Bakshi rallies to 5A state tennis title, team finishes second
By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Hillcrest is serving up success with four straight region titles and two consecutive state champion runners-up.
The
Hillcrest High girls’ tennis team repeated its second-place finish at the state championships — and celebrated their state champion, sophomore Nivedita Bakshi with the third singles 5A state title.
Bakshi’s triumph came after a year of determined preparation following her loss in the 2024 state final.
“After losing last year, I set this goal for myself to win this year, and I worked really hard,” she said. “I was really happy that I was able to do it.”
Her coach, Creighton Chun, had faith in his player.
“Niv was definitely one of the favorites for state,” Chun said. “She was seeded third, but I knew she could win.”
That confidence came from a season of both physical and mental growth. After last year’s heartbreak, Bakshi made a commitment to increase her strength and aggressiveness on the court.
“At the start of the season, my coach said I needed to work on getting stronger,” she explained. “Last year, I wasn’t able to win was because I just wasn’t aggressive enough. I took that to heart and really worked on improving my strength. I trained hard so I was able to get myself in better shape for the state tournament.”
Her training included hours on the ball machine, hitting “winners” — shots so strong
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and precise that her opponents couldn’t touch them.
“That really helped prepare me,” she said. “I ran on the treadmill, worked with the medicine ball and went into state feeling more confident in every way.”
She kept her concentration during the state bracket.
“It’s easy to get overwhelmed with everything; there’s so many people watching, lots of cheering,” she said. “But I didn’t lose focus on just playing my game. That really helped me stay focused throughout the entire tournament.”
When she clinched the title, her Hillcrest teammates and parents were there to celebrate.
“The team was really happy for me,” she said. “It was so great to celebrate with my
coaches, my parents and everyone who came to watch. It was a great day.”
Chun said Bakshi’s title was part of a total team effort that earned Hillcrest another strong team finish.
“After the first day of state, with our double pairs not advancing and not getting us any points, I knew we couldn’t win the overall title — but we had a great chance for second,” Chun said. “Our singles players really came through. Niv’s win helped in that runner-up finish. We’re proud of what the girls did.”
First singles sophomore Luci Gonzalez finished second after winning second singles in 4A last year. Second singles freshman Joshya Yerrapureddy also was a state runner-up.
Hillcrest’s second-place finish came behind repeat champion Woods Cross, but the
Huskies’ depth and youth promise even more success ahead.
“We’re losing only one senior,” Chun said about his team which won its fourth straight region title. “Our singles players are all sophomores and freshmen, so we’re going to be strong for the next couple of years.”
For Bakshi, the victory was as much about mindset as muscle.
“I learned to hit my shot, stay focused and enjoy it,” she said. “You only get four years to play high school tennis, so you have to make the most of every match.”
Off the court, the sophomore standout is as dedicated to academics as she is to her forehand. She carries a 4.0 GPA, has taken multiple Advanced Placement classes, and plans to enter Hillcrest’s International Baccalaureate program next year.
“It’s really challenging to do both academics and tennis at a high level,” she said. “But I think it helps me stay focused and use my time well.”
Her long-term dreams are ambitious — both in tennis and in science.
“If I can, I’d love to play college tennis,” she said. “My dream school is Princeton. I’m very STEM-focused, so maybe I’ll go into aerospace or electrical engineering.”
For now, Bakshi is already setting her next target: “I’ll keep practicing with my dad, keep playing with my teammates and hopefully win another two state titles before I go off to college.”
Coach Chun believes she — and Hillcrest — are just getting started.
“We were the team to beat last year and again this year,” he said. “Now everyone knows who Hillcrest is.” l
The Huskies won its second straight second place girls tennis state title. (Photo courtesy of Hillcrest High tennis)
Midvale’s Storm Water Master Plan includes project proposals worth $20.7 million
The stormwater master plan also recommends annual funding of $200,000 for a pipe replacement program.
By Giovanni Radtke g.radtke@mycityjournals.com
As the Salt Lake Valley saw its rainiest October in over a century, the Midvale City Council approved a Storm Water Master Plan to address deficiencies in handling storm water runoff in the city’s infrastructure.
The master plan – prepared by consulting firm Hansen, Allen and Luce (HAL) – recommends 12 capital projects for Midvale, which would cost the city about $20.7 million.
Kayson Shurtz, project manager and engineer at HAL, told the council on Oct. 7 that the “heart of the master plan” is three of those 12 project proposals: 7800 South, stretching from the East Jordan Canal to I-15; Lennox Street, from
But as urbanization increases, that irrigation decreases. It becomes a very difficult marriage in some ways for the irrigation and the city stormwater to work together
Kayson Shurtz
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Main to Holden Street; and Wasatch Street, from State Street to Main. One of the key issues with the drainage systems is that they are combined with irrigation pipes.
“The irrigation issue is one that I’m seeing in a lot of cities, when, at the time, it seemed like a good idea,” Shurtz said. “We have pipes. We maybe don’t need all of the pipe for irrigation. But as urbanization increases, that irrigation decreases. It becomes a very difficult marriage in some ways for the irrigation and the city stormwater to work together.”
Decoupling the city’s stormwater system from irrigation channels will put Midvale’s “pipeline in the city right of way so city crews can adequately maintain the system,” Shurtz said.
“If we can disconnect from [the irrigation pipes], we have our own system, we control our own destiny,” he added.
The total cost of the three projects adds up to $14.7 million.
“These are projects that could occur over time,” Shurtz said. “The good news is that overall, your system works very well…so some of these [projects] could be viewed as longer-term things, depending on how things work with the budgets.”
Along with the 12 capital projects, the master plan requests purchasing a camera inspection truck and putting aside $200,000 annually from the city budget to replace pipes at high risk of collapse.
“To be able to identify the worst areas, you need a camera and a strap inspection truck,” Shurtz said. “You need to be able to see the condition of the pipe and assess it, to be able to know where to put those dollars to work.”
To determine how much runoff Midvale’s stormwater system must handle to prevent flooding, Shurtz said the plan uses a study from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as a blueprint for predicting the volume of water from 10-year and 100-year storm events.
“What a 10-year event actually means is not that it’s going to happen once every 10 years; it means that there’s a 10% chance that a storm like that could happen on any given year,” Shurtz said, with 100year events referring to storms with a 1% chance of occurring in any year.
The Salt Lake Valley had its wettest October in 151 years, with rainfall reaching nearly 5 inches, according to the Utah Division of Water Resources.
With the valley seeing unprecedented storms, Mayor Dustin Gettel asked
how the city can prepare for two 10-year events two weekends in a row. Shurtz responded that keeping up with maintenance on stormwater pipes is crucial in handling back-to-back events. He added that having developers show that their system designs can withstand a 100-year event is another key piece of the puzzle.
“Sometimes we just close our eyes and say, ‘I hope the street can take it,’” Shurtz said. “But actually having calculations behind that to show, if we have a super big event, I’m not flooding homes, I might have 6 inches or a foot of water in the street. That’s OK if it’s not flooding a house.”
The council approved the Storm Water Master Plan on a 4-0 vote on Oct. 21, with Councilmember Heidi Robinson absent. l
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Map highlighting Midvale’s storm drainage zones. (Midvale City)
The water conservation plan includes buying more water meters and continuing efforts to educate residents on ways to conserve water.
By Giovanni Radtke g.radtke@mycityjournals.com
Midvale City Council confirmed its water-saving plan on Oct. 7. The strategy, which is an element of the city’s general plan, expands on efforts underway to fix aging pipes and educate residents on ways to preserve water.
“This water use and preservation element is basically…homework that the legislature gave the cities,” Midvale’s Planning Director Wendelin Knobloch said to the council in October.
