Draper Journal | February 2024

February 2024 | Vol. 18 Iss. 2

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By Katherine Weinstein | k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com

A

merica’s current epidemic of social isolation and loneliness has recently made headlines. Statistically speaking, the problem is especially acute for members of Gen Z, young people for whom social media and texting culture has too often replaced in-person social interaction. Members of Gen Z also report more struggles with anxiety and depression.

Draper resident Tom Robinson, a professor of mass communications in the advertising program at Brigham Young University, was surprised to learn that many of the young adults he worked with every day were not going on dates.

“They are scared to, they don’t know how,” he said. “People think they have to be looking for a spouse.”

Robinson decided to address the problem first by giving talks about datDraper resident and BYU professor Tom Robinson (right) was photographed in the recording studio with “Dating Made Simple” podcast co-host and fellow professor Robert Walz (left). (Photo courtesy of Tom Robinson)

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ing on BYU’s fireside circuit but wanted to reach a larger audience. He started a podcast, “It’s Just Dinner” with his colleague, associate teaching professor Robert Walz. The co-hosts later changed the name to “Dating Made Simple” and have created over 80 episodes.

“We asked ourselves, ‘how do we make kids more comfortable with dating?’” Robinson said. “One of my biggest concerns is that there are people sitting home alone on a Friday or Saturday night. That can result in an increase in depression and anxiety. We need to help people get out and have fun.”

While the podcast’s target audience is 18 to 30 year olds, Robinson feels that older folks could find it useful as well.

“People who are divorced are often in the same situation,” he said. “They don’t know how to ask someone out.”

The title “It’s Just Dinner” came out of Robinson’s core piece of advice Continued page 11

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Page 2 February 2024

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February 2024 | Page 3

Canyons, other districts settle Title IX lawsuit, aim to promote equality in sports

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

S

ix years after filing a discrimination lawsuit for not providing sanctioned girls tackle football teams in Utah high schools, the three named school districts—Canyons, Jordan and Granite—reached a settlement.

Brought about by former football standout Sam Gordon and five other female players who lived within those districts’ boundaries, the settlement reached this past fall will hopefully result in increased opportunities for girls in high school athletics, said Canyons School District Director of High Schools Tom Sherwood.

“Basically, it spelled out some things that we need to do better as school districts in terms of honoring Title IX,” he said. “One of the agreements in the settlement is we will be more intentional in promoting girls high school sports beginning as early as elementary schools and in middle schools.”

That is one of Canyons District’s focuses in 2024.

“We have assigned all the high school [athletic directors] to help promote Title IX at their elementary and middle schools and in addition, each middle school now has a middle school administrator assigned to be a Title IX specialist,” Sherwood said. “We’re in the process of creating more intentional recruitment in spring to the middle schools specifically talking about girls sports. We’ll be doing promotional posters and being more proactive in promoting girls high school athletics. Before, we would go to the schools and say: ‘Hey, get involved in high school.

We have lots to offer. We have sports, choir, band, dance and all the activities,’ but this is very specific to promoting girls sports in middle schools and even elementary to narrow the participation gap.”

Sherwood, who was named as the director of high schools, also is the Title IX compliance athletic officer. He said as part

Journals T H E

of continuing to seek student input, Canyons District will survey female students to determine interest level in female sports and activities in future years. Sports, such as girls tackle football, may apply to become a student-led club sport within the district and can advertise on campuses and request to use school facilities.

While Title IX doesn’t specifically say athletics, it’s commonly known in the sports world as a way to equalize opportunity for girls and women.

“There is a three-prong test (practiced by the National Federation of State High School Associations) that’s been accepted by the Office of Civil Rights to determine Title IX compliance in schools,” he said. “One of the three prongs is proportionality in funding, facilities and participation, meaning that the ratio of female participation is close to the ratio of female enrollment. So, for example, Jordan High has 50:50 enrollment (of males and females), and they have 50:50 participation. Our other four comprehensive high schools are all within 6% in variability between participation and enrollment.”

Sherwood added that in late January, he will present those findings within athletics to the Canyons Board of Education in compliance with new state code 53G-6-1101 that states each district must report it annually and have an action plan to address discrepancies greater than 10 percent.

However, Sherwood isn’t just reporting the numbers. The other parts of the threeprong test are to show the district is striving to increasing opportunities for female athletes and accommodating interest.

“I’m aware that there’s a 6% gap, and even if I never achieve complete equality, what am I doing to close the gap?” he said.

“How could we support and expand opportunities for females specifically? In terms

Six years after filing a discrimination lawsuit, Canyons and two other school districts settled this fall, promising an increase in promoting girls high school sports. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

of expansion, [Utah High School Activities Association] recently added lacrosse, but again, that’s for both boys and girls. Cheer is much more participated in by girls than by boy,s and that was the last dominant girl sport sanctioned; however, in spring 2024, boys volleyball will be sanctioned, so it put us back in achieving participation equality.

One thing we’ve learned from all this is that UHSAA does not receive any federal funding, so they are not responsible for being compliant in the local school districts. It’s the districts that need to follow the tenants of Title IX, to find that balance and to ensure we’re supporting growth in female sports.”

Sherwood said the UHSAA, which also was part of the lawsuit, was not included in

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Page 4 February 2024

the settlement.

In interest of equality, Sherwood reviews budget, gear and facilities.

“There’s been a light shined on equity of facilities,” he said. “Canyons School District has been very intentional through its facilities’ improvements to ensure there is equality in our facilities, uniforms, equipment, gear and financial commitment uses of gyms and other rooms. We’ve had a lot of progress in just the past few years in terms of how we approach girls and boys athletics. As far as the spirit of Title IX and Canyons District, by our current levels of participation, facilities’ compliance, and efforts to expand female participation, we’re doing a pretty good job.” l

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Draper City Journal

The Off Broadway Theatre sends up local culture in ‘Utahoma!’ at Draper Historic Theatre

By Katherine Weinstein | k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com

T

his month, The Off Broadway Theatre presents the musical parody, "Utahoma!" on the stage of Draper Historic Theatre. Set in pioneer days, "Utahoma!" pokes gentle fun at Utah culture while borrowing the melodies and basic plot from Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma!" “Utahoma!” will be presented Feb. 2 through 24.

"Utahoma!" was first written and presented by the company in 2006. The production's author and director, Off Broadway Theatre co-founder Eric Jensen, said, "I wanted to do a show that celebrated Utah history." Jensen, whose pioneer ancestors worked as miners in the early days of Utah Territory, explained that a spoof of "Oklahoma!" was the perfect place to start. "Everything I saw in 'Oklahoma!' I saw in Utah," he said. "The stories have a universality."

"Oklahoma!" is set in 1906, shortly before Oklahoma Territory achieved statehood.

In "Utahoma!" the characters' romantic entanglements take place against the backdrop of the joining of the Transcontinental Railroad at Promontory Point.

The plot also loosely follows that of "Oklahoma!" with its love triangle between a young lady named Laurey, her cowboy suitor Curly and the dangerous farmhand Jud Fry. In “Utahoma!” the counterparts of these characters are named, respectively, Lenora, Laverle and Jed. Makayla Barlow, who plays Lenora, explained that Lenora and Laverle want to be together but neither wants to admit it. “Too much pride,” Barlow said. “Lenora flirts with Jed to make Laverle jealous but Jed thinks she really likes him.”

In the role of Jed Bridger, Jeff North explained, “He is not as dark of a character as Jud Fry. I’ve really enjoyed playing Jed. It’s super fun to be the bad guy. He gets two of the funniest songs, like ‘Poor Jed is Wed.’” Hunter Smith, who has taken on the role of Laverle, said, "The heart of this show is about finding love. You have two couples who are looking for love and want to settle down in Utah. And they go about it in a very wacky

way!"

While “Oklahoma!” features a character named Ado Annie, who sings, “I’m just a girl who can’t say no,” “Utahoma!” has a character named Ellie who can’t say “yes.” Actor Clarence Strohn explained, “Her beau goes off to fight in the Mormon battalion and she falls in love with the Persian peddler Giuseppe Fettucini. She has to decide what to do.”

Strohn, who plays Fettucini, has been performing with The Off Broadway Theatre for nearly 30 years and has acted in a previous production of “Utahoma!” He feels that this show stands out from the theater company’s repertoire of comic musical parodies. “This has the best lyrical work in a parody show,” he said.

“It's really funny. Anyone who has lived in Utah will find this show hilarious,” North added.

Ane Genessy plays the show’s pioneer narrator, Eliza R. Snow. “There are a lot of Utah jokes, a lot of Mormon culture jokes,” she said. “It will have you laughing the whole time.

It is a fun, fast-paced show and the cast is just dynamite.”

