Brighton lacrosse repeats as 5A state champs
By Jerry S. Christensen | j.christensen@mycityjournals.com
Brighton boys lacrosse surges in final quarter to win back-to-back state titles.
“The hardest thing to do in sports is to win back-to-back titles,” quipped Charles Barkley infamously. Brighton boys lacrosse accomplished that feat with a burst of comeback goals in the fourth quarter of the state championship matchup with arch rival Park City.
Coach Chris O’Donnell has built the boys program over the last eight years. In the last five years since the sport became UHSAA sanctioned, O’Donnell’s teams have met Park City in the state playoffs all five times. The first three belonged to Park City. The last two eclipsed them all as Brighton prevailed for state titles in dramatic fashion.
The state championship game
At Zions Bank Stadium one week before graduation, the lacrosse state championship game started poorly for the top-seeded Bengals. The Miners scored three goals in the first three minutes for a 3-0 lead, and scored two more in the second quarter. All five first-half Park City goals were scored by different players. PC seemed determined to avenge last year’s finals loss to the Bengals. They had already given Brighton its only home field loss during the regular season and spoiled Brighton's quest for a Region 6 trophy.
Brighton mounted only a small offense with two first half goals from Zachary Anderson and a goal from Gabriel Carrera which kept the Bengals within striking distance 5-3 at halftime. “They were dominating us in the middle of the field,”
Brighton boys lacrosse are back-to-back state champions. (Brighton LAX/BHS)
Summer Surge: When Fun Turns into Ankle Injuries
By Ryan Callahan, DO
As temperatures rise, so does outdoor activity—from weekend hikes and pickup basketball games to long days on the pickleball court. But with the thrill of movement comes a sharp uptick in lower extremity injuries, particularly to the ankle and Achilles tendon.
Every summer, emergency rooms and orthopedic clinics report a surge in ankle sprains, fractures, and tendon injuries. The most common culprits? Uneven terrain, sudden pivots, overuse, and inadequate warm-ups. While a minor sprain might only need rest and bracing, more severe injuries can sideline someone for months—or require surgery.
Three of the most common issues to be aware of:
ANKLE SPRAINS
Ankle sprains, often underestimated, can lead to chronic instability if not properly treated. Recurrent sprains may
eventually necessitate lateral ligament reconstruction, a procedure to restore stability to a weakened ankle.
ANKLE FRACTURES
Ankle fractures—whether from a misstep while running or an awkward landing during sports—may require an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), where the bones are realigned and stabilized with plates and screws.
ACHILLES TENDON INJURIES
Achilles tendon injuries, particularly ruptures, are also on the rise in active adults. These injuries often occur during explosive movements, like jumping or sprinting. While some partial tears can be treated without surgery, a full rupture often requires Achilles tendon repair to restore function and strength.
Injury prevention is just as critical as treatment. Proper footwear, cross-training, structured warm-ups, and balance exercises can go a long
way in keeping you active and injury-free during the summer.
If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or instability in your ankle or Achilles, don’t “walk it off”—get evaluated by a physician. Timely diagnosis and tailored care can make all the difference between a season on the sidelines and a full recovery.
As you get out and enjoy all the amazing summer activities available here in Utah, be sure to take the proper precautions to protect your function and future.
Ryan Callahan is a board-certified foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon at CommonSpirit Orthopedics & Sports Medicine West Jordan.
Learn more about the services, care providers and missiondriven work of the Holy Cross hospitals and CommonSpirit Health at www.holycrossutah.org.
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O’Donnell said. “We were losing on faceoffs and ground balls.”
The third quarter deepened the trough. With a single quarter left to play in the season, and the last quarter the seniors would play in their high school careers, the score was 7-4 in favor of the surging Miners. The Brighton crowd began the chant, “Yes we do! We believe in you!” as the clock began winding down. Holly Fairbanks, a fan, said, “The boys heard us. Several turned around and it felt like we were helping with a little extra nudge to get the job done. I still get so emotional thinking about it.”
A fourth quarter six-point Bengal rally began like a small-town fire alarm. All American senior Austin Taylor sparked the flame with two goals and two critical assists to Colt McKean and Andrew Salinas. Gabe Carrera turned on his assist skills allowing junior Cole Murray to score a go-ahead goal. With a scant minute to play “comeback” Carrera dished another assist giving senior McKean the honor of netting the state championship winning goal.
Zions Bank Stadium erupted in orange as the players’ gear was tossed in the air. Brighton mounted an improbable fourth quarter “Bengal burst” that stunned Park City 10-9 for a second consecutive state lacrosse championship.
“This is a game we should be playing in every year,” O’Donnell said. “That’s the mentality that we have. We didn’t get there for the first years of sanctioning. (We) kept losing in the semis or quarters to (Park City), and then finally got them last year and then this year. We know this is the standard for us and it’s just a matter of maintaining that every year.”
“They’re well coached; they play hard. They kept battling back,” said Park City coach Michael Persky on Brighton’s fourth quarter comeback win.
The standout players
Taylor emerged with a litany of honors: All American, Academic All American (with perfect grades), All State First Team, “Best 11” in the state and Mr. Lacrosse 2025 for all of Utah. He will be taking his talents to the next level at Westminster this fall.
“This playoff run meant so much to our team,” Taylor said. “We felt like we were doubted many times and often relied on ourselves making a comeback in the second half. Being able to battle through the adversity and score 6 in the fourth quarter to win the championship was a perfect way to end our season. I’ve never seen a team band together more than this one did.”
O’Donnell on Mr. Lacrosse 2025: “Austin Taylor is an incredible player and person. For him to be named Mr. Lacrosse is a huge honor and he deserves it. He’s a quiet leader but his play and work ethic were loud. Austin was typically the player that started digging us out of the hole first and everyone else followed his lead. Having back-to-back Mr. Lacrosse come from Brighton is pretty special and something we don’t take for granted as coaches.”
Brighton’s legendary goalie Mason Fray who now plays lacrosse for Westminster won the statewide Mr. Lacrosse honor in 2024. With 67 Utah high school varsity lacrosse teams playing and 1,500-plus players competing, having back-to-back Mr. Lacrosse awardees speaks volumes about Brighton’s program. The state championship also propelled Brighton to be the Deseret News All Sports Award’s most prolific boys athletic program in 5A.
The two championship seasons can’t be told without considering the powerful play of “the three amigos:” attackers Austin Taylor, Gabe Carrera and Andrew Salinas. They all eclipsed 100 points becoming only the second group of three teammates to do that in one season. (Corner Canyon accomplished the feat in 2021.) With each attacker earning around 40 assists in addition to those
100-plus goals shows how unselfish they were as cohesive teammates. They fed off each other and elevated the play of everyone around them.
Salinas (senior) led the team in scored goals with 106 career points. He was second team All Region two years in a row. This year he had 62 goals and 44 assists and was named Academic All American.
Gabe Carrera (junior) was also named All American and included in the “Best 11” in the state - high honors and high expectations for a player coming back next year.
Also returning next year is Landon Stosich (junior), the celebrated goalie who had 179 saves for the season. “I am very grateful to play with such a good group of boys that love the game and each other so much,” he said. “We are losing some great seniors, truly
going to miss every single one of them but looking forward to next year to try and replicate such an amazing season!”
Senior Jaxon Webster ends his high school career with over 500 face-off wins. He played varsity since he was a freshman and will continue playing FOGO (face off get off) at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania.
Outgoing senior Toby Fairbanks summed it up: “We worked really hard at being a team this year, everyone had a voice. We became more than just teammates, we were brothers. Winning with them this year after we had to fight so hard in every playoff game just felt so right. My boys worked hard for this championship!” l
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All American Austin Taylor earns the esteemed title “Mr. Lacrosse.” (Brighton LAX/BHS)
‘The Lightning Thief’ will steal the spotlight during summer musical
Performances run from July 11 until July 19 put on by the Cottonwood Heights Arts Council.
By Cassie Goff c.goff@mycityjournals.com
July
is an exciting month for Cottonwood Heights especially because the annual summer musical put on by the Arts Council will be running from July 11 until July 19.
This year, the Arts Council and cast members will be transporting those seated in the Butler Middle School Auditorium (7530 S. 2700 East) to the world of Greek mythology with their production of “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.”
“This year’s show is going to be a high octane, comedic take on the beloved story complete with a five piece live rock band (two electric guitars, an electric bass, a full drum set, and keyboard) and a talent packed cast! We also have original projections and animations,” said Culture Coordinator Kate Hoflich.
The annual summer musical put on by the Arts Council is a long-standing tradition within Cottonwood Heights, tracing back over a decade to 2010 with five performances of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”
Since then, the Arts Council has selected a new and unique musical to cast and perform each year. Some of the previous annual musical productions have included: “The Wizard of Oz” (2011), “Fiddler on the Roof “(2014), “Shrek: The Musical” (2015), “Annie” (2017), “The Little Mermaid” (2019), and Disney's “Beauty and the Beast” (2024).
“The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” is adapted from the original novel “The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan. Music and lyrics for this retelling are by Rob Rokic-
ki with the musical book by Joe Tracz. The story originates in Greek mythology as the main character travels through to the Underworld and finds himself among the Olympians.
