Draper Journal | May 2021

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

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he Corner Canyon High School parking lot has long been a problem for Draper Police on evenings and weekends, but in the last year, it’s gotten especially bad.

In early April, 34 juveniles were detained by police after numerous attempts to educate them about the dangers of being in the area and kicking them out for trespassing in the past. Meanwhile, residents in the area of 12300 South and 1300 East have experienced an increase in late-night noise in their neighborhoods including cars backfiring, engine-revving, and cars peeling out. They’re communicating on social media to try to resolve it. Concerned residents and police agree that parental awareness and involvement are a simple solution to the help alleviate the city’s problems involving youth.

Lt. Pat Evans has been with the city’s police department for 17 years. “Since I’ve worked for Draper, there have been kid hangouts, but it was much more mild then, it wasn’t as crazy as these kids have been.”

Evans said it began with loud and reckless driving in the CCHS parking lot, fires being set and other dangerous behavior. “Last year, we had a kid riding in a car, standing up out the sunroof. That vehicle crashed into a pole and he was seriously injured and sent to Primary Children’s Hospital. About a month ago, a small explosive device was set off in the parking lot.

Continued page 10

The parking lot of Corner Canyon High School has been a problem area for police for years. In early April, 34 juveniles were detained for reckless driving and trespassing. (Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)

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May 2021 | Page 3

Commencements look different, yet familiar during pandemic as schools determine ceremonies

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

A

ll the pomp and circumstance will be outside for the graduating seniors of Waterford School, Jordan High School, and Paradigm High to reduce the chance of COVID-19 transmission.

“We will be having our graduation ceremony outside on our Sandy campus this year, similar to how we did it last year, but we will likely be able to welcome more guests,” said Amanda Apple, Waterford’s director of marketing and communications. “We have not finalized all the details yet because we continue to experience a changing landscape of guidelines, but we plan to follow all Utah State Health Department and CDC guidelines to maintain all the testing, distancing, and masking protocols mandated.”

The Waterford ceremony for 73 seniors is planned for 7:30 p.m., Friday, June 4.

Senior orchestra members will perform as well as the vocal ensemble, Troubadours, and select third- through fifth-grade students will perform the song, “Irish Blessing.”

A senior speaker has yet to be named.

As of mid-April, Jordan High planned to host two graduation ceremonies, one on Wednesday, May 26 and the other, on Thursday, May 27, weather-permitting. Times to be determined.

“Our ceremony will be on the football field, as we have done some years ago,” Principal Wendy Dau said, adding that families will sign up for which night they prefer to attend. “This will allow families to have four tickets. If for some reason, the capacity of the stadium can go higher to say 50% , we will push the graduation to a single night on Wednesday. It will be as close to a traditional graduation ceremony as we can create.”

In case of inclement weather, commencement will move to the school audito-

Journals T H E

This year’s commencement at Waterford School will likely resemble the one shown here from last spring.

(Photo courtesy of Waterford School)

rium with dates and times to be determined.

The theme is “Dig the Moment.”

Graduation speakers include Valedictorian Kira Brooks; Salutatorian Megan DuVal; Senior Class President Davion Washington; Student body President Brooklyn Wagner; Graduate of Promise for Latinos in Action Vanessa Gonzalez Pliego; and Graduate of Promise for AVID – Neema Delphine; and seniors Michelle Dominguez and Taylor Tilby.

The commencement also will be livestreamed.

A free dinner-dance with fireworks

will be held for seniors that week; the date has yet to be set. Students attending will be COVID-19 tested before being allowed to participate, Dau said.

About 70 Paradigm High students are scheduled to graduate at the outdoor amphitheater in Thanksgiving Point’s Ashton Gardens at 6:30 p.m., Friday, May 28.

Tickets are required; each graduating senior will receive four complimentary tickets and families have the option to purchase up to six more at $12 each.

The ceremony also will be livestreamed on Paradigm’s YouTube channel. Gradua-

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tion speakers will be selected in May. American Heritage of South Jordan will celebrate nine seniors at its graduation at 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 26 at The Azalea in Daybreak in South Jordan. Tickets are not required.

To the east, Juan Diego Catholic High plans to hold its traditional ceremony on Saturday, May 29. Attendance is by ticket only.

In Midvale, Hillcrest High will hold its commencement at 9 a.m., Wednesday, May 26. Other details haven’t been announced.

Jordan Valley School families are welcome to celebrate the four 2021 and eight 2020 graduates at its commencement exercises on 10 a.m., Friday, May 21 in Midvale Middle School’s auditorium.

Nearby at Cottonwood High, 338 graduating seniors voted to hold a traditional commencement together, which will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, June 3 in the school auditorium. Seniors will be able to invite up to five guests and tickets will be distributed when students pick up their caps and gowns.

The program will include two senior speakers, selected following the May 13 auditions, as well as the valedictorian, salutatorian, senior class president and the student body president. Live music will be provided by the Madrigals and the combined orchestra and band.

The evening of graduation, Cottonwood’s PTSA graduation night committee will hold “Grad Night at All Star Bowling” in West Valley City. Graduates will be bussed at 10 p.m. and the bus will return at 3 a.m., Friday, June 4.

As of press deadline, several other area high school administrators were still determining commencement plans. l

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Draper City Journal

Juan Diego theater students learn perseverance during COVID-19

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

J

uan Diego Catholic High theater instructor Joe Crnich may not want to repeat fall semester during COVID-19 again.

“We moved ‘As You Like It’ to May as part of the cast was quarantined and when they came back, another group was exposed so they quarantined,” he said. “It just became too much. We moved ‘Matilda’ to the spring, then decided not to do it. It’s too big of a show and too risky.”

They did, however, compete and place well at the 44th annual Utah High School Shakespearean Competition. Senior Anthony Tibolla placed first in monologue, the choir took first in the small Madrigals competition and orchestra took third in the large minstrel contest.

Now, as shows were moved and changed, Juan Diego’s theater schedule is packed this spring.

In March, Juan Diego students performed the musical comedy “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” performed in masks for patrons who also wore face coverings.

“It went fantastic; it was a fun show, and the kids had a blast,” Crnich said. “We had a good house of about 220 at 25% auditorium capacity and since it was a short, 90-minute show, we could do it without in-

DraperJournal .com

In March, Juan Diego students performed the musical comedy “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”—in face masks. (Photo courtesy of Matthew Hepworth)

termission.”

In April, about 15 students will perform a devised piece, “Chasm,” which addresses the national divide in the country

with original poetry, songs, imagery and Bible verses.

“We looked at the social unrest, the pandemic, gun violence and then with the

insurrection on the 6th (of January), it totally changed its focus into the divide we’re in. The students have researched interviews with the Capitol police and the balance and process it changed afterward,” Crnich said.

The first part of the piece speaks to the country’s division while the second addresses its unity.

This spring, two students also were slated to perform an original one-act, “The Cure,” which they wrote and will direct.

Students David Kale and Katelyn Woods created the one-hour play about the trials and tribulations which friends go through as part of their Academy of Fine Arts senior project.

“It’s really well done, and rehearsals are going well,” he said prior to its opening.

After the devised performance in midApril, Crnich hopes to resume rehearsals of “As You Like It” with an anticipated opening in May in the school’s amphitheater.

“We had five weeks of rehearsals earlier, so we’re hoping we can jump on it as soon as we can and figure out the power and sound in the amphitheater,” he said.

“It’s been a good year and the kids have been creative. They’ve learned to persevere through it all.” l

May 2021 | Page 5

Corner Canyon theater students gain appreciation during pandemic year

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

C

orner Canyon High School thespians are learning gratitude this year, according to their drama teacher.

“It’s been the hardest year ever in theater and education,” said Phaidra Atkinson, who teaches Corner Canyon High theater classes and directs the school’s productions. “It’s difficult to teach how to be expressive with a mask covering faces; it’s hard to know what to do and how to do it with the uncertainty of the pandemic, but through it all, our students are learning to be grateful that we can rehearse, and they can do hard things under the circumstances.”

This includes putting on their production of “Matilda,” which, with several school closures because of high COVID-19 case counts, was held in late February.

“It turned out great, but we had to shut things down as 80% of our cast tested positive (for COVID-19). It was crazy and just spread like wildfire throughout our cast. Almost every person had two weeks of quarantine and we had to redo the tickets as we had sold out nightly. When we go back, we just picked it up without a dress rehearsal and just went for it,” she said.

They had just one week before they put together “Children of the Black Skirt,” which was the play about an abandoned orphanage and those who lived there in the Australian bush. The cast performed it at the regional competition, placing second.

Also at region, they were named the best ensemble and best tech crew and placed third overall. The entire team was expected to compete at state April 22-24, including four students with perfect scores: Lauren Carn in dramatic monologue, Ian Colton in humorous monologue, and Noah Garcia and Willow Rosenberg in contemporary scenes.

The cast of “Children of the Black Skirt” finished second in region with best ensemble and best tech crew. (Photo courtesy of Virginia Rogers)

Other students who are advancing in state are: Grayce Alstrom, Jacqueline Clegg, Sam Free, Alyssa Miller, Rachel May, Linda Vogel, Emma Haynie and Katia Jensen in pantomime; Aidan Hughes, Emma Bodell, Maggie McDowell, Nia Peterson, Kathryn Solum, Jackson Gray, Ellie Harris and Luke Allen in classical scene; Mason Hughes, Sophia Abbott and Brooklynn Jeppesen, in dramatic monologue; Brianna Frehner, Ashlyn Atkisson, Isaak Remund, Sydney Rudel, Eli Weaver and Ariel Harp in musical theatre: Spencer Croston, Creed Gardiner and Kaiden Abaroa in humorous monologue; Eve Candell, Siena Crivac, Liz Vance, Caden Fairbourn, Juanita Lopez, Mason Miller and Lauren Dunn, in contemporary scene.

Corner Canyon will put on its season’s final show, “Bright

Star,” a musical written and composed by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, set in the Blue Ridge Mountains in the 1940s, with flashbacks to 1923.

“We have the right kids for it. It’s very honest and the production is just beautiful and real,” Atkinson said. “Our kids will take on the choreography and it will allow our seniors to have their moment on stage.”