As in all productions by The Off Broadway Theatre, ad-libbing and improvisation is encouraged. “I love the humor, the awful dad jokes, the audience interaction, being goofy on stage,” Smith said. “You never know what’s going to happen next.”

While the plot may be set in pioneer days, the show’s humor and cultural references are very current. For example, instead of singing, “The cowhand and the farmer should be friends,” as in “Oklahoma!,” the cast sings, “The Cougars and the Utes should be friends.”

In fact, that particular song reflects the message at the heart of this production. “There are so many reasons to be divided,” Eric Jensen said. “It’s much more important to find common ground and enjoy things together.”

The Off Broadway Theatre presents “Utahoma!” at Draper Historic Theatre on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2 through 24. Draper Historic Theatre is located at 12366 S. 900 East. For tickets visit theobt. org. l

From left to right, Alexis Owen, Daniel Peckham, Hunter Smith and Makayla Barlow play two young couples in love in the Off Broadway Theatre production of “Utahoma!” at Draper Historic Theatre this month. (Photo by Nic Brown with special permission from Off Broadway Theatre)

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February 2024 | Page 5

Leadership program aims to help teenagers make schools, sports more welcoming

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

H

illcrest High senior Brooklyn Glover is a captain of her school’s basketball team and is learning how to lead.

“It’s hard because you want to be a leader, but you also want to be a friend,” she said. “I’m learning to find that balance of leading and being a good teammate.”

She is one of about 45 students from Hillcrest who are part of Canyons School District’s new student leadership program.

Each of Canyons’ five comprehensive high schools can invite up to 60 students to participate in the program from sports teams and activities sanctioned by the Utah High School Activities Association as well as 10 other students who may be identified as leaders or future leaders in their schools.

Partnering with Sunlight Works, an organization that helps deliver leadership and communication tools, about 300 students meet four mornings during the school year to address topics such as school culture, sportsmanship and resilience and then discuss them in break-out sessions. They’ve heard from guest speakers such as Brighton High alumni Bryan Kehl, who, as a former NFL linebacker, talked about what it means to be a champion; and former Utah State University basketball player Brock Miller, who addressed sportsmanship and accountability.

Four other mornings, each high school group meets to take what they’ve learned in the districtwide sessions and apply it to their own school.

Canyons’ Director of High Schools Tom Sherwood is overseeing the district program, which began in September talking about school culture.

“We’re wanting students to take ownership of their school culture and collectively, identify what they value and are about, and sharing that message with their community,” he said. “We want them to be intentional about what they’re putting out there, their behaviors with their peers and on social media, the interactions they may have on the court, in a competition and with people they’re interacting with.”

In November, the students learned about sportsmanship.

“We talked about what’s OK what’s not OK, how to be positive, supportive and how these extracurricular activities are an extension of the classroom where they’re learning to be part of a team, working hard and learning how to persevere through adversity and other life lessons,” Sherwood said. “We want everyone to feel welcome and safe—whether they’re a spectator, an athlete or participant—and it’s part of their responsibility to ensure that takes place.”

In late January, the topic is slated to focus on resilience and positivity. Brighton High alumnus Todd Sylvester, who showed great promise as a basketball player only to be derailed with alcohol and drugs, will speak.

“We’re wanting to make sure our students are taking care of themselves and their own social emotional needs, having that life balance, especially when they participate in extracurricular activities or sports, because it’s tough to do it all well,” Sherwood said. “They have to stay on top of things academically and make sure that they’re mentally good, and they have time to spend with family and with friends. We’re going to go over being self-aware and developing some stress management techniques and good organizational skills and prioritization.”

Together, students and administrators will decide a topic for March.

“I think we all—the school administrators, Brian (McGill, director of student services) Rick (Robbins, superintendent) and I—just saw a need to begin this,” Sherwood said. “We can help these students see things through a different light and learn what it means to be respectful and responsible and to help take some responsibility for their school culture. We hope they can influence their peers. That’s why this isn’t meant just for seniors; we want this to carry on, year after year and help change the culture.

Page 6 February 2024

During a student leadership program, Canyons Director of Student Services Brian McGill speaks to student representatives from all five comprehensive high schools. (Tom Sherwood/Canyons School District)

We’ve seen a significant uptick in challenging behaviors in the last few years, post-COVID, so we want to help students make smart choices whether it’s in the classroom, athletics, music or hanging out with their friends and have them share the message with their peers. This is a great leadership opportunity.”

On months when they don’t meet together, school advisers lead discussions on the topics to focus on what they can do at their particular high school.

Hillcrest High’s Athletic Director Scott Carrell is the school’s student leadership academy adviser. He has taken workshops at conferences about student leadership academies, saying there has been “a big push across the country.”

“We want students to build a more positive culture and have students to be more involved in school,” he said. “Every school is different and has different issues, but at Hillcrest, we have a lot of students who work, so we want to find ways to involve them and have school be a positive experience. We brainstormed ways to pack the games and build a better atmosphere, one that is more inclusive with more school spirit.”

During the first meeting at the school, Carrell challenged his students, who he calls Leaders of the Pack—tying into the Husky mascot, to come up with five things they could do personally to be more inclusive at Hillcrest.

“A lot of them said they could constantly try to meet new people every day and invite them to activities, going to a game or seeing a play,” he said. “We were looking at small impacts they could do. Then, we talked about how they could take this back to their groups or teams and what they could do. We have some groups buying into this, and I’ve talked with the coaches and advisers to support this along.”

Glover said they’ve taken that brainstorming into motivating their peers to become involved or attend school functions and games.

“A lot of people know Hillcrest for the arts, so now we’re trying to support each other to play or come to the games,” she said. “We want to get rid of high school cliques and build community and have fun.”

The program might still be in its infancy, but Carrell is optimistic.

“I feel it is working,” he said. “It’s going to take us a year or two to get it implemented where it’s the norm. Hillcrest already is welcoming and inclusive, but we can build more on that. This was something that I wanted to do on a school level, but I think at the district level, we’re not seeing as much involvement in school activities. I don’t know why. I feel this program can help us a lot and we want to have opportunities for our students, and we want them to be positive.”

Carrell also said they break into groups to discuss situations and how, as leaders, they would handle the situation.

“We help them develop some leadership skills that will benefit them with their teams or club, but also, ultimately they’re learning skills that will not just help them in high school, but after high school,” he said.

Sherwood agrees.

“The kids have genuinely felt they are learning something,” he said. “It’s been good to learn and get tips from different schools. We’re all in this together, and we’re here to learn.

This, already, has been a game-changer.” l

Draper City Journal

Canyons School District honors employees, volunteers, community for dedication, service

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

I

t’s been said it takes a village to raise a child.

For 14 years, Canyons School District leaders have given Apex Awards to those who dedicate themselves to teaching, advocating and helping mold the education of children.

This year, a teacher, a volunteer, administrators, support staff and community leaders were recognized for making a positive impact in their community and with students.

Leading the charge in schools are Jordan High’s Principal Bruce Eschler and Eastmont Middle’s Principal Stacy Kurtzhals, who were honored for their dedication to students.

“It was a surprise,” Eschler said when he received a letter from Canyons Board of Education President Amber Shill. “I’m honored. I couldn’t do anything I do without my [administration] team and my family backing me up.

If I’ve done anything, right, it’s because I’ve had good people around me, and I’ve had good mentors in my life.”

Eschler has dedicated his three years at Jordan High by “bringing new programs that resonate and are unique to our community.”

Under his leadership, Jordan officials introduced a drone program, which included electronics courses and a bike-repair program.

He has seen to the addition of CTE courses, adding classes in game development and web development as well as bringing Alta High’s successful Step to the U program to Jordan and providing Salt Lake Community College’s Education 1020 or Intro to College concurrent enrollment class.

Now, Jordan High is rolling out the Navy Defense Cadet Corps.

“This will be beneficial to not only the students who are here, but students in the future,” he said. “I’m proud of our students—as students as well as our athletes, our unified programs, our performing arts, our career and technical organizations. We celebrate the amazing things our students are doing. I’m happy to see change within our school culture, like recognizing all our kids and having positive relationships. Those are impactful on educational outcomes. I’m personally a product of that. I’m here because a teacher saw potential in me and took the opportunity to say, ‘Hey, I’m an advocate for you,’ and that’s what I try to do for our students.”

A positive school culture and advocating for students is key for Kurtzhals, who’s now in her eighth year leading the Eastmont Patriots. Not even flood, construction, nor asbestos, which forced the students to move to another temporary location, derailed her.

Nominated by students, parents and faculty, she said: “This is everybody’s award. It’s not about me; it’s about we. I can’t do anything without them.”