Percy Jackson will be played by Garrett Stephenson; Poseidon will be played by Sam Fisher; and Sally Jackson will be played by Kat Teitjen.
Annabeth will be played by Ellie England; Grover will be played by Logan Stacey; Luke will be played by Jaden Burnett;
and Clarisse will be played by Kate Holt.
Mr. Brunner will be played by Doug Hendrickson; Mr. D will be played by Daniel Pittam; Mrs. Dodds will be played by Austinn Jensen; Silena Beauregard will be played by Abrille Hambleton; and Katie Gardener will be played by Adria Kroff.
Members of the ensemble will include: Aleisha Carver, Allison Cloward, Annie Duggar, Tricia Gallagher, Rachel Stephenson, Shari Bether Weber, Christopher Steck, Rodger Downward and Josh Rogers.
The chosen story of “The Lightning Thief” for the Cottonwood Heights’ annual musical will be directed by Lauri Baird, musically directed by Robert Bedont, choreographed by Karllen Johnson and graphically designed by Facio Long.
Additional production team members will include: Brighton Sloan (assistant director), Rachel Peterson (assistant music director), Mak Riddle (stage manager), Carson Young (assistant stage manager), Facio Long (set designer), Joe Governale (lighting designer), Brooklyn Road (sound designer), Jennifer Jackson (costume designer), Makayla Riddle (prop master) and Else Slabber (makeup designer).
Ticket pricing is set for $12 for general admission: $10 for seniors and children: free for children under 3 in laps. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door, but online sales will include an additional service fee.
Performances will take place in the Butler Middle School Auditorium (7530 S. 2700 East) during the dates below:
• Friday, July 11, 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, July 12, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Monday, July 14, 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, July 17, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, July 18, 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, July 19 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. l
It’s a girl! Cottonwood Heights to gain a sister…city
The delegation from Incheon, Yeongsu-gu, South Korea are scheduled to sign the Friendship Agreement July 5.
By Cassie Goff c.goff@mycityjournals.com
July is an exciting month for Cottonwood Heights! Along with the historic Butlerville Days celebrations and annual summer musical put on by the Cottonwood Heights Arts Council, Cottonwood Heights will gain a sister (city) July 5.
The Friendship Agreement between Incheon, Yeongsu-gu, South Korea and Cottonwood Heights will be finalized July 5 during a delegation dinner led by Cottonwood Heights Councilmember Matt Holton.
“I encourage all residents to join in welcoming our friends…and to take advantage of the cultural experiences during their visit. Let’s come together to celebrate diversity, build lasting relationships, and strengthen the bonds of our community,” wrote Holton in his previous Council Spotlight (Between the Canyons: April ed.).
Holton has been awaiting the opportunity to formalize this sister city relationship for years. While he is certainly excited about the official signing ceremony, his enthusiasm lies with the opportunity to guide the South Korean delegation through the beauty of the Cottonwood Canyons and showcase the warmth and community spirit of the city residents.
“This sister city relationship goes beyond a formal agreement—it’s a bridge that connects our communities through culture, education and economic opportunities,”
- learning about traditional cultural practices. (Photo courtesy Councilmember
wrote Holton.
In addition to the formal delegation, 30-40 students from South Korea will be visiting Cottonwood Heights. Their purpose in visiting Cottonwood Heights is to show gratitude toward the last remaining Korean War veterans.
Formalizing a sister city relationship was one of Holton’s personal goals while serving on the council. In February 2024, he noted in the annual city budget retreat that he would like to begin conversations to gain Incheon as a sister city.
By September of that year, Holton and Mayor Mike Weichers were packing their bags to travel to South Korea to meet Mayor Jaeho Lee and the elected councilmembers
in person. The main purpose of their visit was to sign a letter of intent per the statutory rules in South Korea. “Seeing my dad’s world projected into my mom’s world was an overwhelming experience,” said Holton while reflecting on their travels on Oct. 1, 2024.
Weichers and Holton filled their extra time by learning about the culture and appreciating the knowledge of the leadership. Mayor Lee and his wife showed the Cottonwood Heights councilmembers how to make kimchi from scratch. Weichers and Holton also sat in tea circles and learned how to dye silk.
“We put a lot of different effort into being there,” said Holton.
The Korean Delegation Dinner and Friendship Agreement Signing Ceremony will take place at Cottonwood Heights City Hall (2277 Bengal Blvd.) on Saturday, July 5, at 6 p.m.
The dinner will be sponsored by America First Credit Union in partnership with the Korean American Federation of Utah and the Korean Chamber of Commerce of Utah. Through these partnerships, a new scholarship will be available for Cottonwood Heights high school students through the Canyons School District Foundation to travel to Korea to meet, study and socialize with students in Incheon next summer. All funding is through private donations.
Holton invites city residents who have “ties to Korea through family, church missions, military service, business or any other connection…” to join him at the table during the Delegation Dinner.
Residents interested in attending can email Holton at mholton@ch.utah.gov to receive an invitation. l
In-progress: the Minotaur’s head. Costume design by Jen Jackson. (Photo courtesy Kate Hoflich)
Mayor Mike Weichers and Councilmember Matthew Holton were able to spend some time in their newly-acquired Sister City - Incheon
Matthew Holton)
Celebrating 20 years of Butlerville Days in 2025
As Cottonwood Heights celebrates 20 years since incorporation, their annual Pioneer Day celebration will include some birthday festivities.
By Cassie Goff c.goff@mycityjournals.com
Thismonth is the 20th anniversary of the city of Cottonwood Heights’s incorporation and special highlights and activities are being planned to celebrate the city during the Butlerville Days festivities, July 24-26. For example, the city’s Historic Committee has been reviewing the history of the area, city and celebrations.
Butlerville Days is the annual city-sponsored celebration of Pioneer Day. The title of which pays homage to some of the first recorded settlements in the area including the Butler Bench, Poverty Flats and Danish Town (1849).
The “Butler” name can be seen throughout the city and not just in the annual celebration, of course. But in Butler Middle School, Butler Elementary School, the numerous Butler streets, and the Butler neighborhoods. Residents have one specific person to thank for that.
Legend has it that the Butler and McGee families lived in those early settlements in 1849, working in lumber, bringing logs down from of the canyon for home building and railroads. On the day a town meeting was called to organize the community, there was one more Butler brother in attendance than McGee brother, so the community was named after the “Butler” lumbermen.
The first-ever Butlerville Days was a sin-
gle day event. From the popularity with the local residents, it has now grown into a multiple-days festival with carnival rides, stage entertainment, art and sports competitions, food vendors and educational activities.
The Historic Committee will be sharing even more of the city’s history and legends during Butlerville Days at their booth and during their now-popular walking tours.
As part of the “hometown feeling” that runs through the celebrations of Butlerville Days, the annual (and usually highly anticipat-
ed) parade will be on July 26 beginning at 9 a.m. Walkers and rollers will line up at 3500 E. Bengal Blvd. and travel along Bengal Boulevard to end in the Brighton High School parking lot (2220 Bengal Blvd.).
One of the longest standing events for Butlerville Days has been the fireworks show. This year, fireworks will begin at 10 p.m. on July 26.
Two years ago, the city tested out incorporating a drone show into Butlerville Days. This year, the drones will be back (schedule TBD). Previously, city councilmembers have preliminary discussed replacing fireworks with drones in the future, depending on the response from city residents and Butlerville Days attendees.
Other scheduled returning events will include:
• Painting in the Park on July 24 from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
• Antique and Classic Car Show on July 25 from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. (adjacent to Guthrie Skate Park)
• Yoga on July 25 at 7 a.m. behind the Rec Center)
• High Fitness Aerobics on July 26 at 7 a.m. (main stage)
To learn more about the 2025 Cottonwood Heights Butlerville Days hosted at Butler Park (7500 S. 2700 East), visit the city’s website at: www.cottonwoodheights.utah.gov/community/events/butlerville-days. l
Pictured back row Left to Right: Sally Winn, Carol Bollschweiler, Fay Morse, and Carlie Winn. Pictured front row Left to Right: Carol Winn, Vivian Ferguson, Gloria Brown, Ruth Winn (in front of Gloria), and Beverly Hilton. (Photo courtesy Cottonwood Heights Historic Committee Historical Photographs Archive)
In 1947, this primary 4th grade class at Butler Elementary celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Mormon Pioneers entering Salt Lake Valley. Butler Church is located behind the group to the right. (Photo courtesy Cottonwood Heights Historic Committee Historical Photographs Archive)
The annual Butlerville Days parade will feature local committees, school clubs and volunteer groups. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)
The highly-anticipated Fireworks Show may be replaced by a Drone Show in future years of Butlerville Days. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)
True friends, true celebration: The spirit behind Brighton’s unified prom
Photo by Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Brighton High students of all abilities boogied down during their unified “Welcome to the Jungle” prom. Every senior in Jared Denslow’s class was asked via a traditional “promposal” poster to attend the two-hour unified “Welcome to the Jungle” prom by a date, whether it’s a unified athletic
team member, a peer mentor or student who supports the special education students. “It’s a great evening where everyone comes together and has the same experience of enjoying prom,” said senior Jack Peterson. Denslow is proud of the four-year tradition at Brighton: “It’s all student-driven. We keep it small, so kids are familiar with one another and it’s relaxing. These kids care about each other; they’re true friends.” l
Business booms at Butler’s beloved Mining Town
Fourth graders learn real-life lessons in a town they’ll never forget.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
This year, Butler Elementary’s annual Mining Town had a new twist; it was held outside for the first time in 11 years, giving students more space and flexibility.
