of progression to a severe form of COVID-19 that could potentially warrant hospitalization. This is also the time of year to obtain your influenza vaccination, which helps reduce the risk of complications from the flu, including post-influenza bacterial pneumonia.

Viral infections do increase the risk of developing bacterial infections including bacterial sinusitis and otitis

media (ear infection and bacterial pneumonia). These forms of infections do require treatment with antibiotics. Risks of untreated bacterial pneumonia can be severe and prompt treatment with oral antibiotics is warranted. If symptoms include a persistent cough, fever or prolonged chest pain, then an in-person visit for evaluation and consideration for a chest Xray would be considered.

2. Strep Pharyngitis (strep throat)

Strep throat can occur at any time of the year but is most prevalent in the winter and spring months, likely due to our increased time indoors – overall, it is more common in children. Symptoms including a sudden sore throat, tender neck, red swollen tonsils and fever are typical. This bacterial infection of the throat can lead to several complications and it is recommended that it is treated promptly with a course of antibiotics.

3. Arthritis-related pain

The cold weather is known to certainly exacerbate aches and pains related to arthritis (wear and tear of joints). The most common joints affected by arthritis are the knees, hands, hips and spine. First line management is staying active or considering structured physical therapy with a physical therapist, in addition to, as needed, over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (i.e. ibuprofen). In addition, taking a 3000-4000 mg total daily dose of a turmeric supplement, divided into two doses, has also shown particular promise in being a potent anti-inflammatory in reducing arthritis pain; however this supplement (along with others) can interact with prescribed medications. It is recommended that you review this option with your primary care provider before taking it.

When is it time to see a physician?

Those common colds are best managed at home. However, if there are any concerns with prolonged or severe symptoms, evaluation would be recommended.

If a patient suspects they have strep throat, they should be seen by a healthcare provider. At our clinic, we have on-site testing to confirm strep throat to aid with appropriate management.

Should patients have concerns for severe pain secondary to arthritis, more advanced interventions can certainly be considered for management. Those can be best assessed and discussed in-person at our clinic.

What are some tips to stay healthy throughout the winter months?

Hand washing, staying home when ill, staying active and ensuring a balanced diet throughout the winter season.

We are here for you – should you suffer from any of the symptoms outlined above, Dr. Lambert encourages you to seek care! “I love being a Family Medicine Physician, treating all ages, and greatly enjoy getting to know and caring for my patients,” said Dr. Lambert. “Our office has some of the most caring providers and amazing staff I have had the privilege to work with.” You may reach Dr. Lambert’s office at 801-569-9133.

Learn more about the services, care providers and missiondriven work of the Holy Cross hospitals and CommonSpirit Health at www.holycrossutah.org.

For this Bingham team that sits at 6-1 (at press time) and is about as unselfish as any high school team has been in recent history, they’ll have also played in the weeklong Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas by the time you read this.

The Miners are led by West, who is averaging 17 points per game. Snedaker is scoring the basketball at an 11-points-per-game clip while Peterson is at 10 per outing.

West is Bingham’s top marksman from behind the arc, averaging two threes per game. Senior Ayden Larsen is next, at 1.5 per game. Peterson, Snedaker and West are all hauling in four rebounds per contest, while no fewer than eight guys are averaging one assist or more per outing.

In terms of pickpockets, Bingham has West and Snedaker leading the team in steals at three per game—but the surprise here is that you have five guys averaging one or more in each of the seven contests they’ve played.

This sort of balance and depth could really pay off for a Miners team that will continue to play preseason games through December and into January before Region 2 play begins in mid-January. l

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.

Dr. Jared

Bingham Miners logo. (Photo courtesy Bingham High School Athletics)

Lambert, MD West Jordan Family Medicine

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Bingham girls basketball bounces back into view—under a new head coach

By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

After five seasons under Skyler Beard, the Bingham Miners went in another direction after Beard led them to a 56-38 overall record at the school.

Enter Hector Marquez, a coach who’s been at several levels of basketball—most recently as the head of the highly touted Utah Lady Prospects AAU girls’ program.

That AAU program has sent dozens of high school players on to NCAA Division I colleges and universities, and so it’s assumed that as the new Bingham head coach, and with a loaded lineup that lost just four players to graduation, the Miners will be back to their winning ways in no time flat.

The other hope is that senior Addy Horsley, who has now had a year to get acclimated to Bingham High School culture, will be back to her old self—the one that led Mountain Ridge to a 6A quarterfinal berth, one in which Horsley was named to the 6A first-team.

Horsley seems to be off to a winning start this season, as evidenced by the 5-foot-6 senior’s jaw-dropping stat line of 28 points, six rebounds, three blocks and three steals in a 4944 Dec. 5 win over Lehi. The Bingham senior shot 64% from the field and 60% from threepoint land at The Pit as the Miners opened a tight game with a 21-point fourth quarter and chipped away to victory.

Bingham [3-2] and Horsley have had their

highs and lows this preseason, however. Earlier in the season, two of Bingham’s top players in Horsley and sophomore Evy Roberts struggled, shooting a combined 27% from the field in the Miners’ season opener at The Pit against Green Canyon. But other players picked up the slack for a 49-38 win Nov. 19 in that season opener.

In the second game of the season, the Miners couldn’t get Horsley—who shot 20% from the perimeter—going. Neither could senior Brie Blanchard nor Roberts, and so the Miners lost their first game at The Pit in 2024-25 by the final score of 49-35 to Westlake on Nov. 21. It was a rough night for Horsley, who couldn’t make a three-point shot and finished with eight points and five steals. Senior Lena Casperson

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had 13 points to pace Bingham, while junior Stacia Peoples pitched in six.

In Bingham’s first road game this season, the Miners had a very defensive battle at Skyridge on Nov. 26. Skyridge roared out to a sixpoint lead by halftime, but the Miners used a 13-6 third quarter to take a slim one-point lead into the final quarter. Horsley got 18 points the hard way, earning five out of five attempts she took from the foul line. But Skyridge handed Bingham its second loss of the season by the score of 42-40.

That said, the Miners have shown they can bounce back under Marquez. They blew open a close first half and exploded for 30 second-half points in a 53-34 rout at American Fork Dec.

