See Inside... Sadie Dahl
Draper teen is Patient Champion at this year’s Festival of Trees
By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
Corner Canyon senior Olivia Smart is serving as Patient Champion for this year’s Festival of Trees to support Primary Children’s Hospital.
For members of one Draper family, this year’s Festival of Trees benefiting Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital will be both a celebration and an expression of gratitude. Their 17-year-old daughter Olivia is alive today thanks to the efforts of doctors, nurses and staff at the hospital, and she is serving as this year’s Patient Champion for the festival that runs Dec. 3-6 at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy.
Her story is one that started with devastating news, but led to a happy ending.
Three years ago after a routine check-up, Olivia was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia, a rare bone marrow cancer. She spent a week at Primary’s while her diagnosis was confirmed and a treatment plan was formed.
“I was on the plan for almost a year until it stopped working,” Olivia said. “My doctors determined that a bone marrow transplant was the next step, and I got one a few months later.”
Before that could happen, the family needed to find a match once doctors determined that Olivia’s immune system would accept a bone marrow donation. Then the search for a match began, and it took some time before a young girl from New Hampshire’s generous donation allowed Olivia to become the first patient at Primary Children’s to receive a cutting-edge stem cell transplant technique called alpha/beta T cell depletion. It worked. She has been in remission for the past two years.
This past June she volunteered during the annual KSL Giveathon that benefits Primary Children’s.
“One of my coworkers told me I’d ‘be perfect for this event we have in December – you’d be like the poster child and do a bunch of fun stuff,’ so I agreed to do it,” she said. As Patient Champion, Olivia will conduct a lot of interviews and meet many people, telling her story and sharing her thoughts about the hospital. Her parents, Tony and Sarah Smart, were all for it.
“If you’re not personally affected by Primary Children’s, the odds are someone you know has been,” Tony said. “I can’t begin to tell
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Olivia is a senior at
Corner Canyon High School, in remission for two years, and active in the HOSA-Future Health Professionals Club. (Courtesy of the Smart family)
Draper musician Blake Hullinger named a U.S. Presidential Scholar
By Katherine Weinstein k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com
Corner Canyon alum Blake Hullinger recently received the honor of being named a U.S. Presidential Scholar. Hullinger, who attends both Harvard University and Berklee College of Music through a joint studies program, is one of four students from Utah to earn the scholarship from the U.S. Department of Education. The nationwide program recognizes high school seniors for outstanding achievement in academics, the arts and career and technical education fields.
“I never expected to be here in a million years,” Hullinger said of his college experience. “I love it! Your only job is to learn, and I want to make the best use of my time.” He is currently juggling a full schedule of classes with practicing the piano and playing in the pit orchestra for student musical productions at the Harvard-Radcliffe Dramatic Club and the Hasty Pudding Theatricals.
Hullinger has always balanced academics with his passion for music and the performing arts. He was introduced to the piano at age 5 and later took up the guitar, drums, saxophone and bass. His dad, Brett Hullinger, spoke of his son’s early years learning piano and guitar, “He really took to it. He had a knack from an early age.”
“He just has a joy, a love of learning,” Hullinger’s mother, T. J. Hullinger, said. “The many, many hours that he puts into practicing has made him the musician he is today.”
When Hullinger was 11, he landed the role of Zack the guitarist in a St. George production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, “School of Rock.” The part inspired him to submit an audition tape for a Broadway touring production of the show. Hullinger was cast as a “swing,” an understudy part in which he had to learn multiple roles and play a variety of instruments.
“It was really, really fun,” he said. “Being in ‘School of Rock’ informed me what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. One day I sat next to the pit orchestra conductor and I decided that’s what I wanted to do.”
Hullinger continued performing throughout high school,
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“Everyone you meet here is someone with a different perspective, they have something about them that is unique. Your mind just opens up talking with them,” he said.
Among the other students he has met is a fellow musician from Draper, drummer Sofia Detjen. She is also in the Harvard-Berklee Joint Studies Program and both play in the pit orchestra for shows at the Hasty Pudding Club.
Hullinger said that the best parts of his day involve having conversations with new friends or practicing an instrument. Immersing himself in music provides a break from his course work. “The amount I practice varies depending on classes. It can go from one to three hours a day to spending all weekend getting ready for a performance,” he said.
He loves all styles of music but jazz is his favorite. “I am a jazz fanatic!” he said.
Hullinger learned that he had been named a U.S. Presidential Scholar last September. He explained that he had initially applied for the scholarship during the second semester of his senior year. As part of the application process, he wrote an essay about his choir teacher, Melissa Thorne, a teacher who had made a significant impact on his life. When Hullinger received the award, Thorne received special recognition as well.
“My favorite part of this award is that my choir teacher received a letter from the U.S. Department of Education in recognition of her talent as a teacher,” he said.
including roles in school musicals. Outside of school, he played local gigs in a guitar duo called BroBand with his older brother, Kellen. Hullinger also belonged to Utah’s AllState Band which is comprised of the best musicians from high school bands across the state. Until his sophomore year, he was a keyboard player and vocalist in Moon Juice, a jazzrock fusion band which won Corner Canyon’s PTSA Battle of the Bands multiple times.
Although he is interested in conducting, Hullinger explained, “I am actively pursuing music directing at college as an extracurricular.” He has not officially declared a major yet but is considering economics. In the Harvard-Berklee Joint Studies Program, Hullinger will graduate with a Bachelor’s degree from Harvard and a Master’s from Berklee. “I am thinking of a Music Business or Technology degree,” he said. He is enjoying his university experience immensely.
Hullinger’s parents commended Thorne as well as other staff members at Corner Canyon High School for the role they played in Hullinger’s success. “When we learned about the award, the first thing that came to mind was how much support he had from his school,” T. J. Hullinger said. “His counselor, Jenny Davis, wanted him to succeed and made sure he knew about scholarship opportunities.”
The whole Hullinger family is supportive and proud of Hullinger and his achievements. When they learned about his being named a U.S. Presidential Scholar, “it was incredibly special for us and for him,” his mom added.
While it isn’t always easy for parents to have a child far away at school, the Hullingers are glad that their son is thriving. “Knowing that your child is doing well and happy makes you happy,” T. J. Hullinger said. They hope that their son might serve as an inspiration to other high school students who are figuring out how to pursue their own dreams. “Be genuine and go for it,” she said. l
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Blake Hullinger, who graduated from Corner Canyon High School last May, has been named a U.S. Presidential Scholar.
Draper musician and Corner Canyon alum Blake Hullinger, who attends both Harvard University and Berklee College of Music, was recently named a U.S. Presidential Scholar. (Photo by T.J. Hullinger)
Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society’s ‘Mistletoe and Miracles’ concert captures spirit of the season
Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society will perform “King of Kings” a musical portrayal of the Nativity along with classic holiday songs in their Christmas concert, “Mistletoe and Miracles.”
By Katherine Weinstein k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com
The title of Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society’s 2025 Christmas concert, “Mistletoe and Miracles,” neatly describes the program. Like the old-fashioned holiday tradition of decking the halls with mistletoe and holly, the first half of the concert will consist of traditional Christmas songs. After a brief intermission, “King of Kings,” a contemporary musical portrayal of the miracle of the Nativity will be presented.
Sherri Jensen, director and conductor of Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society, explained that the first part of the concert will feature different songs from last year’s Christmas concert. “We’re going to do the ‘Over the River and Through the Woods,’ arrangement by Ryan Murphy that will knock your socks off!” she exclaimed.
“We just keep adding new components to make the concerts as entertaining as possible,” Choral Society president Janelle Blackham said. “Mistletoe and Miracles” will include other new arrangements of traditional Christmas songs. Blackham mentioned a version of “Angels We Have Heard On High” arranged by Dan Forrest. “It is really fun to sing,” she said.
The Riverton Children’s Choir will join the Choral Society for the song, “The Christmas Gift” as well as a rousing performance of Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Christmas Canon” complete with electric guitars.
A perhaps lesser-known piece in the program is “Sisters” which was sung by Rosemary Clooney in the 1954 film, “White Christmas.” “It’s a beautiful song, but also fun-
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you just how great the staff is there. Basically, you get to a point where you can’t solve things by yourself – you just need smart people who know how to tackle this as best you can without hesitating. We were just so fortunate to have this amazing hospital in our backyard.”
“She’s on the other side of a very difficult journey,” Sarah said. “It was very tough to watch her go through this, especially as a high schooler. When her friends and peers were getting their driver’s licenses and going to dances, she was just at home with her mom and dad, and bald. It’s just not a typical path for a 15-year-old girl.”