The Utah State Legislature started requiring municipalities to submit a water preservation plan in 2022. That same year, the Great Salt Lake hit the lowest water level in its history, posing the risk of ecological collapse.
“It seems anyone who lives in Utah has heard some type of public message regarding the Great Salt Lake,” Knobloch said. “... Everyone hears about water conservation, and it’s been so consistent due to the crisis with the Great Salt Lake that sometimes people get tired of it.”
Knobloch said water use has been slowly creeping up, driven primarily by
Midvale adopts water-saving plan
outdoor water use.
But Midvale has seen a downward trend in water use for over 20 years.
According to the 2025 Water Conservation Plan, Midvale’s water consumption decreased from roughly 250 gallons per capita per day (GPCD) in 1998 to 148 gallons per day in 2023, bringing Midvale’s daily water consumption well below Salt Lake County’s goal of each city consuming 187 GPCD.
Not only did Midvale reach the county’s preservation goal, but the city also met the state legislature’s 2019 goal of lowering water use by 25% by 2025.
“We really have done a lot here in Midvale to do our part, and we hopefully can continue to do even more,” Mayor Dustin Gettel said.
The water preservation plan says the city aims to lower water use by 11% in 2030 amounting to approximately 131.72 GCPD.
“This goal will be achieved by implementing the proposed conservation measures and educating city residents about Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District conservation measures that are now available to them,” the plan states.
Alongside educating the public, the proposed measures include monthly reviews of the city’s water meters to identify leaks and quickly repair faulty pipes. Midvale also approved a measure to expand its meter system to include fire hydrants, allowing the amount of water purged when flushing the hydrant system to be accounted for.
“A lot of work has been done moving more towards the items that are maybe a little harder to attack,” Knobloch said. “But in general, and this is probably not news to anyone, we have a growing population. That means we will use more water. We can help that process along a little bit by conserving, but we are still going to use more water.”
Midvale’s population stood at 33,000 in 2024 and is estimated to jump to 55,000 in the next 30 years, according to data cited in the city’s water conservation plan.
To meet the future demand for water, Mid-
vale will need to buy roughly 5,170 acre-feet more water annually from the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District, according to Midvale’s Drinking Water System Master Plan.
Knobloch said the JVWCD knows about Midvale’s growing water needs, and the conservancy district has water banked to accommodate the increasing population. But if the city ends up not needing the saved water, it can be released into the Great Salt Lake.
“So that in and of itself is…one motivation for people to really stick with conserving water,” he said.l
Brighton football helps spruce up East Midvale Elementary
Brighton football players score community points at East Midvale Elementary.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Scrubbing, painting, weeding, cleaning
that’s how 80 Brighton High varsity football players spent a few hours of their fall break as they spruced up East Midvale Elementary.
“We had a good practice, then a pancake breakfast and boarded a bus to come help,” said head coach Casey Sutera about his team in the playoffs. “I love coaching football and I love the game, but we’re also molding our players to be people with character and work ethic. There’s a need here and it’s an opportunity for our team to give service.”
Working alongside East Midvale’s Community School Facilitator Shelley McCall, the team tackled the list: take down outdated banners, weed gardens, clean up playground of debris, wash and touch up welcome wall, repaint gaga ball pits and hopscotch, deep wash cafeteria tables and benches, organize monthly food backpacks, hang banners in multipurpose room, reorganize storage closets, move furniture — and more. They even left a chalk message, “East Midvale Eagles Soar,” to inspire the
younger students.
“The players all arrived knowing what team they were on and what they were supposed to do,” McCall said. “I was impressed with the hard work, attention to detail and focus that all the young men showed while working. With 160 hands, a lot got done.”
Sophomore Rush Larsen said the experience went beyond service.
“We’re making a difference in our community; it’s a good feeling,” he said.
Offensive line coach Tyson Aldridge said it’s a two-way learning street.
“When our players give back, they are learning there is more than football and the elementary kids are learning that too,” he said. “They see these guys as NFL players who are giving to their community.”
The players felt the connection as well.
“They come and support us at games so we’re supporting them,” senior Marshall Huber said.
Senior Loklan Cruz added: “We’re helping and as a result, their school and playground will be ready for the kids when they come back after break.”
For sophomore Sam Tauvao, it’s simple.
“I love giving back to the community,” he said. “It gives me a good heart, and I become a better individual.”l
A map of Midvale’s existing drinking water system from the city’s drinking water master plan.
(Giovanni Radtke/City Journals)
Brighton High football players lend a helping hand at East Midvale Elementary painting their gaga ball courts. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Midvale requests funding for projects to improve transportation connections
The projects include installing bike lanes, crosswalks, multiuse bridges and creating new trails.
By Giovanni Radtke g.radtke@mycityjournals.com
Anewstate law asks city leaders to pinpoint physical obstacles for travelers by 2027, and Midvale is hitting the ground running.
On Oct. 21, the Midvale City Council unanimously approved a plan for 11 projects aimed at reducing barriers that walkers, bikers and drivers face when traveling to community hubs.
“We decided to get ahead of this as quickly as we can because it can potentially give the city a leg up in applications for funding,” Midvale’s Planning Director Wendelin Knobloch said at a Planning Commission meeting on Oct. 8.
Utah passed Senate Bill 195 in the 2025 legislative session, requiring cities to include a transportation connectivity plan in their master plans. The new law will provide higher funding priority to transportation projects highlighted in connectivity plans. Municipalities have until July 2027 to submit their plans.
“We do appreciate the speed at which this was done, but also in qualitative and
quantitative measures,” Mayor Dustin Gettel said moments before the council approved the plan.
The priority projects selected in the connectivity blueprint crisscross 10 miles throughout Midvale. The projects include installing bike lanes, crosswalks and multiuse bridges. The plan also proposes creating trail links and entirely new trail networks.
SB 195 mandates that cities identify and fix physical obstacles to travel.
Tyler Smithson, a transportation planner and architect from the consulting company Parametrix, is the project manager for the connectivity plan. He told the commission that the planners built on the state legislature’s requirement to address physical barriers by adding additional impediment categories to their analysis.
“We took what [the legislature] recommended and expanded upon it to include a couple more categories that I thought would be more of a holistic analysis to be more comprehensive of the full community and the needs that the citizens here face,” Smithson said.
Along with physical constraints, the plan identified five other impediments to travel: infrastructure barriers, gaps in active transportation, safety and performance issues, landuse conflicts, and equity and access barriers.
Some of the physical impediments law-
makers singled out were floodplains and canals. However, Smithson sees Midvale’s waterways as an asset, not an obstacle.
“I see these waterways not as impediments but as opportunities because of their preserved right of way; they do have a designated use, but that use may be able to change to adapt and allow for additional uses like active transportation,” he said.
To capitalize on Midvale’s waterways, the plan prioritizes the development of the Midvale Canal Trail and a pedestrian bridge linking Bingham Junction Park to the Jordan River Parkway.
The priority projects vary in cost, construction duration and planning complexi-
ty. Smithson noted that one project selected in the plan – a 12-foot roadside trail on Fort Union stretching from the western city limits to Ramanee Street – was highly complex and required a significant investment in both cost and duration.
The Fort Union to Ramanee connection would also include a 14-foot safety island for pedestrians, replacing a center turn lane. The planner’s analysis estimates the project’s price tag at $15 million.
“You could kind of lay the bricks for the future planning commission, council [and] leaders of the city to realize, but [the project] has a huge impact on health, safety and welfare,” Smithson said. l
Albion girls, Butler boys take middle school cross country District titles
Midvale Middle’s Nora Goodman repeats as District cross country champion.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Midvale
Middle eighth-grader Nora Goodman took a commanding lead early and never let up in the recent Canyons School District middle school intramural cross country meet.