3. For the third time this season, Horsley paced Bingham, scoring 16 points and adding four assists, three rebounds and four steals. Roberts, Blanchard and senior Iman Finau each scored nine points as Bingham shot 42% from the field and 46% from three in the win.

For the season, Horsley leads Bingham in scoring at 16 points per game while Casperson is averaging seven. The team’s leading rebounder is Finau, who’s hauling in seven per game and is shooting a team-high 45% from the field. Blanchard is the team’s leading threepoint shooter, at 50%. Another interesting statistic is that Horsley, who shoots 83% from the foul line, is the state’s sixth best free throw shooter, second best in 6A.

By the time you read this, the 3-2 Miners under Marquez will have played three more preseason games and the prestigious Nike Tournament of Champions through the month of December.

For the 2024-25 season, the Bingham Miners girls basketball team is: Iman Finau, Evy Roberts, Addy Horsley, Avery Aiono, Brie Blanchard, Reagan Littlewood, Quinn Porter, Haylee Beck, Stacia Peoples, Emailine Roberts, Brizban Cottle, Raylynn Richardson, Hannah Harmon, Lanie Smith, Lena Casperson, Lily Henderson, Campbell Bourne, Addie Freiss, Kate Nelson. l

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The 2024-25 Bingham Miners girls basketball team. (Photo courtesy Bingham High Athletics)

Hawthorn Academy ignites passion for reading through innovative learning

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Hawthorn Academy students may have some eyes staring back at them as they read during the newly adopted Drop Everything And Read time.

As an activity with their recent literacy night, students made eyeball pointers by gluing plastic eyes to tongue depressors or craft sticks and decorating them.

“Kids don't always like to use their finger to point at the word when they're reading, especially when they're little, but we want them to so they don’t skip words, so we’re making it fun,” Hawthorn Academy literacy coordinator Beverly Griffith said. “When kids skip words or a line, it really hurts their accuracy. That, in turn, affects their understanding. This way, they can point to the words with their eyeball pointers and enjoy reading.”

She learned that trick as a teacher and often used “a witch’s finger” for students to wear, while they pointed to words as they read.

“When we skip a line during Acadience (reading) testing, it really hurts their accuracy so we’re wanting them to read word by word and not rush; they’ll do better and understand more,” Griffith said.

It was one of about 15 different engaging activities made available to Hawthorn students to encourage literacy.

“The kids loved our several black light activities. Little kids played hopscotch alphabet under black lights where they’d hop on the letters and say them. Fifth-graders had black light synonyms. They walked around with flashlights under the black light, looking for synonyms on paper that matched the paper they had. Kids are learning reading is a fun activity,” she said.

About 130 students came to the literacy night, each choosing two Scholastic books to take home.

“We wanted kids to build their own libraries. We also held five raffles, with backpacks full of literacy materials — full of books, notebooks, pens, pencils, markers, a flashlight,” Griffith said, adding do-

nations, including the local Walmart, gave backpacks and school supplies, including some which were used for the activities. “A lot of kids got creative and had fun making their own bookmarks for their new books.”

Some students and their parents went to the cafeteria to read the books together, munching on the provided popcorn. Others listened to older students read. Some decided to wait and read the books during DEAR time.

During those 20 to 30 minutes of reading four days per week, students are taking skills they learn in literacy rotations and putting them to use by reading, Griffith said.

“You teach the skills, then, apply the skills reading books in independent reading or having a teacher read with a group of kids. That’s why we introduced our DEAR time. For example, a lower grade teacher will have literacy activities and then, during their DEAR time, kids read. We are getting better at diagnosing specific prob-

lems kids have and then reteaching those skills during intervention time. During that time other readers may get enrichment activities, such as readers’ theater. That way everybody's getting what they need. It’s good for kids to curl up with a good book and this provides them this time,” she said.

Some students take advantage of the DEAR time to read for their school’s America’s Battle of the Books matches that will happen in the spring.

This school year, Hawthorn’s competition will be offered to second through sixth-grade students. Students in small teams read 20 books and then during the contest, when posed with a question, they work together to answer it with the title and author of the book.

“A lot of those books are classics like ‘Charlotte's Web.’ We offer it during class time. This year, there are a couple short books so the teachers will read to the whole class and they'll discuss it. The kids need to keep notes about it, maybe use a graphic organizer, so they study those notes before their battles. This way, all our students — special ed kids and the kids who aren't strong readers — will know a few stories and they can participate,” Griffith said.

In addition to reading books, she said Battle of the Books provides students an opportunity to be on and work as a team and for a student captain to take on some leadership skills as only one student can answer the questions.

“Those kids will turn to their teammates and say, ‘Okay, was it one of your

books? What do you think it is?’ They'll have a discussion. Those teams did well last year, because their captain listened to the teammates’ responses. Our kids are really excited about Battle of the Books,” she said.

Students also have embraced Lyrics2Learn, a music and video-based reading comprehension and fluency program to improve reading skills.

Last year, Griffith had a few teachers pilot the program to impressive results.

“Last year, only a few teachers implemented it, and we saw huge growth in literacy in those classrooms; that’s why we want all of our teachers using it this year,” she said. “Kids sing a song with the iPad so they're improving their fluency by reading sight words faster, which helps their literacy. After they sing the songs, there's a comprehension test to see if they understood what they were singing. The teachers can individualize it, inputting their level and choosing a song theme, such as holidays or classic book, for the kids to sing. It’s helping the kids; it’s a hit.”

Another hit at one of the literacy night activities was creating bracelets out of alphabet beads.

“The kids create them, stringing the beads with a bunch of adjectives, like curiosity, friendly, helpful,” Griffith said. “It’s another way they’re learning positive messages about reading.” l

Students had fun using alphabet beads to create adjectives and stringing them to make bracelets during Hawthorn Academy’s literacy night. (Beverly Griffith/Hawthorn Academy)

Raevyn Mackbee received a backpack filled with literacy materials during the school’s annual literacy night. (Beverly Griffith/Hawthorn Academy)

h ealth & W ellness

6 unique fitness experiences to try in 2025 near Salt Lake County

By Rebecca Olds |

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Momentum Indoor Climbing (Millcreek, Sandy)

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

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

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

Sign-up is online.