The show will be at 7 p.m., May 12-15 in Corner Canyon’s auditorium, 12943 S. 700 East. Tickets will be available at cornercanyontheatre.com. Patrons will follow the school’s mask mandate and patrons will be seated socially distanced.

“It’s been a lesson in endurance, but we are even more appreciative for what we’re able to do,” Atkinson said. l

Actors with special needs star in Draper Historic Theatre Youth Council’s ‘Peter Pan: Escape to Neverland’

By Katherine Weinstein | k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com

T

he enthusiasm of the young actors was contagious at a recent rehearsal for Draper Historic Theatre’s, “Peter Pan: Escape to Neverland.” They practiced their lines, engaged in a play swordfight and played a bonding game while sitting in a circle. Being in a play and rehearsing is a new experience for most of the actors, each of whom may be described as having “special needs” or being neuroatypical.

“The motivation behind this show was to create an opportunity for special needs kids and adults to be on stage and perform,” explained director Alyssa Miller. “We were surprised at the number of kids who wanted to do this and are excited to be here.”

“Opportunities like this don’t come often enough,” said Mandy Barlow, mother of eighth-grader Jordan, who plays the title role. “He’s never been in a play before. This is a whole new experience for him. Jordan loves dancing and showing off. His sister dances so it’s fun for him to have a turn on stage.”

While memorizing lines poses a bit of a challenge for Jordan, he is embracing the role with gusto. “It’s fun!” he exclaimed. He summed up the best part of being in “Peter Pan” in one word: “Friends.”

Brecia Hansen, who plays the Narrator and Tiger Lily, echoed the sentiment. “I’m really excited. I really enjoy how everybody interacts with each other. It’s a good bonding experience for us, it’s like we’re a family.”

The youngest member of the cast is a 7 year old who plays the Crocodile, the oldest is in her 40s.

Larissa Smith graduated from high school in 2008 and now works in a daycare. She is thrilled to be playing Captain Hook.

“Plays are fun—it’s fun to be another person,” she said. “The di-

Page 6 | May 2021

rectors are nice. I love that I’m one of the main characters. I love being and expressing a different character.”

Larissa’s mom, Richelle Smith, noted, “A lot of these kids don’t have extracurricular activities, so this is very special.”

“Once you turn 21 you’re pretty much on your own,” added her husband DeeJay. “There is a lack of activities for special needs young adults, especially opportunities to be physically active.”

DeeJay Smith commended the members of the Draper Historic Theatre Youth Council who are behind the scenes producing “Peter Pan: Escape to Neverland.” “The teens are running this,” he explained. “For the kids in the show, it’s about more than just putting on a play, they make friends with their peers.”

Stacee Hunsaker, the executive secretary of the Draper Historic Theatre board, is working with the Youth Council as an adult mentor. She helps to keep the cast focused and engaged and is overseeing aspects of the show such as costuming and sets. Hunsaker noted that the teens on the Youth Council all have years of experience performing and are now getting hands-on experience with the production side of theater.

The teens have come up with some creative ideas for staging “Peter Pan.” For example, instead of making Peter literally fly on stage, “I get to fly a puppet around,” said Jordan Barlow.

Alyssa Miller, a ninth-grader at Corner Canyon High School, is directing the production. It is her first time directing a show. “It is really cool to get this new experience,” she said.

In addition to directing, Miller worked on editing the original script which was written specifically for actors with special needs. “It’s a telling of the story of Peter Pan that’s really heartfelt.

We wanted a story that we could tell well with our actors,” Miller

The actors in the Draper Historic Theatre production of “Peter Pan: Escape to Neverland” for special needs youth play a fun game during rehearsal. (Katherine Weinstein/City Journals)

explained.

“I love theatre and don’t know what I would do without it.

I’ve realized that there isn’t anything really like it for these kids with special needs and that makes me sad. I couldn’t be happier about what we’re doing,” said Roman Southwick, who is president of the DHT Youth Council. A ninth-grader at Alta High School, he is the choreographer for “Peter Pan.” The kids on the DHT Youth Council are having as much fun as the actors performing in the play. “Everyone’s really excited for people to come see the show,” Miller said. “It’s uplifting. I always leave rehearsals feeling happier than when I came in.”

“Peter Pan: Escape to Neverland” will be presented at Draper Historic Theatre May 21, 22 and 24 at 7 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee on May 22. Draper Historic Theatre is located at 12366 S. 900 East. The ticket hotline is 801-572-4144 during performance weeks. Tickets may also be purchased via the theatre website at www.drapertheatre.org l

Draper City Journal

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Draper City Journal

Two new faces at City Hall

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

D

raper City has a new communications director and a new assistant city manager. One met George Clooney while working in Hollywood, and the other held a key transportation role for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games hosted

by Salt Lake City.

Linda Peterson became Draper’s communications director after holding the same role for the city of Eagle Mountain for the last 15 years. Prior to being a communications director, she was a reporter for the Daily Herald, covering the communities of Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain.

“My degree is in communications with an emphasis in journalism and public relations. I’ve always enjoyed working with people and writing, and I’ve found over the years that those things lend themselves to working in communications and government. I worked my way through college as a police emergency dispatcher. That was my first exposure to working for government, and I really loved it,” Peterson said.

After graduating from California State University San Bernardino, Peterson worked for Paramount Pictures in publicity. “It was a fun time. I got to go to several awards shows including the Oscars, Emmys and Golden Globes,” she said. Having always been a fan of movies and television, Peterson delighted in getting to see and meet celebrities. She described Clooney as “really nice” and has an especially fun story to share about Patrick Stewart. “I met him at a press junket for ‘Star Trek: First Contact’ at the same time I was doing press for ‘Beavis and Butt-head Do America’. He actually asked, in his Patrick Stewart voice, for a Beavis and Butt-head swag bag, saying that ‘he loved Beavis and Butt-head,’” Peterson said.

Seeking a break from the Hollywood scene, she worked for three years as an elementary teacher in East Lost Angeles. Then she moved to Utah and spent four years teaching at South Summit Elementary in Kamas. “I wanted to do something meaningful to me. I really enjoyed that time,” she said.

The city recruited Peterson for her new position. “We met and I immediately felt a good connection…it was interesting to me to start with a new community because I’d been with Eagle Mountain for so long. I was the first communications director for that city, so it was a new challenge to step into an existing position that they were looking to develop the role of further. I felt like I had the skills they were looking for...and I could jump in and take it in the direction they wanted to go,” she said.

One of Peterson’s first goals is to establish a text and email notification system residents can subscribe to. “I’d like to develop more tools where residents can easily access information from the city and get updates on what the government is working on, and other fun events, so the community can come together. Especially after the pandemic year, I think everyone is looking to reconnect.”

Peterson replaced Britnee Johnston who worked for the city for nearly one year before returning to a job with the state.

Bret Millburn, who admits having a reputation for being tenacious, began his job as assistant city manager in February. He grew up in Bountiful, has lived in Centerville for more than 20 years, and is a graduate of Weber State University. “I’ve been blessed to have quite a variety of career opportunities,” he said.

When Millburn was a college senior in 1993, he met Tom Welch at a speaking engagement hosted by Weber State. Welch was leading the bid process to bring the Olympics to Utah, and Millburn approached him and asked how

DraperJournal .com

Linda Peterson has a variety of work experiences in her background, including having been an emergency dispatcher, a teacher and a journalist. She was recruited by Draper City for the job of communications director, a role she began in early April.

(Courtesy Draper City)

Bret Millburn’s career has taken him places he’d never imagined as a college senior, including running for elected office which he said, “I never thought I’d do in a million years.” Most recently, he served three terms as Davis County commissioner before being hired for the job of Draper’s assistant city manager.

(Courtesy Draper City)

he could get involved. Welch introduced him to another man who worked in the bid office. “I spent a number of months calling the bid office, stopping by the bid office, not making any connections. One day, trying again, I was walking through the parking structure and crossed paths with the gentleman that I’d been trying to reach. He invited me to hop in the car to go with him to a meeting. He said I was the most tenacious individual he’d ever met and asked if I’d like to volunteer for the bid effort, so I did…from late 1993 until the games were awarded to Salt Lake City in June 1995. I was hired on staff, about number 10 of the employees of the Salt Lake Olympic Organizing Committee. Then all kinds of doors opened and I’ve had an interesting ride ever since.”

Millburn’s volunteerism with the Olympic bid process led to interactions with federal, state and local government officials. That resulted in him serving as an assistant to the speaker of the house in the 2000 Utah legislative session after which he was offered a position to return to Olympic organizing to oversee the transportation system for athletes and officials.

“That involved developing a transportation system to move 30,000-plus people 24/7 for about 30 days and we did so with all volunteer drivers, the first time it was ever done with strictly volunteers. Transportation has often been known as the Achilles’ heel of the Olympics, but all transportation systems were phenomenal during the 2002 games,” he said.

More recently, he served three terms (12 years) as Davis County commissioner, ending in 2019. Since then, he’s been doing consulting work in economic development and government relations. Draper Mayor Troy Walker worked with Millburn in the past when they both served on UTA’s Board of Trustees. Walker described Millburn as an outstanding person. “I’ve worked with him for a number of years. He’s very adept at road funding, risk management… all those things we need. We’re excited to have him,” Walker said.

Millburn replaced longtime Draper City employee and National Guard member Russell Fox, who had several deployments in his time with the city. Fox left to pursue an active-duty opportunity with the National Guard. l

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Continued from front page When we reviewed the security camera, it was scary to watch how the kids fled. They drove out of the parking lot quickly, and in all different directions, at the same time kids were running away. The video was very disturbing to see.”

Neighbors in the CCHS area have been upset by noise and damage to their property and police have had Zoom calls with them to try to come up with solutions.

Evans said CCHS has messaged parents in different ways, but the problems persisted.

After many attempts at talking with kids who were hanging out in the area, and after numerous warnings, the police took a zero tolerance stance. “There comes a point where you have to start enforcement to have a change in behaviors,” Evans said.

The police suspected a lot of the kids weren’t CCHS students or Draper residents, but 12 were. First offenders (those with no criminal record who admit guilt) will be sent to Draper’s Peer Court, and others will go to juvenile court. Evans said 28 are charged with trespassing and six with reckless driving, three of whom were driving without a license. Some were cited for more than one offense.