“Nora Goodman took the top spot for the second year in a row,” said Taylor Hansen, who coordinates the intramurals for middle schools.
Goodman crossed the finish line in 14:45.44, more than 15 seconds ahead of Butler Middle eighth-grader Myken Menlove, who placed second. Albion Middle eighth-grader Emmeline Nielsen, Indian Hills sixth-grader Kathleen Mullen and Draper Park seventh-grader Sydney Glod rounded out the top five.
Albion claimed the overall girls’ title, followed by Butler, Indian Hills and Midvale.
In the boys’ race, Albion dominated the top of the leaderboard with eighth-graders
Matthew Coop and Joshua Baker finishing first and second. Matthew clocked in at 14:14.22 while Joshua came in at 14:27.85. Draper Park eighth-grader Felipe Tapicha, Butler seventh-grader Callen Wright and Mt. Jordan seventh-grader Chase Twitchell completed the top five.
Butler earned the boys’ team championship, ahead of Eastmont, Albion and Mt. Jordan.
Hansen expressed his gratitude to Jordan High School and its cross country team for hosting the event and to the coaches for supporting the athletes this season.
Top eighth-grade girl finishers were Nora Goodman, Midvale; Myken Menlove, Butler; and Emmeline Nielsen, Albion. Top seventh-grade girl finishers were Sydney Glod, Draper Park; Payson Julian, Albion; and Hazel Dance, Butler. Top sixth-grade girl finishers were Kathleen Mullen, Indian Hills; Kinlee Hawkins, Albion; and Aspen Aguero, Butler. Top eighth-grade boy finishers were Matthew Coop, Albion; Joshua Baker, Albion; and Felipe Tapicha, Draper Park. Top seventh-grade boy finishers were Callen Wright, Butler; Chase Twitchell, Mt. Jordan; and Benson Ward, Butler. Top sixth-grade boy finishers were Moses Adams, Mt. Jordan; James Wimmer, Mt. Jordan; and Wallace Davis, Butler. l
Train stationed at the Bingham Junction TRAX stop. (Giovanni Radtke/City Journals)
Midvale Middle eighth-grader Nora Goodman won back-to-back District titles in the middle school cross country race. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
New Midvale housing developments will now require parking spots
Medium- and high-density housing developments will now require two parking spaces per resident and 0.5 guest parking spots per unit.
By Giovanni Radtke g.radtke@mycityjournals.com
Anewzoning ordinance passed on Oct. 7 will require parking spots for most home constructions in Midvale.
Any new developments allowed up to 12 units per acre and 25 units per acre will now require two off-street parking stalls per resident and 0.5 guest parking spots per unit. And a resident’s driveway cannot be counted as a guest parking space, according to a staff report authored by Elizabeth Arnold, Midvale’s senior planner.
Before the new ordinance, the city’s Planning Commission had to decide the number of parking spaces required on a case-by-case basis for medium- and high-density developments in its master plan, said Wendelin Knobloch, Midvale’s planning director, when presenting the ordinance to the council.
“It aligns with the multifamily development standards like we have on the books right now,” Knobloch said. “So there’s no guessing what might the planning commission approve. It just follows the normal standard.”
The zoning law passed on a 4-0 vote with Councilmember Bonnie Billings absent.
Councilmember Bryant Brown said that parking is “one of the most hot-button issues” the council deals with, and that the planning commission “probably took a lot of bullets, so to speak,” during the meetings when it had to determine the number of parking spots required for a development.
“I want to make sure that parking’s taken care of,” Brown said. “I think from a practical standpoint, this is way better for…the Planning Commission to not have to hear arguments [and] litigate.”
Mayor Dustin Gettel added that he hopes the new requirement will make the Planning
Commission’s “jobs and lives much easier.”
The parking requirement will also be applied to single-family homes. However, Brown said there isn’t much acreage left for standalone units, so the ordinance will likely only impact medium- to high-density neighborhoods.
Councilmember Paul Glover said he is always in favor of more parking.
“We’ve had so many disasters with these high-density stuff and not enough parking.… Every single one I’ve seen, we end up having problems,” Glover said.
Knobloch said that the Planning Commission shares Glover’s sentiment. The commission, however, found that some of its ideas to increase the parking count were hampered by some state laws.
“An idea of [not counting] the spots within the parking garage because many people have things in their garage, which means the cars get parked on the driveway or on the street,” Knobloch said. “Well, that’s been preempted…by the legislature. We simply can’t do that.”
Before the vote, the ordinance proposal was open for public comment, and Midvale resident Luke Maynes shared a dissenting opinion.
“I know a lot of people feel like as much parking as possible is the best, but the more parking that you build around things, the less walkable they become and the more need for
cars there is,” Manyes said. “And the more need for cars means there’s more need for parking. And so it’s kind of a cyclical thing.”
The new parking standards would have been mandated for every development of one or more acres. However, the ordinance also amended the code so that the standards only kick in if a development proposal includes a
common, open space, Knobloch said.
“And this improved common open space... would be the private park that has a pavilion in it, a playground, things along those lines,” he added.
Developments in this context will require at least 25% of the land to be reserved for open space, Knoblach said. l
Midvale Zoning Map in the city’s 2016 General Plan. (Midvale City)
Honeysuckle Coffee is one step closer to Midvale
Honeysuckle Coffee Co. hopes to open its Midvale location by next summer.
By Giovanni Radtke g.radtke@mycityjournals.com
Across the street from Midvale City Hall, Honeysuckle Coffee Co. inches closer to opening its third location.
On Oct. 7, Midvale’s Redevelopment Agency approved a term sheet for a $250,000 loan to 7511 Main Street, LLC. The loan will aid in the house’s reconstruction, and the property will be leased to Honeysuckle Coffee after renovations.
Jeff Beck, the property’s owner, will use the funds to bring the existing house up to safety standards for business use, Aubrey Ruiz, Midvale’s RDA program manager, said at a meeting on Sept. 16.
While Beck brings the house up to code, he plans on maintaining the single-story floor plan and keeping the garage intact to “keep that variety on Main Street, which was voted highly on the Main Street survey by the community,” Ruiz added.
Honeysuckle Coffee will run a cafe during the daytime, and a Carolina-style barbecue restaurant in the evenings. The smokehouse
and the coffee shop’s bakery will be housed in the retrofitted garage.
The loan has a seven-year term at 0% interest, as part of the city’s Midvale Main Adaptive Reuse Program, a city-run project meant to renovate Midvale’s historic city center.
“I am very excited about this project because I think it is going to be very successful,”
Councilmember Bryant Brown said at the September meeting. “I want us [as a council] to look outward afterwards for other areas in the city where adaptive reuse can really benefit areas.”
Councilmember Heidi Robinson added she is “excited to see activation on this side of Main Street.”
Not only did Midvale’s RDA approve a loan to Beck on Oct. 7, but they also amended a zero-interest loan the agency issued directly to Honeysuckle Coffee in May. The new loan terms for the coffee shop changed the payment schedule to reflect its new opening date, Ruiz said in October.
“As you’ve seen, there is not huge progress in the construction yet for the building. Therefore, Honeysuckle is not going to be able to open by the end of the year as they previously had assumed,” she said.
“So the only thing that we’re going through and adjusting is in the previous term sheet, it was Dec. 1, 2025, that they would
have to start making payments on the loan, whereas they’re planning on opening in the summer of 2026,” Ruiz continued. “So if they open before July 1, they’ll start paying before then. Otherwise, we’re hoping July 1 is going to be the opening date.”