While Olivia recovered she was homeschooled, and her health continued to improve. On her 16th birthday, on Dec. 5, 2023, she had a doctor’s appointment at Primary’s, the same day in fact that TV star Ryan Seacrest was there to open his new broadcast studio, the 14th he has built and dedicated at children’s hospitals around the country.
“We were walking down the hallway and my said, ‘Look, there’s Miles Teller,’ who had stopped to tie his shoe,” Olivia recalls. “So my mom says, ‘Miles, can we take a photo of you?’ Obviously, I was still bald and not feeling like photos, but he stopped and took a picture with me. The timing was perfect.”
She is now a senior at Corner Canyon High, active in
ny,” Jensen said. “I’ve been waiting for a long time to do it.”
The first half of the concert will also include the Michael Bublé version of “Frosty the Snowman” featuring the Puppini Sisters. “Bublé is just so classic,” she said.
The second half of “Mistletoe and Miracles,” “King of Kings,” is special to many of the musicians and singers in Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society. They first performed it in 2019 as well as several times since then, including during their European tour.
The musical portrayal of the Nativity was written and composed by two young composers from Draper, Tyler Teerlink and Jake Lives. Teerlink and Lives set out to tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ in a way that contemporary audiences can relate to by portraying the inner lives and feelings of the biblical figures through song.
Second violinist Daria Ruesch commented, “‘King of Kings’ just carries a special spirit. It’s what Christmas is all about.” Blackham recalled the first time that she saw it. “It
her school’s HOSA-Future Health Professionals Club, and she’s using her experience to help raise awareness for bone marrow donation.
Those who go to the Festival of Trees to celebrate the season may find her and her family there as well, celebrating for many, many reasons. l
Teller, who was at the hospital to help open Ryan Seacrest’s broadcast studio. (Courtesy of the Smart family)
was a remarkable thing to experience,” she said.
“King of Kings” incorporates costumed soloists along with the full orchestra and choir. “The Choral Society has its own numbers in addition to providing musical background to the soloists,” Blackham said. She spoke of the uplifting experience of singing with a full orchestra, noting that Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society is one of the few community choirs to offer that opportunity.
Ruesch also expressed her appreciation of being a member of Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society. “I really love that everyone comes from such different backgrounds but we all come together to share our talents. A lot of us wouldn’t have the opportunity to sing or play our instruments if we didn’t have the ‘Draper Phil.’ It’s awesome to have that.”
Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society will present “Mistletoe and Miracles” at 7 p.m. on Dec. 19 and 20 at Skyridge High School in Lehi. For the link to purchase tickets online and for more information, visit draperphilharmonic.org.l
Olivia Smart with her parents, Tony and Sarah. (Courtesy of the Smart family)
During a checkup at Primary’s on her birthday two years ago, she met award-winning actor Miles
Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society was photographed during their 2024 Christmas concert. (Photo courtesy Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society)
Draper singer-songwriter Sadie Dahl made her mark on season 28 of ‘The Voice’
For Draper singer-songwriter Sadie Dahl, competing on the current season of NBC’s “The Voice” was a life-changing experience.
By Katherine Weinstein k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com
Sadie Dahl may not have won NBC’s “The Voice,” but her participation on the show last fall represents a victory for the 20-yearold Draper singer-songwriter. She overcame feelings of self-doubt to deliver vocal performances that won acclaim from the judges and support from fans. Being on “The Voice” has given Dahl the impetus to take the next steps in her career and share her music with new audiences.
“My musical journey has been pretty unique,” she said. Dahl started violin lessons at age 4 and dreamed of playing in a symphony orchestra. She explained that her musical tastes changed to jazz and later R&B as she grew up. Dahl found herself singing along to her favorite songs, however, she said, “I was terrified of performing in front of anybody.”
That changed when Dahl attended Timberline Middle School and watched other students perform at the school talent show. “I felt like I should be up there on that stage,” she said. “The next year I did it. I sang ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon in front of all my
peers. After that, I tried to say yes to every singing opportunity.”
Dahl’s mother, Alicia, noted that Dahl studied for two years with local voice coach Dean Kaelin. “He has helped her to improve her range and even tackle songs outside of her style and range,” she said.
At age 17, Dahl was a winner in the professional division of the 2023 Sing Utah competition in Provo. The following year she won “Draper Idol.” “That gave me the confidence to audition for ‘The Voice,’” she said. “I submitted a video and, a year later, here I am.”
“Being able to represent Draper on the show has been an honor,” she said, noting that she has lived in Draper City her whole life. Dahl attended Timberline Middle School and graduated from Lone Peak High School.
Dahl’s parents are supportive of her musical career. Alicia explained, “The thing people don’t know about Sadie is that she writes and performs her own music.”
She recalled her feelings when she overheard Dahl playing original songs on her violin. “As a mom I was like, ‘Wow! I’ve got to get this girl some equipment to record this music that’s in her head,’” Alicia said. “We’ve really tried to encourage her.”
Dahl’s choice to sing the song “Colors” by the Black Pumas for her blind audition on “The Voice” was made in part because it is her dad’s favorite song. “It has an uplifting message,” she said. “It was so exciting to get the approval from the Black Pumas to do it.”
Reba McIntyre, Snoop Dogg, Niall
Horan and Michael Bublé are the four celebrity judges on the current season of “The Voice.” During Dahl’s blind audition, all four turned their chairs around indicating that they were impressed with her performance.
For Dahl, that moment was the most memorable part of being on the show. “It was such a big step for me in every way,” she said. Some of her fellow competitors had professional singing experience. “I felt some imposter syndrome and battled with feeling worthy of being there,” she explained. “I will never forget standing there in the waiting room. I had to say a really big prayer, going up on that stage felt like such a big thing to do on my own.”
As the judges reacted to her singing and turned their chairs to face her, Dahl’s confidence grew. “There’s a lyric in the song, ‘It’s a good day to be, a good day for me,’” she said. “I was relating to it with every word. It was so validating, I just couldn’t believe it.”
Dahl had many “pinch me” moments during her time on “The Voice.” She turned 20 while she was there. “Snoop Dogg remembered my birthday!” she said. At first she joined Team Snoop but later ended up on Team Niall.
The most challenging part of being on the show was the process involved in preparing for the “knock out” round. “You have less time to prepare,” she said. “I got the song ‘Too Good At Goodbyes’ by Sam Smith. I went into the rehearsal with Niall and my nerves were running high. I realized that I didn’t totally love the rendition and
we changed the key. Those two days of rehearsals were stressful for me. It was crunch time.”
During the knock-out battles, two singers are pitted against each other and only one is chosen to advance to the next round. Dahl went head to head with Ava Nat who performed “Hopelessly Devoted to You” from “Grease.” While Reba McIntyre praised both singers as “absolutely fantastic” and Michael Bublé complimented Dahl’s vibrato, Nat was chosen as the winner of the round.
Dahl is proud of her performance that night. “That was by far my most confident performance,” she said. “I left the show on a high note.”
Reflecting on her experience on “The Voice,” Dahl expressed her gratitude for the opportunity. “This was the most amazing thing I have done so far,” she said. “I made some of the best friends. You can have the most successful moments in your life but what’s really important are the people who are with you along the way and taking God with you every step.”
Dahl’s career goal is to pursue singing and songwriting professionally. For her next steps, she said that she would “maybe do an EP or a single release. I’m still figuring it out. I want to get out there and start performing.”
“We’re all excited for her to get her music out there,” Alicia said.
The finale of season 28 of “The Voice” will air locally at 9 p.m. on NBC on Dec. 15 and 16. l
Sadie Dahl and Toni Lorene performed Rihanna’s “Love On the Brain” on season 28 of “The Voice” on NBC. (Photo by Griffin Nagel/NBC)
Sadie Dahl was photographed during rehearsals for the knock-out round on season 28 of NBC’s “The Voice.” (Photo by Casey Durkin/NBC)
A quiet force for good, the late Jean Hendricksen is Draper’s 2025 Extra Mile Hero
The longtime Draper resident left a legacy of creating space in the community to appreciate and celebrate art.
By Mimi Darley Dutton m.dutton@mycityjournals.com
Every year, Draper City recognizes local heroes who have gone the extra mile to make the city a better place. This year, the award was posthumously given to Jean Hendricksen who passed away in August at the age of 96 after living in Draper more than 70 years.
“A special vibrancy exists within a community when its residents go the extra mile in service,” Mayor Troy Walker read in the proclamation. Walker said he first met Hendricksen years ago when he was knocking on doors campaigning. “She certainly was exemplary of the Extra Mile Foundation in everything she did. We will miss her,” he said.