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

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

The class is an introduction to several different types of aerial fitness, including fabric and static trapeze for those aged 13 years or older. Sign-up is online.

Onyx Pole and Aerial Fitness Studio, hoop, pole, silks and hammock classes (Sandy)

In one studio, there are at least five different aerial fitness classes to choose from. Onyx offers everything from pole workouts to silks and hoops for differing levels of ability. The hammock beginner class (1.0) is referred to as the “perfect class to not only begin your journey but to

keep coming back to build those forever essential movements.”

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

Paddleboard yoga in a natural hot spring (Midway)

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

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

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

Guided full moon snowshoe tour by

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

“It's a wonderful night when you get to hear the great horned owls calling, and you get to see some good dark skies up there,” said Liz Anderson, Cottonwood Canyons Foundation education director. Anderson said that tours start up again on Jan. 24 and are offered every Friday and Saturday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. in January and February, and 7 to 9 p.m. in March. All you need to do is bring some snow shoes and preferably a red flashlight, poles optional. Come ready to learn more about the native wildlife.

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

(Courtesy Loveland Living Planet Aquarium)

Creating healthy financial habits in the new year

By Holly Curby | hello@hollycurby.com

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

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

2. Cultivating a mindset for financial success. Fernandez encourages people to adopt an abundant mindset and likens this

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

3. Understanding how family upbringing can shape financial habits is vital, especially in relationships where partners may have different spending and saving tendencies. By recognizing these differences, couples can work together to align their financial goals, foster a sense of unity and understanding

while building a prosperous future. “By having open and honest conversations about spending habits and priorities, couples can create a financial plan that supports their shared dreams and aspirations,” Fernandez said.

4. Credit card usage is a double-edged sword that requires careful management. While the perks of earning miles or cash back are enticing, it's important to use credit responsibly to avoid potential pitfalls. From personal experience Fernandez stresses the necessity of self-awareness in financial decisions. “Setting boundaries and knowing when to steer clear of credit misuse are crucial steps in maintaining financial discipline” Fernandez said. Fernandez dives deeper into practical advice on how to navigate these challenges effectively in her interview on Holly’s Highlights podcast (season 3 episode 13).

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

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

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

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

How assisted stretching helps relieve pain and improve mobility

By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“So instead of walking around at 80% or 90%, super tight and stretched all the time, they can just live in a more manageable, normal, relaxed way and these changes become more lasting,” Gibbs said. Assisted stretching can benefit everyone, even if you don’t feel like you have problem muscles. For those sitting at an office all the time, they are stuck in the same position, cramping muscles that should be able to stretch and move throughout the

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Bailey Chism/City Journals)

From classroom volunteer to legislature: Tracy Miller’s unwavering commitment to improving education

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Nearly eight years ago, Tracy Miller stepped into Susan Pulsipher’s position on the Jordan Board of Education. This January, Miller assumes Pulsipher’s seat at the Utah House of Representatives.

“It's a great honor and responsibility to be elected to represent people in my district,” Miller said. “It’s humbling when you have people who are supporting you; I feel really blessed. Education still is important to me. I can still help (Jordan School) District in different ways and help education with more kids in our state. That will always be a priority for me.”

Before the first day of the annual general session on Jan.21, Miller already had cast her first vote in the leadership elections.

“It was my very first vote,” she said. “It was a bit anti-climactic because they all ran unopposed, but it makes this real to me.”

Miller is not new to the legislature.

“I've been up at the legislature for more years than I've been a school board member, over a dozen years, advocating, getting involved and following bills. I've worked closely with several legislators on pieces of legislation. People have sent me drafts and I give feedback on legislation,” she said.

Before Miller was on the Jordan school board, she was the trust land fund specialist for Utah PTA, which, in 2016, worked to educate voters on Utah Constitutional Amendment B, the Utah School Funds Modification Amendment. It increased and stabilized funds distributed to Utah schools from the permanent State School Trust Fund.

“I helped run the campaign to get the constitutional amendment passed that changed the way our school trust funds are invested and distributed to the schools. I saw it through the whole legislative process and the outcome made a huge difference — millions more dollars to schools. It got me interested in the legislative process, and I stayed involved,” she said.

It was after Pulsipher decided to retire and Miller’s unsuccessful attempt to talk her into staying for another term “because she cares about the community and wants to help people and wants to do the right thing,” when Miller decided to run.

“There are not many people who are as prepared as I am to be a legislator. I've been involved at the capitol and I understand the legislative process. I thought ‘I can continue to sit on the sidelines and help people and state my opinion, or I can step into the arena and be a legislator myself,’” she said.

With a background in education and a desire to continue to “do what’s best for

“One of the hardest things is always boundary changes,” she said. “Moving ALPS from Jordan Ridge Elementary was especially difficult because it was personal. It was a hard thing to do, but it was the right decision. South Jordan Elementary was the only school left in the state on year-round and they needed to get off that schedule. We could have built another school, but the right thing to do for the taxpayer was to use the buildings we have, and that meant having to move ALPS to another school so we could move South Jordan Elementary students in Jordan Ridge.”

As school board president, Miller likely will have one more boundary change vote, this being to alleviate the student population for Aspen Elementary. As of press deadline, the vote is anticipated for the Dec. 10 meeting.

students, teachers and our schools,” Miller is familiar with more than 200 bills that passed and touched on education last session.

“Everyone thinks they're an expert on education because they went to school or they have kids or grandkids in school, but we don't have people there who have served on a school board and that’s an important voice we need. I hope to be able to lend that voice as someone who has set the budget for a large school district and knows where the funds go,” she said. “When the bills are passed, legislators have good intentions. I have the perspective of seeing exactly which bills work and don't work, so I hope to be able to lend that perspective going forward.”

One of those is House Bill 415.

“There has been a lot of concerns with the school fees bill that passed last session. It eliminates (school) districts’ ability to charge co-curricular fees and registration fees. The legislature passed it, but it didn't provide the money to replace the fees so the concern is programs will be cut since they’re not funded,” Miller explained. “There will be an amendment this session, and I will advocate the legislature needs to provide funding to replace what they're taking away from schools. If it doesn’t pass, then there will be some hard decisions for school boards to make when they're putting together their budgets and need to decide

where to cut. Those are decisions that will have to be made with the loss of millions of dollars.”