Fourth-grade teacher Parys Lightel, who brought the tradition from Sunrise Elementary, has been involved with it for 17 years.
“It aligns with our social studies,” she said, explaining students learn modern resort towns once thrived as mining communities.
Students develop business plans, set up shops or services, and receive $40 in pretend money to spend. Businesses can reflect past or present-day themes—or a mix of both. Some products this year included bookmarks, origami, snacks and beauty salon items and services.
“We study economics, supply and demand and entrepreneurship and they learn
Midvale, Butler take top honors in coed intramural soccer championship
Shoot-out, sportsmanship mark Canyons District’s title games.
Photo by Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Butler
Middle battles Albion Middle for control of the ball during Canyons School District coed intramural soccer tournament; the Bruins advanced to the championship game. About 150 students on 24 middle school teams dribbled, kicked and scored their way this past spring for a shot at the Canyons School District coed intramural soccer championship. The sixthgrade final ended in a shoot-out, with Butler Middle edging out Mt. Jordan Middle. “(It
was) thrilling and heartbreaking at the same time,” said Taylor Hansen, Canyons School District intramurals coordinator. In the seventh- and eighth-grade division, Midvale Middle topped Butler Middle to claim the titles. The tournament followed a cup format, guaranteeing each team at least three games and creating a lively atmosphere. “Schools really get into it—upper grades cheer on the lower grades and vice versa,” Hansen said. “It's fun to see the athletes get the opportunity to play multiple games and showcase their skills.” Hansen also praised longtime Midvale coach Mitch Edmonds and his teams, not only for their on-field success but for doing an “amazing job” cleaning up the fields at Mt. Jordan Middle after the tournament. l
about operating a business,” Lightel said.
“They also get to be creative and come up with a business name and signs.”
At the “zoo,” Wyatt Furman charged admission to see stuffed animals.
“It’s hard to have and operate a business,” he said.
Elliot Goff was one of the classmates running The Mining Shed, selling homemade figures of Diamond Dan or a Dynamite Dave.
“It’s been fun to learn about money and supply and demand; I liked going around shopping too,” he said.
Laughing Comics—Mac Kitterman, Jack Stahl, Ollie Isbell and Kemal Topalovic—saw strong sales.
“We’ve made $300 so far,” Kemal said. “It’s a good business. Plus, we get to have fun making comics and reading them.”
Jack liked drawing the comics while Ollie wrote “Fish Monkey,” complete with a moral.
Some students ran services, such as the bank.
“I liked doing it because everyone
comes to the bank each round so, I was busy; it can be stressful,” Braevon Bravo said.
Anthony Luptak, wearing a homemade banker hat for sun protection, said some students got mixed up. “They spent money they earned, and they didn’t remember it was
their businesses’ money, not theirs,” Anthony said.
Lightel knows the activity’s value: “The kids love it and remember it for years. Mining Town really makes an impression on them.” l
During Butler Elementary’s Mining Town, students made and sold items to their peers to learn about economics and entrepreneurship. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Midvalley fifth grader wins $1,000 scholarship for her love of reading
Road to Success: Reading program rewards students, builds college dreams.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Midvalley Elementary fifth-grader Ayesha Abbas, who dreams of becoming a lawyer, is one step closer to her goal after earning a $1,000 Road to Success my529 scholarship—thanks to her passion for reading.
“It’s cool I won a scholarship for reading,” Ayesha said. “And now, I’m already saving up to be able to go to college. I want to study law so I can make a difference and help people.”
During the monthlong contest, Ayesha logged 2,098 minutes reading, favoring titles such as “I Survive” and “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.”
“I like adventure and nonfiction books and graphic novels. I like when authors express the way they feel,” she said, adding she plans to participate in the Salt Lake County Library’s summer reading challenge and continue writing a book of her own.
This was Midvalley’s first year in the Road to Success program, said School Community Facilitator Crystal Bartlett.
“We tied it into our Harry Potter literacy challenge and so many students were reading to earn points for the house cup,” she said. “It was a good launch into this scholarship program.”
By late May, 91% of Midvalley students had partici-
pated, logging a total of 333,781 reading minutes.
Ayesha was selected as the Canyons School District’s scholarship winner. Four district students—Canyon View second-grader Collin Vandermeyden, Midvalley third-grader Kareem Abdallah, Quail Hollow fifth-grader Hallie Wagstaff and Ridgecrest kindergartner Walker Cook—earned bikes.
All winners were honored at an open house at the Living Planet Aquarium.
“We want to motivate students to read daily so they earn entries into these giveaways; it makes reading fun and exciting, and helps schools build their school's reading culture,” said Hannah Jeffs, Road to Success program manager. “It’s also an essential skill that sets students up for success for the rest of their lives. If they read at a third grade level by the end of third grade, they will be more likely to graduate high school, go to college and get into a career.”
In the past 30 months, Jeffs said the free program has increased statewide from 20 elementary schools to 80.
“We want students to develop a love of reading,” she said. “And in return, a love of learning.” l
Ridgecrest kindergartner Walker Cook won a bike through the Road to Success program. (Photo courtesy of the Cook family)
Brains and bishops: Ridgecrest rules the chessboard
Rawle brothers and Karr lead elementary school to chess glory.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Ridgecrest Elementary’s chess team is proving a force to be reckoned with, earning top honors in state tournaments.
At the Utah State Elementary Chess Tournament this spring, Ridgecrest’s Chess Champs secured fourth place overall—the best finish among public elementary schools and just half a point from second. Standout grade-level performances included second-grader Beckham Rawle taking first, his first-grade brother Max placing sixth, fifth-grader Bronson Karr finishing ninth, first-grader Flint Pugh at 11th.
Soon after, 10 Ridgecrest players competed in the PowerChess State Elementary Tournament and placed second—again, only half a point from first. Beckham won the K-3 section, and Max tied for first in K-1.
Bronson is a consistent competitor.
“I learned how to play the summer after second grade against my brother, and I loved it,” he said. “But Logan destroyed me every single time. So, I decided to learn how to play the game well. Once I started beating him consistently, he stopped playing. Actu-
ally, he’s doing other things in his life. I play on chess.com, but I like playing against other kids at school; it’s much more fun.”
Bronson trains with an online coach and practices several hours daily.
“I practice lots of openings. My favorite is King’s Indian. It's defensive, so they have control, but when they make one wrong move, I can just start attacking them and destroy the whole position,” he said.
Mistakes still happen.
“At state, I blundered one game because I miscalculated, and then against another person, I made a mistake with my pawn. Still, I got ninth, so that's pretty decent,” Bronson said.
He skipped the PowerChess event to train for competitive downhill skiing, where he earlier won his age group at the U.S. Ski and Snowboard intermountain division championships.
“I want to become an Olympic skier and I want to become a chess master: I'm just going to try my hardest and work as hard as I can,” Bronson said.
Next he will join his teammates, the Rawle brothers, at nationals.
“Chess is a calming sport; I just think about all the moves. My focus is on beating everyone, but also having a good time,” Bronson said.
Fifth-grader Safron Schneider, who has played Bronson, knows his competitiveness: “Bronson has good strategies; he thinks moves ahead.”
She also competed at state.
Four weekend excursions in northern Utah
Access adventure in your own backyard.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Budgets
are tight this summer and big, family getaways might have to be pared down. Luckily, we live in a state that offers incredible national parks, gorgeous hiking trails, fun activities and delicious places to eat. If you’re in the mood for a staycation this month, here are a few options that are close to home.
Ogden Weekend Getaway
If you haven’t been to Ogden lately, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the number of shops, eateries and attractions in the area. You can start your adventure with a walk down Historic 25th Street, with its boutiques and galleries. The area also has restaurants, bars, pubs and diners with food to fit any appetite. For fossil lovers, the George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park features an outdoor sculpture park and play area, a gem museum and the Stewart Museum of Paleontology. Adventurists can try indoor skydiving at iFly, indoor surfing or wakeboarding at Flowrider or rock climbing at iRock.
Outdoor lovers can kayak the Ogden River, hike or bike the Centennial Trail, or paddleboard at Causey Reservoir. Soak tired muscles at Crystal Hot Springs, just a 30-minute drive north of Ogden. For more ideas, check out visitogden.com.
Park City/Heber Retreat
Head to the mountains with a weekend staycation in Park City or Heber. With ziplines, the Alpine Coaster, a downhill bobsled ride, paddleboard yoga and more, you can find something for the whole family to enjoy.
While you’re in the Wasatch Mountains, explore biking and hiking trails, horseback riding, hot air balloons, rafting and golfing. The nearby Jordanelle State Park offers fishing boats, pontoons, and ski boats to rent, along with a tackle shop for any fishing needs.
On Heber’s Main Street, visit the iconic Chick’s Cafe for lunch or breakfast. It’s the perfect diner spot with homemade scones, French toast, sandwiches and more. With museums, galleries, boutiques, markets, Olympic venues and beautiful landscapes, a trip to the mountains is the perfect escape. Visitparkcity.com had more ideas and places to stay.