The $250,000 loan to Honeysuckle will help the coffee shop purchase cafe fixtures and kitchen equipment, as well as make tenant improvements to the cafe and bakery, according
to the term sheet of the loan agreement. In its loan application, Honeysuckle estimates generating $1 million in its first year. With that revenue, Honeysuckle estimates staffing seven full-time and one parttime employee as baristas, four full-time and three part-time employees in its bakery, and two part-time and two full-time employees in its smokehouse, adding up to 19 new jobs in Midvale. l
Signage at Honeysuckle Coffee’s Sandy location. (Giovanni Radtke/City Journals)
Canyons School District shines a spotlight on excellence
Amongst the 11 honorees is Eastmont Middle’s Trevan Cole, a cafeteria volunteer whose big heart and daily positivity made him this year’s Volunteer of the Year.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Hesmiled broadly as he received a standing ovation at Canyons School District’s 16th annual APEX awards ceremony.
“Everyone loves him and he loves everyone,” said Eastmont Middle School Principal Stacy Kurtzhals. “He knows everyone by name and says every day, ‘Hi, my good friend.’”
Canyons’ Volunteer of the Year Trevan Cole was one of 11 honorees recognized Oct. 14 at Butler Middle School.
Other award recipients included Teacher of the Year Lucia de la Cruz Rodriguez of Midvale Elementary; School Administrator of the Year Shelly Karren of Indian Hills Middle; District Administrators of the Year Kirsten Stewart, communications associate director, and Shana Lowe, accounting assistant director; Elected Official of the Year Troy Walker, mayor of Draper; Education Support Professionals of the Year Kathy Hilton of Corner Canyon High and Charlotte Graham of East Midvale Elementary; Student Support Services Professional of the Year Denise Haycock, Canyons Education Foundation Canyons Education Foundation development officer; and Community Partner of the Year Dan Jorgensen, a Jordan High alumnus.
The evening’s top honor, the Legacy Award, went to former Canyons Board of Education President Nancy Tingey, who served on the board for a decade and guided the District through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Nancy’s levelheadedness and insights are unmatched,” said current Canyons Board of Education President Amber Shill. “Through the ups and downs of the past 10 years, Nancy has remained a steady, positive influence on the district. The District owes her much, and her impact will be felt for generations by both employees, families and students.”
Performances by the Alta High Ballroom Dance Team, the cast of Corner Canyon’s upcoming “Mary Poppins” and Hillcrest theater student Avery Rinke, a national Shakespeare competition winner, rounded out the celebration.
But it was Cole’s genuine enthusiasm that lit up the night — just as it does in Eastmont’s cafeteria.
“We all should be like Trevan; he’s truly dedicated,” said Eastmont Nutrition Services Manager Suly Morris. “He comes every day he’s scheduled and offers to come in on his days off or come in early to do more. He’s always asking, ‘What can I do to help?’ He does everything he needs to do and more — and is proud of what he does.”
Morris, who came from Brazil and learned the ropes at Eastmont 12 years ago, still remembers his kindness.
“He showed me a lot of things about the kitchen; he was always by my side helping me,
telling me how the kitchen works, teaching me words, he accepted me,” she said. “He loves to serve the kids and he’s always friendly with them. Really, he’s the most beautiful person; He’s happy to be here and he never complains. He’s like the sun every morning, bringing happiness to everyone.”
Known as Eastmont’s sandwich maker, Cole’s specialty is turkey.
“Turkey is my favorite because I like the taste of it,” he said. “I like how it’s cold and I like how it looks too; I think the kids like it too. They always are asking for it and never complain about it.”
Cole first joined Eastmont’s cafeteria in 2007, when the school was part of Jordan School District. When his wages affected his federal disability benefits, he chose to continue as a volunteer in 2013.
“When Miss Stacy came to the cafeteria and said, ‘We have a big surprise. Trevan; You’re getting the APEX award for volun-
teering,’ I was excited, but I didn’t know how big of an award it was. I got the Patriot Award when I was a student here in 1992,” he said. “I like working here because I like serving people and making friendships. We have a great team, and I get to work with my boss, Suly — and Miss Stacy. I like working hard and trying my best in life so I can achieve whatever I can in life. I learned that from Ms. (Marlene) Skinner, my home economics, homeroom and special ed teacher here, and my family.”
Cole said the recognition is for everyone who supports students.
“I love my job, but with any job you do, principal, boss, teacher, helper, whatever you do, we all work hard for same reason; we all achieve the same goal — working and trying our best for the students and our community,” he said.
Superintendent Rick Robins was grateful for the dedication of those recognized.
“This is always a very emotional night for us in Canyons School District, and one that is such a great tradition to honor the people who embody everything about Canyons School District, especially all they do for our students,” he said. “It’s important to recognize their value and what they’ve contributed.” l
East Midvale Elementary’s Charlotte Graham received congratulations from Canyons Business Administrator and Chief Financial Officer Leon Wilcox for being awarded the Education Support Professional of the Year at the APEX awards. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Canyons’ Volunteer of the Year Trevan Cole has been a part of Eastmont’s nutrition team since 2007. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Union Middle School students put kindness first
Students fundraise through smiles and service, one act after another.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Union Middle School turned generosity into action with a unique PTA fundraiser which encouraged students to perform acts of kindness to support school programs.
The program allows students to create lists of “acts of kindness” they want to complete, ranging from simple gestures such as holding a door open or giving a high-five to helping neighbors, leaving snacks for delivery drivers or cleaning up the community. Donors support the fundraiser via email, and when students complete an act of kindness, the donor receives a message acknowledging it.
“I was searching for a no-fuss fundraiser online when I came across Raise Craze’s fundraising through kindness,” said PTSA President Ashley Backman. “Kindness has always been a big thing for me. When I was PTA president at Silver Mesa, my theme for two years was ‘Kindness begins with me.’ When I pitched it to administration, they said it went right along with their service kindness theme this year, so it was a perfect fit.”
Backman said her primary focus is
fostering a culture of kindness as well as raising money.
“Yes, fundraising is necessary for the school, but the kindness aspect is what we focus on,” she said. “Even if someone can’t donate, we encourage them to track their acts of kindness so we can celebrate them as a school community. We’re wanting to create a culture where kindness and community thrive.”
As part of the fundraiser, Union Middle School PTA held a community night where students and families contributed to several community initiatives, including creating learning kits for Help Me Grow Utah, writing kind cards for neighbors and families, donating to the school pantry and painting rocks for a “kindness garden.”
Seventh-grader Amelia Hernandez attends Bennion Junior High, but she came to Union with her cousin to participate in community night.
“I wanted to help show kindness and spend time with my cousin,” she said.
Union sixth-grader Samantha Fish was making a card to make a friend feel better.
“I donated some food for our pantry and I’ve contributed other ways to our community,” she said. “I care about our community and this is a way I can make a difference.”
School Community Facilitator Dinitri Jackson said it’s important students are mak-
ing connections with the community.
“It’s important they learn their actions make a positive impact and their kind acts for each other are important to our school and mission,” said Jackson, who oversees the school pantry that has supplies, backpacks, food and other items available to students.
Backman said there are many ways they can make an impact: “It doesn’t have to be a huge gesture. A smile, helping a friend, or noticing someone can make a difference.”
In the 19-day campaign, students ac-
complished 423 acts of kindness, which were tracked on a “kindness wall.”
Of the $4,343 net funds raised, 95% of the proceeds will support the PTSA student leadership group, which focuses on character building, student advocacy and planning events.