Miller served through difficult times during her tenure on Jordan’s Board of Education, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jordan Education Foundation Executive Director Mike Haynes appreciated her concern for others and her level-headed leadership then.

“During the pandemic, trying to come up with guidelines for the district, she was calm and level-headed; she always had the energy and commitment to serve students first and help employees,” he said. “Watching her lead during those challenging times was comforting; I felt like Jordan excelled in that area across the state.”

Miller also headed the selection committee for a new superintendent when former Jordan District Superintendent Patrice Johnson stepped down.

“I’m proud of hiring our superintendent, Dr. (Anthony) Godfrey,” she said. “We had many applicants, but he’s not only been a strong educational leader, he cares about people and wants to be right for students and employees and innovative, he is not afraid to try anything.”

Boundary changes are always tough, Miller said, and she was faced with several, including one where her children had attended school.

“We had robust discussion and a lot of public comment, a lot of survey feedback, and as the board, we're leaning toward making a smaller change for Aspen right now, but then the school board would do a deeper dive into the whole Herriman High feeder system over the next year,” Miller said, aware those decisions will be handed to the upcoming school board, including Suzanne Wood, who was selected amongst 14 candidates to take Miller’s seat beginning Jan. 1, 2025. “It’s incredibly hard to hand off something I care about so much to someone else. I really care about our district and about the kids and teachers.”

Miller’s term as president of the School Board Association Board of Directors also ends in December. She plans to relinquish her position on the Jordan Education Foundation’s board of directors.

“I plan to stay involved with the Foundation, because they do such great work, and it will keep me connected to the schools and the students,” she said.

Miller, who has her bachelor's degree in human resource management and master's degree in organizational behavior, worked in benefits consulting and healthcare administration, but when her second child was born, she stayed at home and worked her way into the schools.

“I'm grateful I had the opportunity when my kids went to school, I went to school, too. I started volunteering in schools, then on district committees and statewide committees and I became involved in the community. I appreciate having a husband and family and friends who have supported me,” she said.

Mayor Dawn Ramsey worked alongside Miller for many years in the PTA.

“We've worked on a lot of projects together over the last 20 years, wearing different hats, and she is a woman of in-

Jordan Board of Education President Tracy Miller, seen here speaking at the 2024 South Jordan Veterans’ Day breakfast on Nov. 9, was elected to the state legislature four days earlier. (Photo courtesy Dawn Ramsey)

Tracy Miller, left, will follow Susan Pulsipher in serving district 45 at the state legislature; she stepped into Pulsipher’s shoes eight years ago to serve on Jordan District’s school board. (Jackson Murphy/Utah House Majority Staff Communication Adviser)

Christmas for Kids warms hearts for students and volunteers alike

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

More than 750 students received early gifts this winter season, thanks to donations and support from the community and the Jordan Education Foundation.

Christmas for Kids community volunteers accompanied the teenagers on Dec. 7 at the Walmart on South Jordan Parkway as they shopped with $150 provided by the Foundation through community donations, said Jordan Education Foundation Executive Director Mike Haynes.

“Seven hundred fifty kids, it’s heartbreaking,” he said. “They’re not in a position, like some other kids, to have much of anything for Christmas. The great side of it is the community steps up and supplements those kids’ experiences for Christmas. Our support from the volunteers is just amazing. I'm blown away every year.”

He said it takes many hours for the 30 board members who were helping to coordinate students and volunteers; the planning meetings start months beforehand.

“The store manager, Kevin Carlile, he is the magic behind a lot of this and his employees have been so good to step up to help,” Haynes said.

Carlile volunteered one year, before offering Walmart as a shopping location about eight years ago.

“This sets the season,” he said. “In the retail business, we're focused on… sales, profit, all that stuff; these kids put things in perspective. We're here to serve the community, that's one of Walmart's foundational building blocks, but this feels like it's a family reunion. I get to see all the educators and people who volunteer every year. But, also, you get to hear the stories, the whys behind why we do it. We get to talk to the kids, see the excitement in their faces. They're a little older, so the excitement isn't just built up; it's genuine.

tegrity,” Ramsey said. “She's very smart, she asks thoughtful questions, and she's a problem-solver. She understands our community, having her local background is extra benefit, and I'm grateful and I can’t think of anyone who would do a better job representing her district. She has served our community well on the school board and she will be dearly missed.”

Miller wanted to be on the school board simply because “I care.”

“My parents were involved in the community while I was growing up, and that's something they instilled in me, the sense of giving back to the community is important,” she said. “Public education is the bedrock of our society, the fact that every child in our country gets a good education. It's not that way in every country, and it’s what makes our foundation. Being part of a school district that is committed

It's truly kids who need more, and we're able to provide that. That's why we do it.”

Jordan Board of Education President Tracy Miller, who like Carlile serves on the Foundation board, was helping direct people in the front of the store.

“This is what Christmas is all about,” she said about the students who are nominated for the shopping spree by their schools. “These kids aren’t used to shopping for themselves, but now they’re able to get some things they need and want. They’re deserving kids, but many of them are picking out things for their family members so they have something for Christmas. I love seeing that spirit of

Christmas.”

The annual event usually is supported by community leaders, local first responders, pageant royalty, team mascots and others. This year, even the event’s original “Santa Claus” returned as a volunteer to shop with students.

South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey has helped all 11 years of the event.

“This is my favorite day of the season,” she said. “I love this community coming together to spend a few minutes performing service that blesses and makes lives better for others. It eases their burdens and the chance to bring joy to a young person's life is so rewarding. As I

There are opportunities to give like this all year and if we can, we should. We do it more with our time, our support, our caring. It’s very rewarding to help a neighbor, to lift one another.

South

Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey

talk to the volunteers here, they always say, ‘This makes my Christmas.’ One lady just said, ‘This is what the season is all about. The hustle and bustle we all take on isn't what Christmas is; it’s about serving and lifting others.’ That’s what today is.”

Ramsey, who serves as a Foundation past president, said the giving spirit shouldn’t be limited to just this day.