Instilling Patriot Pride from student leaders who took the initiative to welcome their classmates to a temporary new school building

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to creating a community of teachers who support each other, and their students has helped to “rebuild the culture, which was one of the best things that I’ve done,” she said. “The thing that motivates me the most is watching the growth in our students.”

Under her leadership and teacher innovation, students have engaged in learning from hands-on STEM engagement to puzzling out escape rooms. She also has seen her students embrace learning through AVID, a program that helps students identify strategies for learning from note taking to problem-solving and collaboration.

“It’s giving them the tools so they can be successful in school and in life,” she said, adding that the school is working to be a national demonstration school as well as a state STEM-designated school. “I love my kids. I want them to know what is possible.”

The Apex teacher of the year award was given to Midvale Middle math teacher Max Eddington, who was a finalist for the statewide teacher of the year award.

He taught at four schools before finding a home at Midvale Middle.

“I try to communicate with every single student in every class every day,” he said. “I try to know things about them outside of academics and to find ways for them to know that I am not just a teacher, but I’m a person who cares about them.”

Caring about students is a trademark of Apex district administrator of the year award winner, Charisse Hilton, who initiated Canyons’ Peer Court, where peers annually review about 100 cases of challenging behaviors within schools and provide positive outcomes.

Also on the district level, Canyons’ library media specialist Gretchen Zaitzeff, received the Apex Student Support Services Professional of the Year award for her dedication in creating policy in among the political turmoil of books in school libraries.

Canyons also honored four area legislators—Utah Sen. Kathleen Riebe and Reps.

Gay Lynn Bennion, Steve Eliason and Andrew Stoddard—with the Apex award for elected officials of the year for their support of public education.

Tacos El Cuñado, which has given free tacos to students at events such as Butler Elementary’s World Night, as well as to teachers during teacher appreciation or PTA conferences, was thanked for its dedication with the APEX community partner award.

The Apex education support professionals of the year award went to nutrition services.

These individuals not only provide healthy food choices for students now, but even with a worker shortage, they came up with a solution to safely provide breakfast and lunch to thousands of students during the pandemic.

The Apex Legacy Award was given to

Eastmont Middle’s Principal Stacy Kurtzhals was amongst those honored at Canyons School District’s Apex awards. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Bob Dowdle, who served as Canyons School District’s assistant superintendent after a career in education. His duties extended from recruiting and hiring directors as the district began to helping establish academic programs and helping lead students to successfully navigate their online learning through the pandemic.

Honored for years of service without being on the payroll is Apex volunteer of the year Rebecca Martin. Mother of four, she has served as president or on the PTA executive board for the last 15 years at Peruvian Park, Midvale Middle and Hillcrest High as well as on several Canyons Districts committees.

“I stepped up when the need arose,” she said. “I know it’s important to have parent volunteers in the schools. I’m here to advocate for our students. I’m a parental voice for our students with our own administration, with Canyons Districts, the school board and at a state level. I email legislators about issues that are affecting our children in education to help make things better in our schools.”

At Peruvian Park, where in addition to PTA presidency duties, she organized the school’s 50th birthday party in 2015 that introduced the panther mascot costume, the writing and singing of the school song, a 50th birthday essay contest, a caricature artist, a timeline of events that took place, a creation of a time capsule and other activities.

“It was fun to bring in alumni, current and former teachers and principals with the kids at the school,” she said.

At Midvale Middle PTA President for two years, she encouraged use of PTA money

to purchase books.

“We used money from the book fair to buy books for the school library and classrooms.

We wanted to get books in kids’ hands,” she said, adding that another effort was to involve all kids in the school fundraiser. “We tried to make it more of a spirit event to include everyone.”

At Hillcrest High, Martin’s volunteerism extended to helping get others, including her own family, to set up 500 flags at late notice for a memorial service for Hillcrest alum, Sgt. Taylor Hoover, who was killed in Afghanistan.

Not only did the flags get set up, but she decorated for the reception and gave tours of the new school.

During COVID and post-pandemic, she concentrated on teacher appreciation, making sure “faculty and staff felt appreciated and valued.” She also helped with activities her children have been involved in from cross country to drama.

“Whenever I’ve interacted with the students, they are always very appreciative, very respectful to me and other parents,” she said.

“They always say thank you, and that means so much to me—as much as the Apex. I want them to know that there are adults who support you, care about you, and we want to help you. I believe in community and connection.

Everything I do in the schools is to help everyone feel part of the community that we are here together.” l

February 2024 | Page 7

Page 8 February 2024

Draper City Journal

Councilmembers sworn in; speak of patriotism, collaboration and service

By Mimi Darley Dutton | m.dutton@mycityjournals.com

C

ity Manager David Dobbins began the oath of office ceremony at Draper City Hall, saying government closest to the people is more responsive to people’s needs, and city government is theoretically more effective because it’s closer to the people. Dobbins said public service “takes a lot” and that it’s a commitment for the families of the councilmembers as well.

“But that’s what we do, we’re looking to make Draper the best city in the state of Utah,” Dobbins said.

Following his remarks, the oath was administered to Fred Lowry, Cal Roberts and Bryn Heather Johnson, winners of November’s election for city council, each with a four-year term. Lowry and Roberts served on the council the past four years, and this will be Johnson’s first term. She previously served on the Draper Historic Preservation Commission and has been active with the PTA at Corner Canyon High School as well as the School Community Council.

Johnson said her journey to the council began “because of the support and confidence of my husband,” because he recognized her many years of volunteer experience and passion for Draper. She said she thought he was crazy at first because she was busy planning her daughter’s wedding and other activities. But she began to ponder the possibility herself once he’d planted the seed.

“I quickly thought of my goals and priorities should I be elected, managing the expected growth, conserving natural resources, including paying attention to air quality and engaging our youth in meaningful programs and keeping them safe,” she said. “I realized I should consider running.”

Johnson quoted Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis in saying, “The most important political office is that of the private citizen,” noting that people must stay informed and vote.

Brandeis was known as incorruptible and a crusader for social justice. Johnson said sexism, racism and bigotry do not align with Draper’s values and that she plans to work with the people to promote ideals that make Draper a good community to live in.

“I’m excited to get to work,” she said.

Lowry expressed patriotism and gratitude and recognized his parents for teaching him to give public service.

“I love Draper,” he said. “I love this city. I love this state, and I love this country. I feel so blessed to be a part of this community.”

Lowry echoed Dobbins’ thoughts on the importance of local government. He addressed a lack of civility in modern culture and said that can be controlled locally by working collaboratively.

“I will strive to maintain that level of dignity that will allow us to have discussions,” Lowry said. “It takes all five of us (the council) to work together. There may have been criticisms (that we often vote unanimously).

We’re able to work together and work out a lot of things so we can be unanimous. We’re not going to always have 5-0 votes, but we’ll work

DraperJournal .com

The three winning candidates for Draper City Council took the oath of office Jan. 2 at City Hall. Fred Lowry (right) and Cal Roberts (left) were reelected, and Bryn Heather Johnson began her first term on the council. (Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)

together to move forward.”

Lowry hopes voters will hold the councilmembers accountable.

“That’s why you elected us,” he said. “The voters are my friends; I’m just a fellow constituent. I hope we can maintain a level of dignity that can spread to the state and the federal level.”

Roberts said he’s often asked how he likes serving on city council.

“The reality is I love serving, being a part of building Draper’s future, interacting with volunteers and residents,” he said. “I still believe public service can be noble and worthwhile.” His focus has been on “hyperlocal” issues, and he said that a growing threat to our city comes from a dissolution of civic engagement.

In his remarks, Roberts mentioned former U.S President Ronald Reagan’s reference to “little platoons,” an idea that originated with Edmund Burke, a member of British Parliament and known in the U.S. as a founder of conservatism. Roberts said those “little platoons” such as family, churches and civic groups are an engine for prosperous and flourishing communities.

“I think local government functions as a little platoon,” Roberts said. “I’ve seen it solve many problems, promote economic development, conserve water, push back on big mining interests, and throw great parties (Draper Days). I believe in the power of little platoons to make a difference.”

Before the election, Draper City’s website made information available about each candidate as well as their required campaign finance disclosures which itemized contributions received and expenditures. Those documents show that the three winning candidates were the individuals who invested the most in their campaigns. Public records indicate the salary of

a Draper councilmember ranges from approximately $25,000 to $30,000 annually, including wages and benefits.

Each candidate signed an optional Pledge of Fair Campaign Practices committing to de-

cency, honesty and fair play in their campaigns, affirming that they wouldn’t permit “scurrilous attacks” on any of the candidates or their families or do anything to corrupt or undermine the American system of free elections or hinder the free expression of the will of the voters.

Mayor Troy Walker addressed the recently sworn-in council members.