Hendricksen’s daughter, Jenny Haase, said her mother is her “favorite subject” to talk about. She described her thought process upon hearing Hendricksen had received this special recognition. “I thought, ‘I can’t wait to tell my mom’ and then thought, ‘wait, I can’t.’ I’m very honored her legacy continues,” Haase said.
Hendricksen, along with two other retired teachers, co-founded the Draper Visual Arts Foundation (DVAF). Hendricksen wrote the history of the DVAF on the foundation’s website, dating back to the 1920s when Reid Beck was principal of the old Draper Park School, a combined elementary and junior high and the structure that still stands on the corner of Fort Street and Pioneer Road. Beck, an amateur artist himself, asked teachers and
students to help him bring art into the rural community of Draper. Children donated coins to purchase one piece of art each year starting in 1926, even during The Great Depression.
“The crown jewel, a painting of Ichabod Crane, done by Norman Rockwell, was added to the collection in 1953. When Mr. Rockwell found that it was children who wanted to buy his painting, he lowered his asking price from $1,200 to $800,” Hendricksen wrote. (Haase said the last appraisal for that Rockwell painting was $2 million.)
In time, the old school closed, Draper Elementary was built, and junior high students were sent to Sandy. “The collection was boxed up until appropriate places could be found…
no special care had been given to them during all those years,” Hendricksen wrote.
Hulda Crossgrove had been a first-year teacher at the school in 1926. In 1992, Crossgrove approached Hendricksen and Mary Sjoblom, both of whom had been students and teachers at the old school, about what could be done to preserve the art collection which had become property of the Jordan School District (JSD). The three women met with the JSD superintendent who said the District didn’t have funds to help, but he welcomed them to find a solution.
“So our work started,” Hendricksen wrote. They gathered donations and free legal advice, volunteers joined the board, and the foundation morphed into what it is today. “The DVAF formed as a group dedicated to preserving an art collection purchased one piece at a time by students in Draper….We grew into an organization that promotes art education and creation in our city,” the website says. In addition to preserving and properly maintaining the art collection, the group hosts an annual art contest for local high school seniors with cash awards ranging from $100 to $1,000. DVAF also hosts Art in the Barn every summer so area artists can sell their works.
In 2000, Emily Dunn (nee Kennard) won the art scholar competition grand prize. She went on to major in art at BYU and worked for Disney. Dunn returned to Draper to raise her children, became a board member of DVAF, and got to know Hendricksen. “She was so polite and kind, and yet a powerful force for good. It’s so encouraging to have witnessed what she accomplished through steady effort. Her legacy is creating space for the community, young and old, to appreciate and celebrate
art. She started the engine and she was always there making sure it continued,” Dunn said.
Retired science teacher, former UEA president, and Draper resident Lowell Baum met Hendricksen 25 years ago when he joined DVAF and she was serving as president. “I really respected her and decided I would stay with the foundation,” he said. He remembers her fondly as a person with a passion for life, teaching and a devotion to art. Baum currently serves as president and credits the board for being “tremendous people.” He’s also fulfilling a promise he made to Hendricksen. “Shortly before she died, she made me promise we would carry on the mission of the foundation. I promised I would because she was a great, great person,” he said.
Carrying on the family tradition, Haase and her two daughters serve on the DVAF. According to Haase, when Hendricksen served as DVAF assistant secretary at age 90, she didn’t take notes during the meeting. Instead, she listened, and after the meeting ended, she went to her computer to type the notes from memory. “Pretty remarkable,” Haase said.
For Hendricksen’s 91st birthday, her family asked people to do acts of kindness in her honor. The ever-polite Hendricksen wanted to do the same number of acts of kindness in return for all those that had been done in her honor, and this was during Covid when PPE was hard to come by. “So she sewed 100 masks. She was a great seamstress but it was hard for her to sew with her gnarled fingers,” Haase said. And she didn’t stop there. Hendricksen also baked numerous loaves of homemade bread during Covid which she gave to others.
Haase told a “full circle” story about her mother and Beck, whose art collection she dedicated her life to preserving. As a young girl, Hendricksen and her twin sister were students at the Old Park School during Beck’s time as principal. One day, Beck bumped into the twins in the hall during their eighth-grade year. He engaged them in conversation but he noticed it was Hendricksen’s twin sister who did all the talking. Beck decided it would be wise to separate the twins by assigning them to different classrooms starting their ninth-grade year. “She was incredibly shy and her ninth-grade year was really difficult for her. She was afraid of speaking publicly. But she credits him with helping her to find her voice. In later years she’d say she hoped she did him proud,” Haase said.
Like Beck, Hendricksen made a lasting mark on Draper. She lived in the community for seven decades and collected many accolades along the way, including 2017 Draper Citizen of the Year.
“She is an inspiration showing that you can make a huge, positive difference in your community no matter what age you are,” said Katherine Weinstein, a DVAF member. l
Jean Hendricksen and Lowell Baum at Art in the Barn in August. Hendricksen passed shortly after the event at age 96 and was posthumously awarded this year’s Extra Mile Hero by Draper City. (Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)
Jean Hendricksen’s children in front of one of the pieces of art acquired and maintained by the Draper Visual Arts Foundation which Hendricksen helped to establish. L-R are Carl Hendricksen, Scott Hendricksen and Jenny Haase. (Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)
Mental health support specifically for first responders now available to Draper Fire and Police
Local company provides mental health support for fire and police personnel through an app and counseling services that extend to their spouses and children.
By Mimi Darley Dutton m.dutton@mycityjournals.com
“We all recognize this job does change us as humans. We can no longer ignore the fact that this has an impact on our emotional and mental well-being,” Draper Police Chief Rich Ferguson said.
Ferguson led the charge for Draper City to pursue a contract with 1st Watch Wellness, a mental health support service specifically designed for first responders and their families. Fire and police personnel have always had access to the city’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and mental health services, but Ferguson saw an opportunity for more specialized support.
“On a personal level, I have experience with this company. When I was the chief in Provo, I had an officer shot and killed, and months later in a separate incident, an officer shot. 1st Watch was on the ground, they flew clinicians in, and they did an outstanding job. I know what they’re capable of and how qualified they are. It’s a unique company and skill set,” he said.
Draper City entered into a three-year contract with 1st Watch in July. The company is local, making access to their services easier. The Draper Police Department procured a federal grant to cover the cost of three-year contract and made sure the grant could be extended to cover Draper’s Fire
Department employees. “In public service, it’s all about supporting one another. As we looked at making this change, it comes with a cost. Our law enforcement side of the house had a grant and thought to ask if it could be used for both departments. They were willing to share that resource with us and we’re very grateful to Chief Ferguson for that,” Fire Chief Clint Smith said.
Special attributes of the new mental wellness program include:
• Every employee has access to an app downloaded to their phones for 24/7 immediate support which includes assessments, resources and connection to a clinician when needed
• Civilian employees can access the program because they witness or read traumatic things in reports and are affected, too
• The wellness program extends beyond employees to their spouses and children
• If a critical incident occurs in Draper, 1st Watch will send a team to help debrief and assist
The app is seen as particularly helpful because, in times of crisis, immediate support is of the essence. “One thing we’ve learned with humanity in general is when people need help, they need easy access and they need it right now. They can’t wait until tomorrow during normal business hours,” Smith said.
Chief Ferguson chose this wellness program because of how comprehensive it is. “One of the things that really attracted Draper to going with 1st Watch was they include in our wellness package our civilian employees. I’m very aware people in our records
department who are typing our reports, our animal control officers, crime scene technicians and victim advocates…they are all seeing and witnessing things that impact them. I’m very grateful my entire department gets to go,” Ferguson said.
The program is also proactive. Just as fire and police personnel must stay physically fit in order to do their job, their mental health requires maintenance too. To that end, the app provides users with a monthly focus such as gratitude. “It talks about how that powerful practice can boost resilience and strengthen relationships for support,” Ferguson said.
1st Watch facilitates a spouse night, specific to each department, something both chiefs are excited about. “The goal is to educate our spouses to help them recognize things that are symptoms…like withdrawing or not wanting to talk about work. Hopefully, we can mitigate divorce,” Ferguson said. Counseling services are also made available to employees’ families. “One of the big benefits is the extension of their services to our spouses, our children, because when we bring that trauma home, there’s a degree of that our families experience,” Smith said.