“There are opportunities to give like this all year and if we can, we should. We do it more with our time, our support, our caring. It’s very rewarding to help a neighbor, to lift one another,” she said.

Haynes said his favorite part of the event is after the shopping, when he can talk to students and find out the best part of their morning.

“Nine out of 10 say, it’s spending time with her or hanging out with him — the volunteers who they shopped with. It’s great to have things they need, but sometimes an adult who's genuinely interested in them can be their highlight,” he said. “That's the most heartwarming part for me.” l

to providing a high-quality education for every child, no matter what their circumstance, has been most rewarding.”

Her three children all graduated from Bingham High. “The highlight of my eight years on the board was being able to give all three of my kids their diplomas at graduation,” she said.

Additionally, she’s proud of being able to increase teachers’ annual salaries from $34,000 eight years ago to more than $60,000 now as well as provide additional support to them for students.

“Our board has focused on supporting teachers with more prep time, more professional development, more support for challenges they've experienced, especially with an increase in behavior problems. We’ve been able to provide school psychologists and vice principals to every school who help with issues so teachers

can focus on their classroom teaching,” she said.

Miller also has been “careful with taxpayer dollars with the impact it has on people's budgets.”

“We plan to remodel West Jordan (High School) starting this summer and it will be spread out over four years. We remodeled Bingham High School. Other school districts are building brand new, big schools; we chose to remodel and save the taxpayers millions of dollars. I'm proud of how fiscally responsible we have been, especially addressing our student growth. We have been careful as a school board to only build what needs to be built and be frugal with the way we build our buildings,” she said.

Having that knowledge of her community growing will serve Miller well when the legislature addresses affordable

housing — “housing is definitely something I'm concerned about” — and water is vital— “in a state with a drought, we always need to be concerned about water supply.” Miller also said “our state and energy development” are important issues.

What tops her list is to listen. Haynes isn’t surprised.

“She’s great at, ‘seek first to understand.’ She's great at listening and letting people express positive feedback and some concerns,” he said.

Miller already heard from voters who “feel the legislature isn’t listening to them.”

“It's important we're listening to our constituents and not passing bills which cut them out of the process,” she said. “They need to be heard.” l

During Jordan Education Foundation’s Christmas for Kids, community members volunteered to spend time with secondary students so they could shop for family members and themselves. (Doug Flagler/Jordan School District)

This isn’t your grandma’s dance class. It’s not even your great-grandma’s dance class. Old Glory Historical Dance promises to solve the dilemma of being born in the wrong century by teaching country dances, cotillions, reels and waltzes popular in the 1700s.

Brooke Shaw and her partner Hollie Lundell operate Old Glory Historical Dance, holding free classes at the South Jordan Community Center (10778 S. Redwood Road) on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 8 to 9:30 p.m., teaching dances from another time and place.

“We specialize in 18th-century English country dances,” Shaw said. “If you’ve ever seen Jane Austen movies on TV, like on BBC, a lot of those do variations on the choreography of these dances that have been around since the 17th and 18th century.”

During that period, dancing was an important part of the community. It reflected a person’s status, social standing, breeding and cultural expression while allowing dancers to display elegance, grace and good manners. Keeping up with current dance trends was an indication of wealth and education.

Every town, village or wealthy family had a dance master who would teach the young people the necessary skills to prove themselves adept at any ball or country reel. Dances were also an approved courtship opportunity, allowing people to interact in a socially approved setting.

Vintage dance classes keep people in step

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Lucky Seven because it’s simple and repeats often, like country line dancing. Her husband, Jeremy, also enjoys the dances, especially the Lady Mary.

“He likes that one because we end up chasing each other around,” Atkinson said. “I would tell people they should at least give it a try because it’s a lot of fun. You can just go and they will teach you everything that you need to know.”

Old Glory Historical Dance holds several dress-up balls throughout the year. Its Regency Romance Ball will be held on Saturday, Feb. 15 at Little America Hotel (500 S. Main Street) in Salt Lake City, from 5 to 11 p.m.

“The whole development of dance is fascinating,” Shaw said. “Dancing was a really big thing, but it was more for the upper class to do it in a formal setting. Yet, the lower class, the regular people, they just would roll up the rugs and they all did their own thing.”

No partner is needed to participate in Old Glory Historical Dance and no special costumes are required. Participants show up in casual clothes and comfy shoes. All ages are welcome

and a background in dance is not necessary. “If you can hold hands, walk and count to four, you’re good.”

Lydia Atkinson started taking classes with the group and fell in love with the choreography and history of the dances. She said the people were welcoming and the experience was a lot of fun, combining a bit of exercise with social connection.

One of Atkinson’s favorite dances is the

Dancers at the ball are encouraged to don their best 18th-century attire to participate in the costume contest. The ball also includes period card games, a buffet dinner, photos, prizes and lots of dancing. Tickets start at $140 per person and are available at oldgloryhistoricaldance. com. The site also has a schedule of upcoming events.

For those interested in learning the dances, free classes will be held at 8 p.m. at the South Jordan Community Center on January 8 and 22, and February 12 and 26.

“It’s a fun way to meet great friends,” Shaw said. “It’s a free date night and I’m surprised how many men say they hate dancing, but they come and they love it.” l

Dancers with Old Glory Historical Dance attend balls throughout the year, wearing period costumes, playing card games and learning dances from the 1700s. (Photo courtesy Hollie Lundell)

Spreading warmth: Five girls support special ed classmates

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

OneNovember day, Sloane Skanchy decided to hold a hot chocolate stand. She invited four friends to help.

For two hours, they sold the cocoa, doughnuts and homemade s’more cookies in a Daybreak neighborhood and made $115 for a shopping spree.

“Some people gave us $5 and $10 bills for $1 cocoa or cookie,” Sloane said. “It was so generous.”

Those people didn’t know that the five third-graders were raising money on their own so they could buy holiday gifts for their 12 Golden Fields Elementary second- and third-grade peers in the special education support class.

“We made them gift bags with stretchy wiggly noodles, Slinkies, stress balls, little cars, Rice Krispy treats and other toys they can play with before rotations,” Sloane said, adding there were personal notes on each of the classmate’s cards. “I wanted to do something nice for them and included my friends who also are friends with them.”