“Some places you serve, you’re insulated from criticisms,” he said. “You are not when you’re on the city council. You’re subject to and should expect the criticism that comes. As we come together to do the work of the city, we can’t do everything we want, and we can’t do everything the people want. Most of the time it’s really good; some of the time it really sucks.”

He commended the city staff and spoke with excitement about the city’s future, including development of The Point.

“We have to look ahead,” he said to the new council members. “Your vision has to be out front.”

Dobbins congratulated the three council members for “helping make your vision of Draper a reality.” The new council went to work with its first meeting Jan. 9, one week after the oath of office ceremony. l

February 2024 | Page 9

JDCHS boys basketball settling in to 5A play

By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

L

ast season marked the first year that the Juan Diego Catholic High School boys basketball ventured into play at the Class 5A level. The Soaring Eagle went 4-5 against that classification, winning a state tournament game—50-49 over Bountiful—before losing to eventual state champion Alta in the second round.

This season, Juan Diego is 10-7 as of our press deadline and is new to Region 4 with a 5-1 showing thus far. The Soaring Eagle are trying to keep a string of nine straight region championships alive. Juan Diego’s one region loss was a one-point overtime setback to West Jordan Jan. 5.

“Our season has been solid,” said head coach Drew Trost, who is in his 11th year at JDCHS. “We’ve had some growing pains, but we are starting to put it together. This group is truly embracing our Effort, Attitude and Teamwork mentality. I’m very excited to see where this takes us.”

Junior forward Luke Meyer leads the team in scoring and rebounds with 17 and nine a game, respectively, while junior guard Stockton Young averages 11 points and senior guard Caden Fenger eight.

“This is definitely the deepest team I’ve had in quite a while,” Trost said. “There really are 12 guys that can all get legitimate varsity

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The Juan Diego Catholic High School boys basketball team is 4-1 in its first year in Region 4, a year after joining the Class 5A ranks. (Photo courtesy JD Media Club)

playing time. I truly feel comfortable putting that many guys in a varsity game, and I haven’t felt that way in a long time. This has led to some great competition in practice. They are committed to working hard and playing together. We have a very balanced attack where

anyone is capable of having a big night.”

Seniors JJ Aguirre, Tevarii Pecqueux, juniors Hunter Chamberlain and Jake Wyatt and sophomores Rahiti Tinirauarii and Javier Aguirre have also been key players for the group this season.

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“We have spent a lot of time working on our teamwork and executing our offense,” Trost said. “I have been proud of the guys and how they have embraced the team-first mentality. Our ability to execute and share the ball is a major key to our success.”

Juan Diego has defeated Westlake, Summit Academy, Bosco Tech (California), Judge, Timpanogos, West Jordan, Granger, Cyprus, Hunter and Taylorsville so far this season while losing to Skyline, Murray, Brighton, Faith Lutheran (Nevada), Meadows (Nevada), Oakland (California).

“We’ve been right there in the games we’ve lost and could have won,” Trost said.

“But, we’re playing our best basketball right now and trying to ride that momentum. It’s an exciting thing to be building something special.”

Also on the JDCHS team this year are Zach Abraham, Keurik Bare, Anthony Barnard, Jack Clark, Evan Colarusso, Deng Deng, Garang Deng, Devan James, Aidan Janiga, Chris Jimerson, Luke Lowery, Jordan Montoya, Trey Nicolodemos, Andrei Olivo, Cameron Orchard, Darion Otto, Easton Putzke, Niko Salgado, Kingston Taban, Sam Vansice and Anthony Young.

“I always want our guys to develop a relationship with God, to learn about life, to

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Continued from front page to take some of the pressure off of getting to know someone. “Forget about dating, just ask someone to go to dinner,” he explained.

“The dinner itself isn’t important, it’s an opportunity for you to sit and talk with someone. If you feel a spark, you ask them on a date.”

Robinson relayed the fact that he met his wife by following his own advice. “I was divorced and alone,” he said. “I decided I needed to practice what I preached and set up a couple of profiles on online dating sites and apps. I started meeting people and having fun. I know it works!”

In each episode of the podcast, Robinson and Walz engage in lively and candid conversations with special guests who have expertise in different aspects of dating and relationship-building. One recent guest was professional dating coach Tripp Kramer who specializes in helping shy guys approach and engage in conversation with prospective dates. Online dating coach Erika Ettin appeared on the podcast to give helpful tips on building a successful dating profile. Body language expert Blanca Cobb will be a guest on the podcast in February to teach listeners how to read body language and better express themselves.

The producer currently in charge of finding guests for the podcast is BYU junior

grow as young men, to maximize their potential and to enjoy the season,” Trost said. “We also have a goal of advancing to the venue in the state tournament. We are continuing to build something very special here.”

Juan Diego finishes out the season against Taylorsville, West Jordan, Granger, Cyprus, Hunter and Kearns before the 5A state tournament begins Feb. 21.

Girls The JDCHS girls team defeated Orem 42-40 in its fourth game of the season and also beat Hillcrest 35-26 at the end of November.

But, the Soaring Eagle have struggled to win since and currently stands at 2-18 overall and

Macie Thelin, a student in the advertising program. She identified what she believes are roadblocks to dating among her peers.

“I’ve seen a lot of people not going out,” Thelin said. “It can feel like a lot of pressure, people are focusing on their careers, it’s too expensive. It hurts my heart to see such great people not going out.”

She belongs to the It’s Just Dinner Club which is an off-shoot of the podcast on the BYU campus. “We come up with events where we meet, learn to improve our communication skills, make new friends and meet dating prospects,” she said.

Thelin said that she has found the club and podcast to be helpful in her own dating life and isn’t afraid to take the first step in asking someone out. “The podcast teaches people how to communicate and date better,” she summed up.

Robinson emphasized that even though the podcast is produced at BYU, “We are not centered around the Church at all. Seventy-five or 80% of the guests we have on are not LDS. We’re trying to expand our audience.”

“Dating Made Simple” is available on Spotify, Apple and all other major podcast platforms. Follow @datingmadesimple_ on Instagram for more content on dating as well as links to the podcast. l

0-5 in Region 14 play.

Juan Diego has been led in scoring this year by sophomore center Aven Kuath with nearly six points a game, while sophomore guard Ella Sabit averages five.

Also on the JDCHS squad this season are Elly Clark, Madyson Cruz, Olivia Fry, Tea Gostevcic, Avie Hernandez, Kaitlin Hulverson, Maile Mataele, Malena Modtland, Ellie Palmer, Zoe Pappas, Olivia Prosper, Rahiti Tinirauarii, Ava Tita, Gig Trujillo, Leini Tui, Sienna Vonderohe and Denver Whaley.

The team is also scheduled to face Providence Hall , Layton Christian, Summit Academy and Judge to end the regular season. l

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February 2024 | Page 11

Alta High students collaborate to create mural that welcomes and embraces everyone

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

I

t was an unveiling. While it was an unveiling of a mural, it was more of an unveiling and celebration of many students’ cultures at Alta High.

“We wanted to make something schoolwide that would represent ourselves and would help everyone feel represented, feel seen and be included,” said Alta High senior Eduardo Medina Perez, who is the co-president of Alta’s Latinos in Action group.

His co-president, senior Chelsea Perez Rios, agrees.

“We want to shine light to the diversity in this school,” she said. “There’s a lot of us and it’s growing more diversified every year.”

Around 2020, Medina Perez said there were less than 100 Latino students, now there are 300.

It’s not just Latino students. Junior Mariam Khan created the South Asian Student Association because “there were so many of us South Asians, I felt a club would bring us more together because we didn’t really know each other well.”

The mural, which was unveiled during the school’s multicultural week last fall, is above a staircase “that leads out to our bus loop and is one of the main arteries of the school, so it has a lot of visibility,” said Alta Assistant Principal Melissa Lister. “It represents Native Americans, Polynesians, Mexicans, Latin Americans, South Asian, Asian and we have the hawk and then the A, which represents Alta. It’s all encompassing. What you see in the mural is a gathering of the main cultures we have in our student body.”

Lister said that of Alta’s 2,365 students, aside from Caucasian students, Hispanic students make up the greatest percentage at 13 percent. Other breakdowns include 3% Asian, 2% Pacific Islander, 1.2% African American, 0.5% American Indian and 5%, multiracial.

“It really started with, what can we do to really make Alta known for being this multicultural haven for a lot of our students,” Lister said. “That’s when our LIA advisor (and teacher) Emily Gonzalez, came up with this idea of a multicultural mural last spring.

She sought out our mural artist, and then we got a committee of students to meet with him a handful of times. We wanted our multicultural communities and our student body officers to give him input.”