Metal gates have now been installed in the rear parking lot of the high school as a last-ditch effort to curtail the problem.

“Gates at a high school are a hard decision to make. It becomes a daunting task to

2021

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make sure they’re locking at the right time.

They (the school district) was trying to avoid gating the parking lot for legitimate reasons. They’ve been great partners,” Evans said. For the last eight months, before the gates were put in place, police had tried employing off-duty officers at the school and the district was helping cover those costs.

Felicia Boothe has lived in the same neighborhood near 1300 East for 25 years.

Recently, she began to experience something that’s never been a problem before.

She went to bed with her window open only to be woken up by street noise.

“It felt like there was a race right behind me, it was so loud,” Boothe said.

It typically starts about 11 p.m. and she reached out to her neighborhood online group because many people were experiencing the same problem into the wee hours of the morning. “I thought it was an isolated incident, but evidently it’s going on in pockets in Sandy and Draper. They (the youth) have a good network of where they’re going to meet up and what they’re going to do. It’s almost like clockwork,” she said.

Boothe observed kids gathering in the Macey’s parking lot. Some were just hanging out, some were playing music loudly, and one car had the muffler cut off to sound like a gunshot when it backfires. “I realized that’s what I was hearing the night before,”

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Page 10 | May 2021

she said.

Boothe is sympathetic to their cause of needing a place to hang out. “I think most are completely unaware of the impact on those around them. I’m going to guess that if you talked to them and told them they’re waking us up…(the reasonable ones would understand). The ones that don’t are the ones that police need to talk to. I think we want to work as a community to come up with some good solutions. I would like to see these young people have a way to gather, engage in activities within the boundaries of the law. These kids have a lot of influencers in their lives— parents, teachers, religious leaders. If they’re all communicating the same message, we might make a dent in it. I’m a believer that it takes a village to raise a child,” she said.

Both Evans and Boothe proposed one simple solution to help alleviate the problem. “It’s important for parents to know where their kids are, to talk to them about reckless driving and why it’s dangerous. I went to Alta (High School), and in 1997, a student was killed in a parking lot. He was hanging on to a vehicle, an accident occurred, and he lost his life. I think the real way to solve it starts at home. Parents need to know where their kids are, what they’re doing, and have consequences if their kids are not driving safely. Take away their car or do what they have to do,” Evans said.

“We’re very lucky we didn’t have other

serious injuries or fatalities at the school.

Police officers were in the rear parking lot impounding a vehicle while kids who were still hanging out in the front lot crashed into each other. Had any of these parents driven through that parking lot and seen what was going on, they would not have allowed their kids there.”

Boothe agrees. “Until they’re 18, they are the legal responsibility of their parents.

Parents need to get involved on where their kids are going and what they’re doing. If that conversation isn’t happening, then it needs to. Their parents need to be held accountable.”

Evans and Boothe suspect that some of the youth who have caused problems around CCHS are the same as those gathering in the Macey’s parking lot and 1300 East area. The problem spans the cities of Sandy and Draper, but Evans said both he and Police Chief John Eining worked for Sandy City police previously and they continue to work cooperatively.

Evans also said police have zero tolerance for street racing, and if caught, racers’ cars will be impounded. He said that if police aren’t there or aware when street racing is happening, they’d ask people to call police immediately.

“Really, the last thing we want to do is arrest a juvenile. We want parents to be parents and hopefully we can all have positive interactions,” Evans said. l

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Draper City Journal

Corner Canyon unified athletes snag third place in basketball, gear up for soccer tournament

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

L

eading up to the slated May 1 regional tournament, Corner Canyon High’s unified soccer team laced up their cleats and shoes to practice passing, dribbling and shooting.

The team, composed of both athletes and partners, play on the field together, with equal participation as they form friendships over a shared interest in sports, said John Evans, a special education teacher who also coaches the team.

Unified soccer is a coed sport, playing five-on-five on a field about onefourth the size of a regulation field.

Many of the Chargers are fresh off of competing in unified basketball where seven athletes and three partners teamed up to take third place in the Salt Lake region. It was Corner Canyon High’s second year participating in unified basketball.

“We got an email asking if we’d like to participate,” Evans said. “They were down to play as a team. My kids are crazy about basketball and most are huge Utah Jazz fans; they’re obsessed with them.”

This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, regional tournaments were held in basketball as well as soccer instead of a state contest to reduce potential spread of the disease through fewer competitors and fans at a site, said Courtnie Worthen, Unified Champion Schools manager who oversees the unified program.

“We’re operating at the same way as other sports teams, with testing for COVID prior to playing,” she said, adding that teams also wore masks on the sidelines as well as sanitized their hands and basketballs.

This year, 13 teams competed around the state in unified basketball, down from 22 last year. Last year’s season came to an abrupt end before the state tournament when the COVID-19 cases began spreading in Utah. Soccer team numbers were up, to about 20 teams this year.

“Playing in unified sports is very important for persons with disabilities as it gives them a chance to interact; it may be one of their only opportunities to socialize,” Worthen said.

It also leads to more active lifestyles since many students with disabilities tend to live more sedentary lifestyles, and it gives them a chance to learn or practice their skills in sports, she said.

Evans said that he tried to incorporate as much movement as possible when teaching basketball skills.

“I teach a healthy lifestyle and make sure they understood by doing; that is golden. Many students can be out of shape sitting on their tushes, and it’s a big tragedy not being active at all. All students are

DraperJournal .com

They were down to play as a team.

My kids are crazy about basketball and most are huge Utah Jazz fans; they’re obsessed with them.

John Evans

happier when they’re active,” he said.

For their peer mentors, it teaches them empathy and a chance to include and interact with their peers who have disabilities, Worthen added.

Evans agreed: “They learn these students show abiding love and benefit from the spirit of these very special souls. They learn their compassion and kindness to everyone.”

Unified sports is a mutually beneficial program, Worthen said.

“The best things are the inclusion, the friendships they create, how the athletes are celebrated and are included in school activities,” she said.

Unified basketball is in its second year while soccer was established seven years ago about the same time as unified track.

“Most of the schools prefer team sports so we haven’t put as much emphasis on track,” she said, adding that both soccer and track are sanctioned UHSAA sports.

Before the Chargers took to the basketball tournament, Evans worked with students about 15 minute each class period to teach skills—shooting, running, passing as well as solid defense, which was apparent during the tournament as their opponents had a hard time bringing up the ball without turning it over or having it stolen.

However, what he didn’t teach, they knew how to do—celebrate and have fun as during half-time or after they played a game, they’d dance with their opponents for the fans.

“Those kids love to dance; they were born to dance,” Evans said. “The kids really love unified sports since it is so much fun and love belonging to a team and having pride in their school.” l

Corner Canyon High unified basketball player Sam Jeans shoots in their game against Murray High during the Salt Lake regional unified basketball tournament. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Corner Canyon High’s unified basketball team was cheered March 9 when they finished third in the Salt Lake regional unified basketball tournament. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

May 2021 | Page 11

The mask mandate ends in SL County, but we still need to remain vigilant

Aimee Winder Newton Salt Lake County Council | District 3

Toward the end of Utah’s 2021 General Legislative Session, a bill was passed signaling the end of mask mandates across the state. House Bill 294 stated that all COVID-19 public health orders statewide would come to an end once three criteria were met: 1) the state's 14-day case rate is less than 191 per 100,000 people, 2) the statewide seven-day average COVID-19 ICU utilization is less than 15%, and 3) 1,633,000 prime doses of a COVID-19 vaccine have been allocated to the state. Additionally, H.B. 294 provided that all blanket mask mandates would expire on April 10, 2021. If the state failed to meet any of the three criteria, however, then local health departments could recommend a mask mandate for their jurisdiction, subject to the approval of the jurisdiction’s legislative body.

As we approached April 10, the Salt Lake County Council received hundreds of emails from constituents on both sides of the issue requesting that the Council either vote to extend or not to extend the mask mandate in Salt Lake County. It also became clear that the state as a whole would satisfy only two out of the three

criteria, and therefore a mask mandate could be recommended by the county health department, pending the approval of the county council. For us, that meant we would await the recommendation of Salt Lake County Health Director Gary Edwards and then determine the county’s next steps.

The Council received a letter from Edwards on April 7, in which he stated he did not believe a mask mandate was necessary and that he would not be recommending a mask mandate for Salt Lake County. Because state legislation said that the council could only consider a mandate if the health department director recommended one, the Council did not have action to consider. The mask mandate ended in Salt Lake County as state law dictated.

At a recent press conference, the County Council emphasized the need for vigilance as we continue to fight against the spread of COVID-19. The vaccine will help us return to normal. I’ve been fully vaccinated and recommend that residents get their vaccine as soon as possible. I also hope we can all be considerate and mindful of others. If you are around

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Draper City Journal

Psych 101: Minding the mind

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjouranls.com

T

hroughout this series, I’ve written at length about the importance of mental health, well-being, and self-care.

Self-care is becoming increasingly more popular in the form of mediation. It’s as if everyone I talk to either already has an established ritual or are working to figure out their preferred technique.

The history of meditation is rooted in Buddhism. Eastern Buddhist monks structure their lives around meditation and have done so for centuries. It is believed meditation forms can help achieve an ideal state of mind. Traditionally, meditation forms are based on the two principles of creating awareness and attention to the present moment and nonjudgmentally accepting emotional states. Meditation began making its way through popular culture as mental health and well-being benefits began to be documented and spotlighted by famous names.

Through historical and modern discourse, meditation and mindfulness go hand in hand and are often used interchangeably. A mindful individual is thought to be oriented in the present, sensitive to changes in context, and aware of multiple perspectives. By the 2000s, mindfulness and meditation practices were commonly utilized in mental health settings. Mindfulness training involves deliberately staying in and being aware of the present moment. Ideally, this provides an opportunity to acknowledge and accept difficult physical and emotional sensations.

In thousands of formalized studies (and even more informal), meditation has proven to be effective in helping to reduce anxiety levels, alleviate depressive symptoms, decrease bodily pain, reduce reactivity, reduce high blood

pressure, cultivate less psychological distress, and increase brain functioning. On a lesser scale, meditation is effective for increasing neuroplasticity, developing emotional intelligence, improving sustained attention and working memory, improving sleep, increasing overall health, and most importantly, reducing stress levels.