Before the winter break, the girls shared those gifts with their classmates, who they usually help during their art, music, theatre, library, P.E. and recess rotations. At lunch, they often sit with their buddies, who are at a functional academic level.

There were smiles of joy on their buddies’ faces as they tried out their new fidgets.

It was an act of kindness and inclusivity which wasn’t lost on teachers, who hugged the girls, and their principal, Nick Hansen.

“Our school theme this year is ‘Kindness Blooms Here’ and these girls took it to

Sloane had wanted to do something for her classmates.

“They’re so sweet. I love them so much. We were excited to do something for them,” she said, adding she, and some of the other girls, also collect blankets with their families for those in need outside of the school. “We think of others and want them to be happy.”

Classmate Nora Williams said “it makes us happy” when they swing with them or give them high-five after going down the slide.

“Our buddies are like us, wanting to have fun and be included in everything,” she said.

Their friend, Molly McFerran, said she’ll dance with her buddies, volunteer to help them and partner with them during field trips.

“At PE, I raised my hand to be a buddy, and she went under the parachute, so I did too,” she said. “It’s fun to team up with them.”

The girls said their friends, Stella Isabell and Olive Tesch, who helped with the hot chocolate stand and gift-giving, are the same way.

the next level,” he said. “They, and others, involve their buddies in small ways all the time by playing together on the playground and sitting together at lunch. This, though, is touching. I’m proud of these girls. It makes my heart happy.”

Hansen also credits their parents with raising the girls to show empathy. Many families in the community have provided Halloween costumes and Sub-for-Santa items for classmates.

“They infuse kindness in the kids and the kids internalize it,” he said about the studentbody of more than 800. “We say, ‘Gladiator Strong’ to be respectful, responsible, safe and kind. We want them to be that both in and out of school, but it’s the kindness when no-one is watching, like with these girls, that is so special. They did it without an award, without recognition, without fanfare. They did it to be kind. They did it for their buddies. They’re true buddies.”

“It’s what life is about, wanting to have friends — not wanting to be sad and alone,” Sloane said.

It isn’t a one-time gift of friendship, the girls said.

“We want to do something at the end of the year and every year we’re together,” Sloane said. “They’re our friends and we want them to be happy.” l

Five Golden Fields third-graders — Stella Isabell, Molly McFerran, Nora Williams, Olive Tesch and Sloane Skanchy — held a hot chocolate stand so they could buy and give gifts to their peers in the special ed class. (Doug Flagler/Jordan School District)

Golden Fields third-grader Stella Isabell shares a squish ball with a buddy in the second- and third-grade special ed class. (Doug Flagler/Jordan School District)

After purchasing gifts with money raised at their hot chocolate stand, Golden Fields third-graders Sloane Skanchy, Stella Isabell, Molly McFerran and Olive Tesch put the items into gift bags for their buddies in the special ed class. Third-grader Nora Williams not pictured. (Photo courtesy Amanda Skanchy)

Girl Scouts of Utah responds to increase in membership fees

By Rachel Aubrey | r.aubrey@mycityjournals.com

AsGirl Scouts of Utah prepare to enter a new cookie season, they are also preparing for increases in membership fees. On Oct. 19, the Girl Scouts of the USA approved an increase of membership fees in a special National Council session that will be implemented over the next two years. Delegates from Utah, who were elected, were able to weigh in on the decision.

The current membership dues for participants are $25 a year, an amount that has been unchanged since 2018. The future increase in dues will be implemented over a two-year span, increasing to $45 in 2026, and $65 starting in 2027. There will also be an increase for adult volunteers from $25 to $30 a year. The dues will remain at $25 for the year 2025.

Leaders, volunteers, and parents were notified via email on Oct. 21 of the decision by the National Council. Despite the increase, the email ended as follows: “We are committed to providing financial assistance to all who need it.”

According to GSUSA, “We will explore other membership dues options such as family plans, differentiated pricing for volunteers/ adults, differentiated pricing by Girl Scout age, and multi-year memberships as part of our three-year strategy.”

Expanding the programs

Beyond selling cookies, girls as early as kindergarten age and as old as 12th grade, participate in weekly or biweekly troop meetings and work towards badges in one of the four pillars of the Girl Scout program: STEM, outdoor, life skills and entrepreneurship.

GSU Board Chair Joelle Creager said the National Council of GSUSA has strategic plans for the membership increase.

“Those national membership dues, they use those...they build the program, and then we are the implementers,” Creager said. “That will help us to be able to expand our programming into areas that we haven’t even dreamed of.”

One of the expansions in programming is the Daisy box, launched in August of 2024. The once-a-month kit is complimentary, and goes out to all the Daisy troop leaders, providing all the resources needed to be able to earn badges within the four pillars of the Girl Scout program.

Adorned with daisy petals on their blue vests or tunics, the rank of Daisy is for ages kindergarten through first grade, after which, the Girl Scout advances to the widely recognized rank of Brownie. The Daisy rank was introduced into Girl Scouts in 1984.

“Growing and sustaining our ‘movement’ requires consistent and prudent investment— and our Girl Scouts expect and deserve to be invested in,” the Girl Scouts USA responded in an email. “To continue to maintain our core programming and make the necessary investments to provide an unparalleled experience

son, she admitted that she has spent a lot more money for Scouting than she has done for Girl Scouts.

“I love being able to say yes to my kids,” Criddle said. “For my family, [the price increase] is not going to be an impact or a resistance for them participating or for me volunteering.”

In addition, Criddle emphasized the opportunity that she has had to apply for scholarships for the various day camps throughout the years.

“Girl Scouts of Utah has been so inclusive over the years and so generous and clearly well managed,” Criddle said.

for our current and future members and volunteers, we routinely need to reevaluate how we fund our mission.”

No matter the rank, the Girl Scout organization is a girl-led program. All decisions about what activities to participate in and what badges to work towards are decided upon collectively by the girls within a troop.

According to the Girl Scout website, “When girls step up and take ownership of their decisions, they grow into confident leaders who can make informed and empowered decisions—a valuable skill they’ll carry throughout their lives.”