Gonzalez recognized the need for Alta to have a visual representation of its culture.

“The hope was that this mural will significantly enhance the educational experience of our multicultural students and contribute to the tone of empathy and inclusivity of our Alta community,” she said.

Muralist Bill Louis said through meeting with students, he was able to see their vision.

Page 12 February 2024

Alta High’s new mural, painted by Bill Louis, was created to represent the increasing diverse student population. (Julie Slama/City Journals) During multicultural week, Alta High students, joined by city and educational leaders and the artist Bill Louis, cut the ribbon in honor of the new mural. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

“All the design the ideas came from the kids and then I brought in the sketches,” he said. “We went through seven or eight different designs. Everything had a tie to Alta, so we always had a hawk in there; sometimes we had flags or different designs for multiple countries. I took bits and pieces from the other designs to consolidate it to this image.”

Khan appreciated the procedure.

“We would give ideas so he really understood what we envisioned and what we liked,” she said. “I love how every single one of our opinions mattered and they, the administration and the artist, took value in them.”

Medina Perez said they wanted to showcase many of Alta’s cultures.

“We made sure to have colors and symbols that we represent everyone so everyone could see themselves in the mural. We researched symbols of countries, for example stars on flags are a symbol that many countries have, for example, my country Venezuela has them, the United States, Brazil, Chile — many countries. We did the same with colors,” he said.

Perez Rios added the patterns also represented multiple cultures from Africa, Polynesia and Native American.

Many of the students liked the part Louis was fond of best.

“I really liked the globe with the hands representing different cultures,” said the muralist, who is Pacific Islander. “All the kids love it best. That represents the unity of the world in this generation.”

After school and into the evening, Louis stood on ladders and used spray paint with a clear coat to create the mural. It took him

about 10 days, including 13 hours the last night.

“I wanted it to be more like graphic art, more urban art. Something that’s more modern to represent Alta and its growing diversity,” he said. “I’ve done a lot of different murals for schools and businesses and I feel that murals need to have a lot of color. It’s eye-catching; it’s vibrant and can change your mood with its energy. I wanted something visually appealing that pops out.”

Principal Ken Rowley believes Louis has done that, and also appreciated his effort to include the students’ vision in his work.

“When he met with all the different student groups, he would donate his time,” he said about the mural which cost about $3,000 and was paid from cell tower rental revenue. “He asked questions and told them, ‘I want to create something that you will be able to find yourself in this mural.’ We had more than 100 kids involved. They saw the final rendition before he painted and they all said, ‘I can find myself in this.’ When I heard that I thought, ‘He’s done a good job listening and seeing all our kids.’”

The mural unveiling was the final part of the school’s multicultural week that also included a multicultural walk in the commons area by country flags that represent current and former Alta students. The walk showcased students in their traditional dress who shared their culture through music, food and artifacts.

“We had tables from Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Mexico and so many countries,” Lister said. “Our students wanted to learn more about their classmates’ countries and customs. For in-

stance, some of our students from Pakistan, India and Afghanistan dressed in their hijabs.

I love that they feel comfortable coming to school dressed in their traditional clothing.

There’s no better feeling than seeing a kid be prideful and happy to show where they’re from.”

Lister, whose parents immigrated from Turkey, knows that first-hand. She navigated challenges as the only Middle Eastern student in her Florida high school and vowed to improve the support for multicultural students.

“Since I’ve arrived at Alta two years ago, I’ve wanted all our students, no matter what culture they come from, to be welcomed and have all the activities for everybody,” she said. “We’re trying to give them more of a voice in our school and to provide them with support. Our professional learning community provided resources to teachers, such as how to assist students whose English is not their first language, and they’ve given information to teachers about if there’s a behavior that is aligned with their culture.

Before school started, I had a workshop for the teachers about cultural perception and awareness and differences of various cultures and expectations.”

Alta High also celebrates different cultures with awareness months and will host a multicultural assembly on Feb. 22. Last year, the assembly highlighted Polynesian, Chinese, German, Italian, Latin America and South Asian cultures.

“It’s our diversity that brings out our beauty,” Lister said. “And it’s through embracing our differences, that we get stronger.

We’re wanting to celebrate that.” l

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February 2024 | Page 13

Two public servants with the same last name retire after decades with the city

T

wo Vawdreys, with more than 50 years of service between them, are retiring from Draper City. Councilmember Marsha Vawdrey officially left office in December, and Deputy Fire Chief Bart Vawdrey will hang up his fire department hat in February.

Marsha and Bart are related by marriage; her husband is his first cousin. The last name they share is not common; only 148 Vawdreys were found by the 2010 U.S. Census. But in Draper, what is common with their name is service to one’s community.

“All the years I’ve known you, you’ve been fantastic,” Mayor Troy Walker said to Marsha at her last council meeting. “You’re always prepared. You’ve given your heart and soul to the community, and tremendous time,” Chief Clint Smith had many positive things to say about Bart.

“Deputy Chief Vawdrey is the epitome of a public servant,” he said, “He has served the residents of Draper City and Salt Lake County for over 32 years beginning as a volunteer for Draper City, spending 22 years serving full time for Salt Lake County Fire and Unified Fire Authority before returning to Draper City Fire Department for the last seven years. Bart was integral in the formation of our department and the many successes we have had since. He has left his mark on the fire service and made it and us better through his selfless service.”

For Marsha, public service began when she was a young mother living in Draper.

While out on a walk, she noticed a sign in a weedy field asking for volunteers to help build a historic park.

“Darrell Smith was on the city council at that time, and that was the project Mayor Redd gave him,” Marsha said. “I knew Darrell, so I called and volunteered for the committee.”

One thing led to another, and Marsha and her husband, Doug, were approached about volunteering in a different capacity.

“We were asked to chair the rodeo in 2003 for the first time, and we did it for seven years,” she said. “It was a lot of work; we did it all. The city has become much more involved with helping since.”

Then came her time on the planning commission, something she feels was excellent preparation for city council.

“It gives you so much knowledge about following the law and what you can and can’t do,” she said. “I think it’s the best thing for someone if they’re thinking of running.”

Marsha’s 10 years on city council began in an unusual way, and 10 is an “odd” number of years to serve on the council because it’s normally done in four-year increments. But in 2013, then-councilmember Walker was elected mayor, leaving a vacancy for the remaining two years of his term. The council took applications to fill that vacancy, but Marsha was hesitant to apply.

“Most of the time, women have to be

Page 14 February 2024

By Mimi Darley Dutton | m.dutton@mycityjournals.com

Marsha Vawdrey began her service to the city by volunteering to help build Draper’s historic park which led to her and her husband coordinating Draper’s rodeo for several years. She went on to serve on the planning commission and the city council. She retired in December. She especially encourages women to take on volunteer and leadership roles in the community. (Courtesy Draper City)

Bart Vawdrey is a Draper native who’s been employed as a firefighter in his hometown for the majority of his 32-year career, beginning right out of high school. He’s gone on many wildfire deployments in various states and has also assisted after devastating hurricanes, including Katrina in 2005.

Five years ago, he was hit by a car on the interstate while responding to an emergency. Bart is retiring in February. (Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)

asked,” she said. “We don’t feel confident to step up. Someone has to tell us that we should do it.”

For Marsha, that someone was Mayor Darrell Smith. He was preparing to leave office, and he strongly encouraged Marsha to apply for the council vacancy.

“I thought, ‘Wow, maybe I can do this,’” she said. Marsha was chosen from approximately 18 applicants after each did a presentation/job interview before the council. Marsha started in 2014 with that appointment and was reelected twice.

The hardest council meeting she experienced (not including the community meeting about a homeless shelter, which was not a council meeting) was when city officials decided to start Draper’s own fire department.

“It was a long night, and a lot of people were telling us we shouldn’t do it,” Marsha said. “It was change, but I knew it was the right thing. I think the decision was a 4-1 vote, so the council wasn’t terribly divided, but that was a tough one. Looking back on that now, they’ve been wonderful to have in our own community.”

It’s that fire department, established in 2016, that has employed Bart, first as Battalion Chief and then Deputy Chief. He worked as a firefighter and EMT for 17 years prior, predominantly in Draper. (The city had its

own fire department when Bart started in 1991. That dissolved in 1995, and firefighters worked under Salt Lake County/Unified Fire Authority until Draper established its own department again.)

Bart is a Draper native.

“I love serving the community that I live in,” he said.

He began as a part-time firefighter right out of high school and then went to EMT school.

“I was running fire and ambulance for Draper,” he said. “The population was about 4,500. If we’d get a fire, everyone would respond from their homes to the fire station.”

In those days, the fire station was a barnstyle building in the parking lot of the Old Park School.