Various forms of mindfulness practices and techniques exist. There is no right way to go about meditation. (There are more traditional forms, for sure, but those don’t always work for everyone.) However, a foundational aspect to most meditative techniques is breath.

Mindfulness is all about quieting the mind and being present in the moment, so focusing on breathing is one of the best ways to spark such a mindset. Some will focus on the bodily experience of breathing; focusing in on how your

chest rises and falls with every breathe. Some will focus on deep breathing; timing with various patterns such as a counting to four with a deep breath in, holding for two at the top of the breath, and breathing out for four.

From there, any number of meditation practices can be utilized. Some will focus more on the bodily experience, asking for attention on the muscles; as you contract and release every muscle in your body, moving from head to toe, or from toe to head. Some will ask for attention on thought processing, as you focus on quieting the mind, stopping the pesky and unwanted thoughts, to cut out all but one. Some will ask you to focus on what you’re perceiving with each of the five senses. Some will lead you through a guided exercise, asking you to imagine different perceptions or visualizations.

As with any form of self-care, the key is finding what works best for you and your own well-being. I know some people who take a 10-minute pause in their work day to focus on their breathing. I know some people who breathe intuitively for a few moments in between Zoom meetings. I know some people who go to yoga (sometimes even with goats). I know some people who go on weekend meditation retreats.

I firmly believe taking time to yourself, even if it’s a few moments or an entire weekend, to close your eyes, breathe, and calm the mind, is extremely important for well-being and mental health. So if you haven’t given meditation a try yet, the present moment is a good time to start.

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May 2021 | Page 13

Comprehensive soccer training taught virtually by pros

By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

F

ormer Utah Royals professional soccer player Alex Kimball will again headline a six-week virtual training course that begins June 14 for young female soccer players, ages 12 to 17. A sneak peek of the first week is being offered for free to give those interested a glimpse of the program.

“This course has brought girls from across the country and has provided great insight into many aspects of the game that are often missed when competing at a high level as a teenage female athlete,” Utah-based Sport Ready founder Robin Cecil, a physical therapist of 25 years, said. “They are learning from phenomenal professional athletes and specialists how to listen to their bodies, how their own training must be individualized, how their self-talk really matters, and how to increase their confidence both on and off the field.”

The first run of this program this spring brought several positive responses including from a soccer player named Teya who said, “This course is like nothing I have ever done before. It teaches me what I’ve got to do off the field and it will help me more in the long run.”

Former professional soccer player Colette Jepson Smith along with former BYU player Elise Flake will also be featured in the training along other sports professionals, in-

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Former BYU soccer player Elise Flake will be featured in a virtual six-week training program of worldclass instruction for female soccer players, ages 12 to 17, that begins June 14. (Photo courtesy BYU)

cluding RSL nutritionist Michelle Meinking and mental strength coach Kelsey Ruff.

Additionally, sports endocrinologist Nic-

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Former Utah Royals soccer player Alex Kimball will headline a virtual six-week training program of worldclass instruction for female soccer players, ages 12 to 17, that begins June 14. (Photo courtesy Robin Cecil)

ki Keay will help participants learn to identify symptoms of imbalance training and how to balance their training behaviors, which will improve performance capacity.

“This training program provides female youth athletes with the strategies necessary to help them meet their sport demands in today’s competitive youth sports structure along with the tools to monitor their readiness to compete,” Cecil said.

“We educate and help you train yourself in ways that you’ve never probably learned before,” Kimball said. “I wish I knew then

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Former Utah Royals player Colette Jepson Smith will be featured in a virtual six-week training program of world-class instruction for female soccer players, ages 12 to 17, that begins June 14. (Photo courtesy Robin Cecil)

what I know now.”

Cecil compares high-level athletes to a sports car. “Both burst with speed and agility.

Both have the drive to perform by covering the distance in the fastest and most efficient way possible. To compete, a car and driver need to be ready. Preparation and training are paramount. Before the race, all systems are checked and a racing strategy is in place.

Knowing when to step on the gas and when to step on the brake is paramount to staying on the track. It is the same with young athletes. Blindly going the distance without the right preparation and training, a plan, and not taking care of issues as they arise leaves athletes facing a long and dangerous race to the finish.”

Kimball will provide “Alex’s Daily Touch” along with hosting live question-and-answer sessions with NWSL, WSL, National and NCAA D1 female soccer players. The training will take about 30 minutes per day, four to five days a week, depending on the individual schedule of each participant.

The cost of the online training is $199.

Enrollment can be secured and more information can be found at: s p o r t r e a d y a c a d e m y. c o m / p / u l t i mate-virtual-soccer-training-for-female-athletes-with-alex-kimball. Individual athletes who subscribe at Sport Ready Academy will receive a 10% discount on the course. Teams that are interested in signing up can reach out at info@rusportready.com for special pricing.

Plans are also in place to expand this type of training to other sports, as well as expanding the number of soccer professionals featured in this program.l

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Alta High top Hawk named Utah principal of year

T

he decision was supposed to take weeks.

Instead, it was quietly decided within hours.

Simply put, Brian McGill is the best in the state.

The official announcement that McGill was selected 2021 Utah Principal of the Year by the Utah Association of Secondary School Principals was announced months later, in early February—still, without much fanfare.

There weren’t any balloons or confetti at Alta High, where he has been a principal the past seven years and since the association’s mid-winter conference was canceled because of COVID-19 restrictions, word of his award hasn’t reached everyone yet.

“It was pretty under the radar; it’s quite an honor and most meaningful to be chosen by my peers across the state,” McGill said humbly, then deflecting the praise to those working alongside him. “It shows the strong sense of value and recognition of great work at Alta and a reflection of the entire community.”

He was selected after sharing with the six-principal panel about Alta High through essay response questions and interviews that were held after he was informed he was a candidate. McGill does not know who put his name in the hat.

Although he has reached the top award of the state, McGill isn’t done being an example to his 2,350 students—something he demonstrated earlier when he went back to school to earn his doctorate in educational leadership and policy in social justice. As his students did their homework, he was doing his own.

“One of the best investments is in educating yourself,” McGill said. “The sky is endless.”

Now, as Utah’s nominee, he will be completing more essay questions for a chance to be selected as the national principal of the year. The national conference is scheduled to be held in July in Denver, if allowed with the pandemic’s safety and health guidelines.

McGill likely will share more about the programs he has introduced at Alta High that are working for his students.

“When I walk through the doors every day, I have to do everything in my power to do what is best for kids,” he said. “When I was here there were a lot of cliques; we’re more inclusive today, but still not perfect. We have a good climate and have introduced programs to support our students.”

Those programs McGill highlights are ones that he introduced, beginning with the Link Crew program, where upperclassmen reach out to freshmen with a call before school begins in the fall, welcoming them to Alta and answering any questions they may have. Then, in a typical year, the Link Crew members invite the freshmen to games, dances and other activities throughout the year to

Page 16 | May 2021

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

After performing with the A-town dance company in 2018, Alta High Principal Brian McGill strikes a pose. (Photo courtesy of Alta High yearbook archives)

give them a positive high school experience.

“The Link Crew members are their advocates, their mentors and their peer-to-peer connections,” McGill said. “We’re seeing a stronger, more unified culture as a result of the program.”

It also is lending leadership experience to the 110 juniors and seniors as well as role-modeling— both which inspire the younger students to want to apply to be on Link Crew when they’re older, he added.

McGill also advocates for leading schools to use the SafeUT mobile app to prevent suicides, reduce instances of bullying, and maintain a safe learning environment.

As a recipient of the Champion of SafeUT Award, McGill carefully monitors and follows up on tips he receives.

He said Alta was the first high school to use the state-funded SafeUT. The mobile app gives students immediate, all-day-and-allnight access to school staff and counselors at the University of Utah’s Neuropsychiatric Institute, and has proven effective in reaching struggling students. During his seven years at Alta, the school has had four student suicides.

McGill, who has master’s degrees in clinical psychology, school counseling and school administration as well as bachelor’s in psychology, also has used land trust grant funds to support an additional counselor and part-time counselor to the school’s counseling center.

“I’ve learned in my 20 years of education, we first need to have the right culture where students feel welcome, safe and connected, then academic achievement will follow,” said McGill, who himself was a guidance counselor at the middle and high school levels. “Now, especially during COVID, we know kids are struggling. We want students to have that connection and to use the app if they know there is a way we can reach someone and support one another.”

McGill, who previously served as a state director for College Access and Outreach for the Utah System of Higher Education, also developed Step2theU, a program that supports Alta students who want more of a challenge in high school.

Five years ago, Alta High partnered with the University of Utah that currently allows 160 Alta students in the program to complete two semesters of college credit as upperclassmen. The students work in cohorts through the program, supporting one another while being challenged—and through the program, each student saves $15,000 in tuition and completes university general education requirements.

“It’s been a tremendous success and as a result, students are redoing their schedules knowing they can take more rigorous classes—advanced courses and AP (advanced placement) classes—with this heightened confidence that will springboard them for

college,” he said.

With the 12-step “pretty intense” application for the national award, McGill will be submitting other data, such as Alta’s yearend test scores (which may be difficult since COVID-19 pandemic prevented those from happening last year); its diversity—21% identified as minorities; and graduation rate, which averages about 93% , he said.

While McGill has received awards—educator of the year, coach of the year and the Milton Bennion Scholar at the University of Utah, and he has served as assistant principal at Corner Canyon High and principal at AMES (Academy of Math, Engineering and Science), being principal at Alta is significant.

That’s because Alta just isn’t a school.

It’s home.

McGill graduated from Alta with a 3.9 grade-point average in 1991. His wife, Jody, his daughter, and soon, his son, are all graduates.

That has meaning for McGill. He wanted all students to feel like they have a place at the school.