Once a Girl Scout herself, Creager found the program at 10 years old. She recalled a lot of life changes around that time, causing her to feel as though she did not fit in. With encouragement from a friend, she “leapt at the chance,” and joined as a ‘Junior’ in the fifth grade.

“Girl Scouts really offers a wide variety of activities,” Creager said. “We're not holding just one skill. We're encouraging them to taste a little bit of everything.”

GSU Chief Executive Officer Lisa Hardin-Reynolds has been with the organization for 31 years in various roles. With a background in social work, Hardin-Reynolds highlighted the aspects of Girl Scouts that she believes are the most impactful such as, “helping girls to have a voice and to see girls realize what they are capable of.”

Interests and increases

Growing up in New Mexico, Briana Tate and her sister participated in Girl Scouts and

continued participating after moving to Utah. Now a mother herself, Tate’s fourth grade daughter has been a Girl Scout since she was in kindergarten and started in the rank of Daisy.

“I love that it teaches them so much personally,” Tate said. “It gives them exposure to so many things that they otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to be exposed to.”

Tate and her daughter had been active in their South Jordan troop until this past fall, now participating only occasionally, as other extracurricular activities have taken precedence.

For the past two years, Tate relied on the Utah council’s early bird renewal to keep her daughter’s membership status active. The Utah council paid for the $25 memberships outright for the troops who renewed their membership status before it expired, typically around the month of April.

Before that, Tate applied for financial assistance from GSU to pay membership dues. Financial assistance is available for troop dues, uniforms and other materials.

Tate was surprised by the decision to increase the dues, and felt there were other means to launch Daisy boxes. With the increase in dues, coupled with their sporadic participation, Tate is unsure how they will proceed with GSU in the coming years.

“If I have to go through some extra process to just get the financial assistance for a program that she’s not currently really using, it seems kinda pointless,” Tate said.

Alia Criddle didn’t get the opportunity to participate in Girl Scouts when she was young but has watched for the past seven years as her eldest child participated, as well as a younger child who is currently a Daisy.

Criddle said that both her kids’ troops have been very girl-led and have let the girls explore their interests without being “pushy” about badges or even cookie sales. For her older child, that troop has realized the potential for more community engagement and impact.

Not only does Criddle have two kids participating in GSU, but she also had a child in Boy Scouts, where the membership fees are $85 annually. In evaluating the cost compari-

Criddle said she expects that the scholarship opportunities will be well communicated moving forward, as well as the possibility of future training opportunities that can match local businesses with nearby troops in the hopes of acquiring sponsorships.

GSUSA also commented the following in an email response: “We remain committed to ensuring that every girl who wants to participate in Girl Scouting has the option to do so.”

A brief history

The Girl Scouts program was started in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low in Savannah, Georgia. Her nickname was ‘Daisy.’ The GS website reported the following about what society was like back then.

“At a time when women in the United States couldn’t yet vote and were expected to stick to strict social norms, encouraging girls to embrace their unique strengths and create their own opportunities was game-changing.”

According to the 2023 GSU annual report, there were 6,457 girls with a total adult membership of 3,684. The largest group of girl scouts was the ‘Brownie’ rank, for those girls who are in second to third grade at 1,661.

The Girl Scout mission is that “Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.” The Girl Scouts make the world a better place as they live the Girl Scout law:

“I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.”

Hardin-Reynolds believes that girls need Girl Scouting more than ever, and her dream is that every girl will come to see the value of Girl Scouts. The answer to the question, how do Girl Scouts make the world a better place? It’s in the connection.

“Girl Scouting saves girls lives,” Hardin-Reynolds said. “It’s a sisterhood, people need that connection.”

For more information about how to get involved either by participating, volunteering, or donating visit www.gsutah.org. l

Girl Scout Troop 583 of South Jordan, ranging in rank from Daisies to Juniors, learned some introductory American Sign Language words and phrases at a bi-weekly meeting in November, where each girl was encouraged to practice by using flash cards that were cut and pasted together. (Rachel Aubrey/City Journals)

The Girl Scouts of Utah headquarters is at 445 E. 4500 South in Murray, and has a space for larger activities and events and the Girl Scout merchandise store. (Rachel Aubrey/City Journals)

Several Bingham girls volleyball players named All-State

Seniors Jessica Truong and Paige Ballif join junior Lexie Carlson in receiving postseason honors

Bingham volleyball wrapped its 2024 season with a few earning all-state recognition.

Senior Jessica Truong was named to the Deseret News All-State second team in December. Truong played the position of libero and was a three-year starter who finished her career with 1,165 digs and 252 assists.

At 5-foot-3, Truong was literally perfect in returning serves, too. Her 1,433 service returns included just 101 errors during her three years on Bingham’s varsity squad.

Truong, who signed with Portland State University to play volleyball and attend school there, was also named the Region 2 6A Defensive MVP in November. She had 362 digs during her senior season to lead the Miners in that category. That total ranked Truong 18th in Utah high school volleyball in 2024.

Paige Ballif was named to the Deseret News All-State third team. A senior outside hitter, Ballif was a starter for all four years on the Miners. Her 1,065 career kills are a mark that may not be topped in this decade or era.

Ballif finished her final season at Bingham with a career-high 427 kills and had 118 service points to go with 58 aces. Her 427 kills were the 12th best total in Utah high school volleyball in 2024, third best in all of 6A. She was also named to the All-Region 2 first team.

In addition to Ballif, junior Alexis Carlson was also named to the Deseret News third team. Carlson led Bingham with four kills per set as well as a team-high 465 total kills this season, playing outside hitter as well as defensive setter. Those 465 kills Carlson registered were the ninth best total in Utah high school volleyball this season, second in 6A.

A starter for the first time in her threeyear high school career, Carlson had 165 digs, an anomaly for somebody who stands 5-foot11.

Other players were named to the All-Region 2 first team including senior setter Madison Evans, a Siena College of New York signee and three-year starter who finished her Bingham career with 2,263 assists. Evans had

By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

The 2024-25 Bingham Miners girls volleyball team was:

Paileulu Faiivae

Iman Finau

Mia Hansen

Sara Hawes

Paige Ballif

Jada Jenson

Cecelia Scott

Addison Ryan

Jessica Truong

Clara Soulier

Lainey Smith

Eliza Pierce

Mckenna Lambson

Nicalee Nordahl

Ellie Glauser

Alexis "Lexie" Carlson

Jennifer Truong

Lauren Evans

Leilani Pouha

723 assists to pace Bingham in 2024, a mark that was sixth best in 6A.