Logan Cave Excursion
Spend the weekend exploring the numerous caves in and around Logan Canyon. A 2-mile trail in the canyon takes you to Wind Cave with its spectacular view and rock formations. Families also enjoy visiting Hobbit Caves, easily accessible and near a waterfall. Drive further north to explore the Monnetonka Cave in a group tour of its rooms of stalactites and stalagmites.
Once you’re back in Logan, visit Angie’s Diner for homestyle cooking, El Toro Viejo for wonderful Mexican dishes or Tandoori Oven for delicious Indian food. Wrap up your adventure with a stroll down the Logan River Trail, a stop at the Denzil Stewart Nature Park and enjoy a cone at Aggie Ice Cream on the Utah State University campus. For more information, go to visitutah.com.
Salt Lake Daycation
How often do you explore your own city? Chances are, not enough. Salt Lake City has multiple options for adventure, plus you might find a new favorite shop or restaurant.
Start your daycation with a sunrise hike to Ensign Peak.
“I was nervous, but I was also super excited, because I love doing tournaments,” Safron said. “I scored better at state than I did last year. It’s fun because more of us went to the tournament and celebrated together.” l
Located behind the Utah State Capitol, the view of the Salt Lake Valley is breathtaking. Next, stop at one of the many breakfast spots in the city, including Oasis Cafe with its classic coffee cake and egg dishes.
Head to the Natural History Museum of Utah, on the University of Utah campus, which features the world’s largest display of horned dinosaur skulls and floors of artifacts. Then, drive to the 9th & 9th District for an afternoon of shopping in fun boutiques and experiencing local foods. Walk east on 9th South to visit the unique whale sculpture.
In late afternoon, cool off in the splash pads at Liberty Park. Salt Lake’s oldest park features tennis courts, an outdoor pool and Tracy Aviary, one of only two accredited standalone aviaries in the country.
Finish the day on the patio at Ruth’s Diner in Emigration Canyon. Enjoy drinks and delicious fare as you listen to live music with family and friends. VisitSaltLake.com has a list of things to do in Utah’s capital city. l
Ridgecrest Elementary Chess Champs took fourth place at the Utah State Elementary Chess Tournament (seen here), then weeks later, they placed second at the PowerChess State Elementary Tournament. (Photo courtesy of Ridgecrest Elementary)
Take time off to create family memories. A staycation can include fishing, hiking, shopping and exploring nearby parks and canyons. (Adobe stock)
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
High school students of all abilities danced the night away at Canyons School District’s unified prom. Canyons’ unified prom, which was held in late spring, was a memorable night for students of all abilities, according to a Corner Canyon
High student organizer. Junior Sasha Krull danced with friends and her nonverbal sister, freshman Savannah. “Everyone is having fun—dancing, wearing balloon hats, playing games, eating—and parents are glowing. It’s great that seniors from all the high schools can meet before some attend Lifetime Skills Academy together in the fall.” (Photo by Julie Slama/City Journals) l
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Ridgecrest students embrace a world of learning during multicultural week
First multicultural week celebrates heritage and inclusion.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Ridgecrest Elementary students explored global traditions during the school’s first multicultural week, capped off with vibrant “Day of Play” activities such as Japanese fan-making, Chinese jump rope, folk dances, international crafts and coloring flags from around the world.
“Our school has a Chinese dual immersion program and sometimes kids have a hard time getting to know the whole grade because not everyone is enrolled in it,” PTA president Brooke Schneider said. “We thought this way, we could celebrate all the cultures at the school and include everybody.”
Students also created “My Story” posters, wore traditional clothing, and began each day with a parent sharing announcements and their culture in their native language.
“One of our parents from Japan talked about how slurping noodles in the Japanese culture is considered polite,” she said.
The cafeteria served dishes from different cultures, paired with facts about their origins.
“One of the days, pupusas was a choice and students learned they originat -
ed more than 2,000 years old in Central America,” she said.
Students also learned multicultural games, stories, songs and art during their rotations.
Fourth-grader Pepper Ahmadi shared her Iranian heritage, saying, “There’s not a lot of Iranians at school; my dad was born there.”
Classmate Reese Liljenquist shared her Swedish roots: “By doing so, people get to know me better and I get to know them better.”
Fourth-graders Ellie Hsieh liked learning about noodle-slurping in Asia while Ezra Barney enjoyed cultural stories in the library.
Fifth-grade teachers Annette Hubley and Yen Ju Chen led students in making Japanese fans.
“We know our students have a lot of exposure to Chinese, so we thought we’d introduce them to a Japanese craft,” Hubley said. “I love they’re being exposed to world cultures.”
Multitiered support aide Michelle Whitehorse highlighted her Navajo heritage.
“Before, we didn’t focus as much on inclusion and it’s important we recognize our heritage,” she said. “This is an amazing opportunity to showcase our cultures and embrace our diversity.”
Third-grade teacher Andrea Rowell agrees: “Diversity is important; learning one another’s heritage helps build friendships and openness—and we build a more understanding community.” l
Fourth-grade students made Central American worry dolls during Ridgecrest Elementary’s first multicultural week. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Brighton ends sports seasons as No. 1 boys athletic program
Brighton boys athletics tops Deseret News All Sports Award.
By Jerry S. Christensen j.christensen@mycityjournals.com
It was the last day of the 2024-25 UHSAA sports season in late May. Brighton had two teams left in the finals of baseball and boys lacrosse to score points in the annual Deseret News High School All Sports ratings.
Dating back to 1978 this Deseret News tradition highlights the most prolific sports schools across the state. Brighton has the distinction of having the longest streak at the top of the coveted list—11 years from 1980-1991. Brighton, strong in academic ratings (as measured by AP test performance) and typically in the top five of athletic ratings needed a strong showing from the final two sports of the year (boys lacrosse and baseball) to eclipse all other 5A boys athletic programs.
In each of the 25 sanctioned UHSAA sports (12 boys sports and 13 girls sports) 10 points are awarded for a state championship. Eight points are granted to a runner-up team. Six points are given to third-place teams. Five and four points are awarded fourth- and fifth-place finishers respectively. Sixth, seventh and eighth placers receive three, two and one points respectively.
Academic All State student-athletes
Brighton produced nine spring sport Academic All State awardees. These student-athletes not only played varsity-level sports, but also maintained perfect or near-perfect grades: Davis Cook, boys tennis; Miles Layton, baseball; Josh Mawhinney, baseball; Christian Merkley, boys volleyball; Max Pohlman, boys tennis; Cooper Scott, baseball; Gustavo Silvia, boys soccer; Austin Taylor, boys lacrosse; and Leah Tomlinson, softball. Girls golf
Coach Ron Meyer guided his young team to an admirable fifth place finish at the state tournament in May. Most impressive were the two top-10 individual placers from Brighton: Junior Catherine Cook placed fourth and freshman Claire Olafsson place fourth among all 5A golfers. “The future of Brighton girls golf is promising,” Meyer said.
Track and field
The Brighton track and field teams may have provided just enough boost to place the Brighton boys athletic program at the top of the state. Two individual state champions were crowned and promising underclassmen emerged as state contenders.
Senior Beau LaFleur, standout football star who played both sides of the ball, repeated his state champion 300m hurdles title. He added a second place 110m hurdles medal followed by his teammate junior Calvin Hawkins who finished at his heels in third place. Junior Jaxon Nettle had a spectacular state outing by becoming discus state champion by a mere ½ inch.
Bridget Smit, the freshman phenom, ran to third place in 1600m and fifth place in 3200m. Senior Cody Smith added points with a seventh-place finish in the javelin.
The boys track and field team placed sixth in state and were awarded three points in the All Sports Award standings for the school—those three points were the difference between third place and first place in the boys All Sports rankings. Girls Lacrosse
Brighton girls LAX ended the season short of the finals— knocked out for the fifth year in a row by archrival Olympus. For most programs such lofty finishes would be “goal attained.” For Brighton’s coach Melissa Nash it becomes a quest to break into the finals. “We look forward to next year already,” she said with even more resolve.
Four players received USA Lacrosse awards which are the highest awards a high school player can get. Only 11 players in the state are awarded USA Lacrosse All-American and USA
Lacrosse All-Academic. Brighton had three of the 11 All-Academic honorees. And one of 11 All-American honorees. They are: Sophie Nielsen, junior - USA Lacrosse All-American and All-Academic; Emery Gallegos, junior - USA Lacrosse All-Academic; Kennedy Norton, junior - USA Lacrosse All-Academic. Senior Emma Henderson received the USA Lacrosse Jackie Pitts award (only one player per state is awarded the Jackie Pitts award).
The nine departing seniors provided a valuable legacy and leave the program with leadership roles to fill next year. Senior captains were Bella Fisher, Emma Henderson, Annabelle Keefer, and Avery Miller. Many of the seniors will be at the University of Utah where they’ll play on the Utah Women’s Club team.
Boys Lacrosse
Coach Chris O’Donnell was clear on his preseason expectations to “compete in every game we play—win region and repeat as state champions.” Refer to the separate Cottonwood Heights City Journal article that documents the fulfillment of O’Donnell’s prediction—a repeat state title.