“It’s all about the relationships, the rapport, the connections, and building trust,” McGill said. “We want our students to succeed. We want to give them the best possible community that will support them getting the best educational experience that will shape the rest of their lives.” l

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May 2021 | Page 17

Girls just want to have fun in the Lamplight Theatre Company production of ‘Much Ado About Nothing’

By Katherine Weinstein | k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com

T

he 1980s are often remembered for iconic pop music, big hair, power suits and day-glo colors. It was also a decade in which women achieved new levels of representation in the workplace, politics and pop culture. Sandra Day O’Connor, for example, became the first woman justice on the Supreme Court, Sally Ride became the first American woman in space and female superstars like Whitney Houston and Madonna tore up the charts.

The Lamplight Theatre Company’s adaptation of "Much Ado About Nothing" at Draper Historic Theatre moves William Shakespeare's comedy to the 1980s and puts the female characters front and center.

"You can see the female characters in more dominant roles. This production gives Beatrice the main story line,” noted Mackenzie Tolk Houmand, who composed original music for the production. She feels that the Lamplight Theatre Company adaptation is fitting. “Shakespeare often portrayed the idea of women pushing against assigned gender roles,” she said.

Love and deception are key themes in "Much Ado About Nothing.” When a young man named Claudio is tricked into thinking that his fiancée, Hero, cheated on him, he dumps her at the altar. Her friend Beatrice jumps to her defense and a scheme is concocted to restore Hero’s honor and get the couple back together. At the same time, friends conspire to trick the headstrong Beatrice and the devil-may-care Benedick into falling in love.

The Lamplight Theatre Company production takes a playful look at gender stereotypes. "Beatrice and Benedick have switched gender roles," explained director Eldon Randall. Lines that were written for Benedick are spoken instead by Beatrice and vice versa. Similarly, Hero and Claudio have swapped lines. "Hero can be a little whiny," said Randall. "Now it's Claudio."

In addition, some of the other characters in the play originally conceived of as male are now played by women.

Part of the reason for this gender role swapping is to accommodate the fact that more female actors often turn up at auditions. The other is simply to switch things up and put a fresh spin on a classic play. The goal is to make Shakespeare more accessible to audiences looking for light entertainment who might be a little intimidated by an Elizabethan script.

“We want people to not be afraid of Shakespeare,” said Randall of the adapted script. “It’s a lighthearted comedy that runs about 90 minutes. The plot is easy to follow.”

“This adaptation would be a really great way for someone who is not into Shakespeare to get into it,” echoed Houmand.

Page 18 | May 2021

Actors Mark Reading and Leah Allred spar in the Lamplight Theatre Company production of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” at Draper Historic Theatre. (Photo courtesy Eldon Randall/Draper Historic Theatre)

The singer/songwriter, who grew up in Draper and performed in many shows at Draper Historic Theatre as a child was thrilled to get involved with “Much Ado About Nothing.”

In this production, the music helps to tell the story and also conveys the time period.

Houmand wrote about half a dozen songs in the style of classic 80’s pop. "I tried to make the music have that feel to it," she said. Many of the songs incorporate synthesizers, "but some of the songs sound more modern," she explained.

Perhaps nothing captures the 1980s as much as the distinctive fashions of the decade. Costume designer Kylee Larsen isn’t old enough to remember those years, but explained, “I have a fantastic mom who educated me!” For inspiration, Larsen watched all the Brat Pack movies.

“I have tried to make sure that the costumes do not represent a Halloweeny version of 80’s clothing, but real clothes that people would actually wear,” Larsen said. Some of the characters wear preppy styles like “mom jeans” and blazers, Polo shirts and sweaters.

The villains have a goth look and are decked out in boots and fishnet stockings.

Larsen described the characters’ hairstyles as, “The bigger the better! Lots of

Actors Nate Hallett and Kate Howell play young lovers in the Lamplight Theatre Company production of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” at Draper Historic Theatre. (Photo courtesy Eldon Randall/ Draper Historic Theatre)

curls and lots of Aqua Net.” The makeup is bold and bright as befits the era.

Lamplight Theatre Company invites audiences to take a trip back to the ’80s to enjoy Shakespeare’s classic comedy, “Much Ado About Nothing,” May 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16

and 17 at 7 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on May 8 and 15. Draper Historic Theatre is located at 12366 S. 900 East. The ticket hotline is 801572-4144 during performance weeks. Tickets may also be purchased via the theatre website at www.drapertheatre.org l

Draper City Journal

How different cities around the valley are approaching summer events

By Justin Adams | justin.a@thecityjournals.com

F

or many Utah residents, big summer events like fairs, festivals and concert series are a summer staple. So it was a big disappointment to have all those events canceled last summer due to COVID-19. Now with cases declining and vaccinations widely available, cities around the Salt Lake valley are figuring out the best way to bring these popular events back.

“We’re actually just getting it nailed down right now,” said Keaton Asay, a special events coordinator for Sandy City, speaking about the city’s Fourth of July celebration. “In the past it’s our biggest event, with 35,000 to 40,000 people. We had to think about how we could scale it back.”

According to Asay, the event will include events like the 5k race, a Spikeball tournament and a food truck night. However, they’ll be going without a parade as well as stages for live music. The fireworks show will also be coordinated in such a way as to prevent lots of people gathering in one area.

Part of the difficulty of organizing big citywide events during a pandemic is that organizers have no way of knowing what state or county restrictions might be in place months down the road. With limited time to prepare, Asay said it made more sense for Sandy to plan conservatively, rather than to risk having to make major adjustments at the last minute.

Organizers for South Jordan’s SoJo Summerfest faced a similar dilemma. As one of the first big events of the summer season (usually taking place in early June) the city usually starts planning in the thick of winter.

“At that time, case counts were pretty high. I wish we had a crystal ball at that time,” said Janell Payne, a recreation director for South Jordan.

Unsure of what the next few months would look like,

Many Utahns are eager for a return to fun summer events, such as Butlerville Days in Cottonwood Heights, pictured here. (Justin Adams/City Journals)

they made the call to delay the event from the beginning of summer to the end of summer (Sept. 13-18).

“I know mask mandates have been lifted for the state.

Things are going well now, and hopefully they’ll be even better,” Payne said.

Like Sandy, South Jordan will be adapting its event to whatever circumstances in September may necessitate. One possibility is shifting the event from its regular venue at South Jordan City Park to the Equestrian Park, which has fewer entry and exit points, allowing the city to better control attendance.

For its more limited events held in the past year, the city has begun using an online ticketing and reservation system to help manage crowd sizes and other logistics. That will likely

be used again for SoJo Summerfest and possibly for future events as well.

“The benefits of knowing how many people to plan on is very helpful. If people are open to that, we’ll definitely continue that,” Payne said.

In Taylorsville, city leaders are betting on improving conditions with a full steam ahead approach.

“After checking with the county and state health departments, we have been authorized to hold Taylorsville Dayzz this year,” event committee chairman Jim Dunnigan said. “And, if the numbers continue to trend as they are now—with fewer positive COVID tests and coronavirus hospitalizations—we will be allowed to host it without requiring masks or social distancing. But either way, it’s officially a go.”

Taylorsville Dayzz (June 24-26) is expected to include all the features of a “normal year” including vendors, parades, a car show and live entertainment.

Likewise, Midvale City’s Harvest Days festival is aiming to include its regular attractions, albeit with some precautions.

“Safety requirements include signage reminding people to keep within their own groups, eat only at designated areas, and have multiple handwashing/sanitizing stations,” communications officer Laura Magness said during a Midvale City Council meeting in March.

They’ll also be limiting the number of vendor tents so that they can be adequately spaced apart from one another.

Residents can stay updated on various city-hosted events this summer by following their respective cities on social media. l

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Canyons Online to launch in fall, program met with caution by some online learners’ parents

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

T

he Canyons Board of Education unanimously approved the launch of Canyons Online, a technology-driven educational initiative for grades three through 12 that will begin this fall. It will replace the existing Canyons Virtual High School.

“This past year has taught us how important in-person instruction is because of relationships and connections students make with teachers and their schools,” Canyons School District Superintendent Rick Robins said on March 31. “What it also has taught us is how we can deliver education virtually. Some of our students have flourished online, while others have missed those relationships in our schools. We realize we can offer our students the flexibility of online learning while blending it with those connections.”

That ability to make and maintain connections with their neighborhood schools is what makes Canyons Online unique among other online-learning programs, he said.

Canyons Online elementary-age students will be able to participate in before- and after-school music programs, science fair and debate. Middle-schoolers enrolled in Canyons Online can take electives at the local school, plus compete in science fairs and debate. Canyons Online high school students will be allowed to dual enroll so they can have full access to high school programs.

“We’re re-establishing relationships with kids who have stayed online with their neighborhood schools to build that instruction and connection into Canyons Online,” Robins said.

“The blended online format will have the academic component, whether it’s support and remediation or acceleration, plus the connection to their neighborhood school. This is really at the heart of what personalized learning can be.”

Those changes sound better to a Canyons School District parent of an online elementary school learner, who asked not to be identified since the student has severe anxiety.

“I haven't looked at it in-depth yet, but that sounds like a good step,” the parent said.

While the parent has been told this year that there were no extra activities allowed at school, choir was offered. The online learner was denied the opportunity to come into the school, even after school, for spring photos.

“We were told that the school was not allowing ‘outside people’ in for picture day,” the parent said, who was shocked to think the school officials considered the student “an outside person.”

In the fall, the elementary student was taught with other online students across the district at that grade level and was assigned a teacher, whom the parent said was “always prepared, great at classroom management” and loved by the child.

That bond was broken this spring when more online students returned to in-person learning so the teacher was reassigned to in-person instruction, frustrating the online child.

“They have been asked to be flexible, and they have done it. Kids are resilient, but even a rubber band can only stretch so far,” the parent said. “I have been a teacher, so I understand the needs of the school are important. But I don't think it was clearly explained to anyone—parents, kids, or teachers—that a teacher could be reassigned during the year.”

That has impacted students’ emotional learning, the parent said.

“They aren't little adults; they're kids, and they need trusted adults in their lives consistently. This past year has been scary in a lot of ways. They can't have that fun recess and work time with their peers if they're online, but their teacher's face is a familiar sight,” the parent explained.

The last day with the beloved teacher was planned to be

Page 20 | May 2021

Canyons Online is a technology-driven educational program for grades three through 12 that will launch this fall. (Screenshot)

fun, but the parent said the student, who initially was excited about the activity, was crying so much about it being the last day with the teacher that the online learner didn't even want to join the Zoom meeting.