“Middle school is the sweet spot for teaching kindness,” Backman said. “It’s the foundation for life, community and paying it forward. If everyone practiced kindness, imagine the world we could build.” l
Students write notes as an act of kindness during Union Middle School’s community night fundraiser. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Midvale Elementary students honor Día de los Muertos with service and tradition
Midvale Elementary students cleaned up Midvale Cemetery in a morning of service and cultural learning as they prepared for the Day of the Dead.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Inpreparation for Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, Midvale Elementary students spent a morning cleaning debris and tidying graves at Midvale Cemetery as an act that blended cultural education, service and remembrance.
“This is something that we do in Mexico.” said thirdgrade teacher Lucia de la Cruz, who is originally from that country. “Families go into the cemetery to clean up so they can have that space ready because on (November) second, they bring flowers, food, candles and music. What we are doing here is giving that service to our community, in case someone wants to come celebrate with their loved ones.”
Alongside 231 students, six dual immersion teachers, PTA representatives and volunteers joined the effort, collecting litter and clearing fallen leaves from around the headstones.
The cemetery visit has become a Midvale Elementary tradition. It has been part of the school’s activities for at least 26 years, complemented by an altar, or ofrenda, which has been displayed for the past 11 years.
Students from kindergarten through fifth grade—both from the neighborhood and the Spanish dual language immersion program—contribute photos and mementos to the ofren-
because they know the meaning and importance of doing this. It’s how they show respect and follow the tradition.”
For Luis Navarro, a Midvale fifth-grade teacher originally from Peru, the week offers a deeper look at the diversity within Latin American cultures.
“In Mexico, it’s a very important and big day, but it’s not as big in South America,” he said. “In Peru, it’s mostly celebrated in small towns in the Andes. In class, we talk about how Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia and Peru celebrate differently. It’s a rich experience where students learn about different cultures and traditions even though we all speak the same language.”
Navarro estimated about 30% of his class is Caucasian, yet they all embrace Latino culture.
“They’ve learned about Día de los Muertos since kindergarten,” he said. “Students with this background share their traditions, and those Caucasians learn from them. It’s a two-way avenue as Latinos learn American culture and traditions.”
Families took part in the school’s acts of service and cultural celebration.
da. They also learn about the meanings behind the holiday’s symbols, such as cempasúchil (marigolds), calaveras (sugar skulls) and calacas (skeletons), in both English and Spanish.
As part of the celebration, teachers show videos explaining the cultural roots of Día de los Muertos and its various observances across Mexico and Latin America.
“We have many Latin families,” said de la Cruz. “I saw two moms who brought flowers here to the cemetery today
Julie Miramontes, whose son Axxel is a kindergartner, said the cemetery visit gave her meaningful family time.
“I am spending quality time with my 5-year-old; I took time off of work, but the time is priceless,” she said. “I answered his questions about the cemetery, that it’s a place where people rest with our Heavenly Father, and he’s learning it’s an important day in Mexican culture.” l
Midvale Elementary students gave service to community by removing leaves and debris from around the headstones at Midvale City Cemetery, a 26-year tradition at the school. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Two Hillcrest alumni honored for making a difference
Alumni Jeff Page ’69 and Natalie Griffiths ’20 recently were honored with distinguished alumni awards.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
HillcrestHigh School has long inspired excellence in both professional achievement and community service. Two Huskies, decades apart, exemplify this enduring legacy—Jeff Page (class of 1969) and Natalie Griffiths (class of 2020).
The two were recently honored as distinguished alumni by the Hillcrest Alumni Association during halftime of the homecoming game.
Page met his wife, Kris Beckstead, another Hillcrest Husky, while participating in a school musical.
“We can still sing the Hillcrest school song,” he said, recalling fond memories of performing with the Chamber Choir under Leo Dean and with the rock band, The Flight of Icarus, at Hillcrest dances.
Page graduated from Brigham Young University, then attended podiatric medical school in San Francisco and completed his residency in Seattle. He began private practice in Midvale before moving to California for an academic appointment and eventually settling in Arizona.
He also served as executive dean at his alma mater in San Francisco, lead the podiatry section at the Phoenix VA Medical Center, and founded the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine, where he served as dean for 17 years.
An accomplished researcher, Page has published more than 75 manuscripts, posters and scientific articles. Now a consultant in medical device development, his influence in podiatric medicine continues to shape the next generation of practitioners.
Beyond his professional achievements,
Page’s dedication to community service runs deep. From 1982 to 1989, he volunteered as Hillcrest High’s team doctor, caring for student-athletes across multiple sports.
With his wife, he has participated in more than 25 medical missions to Guatemala and Mexico, founding The FUEGO Foundation to expand access to health care and provide aid to under-resourced communities. He even taught himself Spanish to better serve abroad.
His volunteer work also includes years on the Board of Neighborhood Outreach Access to Health (NOAH), supporting 10 community clinics in Phoenix, serving with the American Diabetes Association as well as church service.
Page thanked the alumni association for the award and added, “An expression of appreciation would be incomplete without thanking the teachers who molded me and helped me to see the possibilities beyond high school. They truly demonstrated the highest standards of teaching and showed individual interest in their students.”
More than 50 years later, that same spirit of gratitude and service shines in Griffiths, a 2020 Hillcrest graduate and International Baccalaureate diploma recipient.
Her passion for medicine took root at Hillcrest, where she served as a HOSA officer, competed at the International Leadership Con-
ference and conducted genetics research at the University of Utah.
At Florida State University, Griffiths continued to lead in research and service. Throughout her undergraduate education, Natalie worked as a medical assistant, participated in health informatics research and continued her leadership within HOSA.
She also volunteered with Big Bend Hospice as a respite provider, spending time with hospice patients to allow their caregivers to leave the home. She also volunteered at the Maliheh Free Clinic in Millcreek, which provides crucial support to Utahns unable to access health insurance.
Griffiths joined AmeriCorps’ National Health Corps to improve children’s healthcare access in Jacksonville, Florida and also served with THE PLAYERS Center for Child Health to increase healthcare access for uninsured children.
Now a first-year medical student at the University of Florida, she hopes to continue promoting health equity as a future family physician.
“Hillcrest was and is a truly special place thanks to its excellent faculty, staff and the camaraderie of its diverse student body,” she said. “The lessons I learned from my teachers and peers pushed me to grow in ways I do not think I could have anywhere else.” l
Hillcrest High Alumni Association President Craig Conder, left, presented Jeff Page with the Distinguished Alumni Award at halftime of the homecoming game. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
East Midvale Elementary students learned that big things happen when creativity and teamwork come together.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
East Midvale Elementary was buzzing with excitement as all 480 students gathered for a lively assembly featuring author, illustrator and visual storyteller Bethany Barton, known for her humorous and science-infused picture books “I’m Trying to Love Spiders,” “Give Bees a Chance” and “This Monster Cannot Wait.”
“I read the new book, ‘I’m Trying to Love Farts,’ complete with sound effects from my computer and spraying with toilet paper,” Barton said with a laugh.
Barton, who told students she uses research as a visual storyteller in the film and TV industry, said she used those same skills researching spiders and bees for her books.
“I started looking things up and finding professionals in the field, I read books and scientific papers. What I like about this is being able to communicate that science to kids, because they’re the best versions of humans,” she said, adding she is working on a book about “brains and screens” which
A brush with creativity
will be released next year.
Barton’s visit sparked learning how curiosity and creativity can work together. After the assembly, Barton led every student in helping to create a new school mural.
“We got groups of students and each created a shape and as they day went on, they added to it. For example, if they picked green, they could add on to someone else’s green. Ultimately, in the end, it will be all solid shapes and then in the end, it will have a message,” Barton said. “Every single kid in the school will have been able to put their hand in it, which is really fun.”