“When Draper decided to go full time in 1995, they gave us a small space inside the Park School, which was City Hall at the time,” Bart said. “We were on shift, 24 hours on, 24 off. We did three shifts on, then four days off.”

He began working full time for Draper in 1995. That same year, Draper’s department dissolved, so Bart worked with Salt Lake County/UFA until Draper leaders reestablished the city’s own department in 2016.

Bart’s job has taken him all over the county, the state, the country and even abroad.

“I was given the opportunity to teach in Kyrgyzstan,” he said.

He’s done more wildland fire deployments than he can count, including in neighboring states such as Nevada, Idaho, California and Oregon.

His most memorable deployment was Hurricane Katrina in 2005 with Utah Task Force One based in Salt Lake County.

“We work directly under the Department of Homeland Security,” he said. “When we deployed, we anticipated search and rescue.

We were there about a week and then it turned into recovery, helping families recover loved ones. It was total devastation.” Bart also responded to the Hilldale Floods in his own state, another scene of devastation.

Dec 27, 2018, is a day he’ll never forget. That’s the day he was hit by a car on the interstate.

“It had been snowing, and it was commuting time,” he said. “We got a call for a traffic accident around 14600 South. When it’s snowy and cold there, it’s like a sheet of ice.” The apparatus the department uses to block an area for safety after an accident hadn’t yet arrived, and Bart was the first on the scene.

“I was trying to communicate to move this accident off the freeway, and I looked up just in time to see a truck cut off a car,” he said. “That car started spinning, and it hit me going about 50 MPH. It launched me up and over another vehicle, and I landed in the HOV lane. There’s no shoulder there, just a wall, and traffic was still moving, including in that HOV lane. I tried to get up but the left side of my body didn’t work, so I crawled to my truck, got on the radio and called in my injuries. They put me on a helicopter and flew me to IMC.” He spent five days in the hospital and was off work for three months recovering.

“We try to do everything right, but in a profession like this, you can’t predict everything,” he said.

His dad was also a Salt Lake County fireman for 30 years.

“This will be the first time in over 60 years that there hasn’t been a Vawdrey in the fire department between me and my dad,” he said.

Bart shared these thoughts for anyone considering his profession.

“If you’re lucky enough to get in the fire service, find yourself a mentor, be the best you can possibly be at the specialty you choose,” he said. “Have fun and stay healthy.”

Marsha offered these words of wisdom to anyone considering public service.

“To volunteer and help is a great place to start,” she said. “I think there’s a special place for women because we have a different perspective. I’ve seen that, and it really takes all of us. I love to see people that do it for the right reason, because you care about the community. Step up and make a difference.” l

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Builder of churches, champion for refugees and the homeless, passes away

By Mimi Darley Dutton | m.dutton@mycityjournals.com

“M

ay the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always with you. May the sunshine warm you always ‘til we meet again.”

Those words of the Irish Blessing were sung at the vigil for Monsignor Terence Moore, retired pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, who passed away in December.

Born in Ireland, Moore was ordained a priest in June 1967 and moved to Utah two months later, where he lived and served for the last 57 years. He had a master’s degree in social work from Catholic University of America and a Ph.D. in social work from the University of Utah. His thesis addressed the needs of Southeast Asian refugees, and he dedicated it with these words: “To the Indochinese Refugees who now live in Utah. To these once homeless ones, gallant pilgrims who have explored in full human measure, that each may find a hearth.”

In earlier years, Moore was named director of Refugee Resettlement for Catholic Charities of Utah. From 1982–1985, he served as coordinator of Refugee Resettlement for the Utah State Department of Social Services, and in 1987 he became executive director of Catholic Community Services of Utah, where he worked to develop programs to address homelessness.

Moore was the founding pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish and led the project to build the church beginning in 1999. He ministered there full time for 14 years, retired in 2013 for health resons but still volunteered there and at other parishes during the last decade of his life.

He was given the title of Monsignor in 2008 by Pope Benedict XVI in recognition of his years of service. Before his time in Draper, he was pastor at St. Thomas More Parish in Sandy for 14 years where he also oversaw the construction of a new church.

Beyond ministering to more than 1,600 households in Draper, his service extended into the community.

Lt. Pat Evans of the Draper Police Department first got to know Moore in 2005 while teaching the D.A.R.E. program at St. John the Baptist Elementary.

The Refugee Twisted Face And pocketful of promises Night closes on the weary shore A new day will dawn tomorrow My heart will lift; my mind will soar Warm hearths and gentle kisses Await the searching soul Be glad my heart and do not tarry An aching yesterday will be no more.

Lt. Pat Evans of the Draper Police Department said Moore (pictured with Sgt. Gerry Allred and Chief Mac Connole, both retired) was always supportive of the police and first responders, including offering an annual mass to pay tribute to their service and helping raise funds for the police department’s program to support victims of domestic violence. (Courtesy Draper Police Department)

“He always treated our police officers with the utmost respect,” Evans said. “He didn’t care what religious organization they belonged to; he just shared his love with them.”

Moore and the Knights of Columbus at St. John the Baptist Parish supported the police department’s Victim Services Program by selling tamales at Christmas and donating the profits. Moore invited members of the police department to speak at masses about the importance of that fundraiser.

“These funds were used to care for victims of violent crime, mainly domestic violence, providing funds for emergency housing and other assistance in desperate times,” Evans said. “The monsignor would also attend domestic violence awareness events at Draper City Hall. He truly cared.”

Under Moore’s watch, the first Blue Masses were held at St. John the Baptist, a tradition that continues today.

“The parish would invite law enforcement, firefighters and first responders to this special mass to pay tribute to their service and pray for their safety,” Evans said. “The Knights

of Columbus would provide a breakfast and raise funds, which were regularly donated to a nonprofit that maintains a memorial at the Utah State Capitol to honor Utah’s fallen peace officers.”

Evans’ colleague and close friend Sgt. Derek Johnson was tragically killed in the line

of duty Sept. 1, 2013. The Draper community held a candlelight vigil at City Hall that evening.

“Monsignor joined the community during the vigil,” Evans said. “He stood nobly with city officials and led the community in prayer.

It was a relief to see him there, and I am forever grateful for his support.”

Moore’s obituary notes that he was known for his gentle spirit and compassionate, humble heart.

At his passing, he left endowments to assist the homeless and refugees. He wrote the above poem in December 1980.l

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February 2024 | Page 17

CCHS basketball squads prepping for end-of-season runs

By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

C

orner Canyon senior Eli Mortensen, who was an Honorable Mention All-State center a year ago, has been again leading the lady Chargers this season to an 11-7 record and a 2-3 showing in Region 2, scoring more than 23 points a game while pulling down nearly 10 rebounds as well.

“She’s such a talent and looks great,” said third-year head coach Craig Morris, noting that she will play volleyball for Brigham Young University in the fall.

Senior guard Maia Rhay, who only played a few games last year because of knee surgery, adds 16 points and five rebounds a game for the team.

“Maia is so athletically gifted with her speed and jumping ability,” Morris said.

So far this season, Corner Canyon has defeated Spanish Fork, Hunter, Cyprus, Springville, Northridge, Kankakee (Illinois), Eastside Catholic (Washington), Wasatch, Riverton and Copper Hills while losing to Green Canyon, Syracuse, Brighton, Orange Lutheran (California), Ridgeline, Mountain Ridge, Bingham and Herriman.

“The season has been so fun thus far,” Morris said. “We’ve had some bumps in the road, but we’ve learned from each of them.

Like the motion offense or not, we are seeing better results when we all support the system. As we set aside selfish tendencies for the greater good, we get better at it through

The Corner Canyon High girls basketball team was 11-7 at press time. (Photos courtesy All-Star Photography)

sharing the ball, good movement and constant motions.”

The Chargers are also scheduled to face Mountain Ridge, Bingham, Riverton, Herriman and Copper Hills before the Class 6A state tournament begins Feb. 20.

Also on the CCHS squad this year are juniors Brooke Luper, Sorrelle Nielsen, Ken-

zie Randall and Addi Yeomans, and sophomores Addy Hamilton, Hallee Johnsen, Kate Leroy and Lexi Leroy.

“If we clean a few things up, we’ll absolutely be in the mix in the 6A playoffs,” Morris said. “We hope to continue to work hard, be unselfish, have great attitudes and stay healthy.”

Boys The defending 6A state champion Corner Canyon High boys basketball team, which was ranked No. 1 to start the year, is currently 11-7 on the year, although five of its losses were against tough out-of-state teams from Georgia, Nevada, Texas and Florida. So far, in Region 2 play, the Chargers are 5-0, winning all of those games by double digits.

Corner Canyon, which is now ranked fifth in 6A, has been led by senior forward Derelle Desire, senior guard/forward Isaac Neibaur and junior guard Bryton Valdez, who all average around 11 points a game.