Ferguson, who’s been in public safety for 34 years, said this shift toward mental health wellness is a welcome one. “When I was hired, I was trained by guys who were Vietnam veterans. We were discouraged from ever disclosing any kind of affects we might have from anything we witnessed. It would portray to the administration that you weren’t emotionally or mentally strong enough to handle it, so you were told to suck it up. But we’ve recognized profession-wide that alcoholism, divorce and suicide rates were sky high, so as an industry, we can’t
ignore it any longer,” Ferguson said.
Smith has seen the same change in his 32 years of firefighting. “When I first got into service, we didn’t talk about mental health. It was an unwritten rule that you’re going to see hard things and you just deal with it. We’ve learned over time that’s not the best way,” he said.
Smith said employees are paid overtime to do their annual well-check so they’re not taking time away from their regular work schedule nor are they sacrificing personal time. Ferguson is requiring every employee to go through one visit with a clinician a year. “It’s mandatory, just like wearing their bulletproof vest or making sure their car is operational. If they feel they need additional support, they can continue to see that provider,” he said.
Smith and Ferguson are given statistical updates as to how many of their employees are taking advantage of the program. “I’m not aware of who and I don’t ask questions, but the company tells me a percentage of employees that have done it thus far. It’s been well received,” Ferguson said.
Both chiefs hope this wellness service goes a long way in helping the city’s public safety employees and families. It will pay dividends for Draper residents, too. “We’re trying to make sure our employees are healthy so that when our residents need them, they’re going to get the best versions of us to help them,” Smith said.
“I want my police officers to retire healthy, mentally healthy, so they can enjoy the rest of their life and retire with pride and honor and not be burdened by the things they’ve witnessed,” Ferguson said. l
A new mental health wellness program is now offered to all personnel of Draper Police and Fire Departments including civilian employees who witness or read traumatic details in reports. (Stock photo)
A contract with a local mental health wellness service is being paid for using funds from a federal grant obtained by Draper Police Department and shared with the Fire Department.
(Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)
Mamma Bears hold annual ornament exchange luncheon for charity
Mamma Bears Charity & Service, a women’s organization that raises funds for charity, will hold their annual fundraiser, the Ornament Exchange Luncheon, on Dec. 7 at All-Star Bowling & Entertainment in Draper.
By Katherine Weinstein k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com
Agroup of friends who used to meet up for bunco nights in West Jordan years ago has evolved into an organization dedicated to raising funds for charity and performing service projects. Mamma Bears Charity & Service is in the process of becoming an official charitable nonprofit. They are hosting their 15th Annual Ornament Exchange Luncheon, a charity fundraiser for Blessings in a Backpack, on Dec. 7 at All-Star Bowling & Entertainment in Draper.
The luncheon, which is a ticketed event open to the public, includes a brunch buffet, a talk given by Heather Madsen representing the Utah chapter of Blessings in a Backpack, a Christmas tree ornament exchange and a silent auction. Attendees are invited to bring an ornament in the five dollar price range to exchange and nonperishable food items to donate to Blessings in a Backpack.
As Mamma Bears founder Terri Taylor explained, the holiday luncheon is the main fundraising project for the group which is largely made up of women in their 50s and 60s. “We’ve all raised our families and we’re at a point in our lives where we want to give back to the community,” she said. “We want to do something new each year.”
Mamma Bears board member Joni Jensen, who lives in Sandy, said, “It warms out hearts to do just a little something to help. We want to see what we can do to make an impact in the community.”
Each year, the board members vote on a different local charity to support. In recent years, the Mamma Bears have raised funds for Utah Foster Care, People Helping People, Ronald McDonald House Charities and The Road Home. Going beyond just writing a check, the Mamma Bears have collected food
and supplies and mentored individuals in need.
Taylor mentioned the year that the Mamma Bears supported People Helping People, a nonprofit that fights poverty by helping underprivileged women to enter the workforce. “Members of our group mentored women to help them write resumés and get back into the work place,” she explained.
Jensen added that one member was inspired to become a mentor with People Helping People and now volunteers there on a weekly basis. “We’re spreading awareness about needs in the community,” she said.
This year’s luncheon will benefit the Utah chapter of Blessings in a Backpack. The national organization provides weekend food assistance to elementary school-aged children who receive free breakfasts and lunches at school on weekdays. Jensen explained that they are seeking donations of lightweight foods that children can easily carry home with them such as granola bars, fruit and applesauce cups, individual-sized boxes of cereal, mac and cheese cups and juice boxes.
“We’ve received some really positive feedback from our charities,” Taylor said. The Mamma Bears partner with other organizations and businesses to match the funds raised at the luncheon. The group raises thousands of dollars each year.
Jensen, who has been actively involved with the Mamma Bears for eight years, said, “It’s been so neat to watch it grow and evolve, so great to get the ladies together for a good cause. We just want to give back.”
“Last year was our biggest event,” Taylor said. “We had 78 ladies attend the luncheon.”
The silent auction is a big part of the festivities. Some of the local businesses and arts organizations who have donated items for this year’s auction include Hale Centre Theater, Morgan Jewelers, the Natural History Museum of Utah, Tin Roof Grill, Beauty Spas and more.
The Mamma Bears are hoping to fill 100 seats for this year’s Ornament Exchange Luncheon which begins at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7 at All-Star Bowling & Entertainment, 12101 State St. in Draper. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased on the Mamma Bears website at www.mammabearscharity. com/home.l
Attendees of last year’s Mamma Bears Ornament Exchange Luncheon posed for a photo. (Photo courtesy of Mamma Bears Charity & Service)
Draper residents reelected Mayor Troy Walker and chose new councilmember Kathryn Dahlin
Oath of Office to be held in early January.
By Mimi Darley Dutton m.dutton@mycityjournals.com
Antonio Martinez said he always votes in person, so he visited Draper City Hall Nov. 4 to cast his ballot. According to election worker Erin Christensen, they’d seen a steady flow of voters on Election Day. “Four of the five machines were being used at one time,” said Hope Serrell, election worker. Some voters brought their completed mail-in ballots to the Salt Lake County secure election drop-box in the parking lot of Draper City Hall while others walked their ballots in to place them in a collection box inside Council Chambers, all to make sure they’d be counted before the deadline.
Because of a new law passed by the Utah Legislature, mail-in ballots had to be received at the County Elections office by Election Day, not just postmarked by Nov. 4 as in years past. As of press time, Troy Walker won a fourth consecutive four-year term as mayor with 72.37% or 5,885 votes while his challenger, Braxten Rutherford, received 27.63% or 2,247 votes. For the two-year City Council position, Kathryn Dahlin won with 55.64% or 4,499 votes while Brad Byington garnered 44.36% or 3,587 votes. Current councilmembers Tasha Lowery and Mike Green were certified elected in October after the third candidate in their race for two council seats withdrew Sept. 15, leaving that race uncontested. Election results will be officially certified in late November and winners will take the Oath of Office at noon on Jan. 5, 2026 at Draper City Hall. l
Antonio Martinez checked in with election workers before completing his ballot using voting machines at City Hall. (Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)
Jenny Dimarzio said she usually votes by mail, but because she’d been busy, she visited City Hall on Election Day to cast her vote. (Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)
Lone Peak students reach finish line and fundraising goal
From art night to Chinese New Year celebration, PTA programs get a boost.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Lone Peak Elementary students laced up their sneakers on Oct.10 for the school’s annual Fun Run fundraiser; they didn’t just meet their goal, they crossed the finish line ahead.
“We came out ahead,” said Amy Heath, Lone Peak PTA fun run chair. “Our goal was $25,000 and our total came in at $25,106.55. We started off slow, but we finished strong.”
About 470 students participated, running about 15 minutes around the school perimeter while parents and teachers cheered them on. Sandy City police officers helped block nearby streets to keep runners safe.
This year’s fundraiser combined online donations, a silent auction featuring donated items such as zoo passes, pickleball paddles and milestone raffles that kept students motivated. There was even a few incentives from their administrators.
At $20,000, Vice Principal Rachel Ostvig kissed a pig named George, brought in from a farm in Payson.
fundraisers each got to throw a whipped cream pie in his face.
(Courtesy Amy Heath)
“George was adorable,” Heath said.
“He’s a show pig from the fair, and the kids loved it.”
When donations surpassed $25,000, Principal Shad DeMill was duct taped to an outdoor portable and the top 10 student
“The kids loved it. They were super motivated to hit those extra incentives,” she said.
Money raised from the fun run supports next school year’s PTA’s many programs which enrich students’ school experience — everything from Red Ribbon Week and Chinese New Year celebrations to art night and Book Blitz Jr.