In addition, sophomore Lauren Evans and senior Iman Finau were placed on the All-Region 2 second team after each of these players had seasons that were notable. An opposite hitter, Lauren led the Miners with a .242 hitting percentage, a mark that was also the highest in 6A.

Finau, a middle hitter, had a team-high 63 blocks to pace Bingham, ranking her 11th best among all 6A student-athletes. Her teammate, sophomore Leilani Pouha, had 59 blocks, 14th best in 6A.

Finally, senior Lainey Smith was given an honorable mention by Region 2 coaches. She finished this season with 95 service points and 155 digs.

The Miners had a 19-12 record and finished the season as 6A state tournament quarterfinalists. They were coached by Reed Carlson. l

The 2024-25 Bingham High School girls volleyball team. (Photo courtesy Bingham High Athletics)

For Charger Doty, playing with his Miner teammates was the only option

By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

During the football season, senior Charger Doty could be found in the Bingham Miners’ secondary, looking for holes his defense could exploit. In a No. 0 jersey, his eyes would dart across the field and back. It was the senior’s job as safety and co-captain to bark out commands and respond if and when the opponents ventured across the line of scrimmage, into the teeth of the Miners defense.

Not only Doty but his teammates had to make to get to that point, but in Doty’s eyes it was all worth it.

“We pushed through early mornings, grueling conditioning sessions and countless hours of film study together, building a bond that was truly unbreakable,” Doty said in an interview with City Journals.

At 6-feet even and a stout 195 pounds, Doty was rewarded for all the hard work he’s put in not only for himself but for his team. This November, Utah State University extended an offer of an athletic scholarship to Doty to play football and attend school there. The good news is that Doty accepted and has committed, telling City Journals that he’s “excited” about beginning his next chapter in Logan.

Doty’s first chapter in his book of life wasn’t too shabby either.

In three years on Bingham’s varsity squad, Doty had 56 tackles and assisted on 40

most only dream of.

Doty had a bead on a pass down Bingham’s sideline, read the Herriman QB’s eyes all the way and caught the throw in stride. As Doty gathered himself for the road ahead, the Bingham senior bobbled the ball twice before reversing field and running at least 120 yards for the score.

It was the first touchdown in three years on the varsity for Doty, capping a 21-0 victory over Herriman. For Doty, who hadn’t scored since he played Little League—in which he said he often scored TDs—he wasn’t even thinking about getting six points for his efforts.

“All I was thinking is ‘I have to secure the ball and make sure we still get the ball to get our offense back on the field,’” Doty said to City Journals. “When I secured it and looked up, I saw that I had to make one guy miss and then I had a chance at scoring and I made the defender miss and saw all my teammates in front of me and that’s when I knew it was going to be a pick-six.”

couldn’t help but be inspired by how his team came together under a new head coach in Josh Johnson.

“Despite the ups and downs of the season and the record we finished with, there’s no other team I would have wanted to go through it with,” Doty said. “I’ve loved every moment of representing Bingham High School, wearing that name on my chest and the “B” on my helmet under the Friday night lights. The results weren’t what I had envisioned for my senior season, but being able to share it with the guys I’ve played with since I was 8 made it unforgettable.”

To that end, former head coach Eric Jones had nothing but positives to say about Doty, who was also recruited by schools as far and wide as Dartmouth, Air Force, Iowa State and Washington State.

“Charger is a great kid and D1 talent as well,” Jones said, who is now at West Field High School. “All-around good person and athlete.”

more. He also had 10 pass deflections for the Miners and snared 10 interceptions, including four in his final year at the school.

In the waning moments of Bingham’s showdown against rivals Herriman Friday Sept. 28, Doty had a chance to do something

What’s more is that Bingham held an unbeaten record against its rivals in Doty’s senior season, going 3-0 against the likes of Herriman, Mountain Ridge and Riverton. Although the season ended early in the second round of the 6A state playoffs, Doty said he

Sometimes, simply showing good sportsmanship during a game says all we need to know about a student-athlete.

With the Miners already ahead 15-0 early in the second quarter, Doty made a wise read in which he didn’t even need to tackle the Copper Hills player in order to assert his dominance—he simply bumped into him.

In the dying moments of the first half, Copper Hills was threatening Bingham inside its own 25-yard line. A quick screen pass moved the ball inside Bingham’s 20. On the next play, Copper Hills’ QB overthrew his intended receiver, landing the ball into the hands of Doty, who returned the ball all the way back to the Copper Hills 4 before the Miners cashed in three plays later.

Those were only three examples of his leadership; there are countless others, added Jones, that will never make the pages of any newspaper. But, they’re ones he’ll remember about the kid from South Jordan who earned his varsity spot on one of Utah’s top high school football teams as a sophomore in a No. 3 jersey that looked two sizes too big, the season that Bingham made it back to Rice-Eccles Stadium for the first time in several years under Jones and staff.

As a junior, Doty and his Miner teammates played against the nation’s No. 1 team under those Friday night lights when the Miners in blue played the Mater Dei Monarchs out of Los Angeles in red at a sold-out Ron Thorne Stadium. Doty made the right read, intercepted a pass and returned it 10 yards in that game. It was that game’s only interception.

In addition to his duties as Bingham’s safety for three years, Doty also played quite a few snaps on offense and on special teams. He had 13 yards rushing, 28 yards receiving and 132 punt return yards, and for his efforts last year, was named to the Deseret News 6A second team as a junior. l

Bingham senior Charger Doty. (Photo courtesy Bingham High Athletics)

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

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

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

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

I’m not a person who gets amped

about “A new year!” and “A better me!” but my goal this month is to change my mindset. I need to put down the leftover Christmas candy, change out of my sweatpants and do what I can to bring about positive change.

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

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

One way to change my mindset is to volunteer with organizations that support causes dear to my heart. Getting out of my head and into the idea we can all make a

difference could make this dreary month (or year) bearable.

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

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

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

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

But every day, he showed up to try

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

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