Senior forward Brody Kozlowski, who will play for USC in the fall, had 29 points and 16 rebounds in his first game of the season in the Chargers’ 21-point win over Copper Hills Jan. 19.

Also on the CCHS team coached by Dan Lunt are seniors Taylor Feroah and Hayden Gribble; juniors Noah Bendinger, Brigg Jensen and Peterson Lunt; and sophomore Tyler Mortensen.

The team is also scheduled to face Mountain Ridge, Bingham, Riverton, Herriman, Copper Hills before the 6A state tournament begins Feb. 21. l

New CCHS softball coach ready to ‘celebrate the wins’

K

New Corner Canyon High softball coach brings previous high school coaching experience after a collegiate career to the Chargers program. (Photo courtesy Kathy Meyers)

Page 18 February 2024

By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

athy Meyers has been around softball for more than 40 years, and the Corner Canyon High math and sports psychology teacher will be bringing her experience with the game to the Chargers’ field this spring.

“I have a lot of knowledge and a love for softball,” Meyers said. “I know have something to offer the girls and that I can help be a positive influence for them while helping them learn.”

CCHS Athletic Director Pat Thurman said: “I think Kathy brings a great deal of experience as a softball coach and knowledge of the community. I believe that she will be able to raise the level of softball at the school and help build female leaders.”

Meyers started playing baseball at the age of 8 until she could join the Oquirrh Mountain softball league when she turned nine. She loved “running fast and catching fly balls,” so she stayed on the diamond, while also participating in gymnastics and skiing growing up and playing at Bingham High School before moving on as a centerfielder for the club team at Brigham Young University. A scholarship opportunity to play for BYU–Hawaii came in 1989, so the left-handed Meyers took her outfield-

ing and first-base skills to the islands. Four years later, she was still in the sport, this time on the coaching side. She began as a junior varsity coach at Bingham in 1993 before leaving to open Riverton High School’s program six years later.

In 2003, she took a step back to focus on her family and eventual cancer diagnosis. After supporting her own children’s sports endeavors with the CCHS mountain biking, soccer and track teams, she has decided to give back to the game again now that her youngest daughter Sunny is attending Utah Tech University where she is on a track scholarship.

“I didn’t want to screw up being a mom so I gave up coaching for a while to make sure I was there for them,” she said.

Meyers is exciting to get started.

“We’ve been having open gyms for the last few weeks, and we’ve already had a couple of girls show up who have never played ball,” Meyers said. “They are asking me what equipment to get and are eager to try, and it’s really made me think that I can help them learn.”

Seven years ago, Meyers began mountain biking when her children showed interest and joined the CCHS Mountain Bik-

ing Club. She has been the school liaison for the club as well as a ride leader and has loved the philosophy she sees in that sport.

“While it is still competitive, there is the feeling that everybody gets to play, you can participate at your level and everybody has a chance,” she said, noting that she wants to incorporate much of the way they “celebrate wins” into the softball program.

With Corner Canyon playing in the always-tough Region 2, Meyers understands the task ahead of building the program, “starting to make it a thing at the school,” celebrating the wins of hits and fielding balls cleanly and “growing good humans.”

“Softball is a failure-oriented sport where you are successful hitting when you connect three out of 10 times,” she said.

“I’ve learned so much from softball: how to be a good teammate, how to work hard for goals, how to sacrifice for the team’s sake, how to grow from adversity, how to shake off the error and try again and really learn from mistakes. In focusing on the little wins, I can share positivity so we can all learn and grow.” l

Draper City Journal

Alta boys basketball humming along, aiming for another title

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

T

o no one’s surprise, the Alta boys basketball team looks like the frontrunner in the Class 5A race.

The defending 5A champions, the Hawks figured to be one of the top teams in the state this season. They certainly have looked the part.

Heading into their Jan. 30 game at Skyline, the Hawks were 18-1 overall and a perfect 7-0 in Region 6. The team’s only loss didn’t even come against Utah competition. Alta fell Dec. 19 to California Powerhouse St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy 81-69 after building a 60-52 lead through three quarters.

Alta has otherwise been dominant.

In league play, Alta won its first six games, all by at least 11 points. That 11-point game, incidentally, came against fellow perennial power Olympus, defeating the Titans 56-45 on Jan. 16. Alta also defeated West 57-43 on Jan. 12, Highland 60-41 on Jan. 9, Brighton 79-55 on Jan. 19, East 81-51 on Jan. 3 and Skyline 78-47 on Jan. 5. Only one of Alta’s wins was by single digits, a 75-68 win at defending 6A champion Corner Canyon on Dec. 5.

Because most of Alta’s games have been blowouts, a lot of players have gotten the chance to see the court. In all, 18 players have scored at least one point for Alta. At the top, a trio of talented Hawks pace the team in scoring. Senior Jaxon Johnson, who is headed to play for the University of Utah, averages 17.1 points per game. He also leads the Hawks with 7.9 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game as well as pacing the squad with 33 three-pointers. Fellow senior Ace Reiser, a guard, chips in 15.5 points and 4.8 assists an outing. Senior forward Carter Doleac scores 10.8 points

a game. Dash Reiser, a sophomore guard, contributes 9.1 points per contest.

Plenty of other players have contributed to the team’s success this season. Carter Goodfellow, Bo Compton, Matt McKea and Zak Paepke don’t get the recognition of some of their teammates. But they’ve filled important roles.

As a team, the Hawks excel at both ends of the court.

Alta averages 70.7 points per game while giving up just 52.6. Only four teams have reached the 60-point mark against Alta. The Hawks have held nine opponents to 50 points or fewer.

As of press time, Alta held the No. 1 spot in the RPI rankings, which will determine playoff seeding. Alta plays each region opponent twice, meaning there are some big games ahead, including a Feb. 9 showdown at Olympus.

The following game, Feb. 13 at Brighton, Alta wraps up its regular season. The 5A state tournament begins Feb. 21 at home-team sites. By Feb. 24, the quarterfinals arrive, and teams will play at the Jon M. Huntsman Center on the campus of the University of Utah. Alta hopes to avoid upsets along the way and reach the state title game again, which is held this season on March 1 in the Huntsman Center. l

Carter Goodfellow is part of a talented and hungry Alta squad. (Photo courtesy Carter Goodfellow)

3 reasons to celebrate your birthday

By Holly Curby | hello@hollycurby.com

B

irthdays.

The ancient Egyptians initiated them, the Greeks added their flare to them with the radiance of the candle along with its wish, the ancient Romans brought them to the commoner, the Germans added the cake, and even a song was written in the 1800s for the occasion. In America we celebrate them—for ourselves, for celebrities, for our nation—we even designate national holidays for them.

There are many cultural differences in how birthdays are celebrated too. From the piñata and high-end quinceanera celebrations in Mexico, the custom of throwing yourself a party in Norway and the Netherlands, celebrating certain years according to the Chinese calendar in China (1st, 10th, 60th, 70th, and 80th birthdays), designating the first slice of cake in honor of the person in the room who is most important in the birthday person’s life as in Brazil, to even measuring one’s life by their kindness vs. years in Bhutan, Birthdays are a celebration of life and love.

However, not everyone is into feeling the observation, warmth, and power of celebrating their birthday. To those, might we unwrap a few reminders as to the reasons why birthdays are to be celebrated: 1) Celebrating our day of birth allows us to reflect on life.

The good, the bad, the ugly. To see where we've been, and how far we've come. Our trials and our triumphs. Our hills and our valleys. To think of the blessings from within the past year. The accomplishments that have taken place and even some goal setting for the year ahead. Yes to reflect on a life given, a life living, a life still to be lived.

2) Celebrating our day of birth allows us to gather with

DraperJournal .com

others such as our friends, and our family—those who matter to us. This could be a party like often done for kids, or even an opportunity to serve.

When my mom turned forty our church congregation came over to our new house to help us lay sod. The pandemic created some unique ways Listen to the full episode on Holly’s of gathering with others Highlights podcast (photo courtesy of for celebrations such as Holly Curby) car parades in front of the birthday person’s home or social distancing BBQs. Oh, the gift of others in our lives. The gift to gather together.

3) Celebrating your day of birth allows you to be reminded that you matter. Not everyone is good about accepting compliments, gifts, or even attention. This one day allows others to do such things for the birthday person who often is a little more receptive to such acts. Whether we realize it or not, we need the encouragement.