Under the new program, licensed teachers with training in digital teaching will be hired to instruct classes in core subjects, said district Instructional Supports Director Amber Roderick-Landward to the school board. Canyons Online high school students can take the online classes for credit, both original and recovery. This move of hiring dedicated teachers to online learning would eliminate shifting existing teachers to meet the demand.

“We are moving away from a COVID-19 response and moving toward a service model,” Robins said, adding that this expansion will build upon CVHS, which has served “its time and purpose. This is thinking much differently about how we provide flexible, online learning for students.”

Funding for the startup and operation of Canyons Online would use federal stimulus money as well as $680,000 from the CVHS budget. This would include the salaries of the newly appointed administrator Michelle Shimmin, 13 full-time instructors, 10 adjunct teachers, one full-time counselor and 10 education support professionals.

Some current online teachers, who asked not to be identified, are concerned since the district initially stated it would limit enrollment with the program in third through eighth grades. That would reduce teaching of several grades to one teacher and they are uncertain as to the expected workload as well as the support they would have now without working with a team.

The Canyons parent said there should be consideration first for students who have individualized educational programs. That wasn’t discussed at the board meeting, only it was stated that students would be selected by a random lottery.

Stephanie Pursglove has a high school daughter learning at home because of health reasons since soft closure last spring. She questioned why students were asked to commit to online learning before the new program was revealed.

“I see their plans, and I think their plans sound better

(than this current year online), but I think I’d have to see what it actually ends up looking like,” she said. “It sounds better on paper, but that’s where they initially said these are all the AP (advanced placement) classes we’re going to have; these are all of the honors classes that we’re going to have online. (Later they said,) ‘We’re not going to have any.’ So, they said we needed to commit (to learning online) in February and now they’re totally changing the program.”

Part of the challenges for her daughter, Morgan, have been the limitation of online courses. Instead of having a full schedule with AP and honors classes, there was just one honors class offered for her. Morgan said she hasn’t learned as much because of that this school year.

“It’s been easy; I haven’t learned a ton—just the basics of each subject,” Morgan said, adding that the online curriculum would improve with advanced courses and electives. “People who have already taken the super basic level one classes have nothing really to do.”

Her mother worries that Canyons Online’s description fails to mention electives, accelerated courses or dual immersion, all of which Morgan has needed this past year.

This year’s online instruction, Pursglove said, wasn’t what it was described.

“It was not as advertised. It wasn’t like a normal class where you were in with the teacher every day for class. It was self-taught. The first semester, Morgan was the only student that was actually tuning into class every day,” she said. “She had a teacher who would just start the class.

She’d say hi to Morgan for five minutes, then she’d play this video that she found online. So, the whole class time was just watching a video of someone else teaching. There was no plan for online.”

Morgan’s current English class took more than a semester to study “To Kill A Mockingbird,” a book she read with last year’s honor class in one month. Her math teacher is sprawled out instructing from a couch and others “still have no idea what they’re doing,” her mother said.

Pursglove was told not to worry about Morgan’s educational progress because these courses still would prepare her for college entrance tests, but she doesn’t know how when “the classes are pathetically easy.”

After Morgan finishes her classes by 3 p.m. each Thursday, she devotes extra time to complete course packets to get some other high school class requirements fulfilled. She also is taking an ACT college entrance prep class and the Pursgloves hired a tutor to ensure she will be prepared for college.

“We were able to supplement a lot where I’m not sure that everyone did that and I’m not sure everyone’s able to do that. She’ll come out OK,” Pursglove said.

Morgan also lacked communication informing her of student activities. She’s learned of some opportunities when friends have reached out to give her a link to vote for student body elections or telling her about concerto night auditions.

“The only thing we got was the weekly email,” Pursglove said, adding that some emails to the school have gone unanswered.

Morgan said she has gained the valuable lesson from this experience: to empower herself to learn.

“I am much better at time management. I am more self-motivated. The first quarter, I totally did absolutely nothing and had to do everything like the last week of the quarter. I would just watch YouTube all day. That was kind

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of rough,” she said, adding that now she has a schedule for her day. “I can get everything in and I’m just a lot more motivated. It feels like every single class, there’s no structure; it’s all up to you. There’s no teacher, no deadline, no bells, no assigned class time.”

In the Canyons Online model, Roderick-Landward said that the students will be able to learn at their own pace and their educational activities will test their competency.

At the board meeting, member Mont Millerberg said he was excited about Canyons Online as it has taken the “high points” and has “eliminated the pitfalls” of online learning this past year.

“I am excited about this,” he said. “For a little over a year now, we’ve been using the phrase that we need to reinvent education. I look at this model and I see on the high school level, they have full access to what goes on at the school: If I want to do core classes online, I want to do elections at school, I want to play athletics, I want to do any of those things I can at part of the high school. But I also have my flexibility to do things on my own and I can actually accelerate the pace. I can probably do more than sitting in a classroom. I look at middle school, and even the elementary, and what’s available to where they can still access the bricks and mortar and all the positive that comes out of that, but choose to do some of it, but not all of it. I love the model.”l

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May 2021 | Page 21

Charger boys tennis in winning ways so far this season

By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

T

he Corner Canyon High boys tennis team lost standout player Jensen Rideout to graduation last season, but the Chargers just added one from the family in freshman Aidan Rideout to a strong squad that returned every other player from the 2020 team.

Head coach Allison Rideout also noted the addition of freshman Beau Welker to her team this season. “They are both tournament players who are strong varsity contributors,” coach Rideout said, who also noted the depth of the junior varsity team in the program she is trying to build.

“Our goal is to work hard at every practice and every match and to have a great time while doing it,” coach Rideout said. “We want the boys to see the value of putting everything they have into something they enjoy doing.”

This season, Corner Canyon lost to Bingham 3-2 March 9. The Chargers were missing three varsity players and Tristan Buckner, who played No. 1 singles, also had the flu in the close match.

On March 16, they defeated Kearns 5-0. “Every match offers a different learning experience,” coach Rideout said.

“When the ball comes at you slower, you have to focus on your footwork and make sure you’re in the right position and execute your stroke.”

Against American Fork March 23, they won 3-2 with Aidan Rideout winning at No. 2 singles, Spencer Willes at No. 3 singles and Cole Jenkins/Welker at No. 1 doubles.

Corner Canyon has also defeated Pleasant Grove (twice), Skyridge (twice) and Westlake while also defeating Riverton 3-2 without three of their top players and suffering a recent loss to Lone Peak.

Corner Canyon’s Beau Welker and Spencer Willes have helped the Chargers win six of its seven matches this season. (Photo courtesy Allison Rideout)

“This is definitely one of the greatest seasons Corner Canyon has ever had,” Aidan Rideout said.

Aidan Rideout, son of Benji and Allison Rideout of Draper, has been playing tennis for seven years now and “hated it for six of those years,” as he stepped into a sport that his dad played in college. “As soon as I started playing for me and less for my family, it became more enjoyable and now I really love the feel-

ing of competing,” he said about the sport that he has learned so much about hard work and progress from.

Willes, son of Steve and Lisa Willes of Draper, said tennis isn’t as loud and aggressive as other sports and really has a “balance between a physical aspect and being a gentleman’s sport.”

“You really learn a lot of self-motivation, discipline and your own composure as you grow and improve,” Willes said.

Welker, son of Lance Welker of Draper and Therisia Welker-Hadley of Sandy, has been enjoying his experience on the Chargers team this season and strengthening his own mental toughness. “You have to really keep your edge because even if you’re winning, you can still lose,” he said.

Also on the CCHS tennis squad this season are Chase Ashton, Sam Bethards, Jaxon Bloechel, Andrew Borg, Tyler Burraston, Brandon Cutler, Matt Dorny, Charlie Jenkins, Nate Kennedy, John Norton, Henry Purser, Jaxson Roberts, Jason Sharp, Ayden Smith, Boston Snow, Connor Snow, Austin Squire, Dylan Squire, Josh Townsend, Nick White, Nate Winegar, Ethan Woodward and Ty Yeomans.

“This is a good group of players and they seem to excel no matter where they are asked to play. I’m so proud of them,” coach Rideout said. “They also have the highest cumulative GPA for boys spring sports so they are killing it on and off the court!”

Coach Rideout is being assisted by Megan Dorny, Adrien Jenkins, Lance Squire and Benji Rideout on the coaching staff this season.

Corner Canyon is also scheduled to face Lone Peak and Westlake before region tournaments and the 6A championships May 13 and 15 at Liberty Park. . l

Corner Canyon golfers gear up for postseason play

T

he Corner Canyon girls golf team returned its entire team from last year with the Romney sisters—senior Savannah and sophomore Victoria—leading the way. This season, the squad has been chasing two-time defending state champion Lone Peak and have placed second to the Knights in all five of their Region 4 tournaments.

“I am so proud of my team this year,” head coach Alexis Gagon said. “They are working hard and continue to show up each and every day. The weather has not been kind, but this is something we always deal with during spring golf. I couldn’t ask for a better group of girls.”

“Our team has had a good start this season,” Savannah Romney said. “We have a great bond and have been performing well in our tournaments.”

Victoria Romney said, “We have a lot of talented and hardworking people on the team. We are continuing to improve at each tournament.”

So far this season, the Chargers played at Mountain View March 10, where they scored 342 to Lone Peak’s 318. Savannah Romney placed second individually with a 78 while Victoria Romney was one stroke back in third.

Others contributing for Corner Canyon were freshman Alyssa Meadows with a 92, Ellie Whitehead 93, Laney Rose 98, Alexa Christiansen 105, Abbey Aanodt 107 and Afton Walker 115.

At Fox Hollow March 24, the Chargers were in second by just eight strokes behind scores of 80 from Savannah Romney, 83 from Victoria Romney, 87 from Bella Boman, 88 from Meadows, 90 from Whitehead, 97 from Rose, 104 from Emily Eckersley and a 110 from Abby Brady.

Corner Canyon narrowed the gap with Lone Peak at Glenmoor March 30, coming in just five shots back. Sa-

Page 22 | May 2021

By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

The Corner Canyon High girls golf team has high hopes in region and state tournament play. (Photo courtesy All Star Photography)

vannah Romney finished second with a round of 79 while Victoria Romney (82), Meadows (83), Rose (92), Olivia Oliver (93), Boman (93), Walker (96) and Whitehead (99) also scored for the Chargers.