Austin Taylor was named “Mr. Lacrosse” by the Deseret News designating him as the top boys lacrosse athlete in the state across all categories. His fellow attack teammate Gabe Carrera was named to the Lacrosse “Best 11” team.
Baseball
Last year, Brighton baseball finished the season nearly undefeated with a sizzling 20-1 record. This year, the team matched that record with another 20-1 count suffering the only loss in a three-game series at Alta. The two-year record is 40-2 with a no-loss streak on the new Brighton field. They repeated as Region 6 champions.
In the state tournament the momentum was with the Bengal bats as they swept all the way to the state finals where they met the No. 20 Spanish Fork Dons. Brighton was poised to avenge the 2024 loss in the state finals. “This is an amazing senior class that has earned the right twice to be in the state finals,” coach Mark Kleven said. This is a generational team for Brighton. Not since the 1990s has Brighton been in the baseball state finals twice.
The 2024 defending baseball champions from Maple Mountain were eliminated in the semifinals by the upstart Spanish Fork team. Coming into the state final three-game series, the Dons were still nursing a losing record for the season. Under the solid pitching of Josh Mawhinney the Bengals quickly dispatched the Dons in the first game. Brighton needed just one more game to obtain the elusive state title. That second game went to extra innings where the Dons pull the clutch card and rallied to set up a third and final game. Brighton came out strong with three runs in the first inning of the decisive game. However, the determined Dons completed their Cinderella run with a
Brighton coach Mason Brinkman and discus state champion Jaxon Nettleton,
Repeat state champion Beau LaFleur, a senior, and thirdplace 110m hurdles Calvin Hawkins, a junior. (Annie Selander)
win that made the No. 20 underdogs the improbable state champion. “It's not always the best team that wins, it is the team that plays the best on any given day that wins,” Kleven said.
Easton Fry was named by the Deseret News as one of the Elite Starting Nine for all of baseball in any category.
And as the fall, winter and spring sports seasons culminated in the baseball double header Saturday on Memorial Day weekend, Brighton needed six All Sports points to match Olympus whose state championships in basketball and swimming gave the Titans a formidable edge. The Bengals needed 7 points to match Utah County powerhouse Timpview who topped tennis and finished as a runner-up finalist in track. The Brighton baseball finals performance garnered Brighton eight points which was enough to eclipse all other 5A boys athletic programs. The Bengal boys are the strongest and most diverse athletes in Utah 5A for 2024-25.
Athletic Director Garrett Wilson notes, “What our boys programs accomplished this year is a testament to the depth, heart and balance across all of Brighton athletics. Whether it was another state championship for our lacrosse team, baseball’s run to the finals, track and field piling on critical points with individual state champions, or basketball knocking off the top seed in the playoffs, every team contributed to making us the top boys athletic program in 5A. To edge out great programs like Olympus and Timpview, especially when they had state titles of their own, shows that our success isn’t built on one or two standout teams—it’s built on a culture of excellence across the board.” l
Brighton baseball back-to-back region champions and back-to-back state finalists. (Easton Fry)
State lacrosse champions Colt “45” McKean, Austin “Ralph” Taylor, Gabe “Gab” Carrera and Andrew “Biggie” Salinas. (Holly Fairbanks)
a junior. (Annie Selander)
Olympus High grad summits Mount Olympus four times in 18 hours
Preston VanDam took up a climbing challenge put forth by his uncle.
By Collette Hayes c.hayes@mycityjournals.com
Whilemost people across the Wasatch Front were fast asleep in their beds at 1 a.m. on May 30, 18-year-old Preston VanDam was making his way to the 9,026-foot summit of Mount Olympus for the third time in just eight hours.
For Preston VanDam, it was a challenge he had been given by his Uncle Scott, who had reached the summit three times within 24 hours between his junior and senior years in high school. He offered a $1,000 prize for any niece or nephew who could beat his record. Preston VanDam took him seriously and began training about seven months ago to attempt to break the record.
According to Preston VanDam, Uncle Scott and his friends considered making a fourth attempt to reach the summit in the span of those 24 hours. However, they were lured away by a group of girls to a pool party instead. In a recent conversation with the City Journals, Preston VanDam’s dad, Chris VanDam, said, “Once Preston sets his sights on a goal, it’s hard to imagine anything being capable of diverting his focus.”
“Anything Preston does, he will do it well and stick with it,” Chris VanDam continued. “He was on the mountain biking team for five years, and he skis, but it isn’t really being an athlete that defines him. It’s his tenacity. He isn’t fazed at all by effort. He creates a lot of opportunities for himself through hard work and perseverance. To earn spending money, he mows lawns and, in the spring, aerates people’s yards. He doesn’t require much parental supervision.”
In case you’re wondering how difficult of a climb Mount Olympus is, it’s among the most challenging day hikes in the Wasatch Front. It isn’t the longest hike or the hike with the most elevation. But it stands out from other mountains due to its relentless steepness, exposure and difficult ascent from the saddle.
Over the course of 3.5 miles of ascent, hikers gain over 4,000 feet on a highly rocky and exposed trail. The hike is generally estimated to be four to six hours for a physically fit individual. Some sources suggest it can take around seven hours or possibly even longer for those with less experience and a slower pace. A portion of the trail involves a Class 3 rock scramble, meaning you’ll be using both hands and feet to navigate, adding to the challenge and increasing the time.
According to Preston VanDam, the average grade of the hike is 25%, as indicated by the Trailforks app. This means that for each step you take, 25% of that step is dedicated to moving up and 75% to moving forward. It is challenging both physically and mentally.
“Talking to people on the mountain as I climbed, I ran into a wide variety of locals and tourists,” Preston VanDam said. “The general consensus from those I’ve encountered is that Olympus is among the most challenging day hikes in the Wasatch Front.”
Yet, few other peaks in Utah offer the view or the feeling of accomplishment upon completion that Olympus does. The difficulty of the climb gives it the intrigue that draws climbers from far and near. “In total, I’ve hiked Mount Olympus 16 times. Since my first training hike on April 16, I’ve hiked it 13 times, nine times before the actual four-times climb.”
Preston VanDam reached the summit four times in 18 hours. His first ascent was with friends Isaac and Jace. During the night climb, his dad joined him. On the third hike, Jace joined him once again. For the fourth ascent, a friend had to bail on him, so he started at 8 a.m. on his own.
“Preston was supposed to have a friend with him on the last climb, but it didn’t work out. I had a prior commitment that morning, so he ended up doing the final ascent on his own,” Chris VanDam said. “While we preferred that he have someone with him, we felt it was acceptable for him to go up alone this once. Fortunately, during the last ascent at eight in the morning, he had plenty of company since several other people were also climbing.”
A violist and Olympus High School Sterling Scholar in music, Preston VanDam plans to continue playing the viola, but probably not as a serious focus in college. He’ll leave to serve a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Paris, France in July. When he returns home, he will have a full-tuition Heritage Scholarship to Brigham Young University waiting for him where he plans to study bioengineering.
He enjoys the challenge of mountain climbing. The idea that people have the strength to overcome a mountain fascinates him in both a physical and metaphorical way.
“Seeking out a difficult path that grants you a perspective vastly broader than if you took that same path without the extra work of climbing upwards is a mentality that I try to pattern my life after,” Preston VanDam said. “Mountain climbing is a way for me to put that idea into practice by keeping myself fit, in touch with nature, and spending valuable time doing something hard with those I love. I know it sounds sappy and overly philosophical, but I love finding metaphors like that in my life that give me a piece of the map for a successful and fulfilling life.”
Preston VanDam emailed Uncle Scott on May 31 with his climbing results.
“Holy Oly! That is so fun to see the data,” Uncle Scott said. “I’m sure you’re feeling it tonight. Congratulations! You truly own the mountain and the bragging rights, and you earned every penny of your prize.” l
“Seeking out a difficult path that grants you a perspective vastly broader than if you took that same path without the extra work of climbing upwards is a mentality that I try to pattern my life after.”
Preston VanDam’s Uncle Scott reached the summit of Mount Olympus in 1989 three times in 24 hours between his junior and senior year in high school. He offered a $1,000 prize for any niece or nephew who could break his record. (Photo courtesy Chris VanDam)
Preston VanDam
“Few other peaks in Utah offer the view or the feeling of accomplishment upon completion that Olympus does,” said Preston VanDam. “The difficulty of the climb gives it the intrigue that draws climbers from far and near.” (Photo courtesy Jordan Yazzie)
QPR Suicide Prevention Training Course helps people help those in crisis
Change only happens when everyone is committed to a culture of care. Take the free training online or from your local municipality, school or library.
By Cassie Goff c.goff@mycityjournals.com
ContentWarning: The following article contains discussions about suicide and mental health issues. If you’re not feeling great right now or if these topics may be triggering, it’s OK to proceed with caution, skip or talk to someone you trust. You are not alone.
Utah has been one of the leading states for deaths by suicide for the past decade, especially within teen populations. In 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 22.1% of all deaths in Utah were suicide related. (These are the most recent health statistics from the CDC.) In 2024, The Trevor Project’s National Survey on Mental Health reported 42% of LGBTQ+ young people (ages 13-24) in Utah seriously considered suicide in the past year with 11% attempted.