“All of the extras that make the school
year fun,” Heath explained. “They help build more well-rounded students and it helps them beyond the academics in the classroom. It was a great event; the kids aren’t going to remember what math book they were using, but they’ll definitely remember field trips, when their principal was taped to the wall and the vice principal kissed a pig.”
The PTA also were working on a Veterans Day and first responders’ assembly and a positive behavior “Polar Express” hot cocoa party. l
Lone Peak Elementary students run around the school perimeter to raise funds for PTA programs. (Courtesy Amy Heath)
Lone Peak Principal Shad DeMill was duct taped to a portable classroom and pied with whipped cream pies as an incentive for students reaching their fundraising goal.
Career soldier addressed complexity of war and hope in a nation that remains an experiment
Hailing from a military family, career soldier David Schmutz thanked veterans and their families and spoke honestly about the country’s history and current status.
By Mimi Darley Dutton m.dutton@mycityjournals.com
Rob Longacre worked as a dog handler during the Vietnam War and Brent Miller was in the National Guard for 30 years. They attended Draper’s Veterans Day ceremony and said their thoughts went to family members who served.
“I think about my dad, a WWII vet, my father-in-law, a WWII veteran, and my uncle who was a WWII and Korean War vet, and what they went through compared to what I went through,” Longacre said. Miller said his father served in Africa and his father’s brother was killed in Germany during WWII. His uncle on his mother’s side was taken as a Japanese POW and killed on a ship bound for Japan when an American submarine struck them down.
Barry Skinner said he had two Navy friends who died as a result of Agent Orange during Vietnam. Skinner came home from his military service just before the Vietnam War started, but he remembers some Americans went so far as to spit on U.S. soldiers in those tumultuous times. “They didn’t realize the sacrifice people made,” he said. In recent years, Skinner got to participate in an Honor Flight, an experience he described as “inspirational.”
“I’m grateful for the hope we have in America because of our veterans…and the U.S. military. Those people will never let us down and they never have,” Mayor Troy Walker said.
Chief Warrant Officer David Schmutz served as keynote speaker and was introduced by Walker, a family friend. Walker said Schmutz’s father and brothers are veterans and Schmutz, a soldier for 24 years,
has served extensive deployments, completed some of the military’s most demanding courses, and received various merit awards.
In his speech, Schmutz addressed the complexity of it all – a nation that’s an experiment, its military, its leaders, its people.
“Gathering like this is not just a ceremony, it’s a statement that reverence still has meaning,” he said. Schmutz thanked every veteran who served, families who carried the burden of their absence, and those who never made it home.
“This day is meant to honor service and sacrifice, but to do that honestly, we have to be willing to face the truth, not just the comfortable parts. My service is deeply personal. There are days I’m proud beyond words and other days I wrestle with questions that have no answers,” he said.
Schmutz described his Italian born maternal grandfather who came to America as a POW. “He chose to work for the Allied Forces because he’d seen the face of tyranny. He became a U.S. citizen and lived the American dream,” he said. Schmutz’s father served in Vietnam, “a war mired in contradiction,” and lost more than 75 colleagues in action.
“My generation went to Iraq, Afghanistan and beyond…How do we measure what we gave? We fought wars that often lacked clear objectives. For years I believed deeply in the motto of Special Forces….Over time I began to ask, have we become the oppressor? Generations of veterans have come home to that same question,” he said.
“The hardest battle is returning to a country where fewer than 1% serve yet everyone has an opinion on what service means. What I know is this. Freedom always begins with belief, what people are willing to believe about themselves and one another. And yet I believe America is still a grand experiment…. Our greatness is found in our refusal to abandon hope. As long as there are men and women willing to wear the uniform, there is hope, and as long as there are citizens willing to speak truth and challenge power with reason....Every generation
(Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)
walks through its own Valley of Shadows… but through quiet faith, truth cannot be extinguished. Veterans Day is to ensure our nation remains worthy of whether it can live up to is name. Patriotism is love strong enough to confront what is broken. Even in darkness, light endures…,” Schmutz said.
“Let us honor…one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all,” Schmutz concluded.
Attendee Mike Hill deemed Schmutz’s speech “remarkable.” l
Chief Warrant Officer David Schmutz served as keynote speaker at Draper’s Veterans Day ceremony. After the ceremony, while holding his niece, Schmutz was greeted by a young girl whose father is currently deployed.
(Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)
Rob Longacre and Brent Miller, both veterans, said their thoughts were with members of their families who fought and died during WWII. “Being a veteran is a privilege,” Longacre said.
Community connections help power Draper Elementary PTA to win national award
New ideas, diverse voices and family engagement helped Draper Elementary to be named a school of excellence.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Building strong family and school partnerships, which have been shown to improve student success and well-being, was a top priority for Draper Elementary’s PTA last school year.
“We wanted to increase our membership, have a bigger voice and have our new members become more involved in our school community,” said Timette Wankier, Draper Elementary PTA 2024-25 president. “We knew if we worked together, we could become a more collaborative and inclusive community.”
That commitment paid off.
Draper Elementary was honored with the National PTA School of Excellence award, presented Oct. 28 at a free community yoga night, which was part of the school’s Red Ribbon/healthy habits week.
Draper was one of six schools in Utah to receive the recognition. Alta View Elementary in Sandy also earned the two-year designation.
Much of the momentum continues this year, said Wankier, who now is serving as the school’s PTA secretary.
It began with a schoolwide parent survey to gather input. That feedback of family engagement and inclusivity helped guide the PTA’s focus and initiatives.
Wankier credits last school year’s PTA Vice President of Membership Crystal Tatton with not only increasing membership by 39%, but also by helping new members understand their purpose and potential.
“She did a great job of letting them know what it meant to be a member and how they can be a voice for the children,” Wankier said. “She’s really the backbone of all we do.”
Many of the new members came from several neighborhoods which previously hadn’t been represented. The PTA board also took steps to ensure broader neighborhood representation in leadership roles.
With a larger, more diverse membership came greater parent engagement. Some volunteered time while others contributed ideas and community connections.
One example was during literacy week, which featured a sports theme. Thanks to new members’ contacts, the school welcomed guest appearances from Brigham Young University football and volleyball teams, local author Emily Inouye Huey, “Nitro Circus” athletes and others. They participated in reading with students, vocabulary and spelling games, speaking and other activities with students.
“Because we had more members, we had more connections and gave our students more opportunities,” she said. “We had those relationships and then reached out to some others, including University of Utah athletics, and they all came to support our kids. It ended up getting our entire school and families involved.”
Fresh ideas also were shared for traditional PTA programs. For White Ribbon Week, which teaches digital safety, one new member suggested a hands-on activity using tickets.
“There were some great ideas we used, like giving each student a ticket and telling them it represented their personal information and not to give it away. But when someone went around saying to place their ticket into a drawing for possible Taylor Swift tickets, several of them put the tickets in,” she said.
At the end of lunch period, those who had kept their tickets were rewarded with an immediate recess. Those who gave them up missed four minutes of playtime to reinforce the lesson about safeguarding personal information.
“It drove the message home for many of them and it was a new PTA member who had suggested it,” Wankier said.
Last year’s board submitted its school survey results and action plan by the end of the school year and learned of the recognition this fall.
“It really shows how they improved their school and community and what they accomplished during the year,” said Ashley Backman, PTA region 7 support committee chair.
This year, Draper Elementary’s PTA hosted a fun run, raising $27,000 to fund PTA
activities as well as school shirts for every student and opportunities for field trips, STEAM activities and art awareness.
The PTA leaders also are encouraging the state PTA’s monthly $500 teacher award nomination and are planning events for the year, including White Ribbon Week, Kindness Week, literacy week, STEAM night and grandparents’ lunch. l
Draper Elementary PTA recently received the National PTA School of Excellence award. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Canyons School District shines a spotlight on excellence
Amongst the 11 honorees is Eastmont Middle’s Trevan Cole, a cafeteria volunteer whose big heart and daily positivity made him this year’s Volunteer of the Year.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Hesmiled broadly as he received a standing ovation at Canyons School District’s 16th annual APEX awards ceremony.
“Everyone loves him and he loves everyone,” said Eastmont Middle School Principal Stacy Kurtzhals. “He knows everyone by name and says every day, ‘Hi, my good friend.’”
Canyons’ Volunteer of the Year Trevan Cole was one of 11 honorees recognized Oct. 14 at Butler Middle School.