A perspective shared in the Stanford Daily stated that a birthday is "A celebration of the sacrifices the parents had to work through, up to and including the immense loss of time, energy, and perhaps a career’s forward trajectory." Celebrating our birthday helps us take a moment to reflect on our lives, the sacrifices that have been made on our behalf to get us to where

Birthday celebration (Photo courtesy of Holly Curby)

we are at, and perhaps think of what we may want to accomplish in the year ahead. So, this next birthday, instead of pulling a bah-humbug attitude, might we blow out the candles on our cake, surrounded by loved ones, and press into the unique sense of joy, laughter, and love as your friends and family choose to celebrate you?

Want to learn more about intentionally living a life full of purpose? Visit www.HollyCurby.com or check out Holly’s Highlights podcast. Holly’s Highlights podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts including Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, and even “Alexa, play Holly’s Highlights podcast.”l

February 2024 | Page 19

JDCHS player having ‘big’ impact on basketball team this season

By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

W

hen Juan Diego Catholic High School junior Luke Meyer moved with his family from Iowa prior to his sophomore basketball season last year, he was “scared.”

So, he leaned his 6-foot-9-inch frame into the sport that his dad and uncles played in college, knowing that he would soon create meaningful relationships on the court, and began making his way in the Soaring Eagle program.

Playing behind two solid post players last season, including current Division I baseball player Malick Harris, Meyer saw limited time and scored just four total points to go with eight rebounds for the 15-10 squad.

“It was a challenge for Luke to go battle every day against those guys in practice,” JDCHS head coach Drew Trost said. “He pushed through every challenge and became more motivated throughout the process.”

Meyer, the son of Ryan and Jana Meyer of Highland, put the work in during the offseason, gaining weight and getting stronger, in hopes of making a bigger impact for Juan Diego this year. Those efforts have helped the junior forward average 17 points and nine rebounds a game to lead the team in both categories.

“Luke has just been terrific,” Trost said.

“He’s improved a ton and is a force inside for us, shooting a remarkable 70% from the field. He is a tough matchup for our opponents.”

Meyer said effort and focus have been critical.

“Just putting in hard work and being consistent has made the biggest difference for me,” he said. “But I have great teammates who also made the jump as we would hold workouts together and really focused on building our chemistry.”

Meyer was also voted by his team as captain for this season, an “impressive feat as a junior,” according to Trost. “Luke’s done a good job of not just being a leader by example but also as a vocal presence,” he said. “He has really rallied the team at times, and it’s been very effective in turning things around for us.”

Meyer has been playing basketball for as long as he can remember. Watching his uncles play at Brown University and at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri, only solidified that love for the sport early and his further desire to also play collegiately. He also wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps, as he played at Doane College in Crete, Nebraska. He is grateful for the team aspect of basketball and the relationships it

Juan Diego Catholic High School junior Luke Meyer grabs one of his 10 rebounds in a 59-54 win over Westlake, a game in which he also scored 16 points in to lead the Soaring Eagle squad. (Photo courtesy JD Media Club)

has given him as well as the “perseverance that has made me better.”

Trost also noted Meyer’s excellence in and out of the classroom.

“Luke’s a really good student and just

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Page 20 February 2024

Draper City Journal

Lady Hawks engineering incredible turnaround on basketball court

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

W

hat a difference a year makes.

Last season was a difficult one to say the least for the Alta girls basketball team. The Hawks were winless in 22 games, including an 0-12 mark in Region 8 and lost by an average of score of 65-29.

Heading into the final week of January, this season’s version looked nothing like the 2022–23 squad.

At press time, Alta was 15-2 and had a Region 6-leading 7-0 record. Alta increased its scoring to 5 9 . 2 points per game this season and are allowing just 39.8.

Going from a team that struggled to score and defend to one of the top clubs in Class 5A is one of the biggest turnarounds you’ll see in girls high school basketball.

Of course, it helps to have a player like Fui Niumeitolu.

The Alta senior guard/forward is averaging 21 points per game, best in 5A and seventh-best in the state. She also leads the team with 7.2 rebounds per game (a high stat for a guard) and is second in assists with 2.2 a game. Niumeitolu hit a teamhigh 27 three-pointers through the first 16 games. She also paced the team with 45 steals (nearly three a game) up to that point.

Niumeitolu opened the season with 42 points against Green Canyon and has since put up at least 20 points eight other times.

She scored 31 points Jan. 3 at home against East. She posted four double-doubles in the first 16 games, with a rebounding high of 11 boards Jan. 9 at Highland. She also had seven steals Dec. 12 against Juan Diego and four assists Jan. 19 at Brighton.

But Niumeitolu is hardly the sole reason for Alta’s spectacular reversal of fortunes.

Five other Hawks chip in at least five points a game, with sophomore guard Quincy Kegel scoring 7.2 points a contest, second on the team. Junior guard Brooklyn Larsen has a scoring average of 6.9 points a game, while senior guard Aolele Liava’a is third at 6.8 points a contest. Sophomore guard Alia Baldassano scores 5.9 points

DraperJournal .com

a game, with Maya Mishmash, a senior guard tallying 5.4 points a contest. Senior center Ashley Ferguson scores three points a game and is second on the team in rebounding, hauling down 4.3 boards a game.

Alta won 11 of its first 14 games by double figures, with eight of those being by at least 20 points and four being by at least 30 points. Alta has turned the tables from last season’s rough campaign by playing efficient offense and stingy defense.

But plenty of big games are still ahead.

A t press time, Alta was fifth in the 5A RPI standings, which will set the team’s playoff seeding. The 5A state tournament gets underway Feb. 20. If the Hawks maintain their current RPI ranking, they’ll get a first-round bye and a second-round home game Feb. 22.

Before the playoffs, Alta will face more Region 6 foes, wrapping up league play Feb. 13 at home against Brighton.

The Bengals gave the Hawks a close game when the team’s met Jan. 19, with Alta prevailing 52-46. Skyline also pushed Alta to the limit in a game that saw the Hawks win at Skyline, 44-39 on Jan. 5. The rematch was at Alta on Jan. 30. l

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or a state run by legislators who sneer at tobacco products, I find it confusing they don’t give a flying cigar about our state’s dangerous air quality. GOP legislators balk at green energy initiatives like a vampire facing the sunrise and a head of garlic.

A 2023 American Lung Association report said Salt Lake ranks among the nation’s most polluted cities for ozone and short-term particle pollution. I don’t know what those words mean, but it doesn’t sound good.

Lawmakers say Salt Lake has always dealt with inversions, we just have to work around a valley filled with pollution. That’s like saying the kitchen’s always been filled with rotting banana peels, crushed egg shells, open yogurt containers veiled in mold, and a greasy chicken carcass. We just have to work around it.

Studies show polluted air is a bigger threat to our health than alcohol or tobacco. Maybe not breathing polluted air should be included in the Word of Wisdom next to wine (the devil’s fancy beverage) and tea (the witch’s drink). Then, perhaps, our lawmakers will pay attention.

It’s true the valley’s design creates Utah’s crappy air quality. Temperature inversions trap cold air under a layer of warm air, like putting a lid on a pot of soup. Only this soup is filled with vehicle pollution, smoke from wood burning stoves, industrial emis-

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Reducing the number of cars using fossil fuels is a good way to cut down on emissions but “leaders” like illustrious Sen. Mike Lee often fight against renewable fuel programs. And don’t talk about closing coalfired power plants. Republican lawmakers embrace coal energy like it was brought down from Mount Sinai.

While other states are running away from coal as fast as humanly possible, Utah lawmakers delay closing coal power plants that leave behind tons of coal ash, a lovely bouquet of radioactive waste, arsenic and old lace.

Utah has around a dozen coal ash dump sites and you can bet your sooty lungs each site contributes to our bad air quality. Oh, don’t our legislators wish it was still the 1970s, when coal was king, and you could use your wood stove all day (even in the summer) and no one was trying to take your gas-operated vehicle?

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ness in our atmosphere?

I know. Money. The answer is always money. But it’s at the expense of our health, especially low-income populations, minorities and children who live near higher-polluted areas. It must be a coincidence that these children have higher rates of respiratory illnesses. Yeah, just a concidence.

I know we’re not supposed to compromise anymore, and we’re not supposed to believe science and doctors, and we’re not supposed to believe in climate change or coal pollution. And I know we’re supposed to trust the Utah legislature with our lives.

But, that might be the problem.

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In good news, some electric vehicle owners were given a Utah tax break through 2030 (although it diminishes each year) and there’s a rebate for EV charging stations.

But (classic legislature) EV owners have to pay an additional registration fee each year to offset the gas taxes they don’t pay. And a bill passed in 2023 adds a third tax at EV charging stations, on top of sales and franchise taxes. It’s like being caressed with one hand and punched in the nose with the other.

Utah has the potential for vast amounts of solar, wind and geothermal energy, so why can’t we address the continued yucki-

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February 2024 | Page 23