The finished mural includes doodles, critters and details representing the school community, tied together with East Midvale’s theme, SOAR: Self-management, Ownership, Acceptance and Resilience.
For Barton, the project carries deeper meaning.
“Kids have painted something tiny, the size of their hand; it’s a good exercise in understanding that their little part can help add to the entire picture and make something beautiful when they all do their part,” she said. “It’s also a good exercise in delayed gratification, because when they come in tomorrow and see the whole wall filled, it’ll be like — whoa.”
Fifth-grader Charli Thompson agreed.
“I filled in the white parts around two
yellow parts,” she said. “It was really fun because I got to experience painting on my first ever mural. I have no idea how this mural will turn out, but I’m excited to see it and know she will tie everything we’ve painted together. She said it will have a very important message — but I don’t know what it is, and that makes it 10 times more fun because I like surprises. I learned that every hand makes a difference; we did this together.”
The event was part of United Way Salt Lake’s Day of Caring 2025, bringing together volunteers from HCA St. Mark’s Hospital, parents and school staff.
“We had 12 volunteers with HCA and about six from United Way,” said Shelley McCall, East Midvale’s community school facilitator. “Bethany did an incredible job pulling the pieces of the mural together and then adding our East Midvale messaging and all her creativity. It’s like a giant ‘I Spy’ mural.”
Principal Amy Sandgren said the day combined literacy, science and art.
“Students learned through literacy about so many science things,” she said. “The lesson learned is reading is cool, and it can teach us amazing things. And then, working as a community is an inspiring and beautiful thing that can result by doing it together.”
For Barton, it all ties back to her
core values: creativity, connection and community.
“I like reminding kids what you can do with community,” she said. “It’s important, especially after COVID, to remember what we can accomplish when we work with others. When the students see the mural complete tomorrow, it will be a bright reminder that together we can make something extraordinary.”l
Author, illustrator and visual storyteller Bethany Barton joined the East Midvale community painting a mural on the multipurpose room wall. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Hillcrest wrestling looks to pin down another strong season
A powerhouse girls team and a motivated boys squad give the wrestling coach hope for promising season.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Hillcrest High’s wrestling program combines fresh faces with state title experience to give its coach some high expectations this season.
Last winter, the Hillcrest girls finished third in the state, establishing themselves among Utah’s top programs. The Huskies return three of its four girls state champions, sisters junior Katie and senior Eva Zimmerman and senior Eleni Nonu — and added twin sisters, Caroline and Cassie Pastrana, another state champion and state contender, respectfully. The seniors transferred from Cyprus High.
Coach Nick Pappas said the new additions should make an immediate impact.
“We’re working through some eligibility to get them ready to go as soon as the season starts,” he said.
The twins are expected to strengthen the lineup without displacing returning talent.
“Caroline wrestled Eva during Eva’s sophomore year in the state finals and she
lost to Eva. Then last year, she wrestled Antonia (Ingabire, who graduated) a couple times throughout the year. We know them well and they should spot in at weights where we don’t have anybody,” Pappas said. “With Eliza (Zimmerman) graduated, we traded one state champion for another state champion.”
Eva Zimmerman continues to be a national-caliber athlete as she represented Team Utah in national duals in Fargo, North Dakota.
“Eva took fourth at a big national tournament over the summer and then just placed seventh at the Super 32 invitational. She’s leading our team as an All-American,” Pappas said.
She could become the Huskies first four-year state title winner in girls wrestling.
“We also are expecting great things, a good chance to be champions again, from Katie and Eleni this year,” he said.
As the season opens, Pappas believes the Huskies can contend for a 5A state championship.
“We have a chance if things go our way,” he said. “We had 11 girls at the state tournament last year; if we get some more girls in the room and get them to progress quickly, I think we can do it.”
While the girls have become a power-
house, Pappas said the boys’ team is looking for a bounce-back year after rebuilding with several first-year wrestlers.
“We graduated four seniors, but we have our state champion, Moroni Mahe,” he said. “He’s ranked No. 1 in the state at 215 pounds.”
Mahe headlines a roster that includes veterans Xander Shafizadeh and Cam Carrell and freshman Isaiah Zimmerman, continuing the Zimmerman family’s wrestling tradition.
“It was kind of a rough year last year for us with a lot of kids who have never even wrestled before,” Pappas said. “This year, it’s going to be an improvement. The kids have been working hard in the offseason and are more prepared for this upcoming season. We’re not a top team by any means, but we will see improvement.”
This year’s key matches for both squads, he said, will be Battle of the Axe at Brighton on Dec. 11 and Rockwell Rumble, Jan. 16-17, 2026. Also, for the girls team, matches on Dec. 3 versus Mountain Ridge, Jan. 15, 2026 against Wasatch and the Dec. 18-20 Reno Tournament of Champions.
Much of their offseason training comes from other sports or lifting on their own. In season, Pappas ensures his wrestlers are challenged daily.
“We run 2 miles before every practice,” he said. “We practice for two hours a day when we don’t have competition. If there are kids who want to work in the morning, I’ll show up early to let them drill for an hour or so.”
Pappas emphasizes life lessons, leadership and mental growth. His captains will read “Courage Is Calling” by Ryan Holiday. “The plan was probably going to stick with the book, and then just have them write a little note in the book to pass on to the next future captain,” he said.
Pappas also brought in a mental performance coach.
“We talk about finding the baseline, how to block out some noise,” he said. “It seems generic, but he did a great job of explaining to the kids before every session, kind of what the team needed, and then did a good job of being flexible to have questions.”
As Hillcrest continues to climb into the standings and chase state titles, Pappas appreciates his team.
“I definitely have a different group of kids than probably most other sports,” he said. “Wrestling is a tough thing, and they’re awesome. I’m lucky to have the kids who I’ve been able to work with, and they continue to still come out, even though it is difficult.” l
Key matches for the Huskies, seen here in a previous season, will be Battle of the Axe at Brighton on Dec. 11 and Rockwell Rumble, Jan. 16-17, 2026. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Hillcrest High School students urged to ‘Look Ahead’
At Hillcrest’s career day, students heard from professionals who encouraged them to take action today toward their future goals.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Hillcrest High School’s career day brought together students and professionals from across industries to share insights, inspiration and real-world experience.
This year’s theme, “Look Ahead,” encouraged students to think about their futures while taking advantage of opportunities already around them.
Career day coordinator Cher Burbank said the theme reflected her goal to help students balance forward planning with present awareness.
“My job is work-based learning, and I’m always telling students to be forward-thinking and to start thinking about their futures,” Burbank said. “I learned something from the presenters at this year’s career day. It is to see what’s right in front of them in the present and I think that is so beneficial. There are opportunities for students all around them, and if they have the right attitude and look for different options right now, they will find them in so many resources.”
That was a lesson Hillcrest High student Lauren Ravasa Alcara learned while talking to presenter and former Hillcrest High School Principal Sue Malone.
“I’m interested in political science and law, so when I was asked to present Ms.
Malone, who is in education, I was OK, but I wasn’t pumped,” Ravasa Alcara said. “But when I started talking to her, I learned she’s big into debate and has the background I want to pursue — and she knows everyone. She told me to do what makes you a good person that stands out and say yes to every opportunity. I got a bunch of good advice I wouldn’t have gotten if I didn’t agree to present her as a speaker.”
Three speakers gave students lessons from the film world.
Director and business owner Damarr Jones emphasized the importance of persistence and building relationships.
“At the end of the day, you are your biggest agent, so get to know people in the industry,” he told students. “It’s an everyday mentality, you can’t just pick it up in a day. It’s showing up every day.”