Other award recipients included Teacher of the Year Lucia de la Cruz Rodriguez of Midvale Elementary; School Administrator of the Year Shelly Karren of Indian Hills Middle; District Administrators of the Year Kirsten Stewart, communications associate director, and Shana Lowe, accounting assistant director; Elected Official of the Year Troy Walker, mayor of Draper; Education Support Professionals of the Year Kathy
Hilton of Corner Canyon High and Charlotte Graham of East Midvale Elementary; Student Support Services Professional of the Year Denise Haycock, Canyons Education Foundation Canyons Education Foundation development officer; and Community Partner of the Year Dan Jorgensen, a Jordan High alumnus.
The evening’s top honor, the Legacy Award, went to former Canyons Board of Education President Nancy Tingey, who served on the board for a decade and guided the District through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Nancy’s levelheadedness and insights are unmatched,” said current Canyons Board of Education President Amber Shill. “Through the ups and downs of the past 10 years, Nancy has remained a steady, positive influence on the district. The District owes her much, and her impact will be felt for generations by both employees, families and students.”
Performances by the Alta High Ballroom Dance Team, the cast of Corner Canyon’s upcoming “Mary Poppins” and Hillcrest theater student Avery Rinke, a national Shakespeare competition winner, rounded out the celebration.
But it was Cole’s genuine enthusiasm that lit up the night — just as it does in Eastmont’s cafeteria.
“We all should be like Trevan; he’s truly dedicated,” said Eastmont Nutrition Services
Manager Suly Morris. “He comes every day he’s scheduled and offers to come in on his days off or come in early to do more. He’s always asking, ‘What can I do to help?’ He does everything he needs to do and more — and is proud of what he does.”
Morris, who came from Brazil and learned the ropes at Eastmont 12 years ago, still remembers his kindness.
“He showed me a lot of things about the kitchen; he was always by my side helping me, telling me how the kitchen works, teaching me words, he accepted me,” she said. “He loves to serve the kids and he’s always friendly with them. Really, he’s the most beautiful person; He’s happy to be here and he never complains. He’s like the sun every morning, bringing happiness to everyone.”
Known as Eastmont’s sandwich maker, Cole’s specialty is turkey.
“Turkey is my favorite because I like the taste of it,” he said. “I like how it’s cold and I like how it looks too; I think the kids like it too. They always are asking for it and never complain about it.”
Cole first joined Eastmont’s cafeteria in 2007, when the school was part of Jordan School District. When his wages affected his federal disability benefits, he chose to continue as a volunteer in 2013.
“When Miss Stacy came to the cafeteria and said, ‘We have a big surprise. Trevan; You’re getting the APEX award for volunteering,’ I was excited, but I didn’t know how big of an award it was. I got the Patriot Award when I was a student here in 1992,” he said. “I like working here because I like serving people and making friendships. We have a great team, and I get to work with my boss, Suly — and Miss Stacy. I like working hard and trying my best in life so I can achieve whatever I can in life. I learned that from Ms. (Marlene) Skinner, my home economics, homeroom and special ed teacher here, and my family.”
Cole said the recognition is for everyone who supports students.
“I love my job, but with any job you do, principal, boss, teacher, helper, whatever you do, we all work hard for same reason; we all achieve the same goal — working and trying our best for the students and our community,” he said.
Superintendent Rick Robins was grateful for the dedication of those recognized.
“This is always a very emotional night for us in Canyons School District, and one that is such a great tradition to honor the people who embody everything about Canyons School District, especially all they do for our students,” he said. “It’s important to recognize their value and what they’ve contributed.”l
East Midvale Elementary’s Charlotte Graham received congratulations from Canyons Business Administrator and Chief Financial Officer Leon Wilcox for being awarded the Education Support Professional of the Year at the APEX awards. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Canyons’ Volunteer of the Year Trevan Cole has been a part of Eastmont’s nutrition team since 2007. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Albion girls, Butler boys take middle school cross country District titles
Midvale Middle’s Nora Goodman repeats as District cross country champion.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Midvale Middle eighth-grader Nora Goodman took a commanding lead early and never let up in the recent Canyons School District middle school intramural cross country meet.
“Nora Goodman took the top spot for the second year in a row,” said Taylor Hansen, who coordinates the intramurals for middle schools.
Goodman crossed the finish line in 14:45.44, more than 15 seconds ahead of Butler Middle eighth-grader Myken Menlove, who placed second. Albion Middle eighth-grader Emmeline Nielsen, Indian Hills sixth-grader Kathleen Mullen and Draper Park seventh-grader Sydney Glod rounded out the top five.
Albion claimed the overall girls’ title, followed by Butler, Indian Hills and Midvale.
In the boys’ race, Albion dominated the top of the leaderboard with eighth-graders Matthew Coop and Joshua Baker finish-
ing first and second. Matthew clocked in at 14:14.22 while Joshua came in at 14:27.85. Draper Park eighth-grader Felipe Tapicha, Butler seventh-grader Callen Wright and Mt. Jordan seventh-grader Chase Twitchell completed the top five.
Butler earned the boys’ team championship, ahead of Eastmont, Albion and Mt. Jordan.
Hansen expressed his gratitude to Jordan High School and its cross country team for hosting the event and to the coaches for supporting the athletes this season.
Top eighth-grade girl finishers were Nora Goodman, Midvale; Myken Menlove, Butler; and Emmeline Nielsen, Albion. Top seventh-grade girl finishers were Sydney Glod, Draper Park; Payson Julian, Albion; and Hazel Dance, Butler. Top sixth-grade girl finishers were Kathleen Mullen, Indian Hills; Kinlee Hawkins, Albion; and Aspen Aguero, Butler.
Top eighth-grade boy finishers were Matthew Coop, Albion; Joshua Baker, Albion; and Felipe Tapicha, Draper Park. Top seventh-grade boy finishers were Callen Wright, Butler; Chase Twitchell, Mt. Jordan; and Benson Ward, Butler. Top sixth-grade boy finishers were Moses Adams, Mt. Jordan; James Wimmer, Mt. Jordan; and Wallace Davis, Butler. l
Middle schoolers race in Canyons School District’s intramural championships at Jordan High. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Midvale Middle eighth-grader Nora Goodman won back-to-back District titles in the middle school cross country race. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Discipline and determination propel Waterford rowers to top international finish
Waterford School’s youth coxed quad, that trains in the Jordan River, earned third place at the world-renowned Head of the Charles regatta.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
In mid-October, during Boston’s Head of the Charles Regatta, two Draper teens, Suzy Reardon and Jessica Miller, both juniors at the Waterford School in Sandy, helped their boat achieve a third-place finish in the Youth Coxed Quad event.
Despite never racing in this boat configuration or at this prestigious national regatta before, the crew—up against year-round rowers familiar with the course—relied on disciplined training (two practices per day starting at 6 a.m. rowing on the surplus canal off Jordan River) and exceptional focus to deliver a remarkable performance. Only the teams from California and England finished ahead of them.
“To be the second American crew and the
Waterford School’s youth coxed quad, that trains in the Jordan River, earned third place at the world-renowned Head of the Charles regatta.
third overall finishing boat in this boat class is an incredible accomplishment,” said Waterford coach Dan Salerno about the boat that also included senior Zoe Chou, of Cottonwood
Heights;, junior Emma Molnar, of Lehi; and junior Sophia Wojcikowski, of Park City.
Waterford also sent a novice girls’ double boat made up of sophomores Adele
Barshied, of Cottonwood Heights, and Kaleigh Joslin, of Sandy, which placed seventh in the U17 category, and a boys’ coxed quad that both qualified for next year. l
Inclusion takes the field at unified soccer tournaments
More than 2,000 student-athletes participated in the largest-ever unified soccer tournament in Utah, showing teamwork and inclusion are the true goals of the game.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
More than 2,000 student-athletes from 73 schools comprising of 170 teams took to the field this fall for high school unified soccer, a record-setting number for a program that continues to grow at an incredible pace.
nly a few years ago, unified soccer had about 24 teams competing statewide. This year, 24 teams alone advanced to the finals, held at America First Field in Sandy.
For the first year, unified soccer, which is promoted by both the Utah High School Activities Association and Special Olympics Utah, provided an avenue for 48 $500 scholarships — two per team — for continued education, awarded by America First Charitable Foundation.
While several area teams won state titles — Bingham, Herriman, Hunter blue, Murray, Skyline — or were runners-up Highland, Hunter gray, Jordan, West Jordan — most participants agree unified soccer is about much
more than winning. It’s about inclusion, friendship and giving every student the chance to be part of a team.
Alexis Brown understands that mission, both as a former partner and as a coach of three teams at Riverton High.