These consistently high statistics have led to a push for suicide prevention trainings like NAMI’s QPR Suicide Prevention Education and Live On Utah’s Suicide Prevention Playbook. QPR trainings have been reoccurring in many organizations, municipalities and communities this spring/summer 2025 season.
QPR stands for Question, Persuade and Refer: the three steps at the core of their suicide prevention training. QPR training asks participants to challenge the myths around deaths by suicide that they may have internalized.
The first myth participants must face is the “no one can stop a suicide” myth. Legally, Good Samaritan and bystander laws protect against negative outcomes of intervening. Over 3 million people have gone through QPR training with no reports of lawsuits.
Another important myth that must be debunked during suicide prevention training is “once a person decides to commit suicide…there’s no stopping them.”
“Suicide is the most preventable kind of death. Almost any positive action may save a life,” said DaSheek Akwenye, senior director for Salt Lake Community College’s Center for Health & Counseling.
The first step outlined in QPR training is question. Suicide prevention research warns that people considering suicide will communicate intent within the week before an attempt. That intent is often subtle through verbal, situational and behavioral clues. Question those subtle clues.
Some examples of indirect verbal clues may be: “I’m tired of life,” “Pretty soon you
To get started knowing how to help friends who are struggling, visit www.LiveOnUtah.org. (Photo courtesy Salt Lake County)
won’t have to worry about me,” and “I just want out.”
QPR training recommends responding quickly to such verbal clues by asking what was meant by the statement and talking about the stigma and/or feeling around it. These conversations are more impactful in private settings with plenty of time.
“It takes some courage to be able to have this type of conversation,” said José Rodríguez Hernández, support case manager.
Some examples of behavioral clues include: sleep deprivation or inability to stay asleep; unexplained anger, aggression and irritability; sudden interest or disinterest in religion; putting personal affairs in order; giving away prized possessions; acquiring a gun; and stockpiling pills.
Situational clues may include: being fired or expelled; a recent unwanted move; loss of any major relations; sudden unexpected loss of freedom; fear of punishment; and fear of becoming a burden to others.
QPR training recommends asking thought-providing questions about these behaviors and situations to engage in conversations about them—which may challenge another myth around suicide-related death: “asking about suicide will make the person angry and increase risk.”
Instead, QPR training has found that asking direct questions lowers anxiety and opens up an opportunity for communication which can help lower the risk of suicide. That may look more direct like “Are you feeling suicidal now or lately?” or less direct like “Do you ever wish you could go to sleep and never wake up?”
After questioning warning sign clues, the next step is to persuade. QPR training seeks to answer the question “but how do I persuade someone to stay alive?”
Their answer? Utilizing active listening as a skillset.
Don’t worry, QPR training breaks down active listening skills for those who may not feel confident in their abilities quite yet. Mainly: listen to the problem with full attention, stop and ask clarifying questions, and do not rush to judgement.
“Giving advice is not listening,” Hernández said.
QPR training offers reassurance to ask the direct questions of “Will you go with me
Since Utah has been leading in suicide-related deaths for over a decade, more and more suicide prevention courses are being developed and encouraged. (Photo courtesy Salt Lake County)
to get help?” and “What can we do to keep you safe for now?”
Now, it’s time to move to the third step of refer. QPR training recommends taking a moment to figure out where and how referral will make the most impact, even if that’s getting a commitment from the person to accept help and move toward making those arrangements.
This leads to the final myth participants must challenge when learning about suicide prevention: that “only experts can prevent suicide.” Instead, QPR training asks participants to think about offering support, hearing someone out, and steering them in the right direction to get professional help.
“In every culture, village and social system there are people who are called upon for times of severe distress,” Hernández said.
Referral may look like setting up conversations with clergy, religious leaders, school nurses, therapists and/or counselors. Hernández encourages that there’s no shame in noticing your own limitations and finding someone who can have these conversations.
“Suicidal people often believe they cannot be helped,” Akwenye said. “Any willingness to accept help at some time in the future is a good outcome.”
Some additional pro-tips include:
● Think about the use of language—it’s important.
● Offer encouragement such as saying “I want you to live,” “I’m on your side,” and “We will get through this.”
● Come from a palace of compassion.
● Follow up with a visit, phone call or card.
● Develop and foster a culture of care.
“It’s about the time and effort put into listening to someone,” Hernández said.
Additional resources for when you or someone you know needs support:
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Text or call 988, if you or someone you know is in crisis
The 988 helpline provides immediate emotional and mental health support from trained crisis workers 24/7 www.988lifeline.org
SafeUT Smart Phone App
Download APP at the Apple Store or
Suicide prevention training focuses on facilitating open conversations with room to question, persuade and refer. (Photo courtesy of QPR Institute)
download at Google
Real-time crisis intervention and a confidential tip line; responds to all chats, texts, and calls www.healthcare.utah.edu/uni/programs/safe-ut-smartphone-app
Veterans Crisis Line
Call 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1) or Text to 838255
Confidential help for veterans and their families www.veteranscrisisline.net
Salt Lake County Crisis Line Call 801-587-3000
Operated by the University of Utah Neuropsychiatric Institute 24/7 www.healthcare.utah.edu/uni/programs/crisis-diversion
The Alex Project Text LISTEN to 741741
Gives all youth in crisis the chance to reach life-saving help via texting regardless of where they live www.alexproject.org
The Trevor Project Call 1-866-488-7386
Free 24-hour services geared toward LGBTQ+ teens in crisis www.thetrevorproject.org
Utah Suicide Prevention Coalition
Crisis counseling, mental health information and referrals in your county www.utahsuicideprevention.org
Hope4Utah
Providing hope and promoting change through school programs, community connections and mental health partnerships www.hope4utah.com
American Foundation or Suicide Prevention
Training for survivors to facilitate survivor support groups or to get involved in education and advocacy www.afsp.org l
Community Hero: How one man won his neighborhood’s heart
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Jim Peery, a familiar sight on Newcastle Drive in Sandy, spends hours each day on his motorized scooter cleaning up trash, raking leaves and clearing pinecones. Drivers honk, bikers wave and many know him by sight if not by name.
His dedication earned him the title of community hero from Chris Haber.
“Sandy resident Jim Peery is a shining example of community spirit,” Haber wrote. “Despite relying on a mobility scooter, Jim takes it upon himself to clean up the roads and sidewalks.”
Haber continued: “His dedication and selflessness inspire those around him and make Sandy a better place to live.”
Neighbor Monica Petersen agrees: “He keeps the area looking clean and nice. He does a great job.”
Peery, who was previously featured in the Sandy Journal in June 2019, was hesitant to be recognized again.
“I don’t do it for notoriety,” he said. “I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve my community doing this. This is something I can do.”
Community members appreciate his efforts, even creating a “Thank You Jim” banner.
“All the comments were full of gratitude and love,” said Jeni Hancey Larsen, who along with her father, Jeff Hancey, mounted the sign where Peery cleans. “Jim keeps our neighborhood immaculate, but the clean street is secondary to having him around as a neighbor and friend.”
Wearing one of his 28 bright orange shirts, Peery maintains Newcastle Drive from Highland Drive to Flat Iron Park, four hours a day, six days a week. He adjusts his routine with the seasons —bagging leaves in the fall, clearing debris in spring, and working early in summer to beat the heat.
“Last fall, I raked everything and had 97 big piles. I got my wife Karla to help me bag them up,” he said. “That’s the hardest thing for me.”
Using a homemade wooden scooter and tools including a shovel, broom, tongs and a leaf blower, he focuses on clearing debris.
“My number one thing is trash. I pick up all the trash— banana peels, apple cores, paper, trash that blows out of cans, candy wrappers when the kids walk home from Albion (Middle School),” he said. “The second thing, I pick up pinecones and rocks, because these bikes are going 30 miles an hour down the hill. If they hit a rock or a pinecone, they're going to be on their hats.”
He’s grateful for the assistance he gets from Sandy City.
“The Sandy City crew does an excellent job cutting the grass and blowing it and then, they pick up my bags. My objective is so people can have a nice walk, drive, bike, skateboard and they can enjoy themselves,” he said.
Even with the clean sidewalks, sometimes Peery will take a spill.
“I’ll take a curb or turn too tight, but I’m never down for long. Usually within two minutes, I have a bunch of people stopping to help,” he said. “People are really kind. By being out here, I’ve gotten to know so many friends in the community.”
While neighbors and his grandkids occasionally lend a hand, Peery said, “It’s really my thing.”
Volunteering for Peery began 20 years ago when he began losing his balance while walking and his position as a computer programmer ceased.
It was after moving to Sandy in 2016, when he was inspired to step up as the city planned to paint fences along Newcastle.
“I thought, ‘Someone should clean that first.’ Then, I thought, ‘I’m someone,’” he said. “I want to help my community. I want to do my part.” l
Sandy resident Jim Peery regularly cleans leaves and debris along Sandy streets to beautify the neighborhoods. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
The journey to joy: LGBTQ+ mental health and the power of a tribe
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
LGBTQ+ teens are navigating a world that often misunderstands or excludes them. But with support, safe spaces and resilience, many find ways to thrive.
For teen and young adult members of the LGBTQ+ community, the journey to mental wellness is layered. Many have difficulty learning to live an authentic life, often facing depression and discrimination.