Entrepreneur and actor Tua Kealoha shared his own story of perseverance in a competitive field. “I didn’t always get the role and not everyone gets back to me. I was working when everyone was sleeping,” Kealoha said. “It’s your art platform — do what you like to do and practice it every day. I get 100 no’s before you get a yes. Not everyone is going to like you or your stuff, but when you get the yes, there’s nothing better. There are opportunities around the corner, go get it.”
He encouraged students to “follow your dreams instead of the crowd and make every day count with purpose.”
Former NFL player and film producer JD Allen echoed the theme of hard work and commitment: “If you work as hard as I have, I know you will be something special.”
Hillcrest senior Yadiel Rodriguez spoke with Kealoha afterward. He said career day helped confirm his long-term goals.
“It’s very cool to talk to him about film; I want to be a filmmaker,” he said.
Speaker Chuck Smith, a nursing CEO, spoke about the importance of leadership and dedication in healthcare careers.
Propulsion engineer Kelly Patitz brought a message of resilience and curiosity, sharing how early failures help people grow.
“Einstein was a huge failure, but nobody talks about it because he dared to fail; it stretched him and he became a huge success,” she said.
Patitz spoke about Utah’s strong support for aerospace engineering and the new opportunities created by artificial intelligence.
“AI doesn’t kill jobs; it generates a huge subset of jobs that never existed — just use it responsibly,” she said.
Her passion for aviation began early in life.
“At age 13, I told my dad what I wanted to do and it changed my life,” Patitz said. “I soloed on my 16th birthday, got my license at age 17, then continued with flight training.”
Her advice to students: “Be positive, be a good friend, flush the negative — don’t let it take ahold of your life. It’s OK to fail; it stretches yourself to the next level. Your future starts with what choices you make today.”
Other student ambassadors include Dannica Lange, Luke Giacoletto, Senya Walker, Abhinav Raneesh and Maria Acosta.l
Huskies command the stage at National Shakespeare Competition
Hillcrest thespians win multiple top awards to secure sixth straight Sweepstakes title.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
N ational high school Shakespeare monologue champion Avery Rinke, of Hillcrest High, delivered a commanding performance of her “Othello” monologue at the recent Canyons School District APEX awards ceremony.
Rinke was among several Hillcrest students who excelled at the National Shakespeare Competition, helping the Huskies capture the Sweepstakes championship in the Oxford division. Along with her national title, Rinke earned a $1,000 college scholarship for her outstanding performance.
More than 100 teams participated from across the country at the competition, held Oct. 2-4 in Cedar City. It was Hillcrest’s sixth consecutive Sweepstakes title and the school’s 12th win in the past 16 years.
Other first-place finishers include: Rown Hamill, stage management; and Elise Parry, tech portfolio and sound.
Second-place winners were Gabe Abbott, Jordan Cecil and Gideon Kirby in their trio scene of “Troilus & Cressida;” Elsie Slabbert, tech portfolio; the dance ensemble and the “Macbeth” ensemble, which was selected to perform at the final showcase.
Third-place finishers are Henry Jeppeson, Cooper Runnells and Ginger Witkamp in the trio scene of “King Lear;” Rowan Willis in tech portfolio and the Tech Olympics team.
Danielle Mertz took fourth place in her monologue of “Coriolanus.” l
Hillcrest students ask questions to professionals in the film and acting industry during the school’s career day. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Hillcrest High’s Avery Rinke, who received first place at the National Shakespeare Competition, performs her “Othello” monologue at Canyons’ APEX awards night. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Inclusion takes the field at unified soccer tournaments
More than 2,000 student-athletes participated in the largest-ever unified soccer tournament in Utah, showing teamwork and inclusion are the true goals of the game.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Morethan 2,000 student-athletes from 73 schools comprising of 170 teams took to the field this fall for high school unified soccer, a record-setting number for a program that continues to grow at an incredible pace.
Only a few years ago, unified soccer had about 24 teams competing statewide. This year, 24 teams alone advanced to the finals, held at America First Field in Sandy.
For the first year, unified soccer, which is promoted by both the Utah High School Activities Association and Special Olympics Utah, provided an avenue for 48 $500 scholarships — two per team — for continued education, awarded by America First Charitable Foundation.
While several area teams won state titles — Bingham, Herriman, Hunter blue, Murray, Skyline — or were runners-up Highland, Hunter gray, Jordan, West Jordan — most participants agree unified soccer is about much more than winning. It’s about inclusion, friendship
and giving every student the chance to be part of a team.
Alexis Brown understands that mission, both as a former partner and as a coach of three teams at Riverton High.
“The bigger that it grows, the more it shows that students with disabilities are just as capable of doing things as everyone else,” Brown said. “It gets the gen ed population more involved and less scared of what’s stigmatized about disabilities — they start to see that they’re just normal people having a good time.”
Riverton’s unified club, Wolf Buddies, is central to that effort. “We go to football games, school plays, dances; the goal is to get our students as involved in the high school experience as possible,” Brown said. “High school is fun,
and they deserve to be included.”
Senior Kevin Perez said his Riverton team has bonded on and off the field.
“We’re a good team and we prepared,” he said. “We play two times per week. I like scoring goals and kicking the ball. I like my team too — we’re great together.”
Riverton senior Mac Wall, who once played varsity volleyball, said unified sports have meant even more.
“The fun I have in unified sports is way more exciting than anything I found in varsity programs,” Wall said. “The connection between people is completely unmatched. Everyone’s kind; there’s no drama. We’re a tight-knit group.”
Hillcrest High senior Yadiel Rodri-
Huskies shoot for ‘nothing but net’
guez said playing unified soccer and basketball “is fun because we play with our friends; we go out to the movies, hang out, go bowling. It’s special to be part of the team.”
His teammate, senior Ella Blackbourn, agreed: “I find a lot of joy being around these people who are always happy and positive; they’re amazing people. The bond we’ve formed is really cool.”
“It’s about being part of something,” said Murray junior Landyn Timms. “They all have heart to play the game — they’re all very skilled too. It just smoothens my heart to see how happy they are when they get to play.”
His teammate, Pit Soe, was excited about the team’s state championship.
“It’s pretty cool; now we get to eat and celebrate,” he said. “It’s a fun team to play on. We help each other playing and at other times.”
West Jordan High coach Sheldon Russell said his team’s second-place finish was more than just a result.
“They’re a tight-knit group because these guys are together a lot of the day,” Russell said. “Many have been in the same class since elementary school. Playing together and playing in the championship I count as a win, especially since our kids don’t get very many wins to begin with. The inclusion and spirit of unified sports really redefine high school sports.” l
Hillcrest boys basketball pushes the tempo as they eye a state run.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
TheHuskies have spent much of the spring, summer and fall on the court, playing in basketball tournaments across Utah and beyond as they prepare for what they hope will be a championship run.
“Our boys have a really high expectation for the year,” head coach Brandon Sluga said. “They wanted to travel and play in different tournaments. So, we’ve played quite a few games.”
The Huskies went 5-2 at a St. George tournament in June, picking up close wins against top-tier state high school programs, Dixie and Bountiful. Before that, they were 4-1 at the University of Utah team camp. More recently, Hillcrest competed in the Great Western Classic, held across Salt Lake Valley, where they notched a victory over powerhouse Layton Christian.
“With what they’ve been doing nationally lately, that was a nice win for us. We’ve had lots of opportunities to get better and the kids are excited for the season,” he said.
The Huskies are scheduled to open their season Nov. 21 against Olympus, the defend-
ing 5A state champion. It’s a tough opener, but Sluga says he wouldn’t want it any other way.