“The bigger that it grows, the more it shows that students with disabilities are just as capable of doing things as everyone else,” Brown said. “It gets the gen ed population more involved and less scared of what’s stigmatized about disabilities — they start to see that they’re just normal people having a good time.”
Riverton’s unified club, Wolf Buddies, is central to that effort. “We go to football games, school plays, dances; the goal is to get our students as involved in the high school experience as possible,” Brown said. “High school is fun, and they deserve to be included.”
Senior Kevin Perez said his Riverton team has bonded on and off the field.
“We’re a good team and we prepared,” he said. “We play two times per week. I like scoring goals and kicking the ball. I like my team too — we’re great together.”
Riverton senior Mac Wall, who once played varsity volleyball, said unified sports have meant even more.
“The fun I have in unified sports is way more exciting than anything I found in varsity programs,” Wall said. “The connection
between people is completely unmatched. Everyone’s kind; there’s no drama. We’re a tight-knit group.”
Jordan High coach Jenna Fox and her players emphasized teamwork and connection.
“With freshmen new to the team, we’ve had to learn to build new relationships, learn skills and include new kids; they’ve really connected,” she said.
One of her players, junior Dimas Deleon, added, “I like soccer, playing with friends. It’s fun to get them involved and play side by side.”
Jordan senior Caden Crocker chimed in: “I like the teamwork and how the team is positive. It’s fun for everyone.”
Mountain Ridge High sophomore Justin Quick was a torch bearer at the regional tournament; he participates in unified soccer, track and basketball.
“I’m excited to play with my friends – and I hope to score 10 goals,” he said.
Carrying the torch alongside him was his teammate, senior Caden Anderson, who said unified sport is a bonding experience.
“Peer tutors, athletes — we all come together. It really brings our school together,” he said.
West Jordan High coach Sheldon Russell said his team’s second-place finish was more than just a result.
“They’re a tight-knit group because these guys are together a lot of the day,” Russell said. “Many have been in the same class since elementary school. Playing together and playing in the championship I count as a win, especially since our kids don’t get very many wins to begin with. The inclusion and spirit of unified sports really redefine high school sports.” l
Corner Canyon’s mascot supports the school’s student-athletes at the regional unified high school tournament. (Julie Slama/ City Journals)
Sprucewood community rallies for its students
Families and businesses support annual event to provide opportunities for every student.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Through teamwork and school spirit, the Sprucewood Elementary community came together to raise $25,000 to fund student PTA programs this year.
“It went really, really great; I’m proud of what our community has done together,” said school PTA President Emma Frost. “We were able to do what we have the last few years, and have the PTA buy shirts for all the students so everybody matches and they can all have that camaraderie.”
The Sept. 12 fun run for all 309 students — including 32 from the special education program — allowed them to take to the course in their new matching shirts. Each grade ran for half an hour, averaging about 35 laps per student.
“There was this one kid — a little second grader — and I was like, he’s going to explode,” Frost laughed. “He (William Lebaron) ended up doing 67 laps. He got the most laps overall.”
Winners from each grade received med-
als featuring Falco the Falcon. Students included Seeley Page, Amada Purchase Lizardo, Harvey Daybell, Tristan Stewart, Crew Maires, Penny Butcher, Aria Garcia, Abeeha Qazi, Hayes Dahl, Teagan Beals, William Lebaron, Harriet Williams, Donavin Hetke, Deti Truma, Alex Chinn, Alisa Polianetska, Spencer Richards, Rylan Erwin, Jaycee
Dahl, David Nemeth and Fielle Dansie. Some students raised donations creatively.
“A fifth-grade girl was selling cookies,” Frost said. “For every $20, she’d bring you a dozen cookies. Some kids walked dogs for donations — it was fun to see how they got involved.”
A school carnival the following week pushed fundraising past $25,000. Frost said local business donations and percentages of sales helped boost profits from concessions.
Nineteen local businesses donated funds, including “two businesses gave at least $1,000 worth in prizes of bikes, Kindles, headphones and projectors,” she said.
For donation milestones, students earned schoolwide prizes such as Falcon temporary tattoos, keychains and water bottles. They also had opportunities to earn extra recesses or popcorn parties.
The funds raised will cover field trips, student involvement activities, staff appreciation events, and a special “gift” project for the school — similar to last year’s LEGO wall which helps students de-stress.
“This year, I’d really like to buy them a whole bunch of event tents,” Frost said. “Maybe even pay some toward electrical work for the multipurpose room to upgrade their assemblies.”
More than 55 volunteers — including parents, grandparents and Alta and Corner Canyon high school students — helped run the event.
With the fun run and carnival complete, the PTA is now focusing on Grandparents’ Day and the new Falcon Force volunteer program. l
Between the school carnival and fun run, Sprucewood Elementary raised $25,000 to support school programs. (Courtesy Sprucewood PTA)
Utah PTA celebrates a century of advocacy for students
From school lunches to student safety, Utah PTA volunteers have spent 100 years making a difference in schoolchildren’s lives.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
This year, Utah’s students, families and schools are celebrating a milestone: Utah Parent Teacher Association turns 100. For a century, this volunteer-driven organization has been shaping education, student well-being and community engagement across the state.
Utah PTA President Julie Cluff says the organization’s century-long mission goes far beyond classroom parties.
“PTA volunteers sometimes get pegged as the ‘party moms,’ but our work has changed lives and we’ve shaped education policy in Utah for generations,” she said. “Our programs are the heart of what we do, but advocacy is why we started.”
The roots of Utah PTA stretch back to 1897 when three Utah delegates attended the first meeting of the nationwide parent-teacher movement, then called the National Congress of Mothers. A year later, Mrs. C.E. Allen established the Utah Congress of Mothers, laying the groundwork for organized parent advocacy. Though that early group dissolved by 1901, momentum continued. By 1910, the state formed a chapter of the National Education Association’s Department of School Patrons, and by October 1925, the Utah PTA officially began with Lucille Young Reid as the first president. In 1951, every school in the state had a PTA.
The mission established then remains at the heart of the organization: “To make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and
empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.”
Utah PTA President 2023-25 Corey Fairholm loves the mission.
“When they first started in 1925, they were worried about some of same things we’re worried about — making sure children don’t have access to smoke shops and here we are 100 years later, and we’re worried about vape shops,” she said. “At the legislature, they realize I’m representing 70,000–80,000 members who are concerned so the legislators are listening. Because the power of PTA, we have kindergarten, school lunches, support for students with disabilities and so many things beneficial to schoolchildren.”
Through the decades, volunteers have donated more than 1 million hours in 605 schools, bridging families and educators while supporting programs which enhance children’s health, safety and education.
Utah PTA’s impact can be seen in nearly every corner of school life. In the 1930s, it advocated for school lunches, paving the way for the National School Lunch Program in 1941. In Utah, longtime PTA member Tibby Milne remembers its start.
“I was a first grader in Richfield Elementary, and they started hot lunch there in this little cabin on the school grounds,” she said. “Mrs. Rowley did it, and she went on to run it nationally. She cooked the best food. I still remember her homemade bread and peanut butter cookies.”
PTA helped establish school libraries through legislation signed in 1956 and introduced the Reflections arts program in 1969. Utah was the first to introduce categories of theater, 3D visual arts and film and to advocate for a special needs division.
Last year, Utah had more than 17,000 Reflections entries statewide, with nearly half of its national submissions receiving awards. The state is also one of the few to have developed its own online submission portal, now a model for others across the country, Cluff said.
PTA promoted student safety in partnership with national organizations in the 1980s, including seat belt campaigns and bus safety programs.
“Our PTA worked on helmets, which was part of our safety campaign, and getting seat belts into cars — that was not easy,” said Milne, who helped shape initiatives such as the DARE program and the National Child Protection Act. “We had to change attitudes, but it was for the safety of children.”
One of Utah PTA’s most enduring accomplishments began in the 1980s, when a group of PTA parents discovered Utah’s trust lands — public lands granted by the federal government at statehood to benefit schools — were being mismanaged.
Those PTA parents put in motion a 30year advocacy effort which completely transformed the handling of funds, Cluff said.
“Today, those efforts bring millions of dollars every year to Utah’s schoolchildren,” she said. “What’s even better is that it’s not just today’s kids who benefit, it’s tomorrow’s kids too.”
Utah PTA was among the first in the nation to create a state-level special needs committee. Led by PTA advocate Karen Conder, the committee successfully passed a national resolution in 2018 establishing “high expectations for students with special needs.”
Utah has since added new resolutions supporting students with dyslexia and learning disabilities and continues to update them every seven years to reflect current research.