At Cedar Hills March 31, Corner Canyon had a 325 team score to the Knights’ 313. Victoria Romney shot a 79, Savannah Romney and Meadows an 81, Whitehead 84, Boman 90, Rose 94, Oliver 97 and Walker 102.

In the Lakeside tournament, Savannah Romney won medalist honors while Victoria Romney took third with a 77. Also scoring for the Chargers were Meadoows with an 85, Whitehead 86, Rose 87, Brady 93, Oliver 97 and Walker 113.

“We have big goals, but we are just trying to take it one step at a time,” Gagon said. “We have some big competition in our region and we are just trying to play our very best at every single tournament.”

Savannah Romney placed second at TalonsCove April 12, shooting a 76, to lead the Chargers to a 334 score to Lone Peak’s 318. Whitehead came in with an 85, Victoria Romney an 86, Meadows an 87, Oliver an 88, Laney a 94, Boman 96 and Eisley Nestman 105.

“It has been so rewarding to see what we can do when we all work together,” Savannah Romney said.

Also on the CCHS squad this season are juniors Malin Jorgensen and Sienna Wybrow; sophomores Vivien Lee and Laila Rowe; and freshmen Lauren Delgado, Aubrey Hobson, Chloe Scott and Avery Wettstein.

Gagon is being assisted by Ryan Gagon, Jackie Kinahan and Douglas Taylor and managers Alexis Erickson, Sharon (Daisy) Griffiths, Brinlee Horsely and Jamie Tubbs.

Corner Canyon has tournaments at Riverbend and Mountain View to end the season before region tournaments at The Ridge May 3 and the 6A state tournament May 10-11.

Victoria Romney said she is trying to remain patient and work hard to finish the season strong at the region and state tournaments.

“We are working very hard in preparation for state individually and as a team,” Savannah Romney said. “In order to reach our goals, we are putting in extra time and dedication to the game. I’m extremely excited and motivated to see what our team can accomplish this season.” l

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Corner Canyon softball remembers fallen heroes

By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

“I

t was super inspiring to play for someone that is super important,” is how Corner Canyon High softball junior Amber Brocoff described her experience in playing for Sgt. Deain Andrews as part of CCHS’s annual tradition of honoring fallen soldiers during a game. This year, the Chargers joined with 21 other families of fallen soldiers through Operation Hero in its game with Lehi April 12.

Brocoff was able to give Andrews’ young son Quincy a souvenir home run ball that she hit in the first inning during the tribute game.

“I felt super pumped going into the game,” she said. “Being able to represent someone who passed away was just a very special moment and it meant a lot to me.”

The “Operation Hero” organization set up a smaller version of its combat boot memorial to honor the families of those participating in this event. The nonprofit was formed five years ago by Antoinette Stapley in honor of her husband Tracy who died July 3, 2013 in Qatar at age 44 after 26 years of military service.

The Chargers’ first-year coach Todd Thompson said his team has thoroughly enjoyed being part of this program and even discussed plans of the CCHS annual military game with the Lehi coach who expressed his interest in making this an annual event between the two teams. “It was so great for all of us to realize that you’re part of something much bigger than you,” Thompson said.

“It even brought out a soft side in some grown men at the game, including our PA announcer whose voice cracked with emotion during the tribute.”

Lauren Dupree, who has been honoring the family of Pvt. Cody Gene Hendrikson the past three seasons, said it has meant so much to her to play for “her soldier.”

“It’s been a super great and meaningful experience getting to know who he was,” she said. “The most rewarding part of the program is seeing the positive impact on my teammates and the families we represent.”

Kathryn Miner, who plays for Sgt. Jesse Allen Blamires, said, “This makes softball a ton more meaningful. It’s so cool to see everyone coming together to support the cause.”

Selma Kohler has been connected with the family of Pvt. Philip M. Christensen, particularly his mother Jan, for the past four years and their relationship has deep meaning to the senior.

“I am so honored to play for Philip,” she said. “Playing in his honor inspires me to play my hardest. It really does mean a lot to me that I get to do something for someone else even if it’s not the biggest thing in the world. It makes them happy and it makes me happy. I am a better person for having this experience.”

Other fallen soldiers honored by CCHS players were Spc. David Gannon (represented by Samantha Opheikens), Sgt. Sheldon Loveless (Brenley Clark), Cpl. David Griggs (Jane Manning), Sgt. Matthew Simmons (Chelsie Sundquist), Lt. Joshua Ryan Wall (Amay Kano), Spc. Jordan Matthew Byrd (Isabella Bassani), Pvt. Matthew G. Nish (Brittney Sturdevant), Spc. Daniel G. Dolan (Emma Rasmussen), Spc. Michael Anderson Hatfield (Gwen Curry), Sgt. Aaron Kramer (Jaci Alvey), Petty Officer 2nd Class John Adrian (Kaleigh Gillespie), Hospitalman 2nd Class Daniella Juliana Casey (Linda Vogel), 1st Sgt. Tracy Stapley (Audrey Smith), Staff Sgt. Kurt Jensen (Kathryn Fowler), 2nd Lt. John Alley (Savannah Healy), Sfg. Ben Miller (Midori Kano), Sgt. Brandon Allen Parr (Lauren Beck) and Staff Sgt. Jared Farr (Taylor Dotson).

From the day Stapley answered the door five years ago to two uniformed officers informing her of her husband Tracy’s death, she has navigated a path that was foreign to her. Much of what “Operation Hero” aims to accomplish is to help other military families understand the resources that are available to them as they also move forward in their own uncharted territory.

The organization has a three-fold purpose.

DraperJournal .com

The Corner Canyon High softball team honored fallen heroes at their April 12 game. (Photos courtesy Gaile Dupree)

The Corner Canyon High softball team honored fallen heroes at their April 12 game. (Photos courtesy Gaile Dupree)

With “Giving Back,” funds are raised through the various events to help families. In the past five years, more than $11,000 has been given to surviving families and other similar organizations.

In “Educating,” Stapley has made efforts to assist 3,000 families with “preparing for the unexpected.” “We want service members and families to know more about what I feel I should have known and what to pay attention to as a spouse,” Stapley said. “We also want to help them make sure their documents are updated before service members are deployed.”

With “Honoring,” Stapley aims to make sure these service members are remembered by name and individual tributes. “We honor all of them. We don’t spotlight just my husband; his boot is not front and center,” she said. “We want people to know and remember the amazing stories and take time to remember them.”

The organization includes a traveling memorial that honors more than 300 fallen Utah service members who have passed away in uniform since 9/11 with a decorated boot.

As the organization is completely volunteer based, help is needed in various ways for the upcoming boot memorial. Stapley said they are always looking for combat boot donations, uniforms to display, sponsors and any donations for online and in-person silent auctions and opportunity drawings. Volunteers are also being sought for set up and take down as well as while the display is up for the viewing public.

For more information: visit http://www.operationheroes.org, OperationHeroTracy on Facebook, operation hero on Instagram, call 801-940-6852 or email operationheros@gmail.com or nanatotwo.hendrickson@gmail.com “Each of these service members is a hero,” Stapley said. “It doesn’t matter how they died. If they died in uniform they have a boot.”

From May 28-31, the “Operation Hero” boot memorial will be showcased at Mountain View Village, located at 13400 S. 4500 West in Riverton. l

May 2021 | Page 25

Credit union wants to help students learn FUNDamental financial skills

By Heather Lawrence | h.lawrence@mycityjournals.com

T

he Utah Board of Education requires high school students to take a financial literacy class to “gain the information and skills to implement a life-long plan for financial success.” To help with that requirement, America First Credit Union has developed a free curriculum for teachers.

“FUNDamentals is a new program that we’re really excited about. We’re trying to get the word out to school districts and get the content into teachers’ hands,” said Nicole Vipers.

Vipers works at AFCU’s corporate office in Ogden and travels to the Salt Lake Valley to work with school districts as needed. She said the program is a winwin-win for students, teachers and the credit union.

“As an organization, we benefit from individuals who are financially literate.

We believe that process starts very young.

We’ve created a curriculum that’s aligned with the state’s requirements, but it’s also very flexible,” Vipers said.

FUNDamentals curriculum has two full lesson plans for grades K-five and eight full lesson plans for grades six-12.

There are 48 additional content packs or mini lessons.

AFCU reports that as of March, 54 educators were using the program. The lessons are designed to be flexible. The modules don’t have to be done in a certain order and can be adapted as needed for grade level and time.

Financial literacy itself is a bridge between math and ELA, so Vipers said the program was designed to be used “cross-curriculum” by teachers in those core classes.

“We’ve tailored it to the state financial literacy requirements, but also aligned it with the common core requirements for math and ELA. We hope it’s used by teachers for multiple subjects,” Vipers said.

To see the FUNDamentals program in action, visit www.americafirst.com/ fundamentals and watch one of the several animated videos on topics from checking accounts to student loans and budgeting basics.

Teachers who want to use the curriculum can register at www.education. americafirst.com to request a log in. The credit union says it will approve requests within 48 hours.

“April is financial literacy month, and we want teachers to log on, use the curriculum and give us feedback. To encourage that, we ran a promotion where teachers could log in and use the content, then send us a picture of them in their classrooms.

“All teachers who did that and filled

Page 26 | May 2021

New curriculum called FUNDamentals was designed by America First and is complimentary for educators across Utah. (America First Credit Union)

out the ‘nomination form’ were entered into a random drawing for $500. We’ll announce the 10 winners on May 5,” Vipers said.

Vipers hopes to get the word out to educators all over the state. “It’s a great resource and it’s designed to fit teachers’ needs. There’s so much content. There are videos, handouts, presentations and certificates teachers can print when students pass off a certain skill.”

Teachers can also use the sign in page to request a virtual or in-person visit from an AFCU employee to speak to students.

“We can send a loan officer, branch manager or credit counselor. Topics are based on teachers’ needs, whether that’s budgeting, loans or building savings. And it’s all free,” Vipers said.

Nominations for one of the $500 classroom grants are available on the America First Credit Union website.