JoAnn Cook, a Teenscope therapist at Huntsman Mental Health Institute, works with teens ages 12 through 18 as they navigate sexual and gender identity. She said the key to addressing these matters starts with providing a safe place where people have the time and space to figure things out, without the fear of judgment.
“We have to build rapport and trust so that they can do that inner work and then we guide them in identifying their own values, their own boundaries,” she said. “A kid has their own coming out process. They have a lot to explore. They say, ‘Whatever the world told me is wrong, so I have to trust myself over the world, and then I have to tell people.’ It’s a lot.”
As teens question their identity, they often face both acceptance and rejection. Coming out to friends and loved ones can be terrifying. Letting go of shame and finding places where they’re truly accepted takes time.
Research shows that if a queer teen has one person in their life supporting their choices, the risk of suicide, substance abuse and self-harm drops significantly. Cook said parents shouldn’t be hung up on asking teens what pronouns they prefer or how they want to identify, since these young people are still trying to figure it all out. What matters is encouragement along the way.
Cook said the rise in anti-trans bills
across the country has substantially impacted the community, making it even more difficult for youth to navigate their mental health. Teens need to understand a world that continues to exclude them while trying to find acceptance.
“The political climate is pretty rough for the community, giving permission to people who are pretty cruel, so the harassment increases and the bullying increases,” Cook said. “That makes it harder for them, which increases anxiety, and then they feel isolated, so that oppression increases. Suicidal rates go up, self-harm rates go up and substance use rates go up.”
In 2023, Senate Bill 16 banned gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth in Utah. The ban was intended to give lawmakers time to study the treatment. The recently released, state-ordered study found positive results for gender-affirming care.
The Utah House Minority Caucus Leadership released a statement in May that read, “More than two years after the Utah Legislature banned gender-affirming care for transgender youth, we are encouraged that Utah healthcare experts have found strong evidence of positive mental health and psychosocial outcomes resulting from this care…Now that the Legislature-commissioned study has found overwhelmingly positive health outcomes, we must act to lift the ban.”
Cook said anti-trans legislation is intended to create fatigue and overwhelm in LGBTQ+ circles, especially as the number of bills targets a small percentage of the population. To combat unease and anxiety, she encourages youth to find like-minded, supportive people and trained therapists in the Salt Lake Valley.
For those looking for community, places like Under the Umbrella bookstore (511 W. 200 South) sells books written by queer authors, hosts events and supports local artists. The Encircle organization provides resources and support for LGBTQ+ youth and family members. To learn more about Encircle, visit Encircletogether.org.
As an advocate and member of the
LGBTQ+ community, Cook said she’s faced many obstacles and built a network of support throughout her life. She said the antidote to fear and discouragement is joy.
“Trans people, queer people, we have been around forever and we’ve had joy and we’ve lived our lives and there is love,” she said. “We figured it out before. Every generation is stronger and louder and healthier,
and we’re going to push back.
“Our responsibility is to get healthy. Have joy, dance, have music and then go to the protest, talk to the people you know. Be safe, but stand up. When our neighbor is tired, we stand up next to them and keep marching forward. We’ve done it before. I’ve done it all my life. We will do it again. We’re not going away.” l
LGBTQ+ therapist JoAnn Cook said finding joy is one of the best ways for queer youth and young adults to combat the fear and exclusion that hampers mental health. (Canva stock)
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Roshan Kaushik reaches the semifinals at the national spelling bee
The City Journals sent Roshan to Washington, D.C., to compete at the event.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
After spelling his way through dozens of rounds at local and regional bees, 13-year-old Roshan Kaushik took the stage at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Maryland to compete for prizes and a national title.
The Lehi student from Challenger School Traverse Mountain won the City Journals regional spelling bee in March, which allowed him to attend the national event where he faced more than 240 challengers from across the country.
Roshan completed three preliminary rounds, three quarterfinals and one semifinal before missing the vocabulary word “frangible.” He finished the bee tied for 36th place.
“The most exciting thing for me was probably the written test because it was really hard,” he said. “So passing that was really exciting because I didn’t think I would pass it, but I did.”
Bee Week 2025 took place at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, May 25-29. The City Journals paid for Roshan and a parent to travel to D.C. for the competition, where he won two medals and $500.
He spelled “quonset” for the first round, moved through the vocabulary and spelling test rounds, spelled “culvert” in the fourth round, defined “redundant” in the next round, spelled “aptery” in the sixth round and “glessite” in the seventh. But he missed the definition of “frangible” in the first semifinal round.
Roshan’s father, Kaushik Srinath, said attending the National Spelling Bee felt like a celebration, with everything well-organized and fun for the kids. He was grateful for the opportunity to witness Roshan compete at the national level.
“After qualifying through the regionals on March 15, Roshan had a couple of months to prepare for the Nationals. Despite juggling his regular school commitments, he put in a tremendous amount of effort,” Srinath said. “I do wish we had a bit more time to prepare, but I was impressed by how he handled it all. Roshan naturally thrives under pressure and this event was no exception.”
Besides competing in the bee, Roshan and his family took time to explore Washington, D.C., and enjoyed sightseeing at the National Harbor. This was the 100th anniversary of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which had only nine spellers in that
first competition.
For many years, the City Journals has sponsored a regional spelling bee to enhance reading, comprehension and spelling skills, promote effective study and time management, and to allow students to shine on stage.
“As a hyper-local newspaper, we hold our regional bee each year to build and support the community,” said City Journals Publisher Bryan Scott. “We have had some incredible students come through our competition and we have been able to sponsor them at the national level. Roshan did an excellent job at the national spelling bee. We’re so proud of him and hope to see him at next year’s event.”
Besides being a spelling whiz, Roshan plays the piano, loves to read and play basketball, and makes history videos for his YouTube channel @TheHistoryGuy245. Roshan is eligible for the national bee for one more year and plans to study hard to make it back to that stage. He challenged other students to participate in their school spelling bees.
“It’s a really fun experience and you have nothing to lose,” he said.
His father said watching Roshan advance through each round was nerve-racking, but exciting. Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old from Dallas, Texas, won the Scripps National Spelling Bee, correctly spelling “éclaircissement.” Visit SpellingBee.com for more info about the national event.
“We’re extremely proud of [Roshan’s] performance,” Srinath said. “Tying for 36th place out of 242 participants in his very first National Bee is a remarkable achievement.” l
Roshan Kaushik tied for 36th place during his first competition at the Scripps National Spelling Bee at the end of May. (Photo courtesy of Kaushik Srinath)
Trailblazing twins take on the world of mountain bike racing
The boys from Sandy will compete at World Cup events.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Luke and Alex Mallen are going downhill fast. The 17-year-old twins from Sandy are making an impact in the world of downhill mountain biking and just completed their junior debut at the UCI Downhill World Cup in Bielsko-Biała, Poland.
They both advanced through qualifying rounds to compete in the men’s junior finals, with Alex finishing 15th and Luke close behind in 17th. The brothers have been racing for several years and work with coach Tyson Henrie, from the Outlaw Bike Team.
“It’s just something fun,” Alex said. “We have an amazing coach who helps us with our training and everything outside of mountain biking. So he definitely helps with our overall life. I love the adrenaline. I love the fact of being outside and traveling the world.”
Their top-20 finishes in Poland earned them an invitation to two additional World Cup events. The first race was June 20-22 in Val di Sole in northern Italy and the second is July 3-6 in La Thuile, an alpine ski town in northwest Italy. Racing under the USA Cy-
cling federation, the twins will represent the United States.
Luke and Alex have won multiple national titles and have been on several international podiums. They have trained diligently to qualify for the junior World Cup series and are working to earn a spot at the UCI World Championships in September. Downhill racing can reach speeds up to 35 miles per hour. Luke said that’s the best part.
“It’s crazy and I love it,” he said. “It’s different. If someone asks you, ‘What do you do for a living?’ I say, ‘Oh, I race down the mountain on a bike.’ That’s pretty cool. When someone asks what sport you play, they don’t think you’ll say, downhill mountain biking.”
Training, competing and international travel are expensive. The twins operate a lawn aeration business in the spring and work for a catering company to help cover costs. They also have a few generous sponsors, but are always looking for financial support. To donate to their journey, visit UtahMountainSportsAcademy.org and leave their names in the “options comments” section.
Henrie has coached the twins since they were 7 years old. The boys spent years building their skill level, going from easy off-road trails to steep mountain drops. Around the age of 14, all the training began to pay off as they started seeing racing success.
“We took them to Europe to watch the
world championships when they were 14,” Henrie said. “It was a big turning point for them. It was definitely what they wanted to do. Having seen it in person, they’re like, ‘Hey, I can go that fast. I want to go that fast.’”
Training consists of endurance and weight workouts, racing in different venues, including California and Vancouver, and developing a strong mindset to combat fear and doubt.
“It’s about building their competence to give them confidence,” Henrie said. “That gives them the motivation to keep going and keep pursuing hard things and challenging themselves with the next step.”
Henrie said Alex’s strengths include a methodical and motivated approach to racing, while Luke’s killer instinct and competitive mindset drive him to work harder. On top of training, competing and working several jobs, the boys are studying through an online platform to finish their senior year next spring.
Follow their World Cup journey on Instagram @thosemallentwins, @alex_mtb11, @lukemallen_1 and @the.outlaw.way.