“Our resolutions are what give us a voice,” Cluff said. “They’re how we can walk into the Capitol, sit down with lawmakers, and say, ‘Here’s what our members want for Utah’s kids.’”
State PTA President 2013-15 Liz Zentner discovered her passion for advocacy.
“The first time as a PTA president, I went up to the Capitol for PTA Day at the Capitol and I realized this is where I can make a difference,” she said. “Now I encourage all members to send your representative and
your senator emails and tell them what you think about something.”
Utah PTA also runs unique programs such as the Battle of the Bands, a 23-year tradition which gives student musicians a stage to shine.
“It might not reach every kid, but it reaches kids who need that connection the most,” Cluff said. “Some of these students are not just talented musicians, they’re amazing and polite kids.”
Beyond education, the Utah PTA has tackled broader community issues which affect children’s ability to learn, including affordable housing, homelessness and food insecurity. Cluff has authored resolutions on these topics after seeing firsthand how unstable housing impacts students in her Midvale community.
“If kids don’t have a safe place to live, they can’t focus on learning,” she said. Utah has hosted the National PTA convention twice, in 1938 and 1988, reflecting its leadership on a national stage. Most recently, in 2022, Utah PTA received the National PTA Outstanding State PTA Award and Gov. Spencer Cox has declared October 2025 as Utah PTA Centennial Celebration Month.
Through all its initiatives, Utah PTA teaches students to advocate for themselves. Each year, secondary students participate in PTSA Day at the Legislature, meeting lawmakers, discussing issues and even learning how to draft bills.
“I really believe the kids can make a difference,” Milne said.
After 100 years, Utah PTA remains a powerful advocate for children, families and educators.
“When our community comes together with a shared mission, we can do a lot of good to ensure every child has the support and opportunities needed to thrive,” Cluff said. l
Utah PTA President Julie Cluff holds the proclamation signed by Gov. Spencer J. Cox has declaring October 2025 as Utah PTA Centennial Celebration Month. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Displays showcased the advocacy and history of Utah’s PTA during its centennial celebration. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Current and past Utah PTA presidents pose for a recent photo. (Photo courtesy of Utah PTA)
Council works to provide taxpayers best value during budget process resulting in tough cuts
In the 12 years I’ve been on the Salt Lake County Council, this was the most intense budget season I’ve ever encountered. It began when Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson proposed a 19.6% property tax increase. As we see the economy softening, some of us on the council vowed to dig in, realign the county spending with top priorities, and find ways to be more efficient and effective with your tax dollars so we could lower that property tax ask. I’ve since learned that while it may feel good to give people government perks, it is sure painful when it’s time to take them away.
I’ll start with daycare. It’s a big issue throughout the state and while there are fewer daycare waiting lists in Salt Lake County, it’s still unaffordable for many families. Somehow Salt Lake County has been subsidizing four daycares to the tune of $6000-$10,000 per child. That means that property taxpayers, like you, are paying half the tuition for about 271 kids.
I had many people contact me and say they were fine with their tax dollars to go to low-income families, but this program had no income qualifications. We certainly had many families who were making more than
Aimee Winder Newton
Salt Lake County Councilmember District 3
the median household income, yet they were being subsidized by those on low or fixed incomes. We made the decision to get out of the daycare business.
Another tough decision was related to a senior center. We voted to close a senior center on 10th East in SLC that is currently vacant and only 1.8 miles away from another senior center. Not every city has a senior center, so to have two so close did not make sense. It saves taxpayers $6-7 million in one-time costs and $400,000 in ongoing costs each year. The empty building was in the process of being renovated and the $3 million funds spent thus far to remove asbestos would’ve needed to happen regardless of the use.
We hope those who love the 10th East Senior Center will be able to continue attending activities at the Liberty Senior Center, as I’m a big believer in the value of the human connection that seniors can get by interacting with others. We love all of our seniors, and this decision was made recognizing that we have many on fixed incomes who feel that the more we rein in government spending, the better. Our taxpayers have made it clear that they are stretched to the limit and the county needs to focus on core services.
Budgets are tricky and Salt Lake County has one of the most complicated budgets. While the overall budget is $2 billion, $500 million of that is just pass-through taxes that go from the state to cities or UTA. Another $1 billion make up restricted funds, enterprise funds, and tourism taxes – which can only fund certain things or those that are tourist-related. Have you ever wondered why we justify spending money on arts, culture, parks, golf, recreation, and convention centers? Those entire budgets either generate their own revenue sources or they use tourism taxes from hotels, car
rentals and restaurants. They do not use any property tax.
About $500 million of the budget is the General Fund. That is where we have total flexibility to use the funds however we please. This is where your property taxes go -- $220 million from residential property taxes. Currently 74% of our General Fund expenditures are public safety related – jail, prosecution, criminal justice services, etc. The rest covers things like elections, audits, etc. Because we capture the same amount of money as the previous year (minus new construction), the county does tax increases every few years just to keep up with inflation. To read my FAQs about the budget, visit tinyurl.com/SLCObudget
During this year’s budget I’ve tried hard to look at programs that are out of the county’s scope (daycare) or items that seem duplicative or unnecessary (two senior centers within 2 miles of each other). We’ve also cut positions that aren’t fulfilling the county’s overall mission or that we don’t believe are necessary. Rest assured that we are going to bat for you so you can keep more of your hard-earned money.
Life & Laughter - A Christmas Carol: Corporate Edition
Ebeneezer Scrooge sits on the edge of his vast four-poster bed, wondering what the heck just happened. Three ghosts have shown him his greedy behavior and how, because of his miserly ways, he’ll die hated and alone.
“Oh, well,” he says, as he jumps off the bed and heads to his vault, where he swims through stacks of gold coins like Scrooge McDuck. “It’s not my fault there are poor people.”
Jacob Marley’s ghost hovers nearby, rattling his heavy chains. “Remorse is a heavy burden,” he cries. Scrooge tells him to get lost and skips downstairs to count his money.
The jolly Ghost of Christmas Present jumps out from behind the couch, reminding Scrooge of the two ghastly children hidden in his robes, representing poverty and ignorance. “You have so much,” the ghost says. “You could help so many.”
“They should get jobs,” Scrooge replies. “It’s not my problem.”
The spirit starts to disagree, but Scrooge calls in officers from Interstellar Creature Enforcement to haul the ghost away. Christmas Present mutters something about corporate greed as he gets zip-tied.
Scrooge runs to the window and sees a young boy on the street below. “Hello, fine
Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
fellow! Run to the Cratchit house and tell Bob to come to work. I gave him the day off, but there are debts to collect!”
“But it’s Christmas,” the boy responds.
“Humbug! Christmas is just an excuse for sloth. Remind him that although I didn’t give him a raise or bonus this year, I put a ping-pong table in the break room and, because it’s Christmas, he can use the Keurig one time today. He should be grateful.”
The Ghost of Christmas Past taps Scrooge on the shoulder. “Old Fezziwig shared his wealth with employees and friends. He was greatly mourned.”
“Well, Fezziwig is dead,” Scrooge says. “Where did compassion get him?”
He dismisses the spirit, then calls his maid to bring him weak tea (“I’m not wasting money on sugar!”), plain, toasted bread (“Jam is a luxury!”) and a hard-boiled egg (because it is Christmas, after all).
Scrooge slurps his tea, the sound echoing through the cavernous room as the grandfather clock ticks away the final moments of his miserly life.
Meanwhile, across the city, Bob Cratchit and his family wake up to a vast display of gifts and food. Knowing exactly how stingy Scrooge would be, friends and neighbors quietly pooled their money to create the perfect Christmas morning for the family.
The Cratchit children are awed by the generosity. Peter eagerly opens the latest Dickens novel, Martha admires her fashionable scarf and the baby toddles around with a new doll.
Neighbors even started a GoFundMe for Tiny Tim so he could see a doctor and the town carpenter made him a new crutch. The home is filled with laughter and friendship as everyone roasts Ebeneezer Scrooge with Victorian cocktails. Even the dog gets tipsy.
While Scrooge and Cratchit live just miles apart, their life experiences are vastly different. Although poor, the Cratchits love each other and are cared for by the people around them. Communities take care of each other.
It’s something Scrooge will never understand. All his wealth won’t save him.
He sees the Ghost of Christmas Yet to
Come dramatically using his bony finger to beckon Scrooge to follow. Time’s up.
“Fine,” Scrooge says, “but I’m taking my egg. Eggs are expensive, you know.”
Marley moans from the hall, “Mankind was your business.”
“Gold was my business!” Scrooge yells as he stomps after the ghost, wishing he could roll around in his money just one more time.