The content is available to public, private and charter schools. Vipers said they also want to make the program available to parents who homeschool.

“These are critical life skills,” Vipers said. “With this program we’re expanding our commitment to elevating financial literacy and making it easily accessible to educators and students.” l

FUNDamentals curriculum meets the Utah Board of Education requirements, but aims to make learning fun with dozens of videos, lessons and real-life scenarios. (America First Credit Union)

To promote April as Financial Literacy Month, AFCU is holding a random drawing for teachers who use FUNDamentals during April. Winners receive a $500 classroom grant, and the curriculum is free. (America First Credit Union)

Draper City Journal

Alta theater students learn to hang onto the wild ride this year

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Alta High’s theatre students won Sweepstakes at region and were slated to compete at state in April. (Photo courtesy of Alta High theatre department)

I

t’s been a roller coaster year for Alta theatre students and their director Linze Struiksma, but as the season has had its ups and downs, they’ve learned to hang on for the ride.

From the get-go, Alta students were uncertain about requirements to perform this year, but excited to be on stage in their new performing arts center, which was completed during last spring’s mandatory soft closure of schools during the initial impact of COVID-19.

They moved their musical, “The Little Mermaid,” from fall to winter and instead performed a showcase about love and connections that the students could perform in small groups to reduce the chance of exposure during the pandemic.

“We were looking at our season with several pushbacks, quarantines, shutdowns—and we knew this would be a really different year,” Struiksma said.

With their musical’s performance, came the positive welcome back from the Alta community.

“These kids were willing to do it and work really hard to do it. We were so stoked to just do a full show with a live audience again. They did really, really well and heard positive feedback from our community,” she said. “It was great to work with nice equipment and a beautiful setting.”

With that experience came a rush of emotions, Struiksma said.

“Some were really excited, others were stressed. Some feared it would be canceled so they needed motivation.

There certainly has been different feel-

DraperJournal .com

ings we’re working through, not just stage fright or butterflies,” she said.

In late March, 28 students were rehearsing again—perfecting their region pieces which were selected to move on to state. Regional competition held oneacts in-person and individual events were videotaped and submitted.

Even with individual events being virtual, the students won Sweepstakes, placing first overall. They also grabbed third place for their student-written oneact with Dylan Thomas being named best actor and Caleb Christensen earning the best supporting actor award. Twelve students also medaled, placing in the top three.

The April 17 state competition was slated to be in-person.

“We have a shot to do well,” Struiksma said. “All our seniors are moving on and we’re working on our pieces today,

talking about our goals and making sure we get on it. We want to make sure we’re our best and hit it.”

In between region and state, 15 students performed two shows of an hourlong murder mystery and then, the theatre season of ups and downs will finish in May with Theatre 4 students directing a younger cast in one-act plays, giving upcoming students a chance to have some leading parts and older students, a chance to direct, she said.

“We welcome students who have an interest and often have some trying theatre for the first time and it’s a wonderful leadership role for our seniors who have some experience,” Struiksma said.

“We’ve had a lot to juggle this year and it’s taken more energy to rehearse in masks and give 110%. I’ll be a ready for a nap after this year.” l

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May 2021 | Page 27

JDCHS girls golf leading region

By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

C

alling it the “best team” he’s had in his five years with the Juan Diego Catholic High School girls golf program, head coach Jason Andersen has the squad in position for the Region 10 title.

“These girls want to learn and listen and we’re changing the culture,” he said.

“The vibe around the team is incredible and we’re super excited. This group could win region.”

Four-year varsity player (who is this year’s captain) Shayne Farnsworth leads the seven-member team who have won two of their three tournaments so far this year.

In its first tournament this season in St. George March 18-20, the Soaring Eagle squad placed second, “fighting hard through some tough conditions,” according to Andersen.

At their home course Mountain View March 24, Juan Diego won by 47 points led by Farnsworth who won medalist honors with a career best round of 83.

On April 13, the team won a region tournament at Cedar Valley. “I was very proud of the girls who battled some bad conditions, but pulled it out,” Andersen said.

“This season is going amazing and is very exciting,” Farnsworth said.

Juan Diego also pulled out a one-shot victory at Uintah April 23. “The girls had a tough day, but they battled hard and pulled it out.”

Freshman Grayson Gagnon is currently second in the region with a scoring average of 91 while three others also rank in the top 10 in region scoring: freshman Ashley Cutshall is third with a 95, Farnsworth is fourth with a 97 and sophomore Cabria Walters is ninth with a 97.

“This season has definitely been one to remember with so many ups and downs throughout the year, but as a team we are doing very well,” Walters said.

Walters said Andersen has helped the team with the technical aspects of golf while also focusing on the mental side of the game—such as not playing “scared golf and being confident in the shots you take”—which has made a clear difference for Juan Diego the past few years.

“Coach Andersen has helped all of us so much,” Walters said. “He is hard on all of us, but at the end of the day I can truly say that he cares about us more than we will ever know. We couldn’t ask for a better coach.”

Also on the team, which is currently in first-place in Region 10, are sophomore Saydia Worrall and freshmen Jazmin As-

Juan Diego has won two of its three tournaments so far this season while also recording a second place finish. (Photo courtesy Jason Andersen)

mar and Zoe Pappas.

“I’m very proud of the girls,” Andersen said. “The girls want to work hard and get better.”

Juan Diego is also scheduled to compete in tournaments at Ben Lomond, Og-

den, Stansbury and Tooele before the 4A state tournament May 12-13.

“It’s going to take a lot of hard work and practice and really just focusing and having goals in mind to finish this year,” Farnsworth said. l

Draper Elementary students get a boost up on academics

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

A

cross the United States, studies have showed that reduced learning time during COVID-19 has likely impeded student achievement. This is especially evident in elementary school-age children as data has shown greater differences in learning during the pandemic versus a more typical year.

At Draper Elementary, the school’s faculty and staff are focusing on providing extra investments to help students boost their skills to stay on track with their studies instead of experiencing a greater drop during the upcoming summer months.

This spring, students who are invited to stay after school can invest more time on reading, math and Chinese with instruction from teachers and aides, said the school’s achievement coach Kaitlin Portzline.

“We have groups of five to seven students each day going over some of the skill gaps we identified,” she said about students who are “just about on benchmark and need an extra push.”

These 90 students were identified from teacher observation as well as their reading, math and Chinese scores.

Page 28 | May 2021

“Our biggest COVID slide was in Chinese and we’re going back to some of the basics to make sure they understand. We’ve also noticed as students have come back from online, some could use extra help as they adjust to in-person learning again. So far, it’s been great and a fluid process,” she said.

The after-school tutoring is structured so students come at least twice per week, with reading and math offered on different days. Chinese study varies, but the teachers work it out to best benefit student learning and success, Portzline said.

Many of the skills are taught through manipulatives or games, so it’s interactive and engaging, said Kesha Prince, the school’s educational technology coach.

“These kids will benefit from the extra time and interaction on these skills as they move forward,” she said.

“We have some who just need help in one area, while others may need it in a couple. It’s been fun and rewarding for them and it will help them as they continue to keep up in their academics.” l Draper Elementary students gather after school to boost their skills in reading, math and Chinese. (Kesha Prince/Draper Elementary)

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We’re never sure and we’re usually winging it, just doing the best we can.

It reminds me of when my brother knocked the wind out of himself by being stupid. Mom thought he was choking and performed the Heimlich. He couldn’t breathe for two hours. She did the best she could with the information she had.

I love mom but she wasn’t perfect.

Thank heavens.

She cheated at Skip-Bo, had no patience with stupidity, and hated animals with a passion. When she got remarried and moved to a ranch in North Carolina, we found it a unique and hilarious karma. Her emails to me often started with, “Well, I kicked the rooster again today.”

Mom might have loathed poultry, but when the wind snapped her beautiful globe willow tree in half, she mourned it like a family member. Every spring, mom’s garden would bloom with color. She loved ladybugs and butterflies. She’d also hand my daughters a saltshaker and tell them to feed the snails.

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She taught my girls that flipping off another driver was perfectly acceptable – even necessary. Convinced that video games would usher in the apocalypse, mom refused to buy an Atari system, but she sewed puppets to teach us stories from classic literature like Hamlet and Beowulf. (I threw the Ophelia hand puppet into the river, watching her skirts float up around her as she sank to her death.

My childhood was a bit melodramatic.)

Mom could be stubborn to the point of madness, but she was also whip smart and ready to jump into a theological debate at the drop of a Bible.

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She would have loved it.

Mom worked as a teacher’s aide at an elementary school before she died. (I don’t think the two are connected, but it was an elementary school.) At the funeral, her coworkers told me what a great woman she was. I already knew that.

We often put the dead on a pedestal (which is dangerous because they can roll off and fall on people). But mom wouldn’t want to be remembered as being a perfect person who never messed up, got angry, felt alone, burned dinner, swore, failed, tried again, and again, and again.

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Saturday, May 15th • 9AM -3PM

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

T

he Corner Canyon High School parking lot has long been a problem for Draper Police on evenings and weekends, but in the last year, it’s gotten especially bad.

In early April, 34 juveniles were detained by police after numerous attempts to educate them about the dangers of being in the area and kicking them out for trespassing in the past. Meanwhile, residents in the area of 12300 South and 1300 East have experienced an increase in late-night noise in their neighborhoods including cars backfiring, engine-revving, and cars peeling out. They’re communicating on social media to try to resolve it. Concerned residents and police agree that parental awareness and involvement are a simple solution to the help alleviate the city’s problems involving youth.

Lt. Pat Evans has been with the city’s police department for 17 years. “Since I’ve worked for Draper, there have been kid hangouts, but it was much more mild then, it wasn’t as crazy as these kids have been.”

Evans said it began with loud and reckless driving in the CCHS parking lot, fires being set and other dangerous behavior. “Last year, we had a kid riding in a car, standing up out the sunroof. That vehicle crashed into a pole and he was seriously injured and sent to Primary Children’s Hospital. About a month ago, a small explosive device was set off in the parking lot.

Continued page 10

The parking lot of Corner Canyon High School has been a problem area for police for years. In early April, 34 juveniles were detained for reckless driving and trespassing. (Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)

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