“My goal [in Italy] is to get a top 10 finish, or a top five,” Alex said. “I’m just excited to be there. I love being in Europe. I think it’s a great place. I haven’t been to Italy yet. I’m just happy to be there.” l
Alex Mallen (left) and his brother Luke (right) qualified for two downhill mountain bike World Cup events, where they hope to finish in the top 10. Tyson Henrie (center) has coached the twins for 10 years. (Photo courtesy of Liz Mallen)
By Holly Curby hello@hollycurby.com
When reflecting on the lessons that have shaped my life, my dad, Dr. James Harding, stands out as one of my greatest influences. His wisdom, faith and leadership have profoundly impacted me—as a retired pastor, former Air Force veteran, widower, and as a father and grandfather. I recently sat down with him to reflect on his life experiences and the key lessons that have shaped both his life and, consequently, the lives of me and our family.
1. The Importance of Family Over Work
In reflecting on his own upbringing, my dad shared, "My father loved me, but he wasn’t always there. He was a workaholic and traveled a lot for his job. I didn’t want to make the same mistake. Family has to come first." This lesson has had a lasting impact on how my dad prioritized his family while balancing his demanding career in ministry.
Balance work with the people you love.
2. Love and Care for People
"My dad’s deep love for people left a lasting impression on me," my dad shared. "He had a genuine passion for helping others, and it shaped how I approach life. I’ve always made it a point to carry that forward, caring for those around me, no matter how busy things get."
Prioritize caring for those around you, even during the busiest times.
3. The Power of Encouragement
One transformative experience for my dad was his encounter with a professor named Dr. Bobby Derryberry. "I wasn’t a good student, but Dr. Derryberry believed in me. His confidence sparked a change in me, and I decided to try harder."
Lessons learned from my dad
Encouragement can change someone’s life. It’s important to believe in others.
4. Clarity in God’s Will
One of my dad’s favorite quotes is “God isn’t the author of confusion; He’s the author of clarity.” He has taught me that when we seek God’s will sincerely, He will give us clear direction. This principle has helped me through uncertain times, reminding me that clarity comes when we walk closely with God.
5. Embracing Life’s Challenges with Faith
My dad faced a life-altering challenge when he had a heart attack at 61, the same age his father passed away. Looking back on such a pivotal experience, my dad said, "I felt blessed, not
lucky, because God gave me a new lease on life."
Embrace gratitude and see challenges as opportunities to grow and serve others.
6. Advice for Fathers
When I asked my dad for advice to share with other fathers, he said:
1. Live for the Lord – "Your faith needs to be more than just words; it should be your way of life."
2. Love your wife – "The love between parents builds a strong foundation for the whole family. The greatest gift you can give your children is to love their mother."
3. Lead your children – "Be the parent. Don’t let your children lead the home. Lead with wisdom, even when it’s hard."
These principles continue to guide me in raising my own children, ensuring I lead them with purpose and love.
7. Final Words of Wisdom
When reflecting on his younger self, my dad shared, "I would tell myself to work on relationships and play less. I spent too much time focused on fun and not enough on building meaningful connections."
This reminder has been important for me as I navigate relationships and priorities in my own life.
As I reflect on my dad’s wisdom, I’m reminded of how much of his life has influenced my own—and grateful how his example continues to guide me today. These lessons on faith, family, service and leadership are more than just words; they are principles I strive to live by and pass on to my own children. Life is a journey, and the lessons we learn along the way are what make us who we are.
Find more tips and insights on intentionally living a life full of purpose on Holly's Highlights Podcast, available on Spotify, Apple podcasts, Tune-In and at www.hollycurby.com. l
Me and my dad on my wedding day. (Photo courtesy of Photography by Portia)
For years “coach Daddy Matty,” as he was called, coached a Junior Jazz team at the Taylorsville Rec Center. Though his own sons were on the team, he was able to impact other kids who benefitted from his service as a volunteer coach. These kids learned how to show respect for others, work hard to achieve goals and be good sports—in both wins and losses. Thanks to the Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) program in Salt Lake County, thousands of young people are able to do programs like this.
You may remember voting on the ZAP tax this past November. It is up for renewal every 10 years and overwhelmingly passed with 79% support, making this the most popular tax we’ve seen in Salt Lake County (if there is such a thing). The amount of the tax is 1/10th of 1% sales tax—one penny for every $10 spent.
The sales tax is collected and the funding is awarded through a competitive grant process to nonprofits and is a key funding source for over 230 organizations including Utah Symphony, Utah Opera, Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Hogle Zoo, and Natural History Museum of Utah, as well as community parks and recreation projects, such as trail systems, playgrounds, amphitheaters and public spaces.
These funds are distributed in the following ways: Approximately 16% of the funds support the three zoological entities–Hogle
Zoo, Tracy Aviary and Living Planet Aquarium. Culture and arts organizations receive 54% of the funds which includes everything from Ballet West to local community theater. It’s pretty incredible that over 200 arts organizations in every area of the county receive seed money. In exchange some of the heavy hitters must maintain robust K-12 outreach, free-day programs and audited financials.
Parks and Recreation make up 30% of the funding. This helps to fund parks, open space, recreation centers and other programming like Junior Jazz.
The ZAP tax is collected from retail sales throughout the county and has proven to be a unique way for tourism dollars to benefit Salt Lake County residents. We love it when people visit our county—they spend money here, contributing to our sales tax base, but then they
leave and we don’t have to pay to educate their kids or provide other services for them.
The ZAP tax was introduced by the Utah State Legislature in 1996 and has been renewed four times since its initial approval with overwhelming support.
The ZAP distributions have proven to be more than just an investment in culture and the arts. It’s also a powerful driver of our local economy. According to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, Salt Lake County collected $36.7 million in ZAP revenue in 2023. That funding supported organizations that employ nearly 15,000 people and welcomed over 11
million visitors to in-person events and services each year.
Few places in the country have a sales tax program like ZAP. It’s a local tax with local control, meaning every penny stays in Salt Lake County and is distributed by local decision-makers with community input.
ZAP is a unique way to collect and distribute funds that enhance quality of life for Salt Lake County. So next time you attend community theater, a Junior Jazz game, or visit the zoo, know that your tax dollars are hard at work and paying off in a big way to make our county a great place to live.
Map It Out
Remembermaps? Old-fashioned, fold-out paper maps the size of a beach towel? My husband wanted to buy one to navigate our road trip through the Sacramento Valley. I stared at him for 47 seconds before stating, “We have Google Maps.”
“It’s not the same thing,” Tom said, sadly.
I reminded him I have the orienteering skills of a baby sea turtle running away from the ocean. Handing me a paper map is the equivalent of asking me to decipher ancient Egyptian. Although, to be fair, Google Maps can be equally confusing. Don’t tell me to turn left in 450 feet. That means nothing to me. You might as well say, “Turn left after 850 toothbrushes.”
Unfortunately for him, there were no road maps to be found. So, with phone in hand, I guided us through Chico, Stockton, Napa Valley and Yosemite. I don’t know which direction we drove. North? West? Up? Sideways? Sure.
Road trips should be a great time to catch up on my reading, but Tom doesn’t know how to sit in silence for longer than 1.3 seconds. Even though he hasn’t lived in California for decades, he had a story to share about every city we passed.
“About 15 years ago, there was a serial killer arrested in Yuba City,” he said. “Look it up.”
I put my book down and switched my phone from Google Maps to Wikipedia to learn about the murderer, Juan Corona. But, dear reader, he was arrested in 1971. Just a touch
Peri
Kinder Life and Laughter
more than 15 years ago.
Tom can hold a conversation with himself for at least 30 miles. It’s a stream of consciousness speaking that is amazing to behold. Let me give you an example:
“This is a great Glen Campbell song. Jimmy Webb wrote a lot of songs for Glen Campbell. Did I tell you Merrilee Rush was the first musician I saw perform live? Can you find yacht rock on the radio? Where does that driver think he’s going? Move over, scumbag! I’ve never been to Yosemite. I’ve heard it’s hill-arious.”
When I noticed a line of cars on our bumper, I suggested he drive a bit faster, although he insisted he was going the exact speed limit. I told him that was the problem.
Remember when you taught your kids to drive and you kept pushing an imaginary brake pedal on the passenger side of the car because you thought your teenager was going to drive you into a building? Well, I have an imaginary accelerator on my side of the car that I press when Tom’s going the exact speed limit.
But once we hit Yosemite, or any mountain range, my husband turns into Dominic Toretto of “Fast and Furious” fame, Tokyo-drifting off cliffs and taking corners at the speed of sound. I was grabbing the door handle, not sure if I was trying to keep it closed or if I was preparing to jump out if we launched into Yosemite Valley.
On our way through wine country, we stopped at the Napa Valley Welcome Center to get ideas for which wineries to visit and where to get a good Chardonnay. The woman at the counter whipped out a map of the area. Tom’s
eyes widened with glee. He used so many exclamation points, I thought his heart might burst with joy.
“Look!” he said. “She has a paper map! Cartographers really know how to draw the line!”
We did a lot of driving in California, which could be considered relationship bonding or time served, depending on the situation. Tom still swears by paper maps. I’m dedicated to Google. But we always find our way.