“Olympus has got most of their players back from their state championship team last year, so that’ll be a good test for us right out of the gate,” he said.
Hillcrest’s preseason schedule doesn’t get much easier. The team will travel to Nevada in December to play in the Brent Stokes Farm Insurance Classic in Elko. The tournament, hosted by longtime Elko High coach Chris Klekas, offers both strong competition and an affordable travel experience for the team, he said.
“Reno is going to be a pretty good team. I don’t know a lot about the other team, Spring Creek, but their record was good last year,” Sluga said.
In region play, Cyprus is expected to be a key rival.
“I would say Cyprus is going to be really good,” he said. “They have a lot of kids returning, and they’ve performed well this summer also. But I wouldn’t take anyone in our region for granted. Anyone on any given night could step up and play really well.”
The Huskies’ success starts with experience. Senior Ezra Bell enters his third full season of varsity play, while junior Tyler Ashby and senior Jay Watkins bring valuable court time and leadership.
Watkins, Sluga noted, could be a difference-maker this year.
“Jay’s had a really good offseason,” he said. “He could be a wild card for us, because he’s so talented. When he plays really well, we’re kind of on a different level.”
Sluga expects a balanced attack.
“If I have it my way, it’ll be hard statistically to know who the standouts are,” he said. “Some of the best programs in the United States historically have had five to eight players who could score in double figures, and I really do like that philosophy.”
Beyond the varsity roster, Hillcrest’s younger teams are thriving. The sophomore squad went 18-3 last season and took second in the unofficial state tournament, while JV finished 15-8.
“We have more talent in our program than we’ve had in the six years I’ve been here,” he said. “A lot of athletic and skillful younger players.”
But for Sluga, it’s more than skills on the court.
“I love that they’re really good friends, and they support each other, and they represent our school well,” he said. “They’re kind. I see a lot of positive behaviors that you don’t always see from teenage boys. They love to play basketball. They bring a lot of passion and excitement when they play.”
With experience, depth and unity, the Huskies have their sights set for the state championships in late February 2026.
“Our boys have really high expectations,” Sluga said. “They want to win it all.” l
Brandon Sluga, seen here in February 2025, is entering his sixth season coaching the Hillcrest Huskies on the basketball court. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Hillcrest team played in the regional high school unified soccer tournament. (Julie Slama/ City Journals)
Council works to provide taxpayers best value during budget process resulting in tough cuts
In the 12 years I’ve been on the Salt Lake County Council, this was the most intense budget season I’ve ever encountered. It began when Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson proposed a 19.6% property tax increase. As we see the economy softening, some of us on the council vowed to dig in, realign the county spending with top priorities, and find ways to be more efficient and effective with your tax dollars so we could lower that property tax ask. I’ve since learned that while it may feel good to give people government perks, it is sure painful when it’s time to take them away.
I’ll start with daycare. It’s a big issue throughout the state and while there are fewer daycare waiting lists in Salt Lake County, it’s still unaffordable for many families. Somehow Salt Lake County has been subsidizing four daycares to the tune of $6000-$10,000 per child. That means that property taxpayers, like you, are paying half the tuition for about 271 kids.
I had many people contact me and say they were fine with their tax dollars to go to low-income families, but this program had no income qualifications. We certainly had many families who were making more than
Aimee Winder Newton
Salt Lake County Councilmember
District 3
the median household income, yet they were being subsidized by those on low or fixed incomes. We made the decision to get out of the daycare business.
Another tough decision was related to a senior center. We voted to close a senior center on 10th East in SLC that is currently vacant and only 1.8 miles away from another senior center. Not every city has a senior center, so to have two so close did not make sense. It saves taxpayers $6-7 million in one-time costs and $400,000 in ongoing costs each year. The empty building was in the process of being renovated and the $3 million funds spent thus far to remove asbestos would’ve needed to happen regardless of the use.
We hope those who love the 10th East Senior Center will be able to continue attending activities at the Liberty Senior Center, as I’m a big believer in the value of the human connection that seniors can get by interacting with others. We love all of our seniors, and this decision was made recognizing that we have many on fixed incomes who feel that the more we rein in government spending, the better. Our taxpayers have made it clear that they are stretched to the limit and the county needs to focus on core services.
Budgets are tricky and Salt Lake County has one of the most complicated budgets. While the overall budget is $2 billion, $500 million of that is just pass-through taxes that go from the state to cities or UTA. Another $1 billion make up restricted funds, enterprise funds, and tourism taxes – which can only fund certain things or those that are tourist-related. Have you ever wondered why we justify spending money on arts, culture, parks, golf, recreation, and convention centers? Those entire budgets either generate their own revenue sources or they use tourism taxes from hotels, car
rentals and restaurants. They do not use any property tax.
About $500 million of the budget is the General Fund. That is where we have total flexibility to use the funds however we please. This is where your property taxes go -- $220 million from residential property taxes. Currently 74% of our General Fund expenditures are public safety related – jail, prosecution, criminal justice services, etc. The rest covers things like elections, audits, etc. Because we capture the same amount of money as the previous year (minus new construction), the county does tax increases every few years just to keep up with inflation. To read my FAQs about the budget, visit tinyurl.com/SLCObudget
During this year’s budget I’ve tried hard to look at programs that are out of the county’s scope (daycare) or items that seem duplicative or unnecessary (two senior centers within 2 miles of each other). We’ve also cut positions that aren’t fulfilling the county’s overall mission or that we don’t believe are necessary. Rest assured that we are going to bat for you so you can keep more of your hard-earned money.
Hillcrest swings into fourth; tees up for the future
Freshman Jack Burrell plays in state tournament; coach likes young players’ potential heading into next season.
By Julie Slama
j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Hillcrest High’s boys golf team wrapped up the season with a solid performance, finishing right about where head coach Dave Richardson expected.
“We were fourth in the region this year,” he said. “It’s a solid finish.”
The highlight was freshman Jack Burrell placing sixth in the region to qualify for the state tournament.
“He played in the state tournament,” Richardson said. “He’s 5-foot-1-inch and weighs 90 pounds soaking wet, and they had some tee boxes at Talons Cove — I didn’t even know were there. They’re that far back. He can hit the ball straight, but it was such a long course; with his size, he doesn’t hit it 300 yards, like the 6-foot-1-inch kids do.”
Despite the distance challenge, Burrell
still turned in a respectable score.
“He shot 88 his first time at the state tournament,” Richardson said, but added he didn’t make the cut to play the second day.
It’s the first golfer Hillcrest who has qualified for state in recent years and the coach believes the program is heading in the right direction.
“I got an underclassman group that’s really dedicated — a bunch of freshmen and sophomores I think could be good. They played a lot of varsity this year,” he said.
Richardson hopes that commitment continues into the offseason.
“They’ve all promised they’ll get a job on one of the county courses so they can play for free. They seem pretty dedicated,” he said. “Those four guys — Connor Jackson, Bridger Barlow, Riley Morgan and Jack Burrell— they’re going to be the basis for the team next year.”
Hillcrest’s best finish this season came at its home course, River Oaks.
“We placed third beating West Jordan,” Richardson said.
Overall, Hillcrest showed steady progress throughout the season, usually finishing close behind West Jordan.
“We were just usually within three or four strokes of West Jordan,” he said. “If we get out and practice in the offseason, I have high hopes for next year.”l
Hillcrest freshman Jack Burrell placing sixth in the region to qualify and play in the state golf tournament. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Life & Laughter - A Christmas Carol: Corporate Edition
Ebeneezer Scrooge sits on the edge of his vast four-poster bed, wondering what the heck just happened. Three ghosts have shown him his greedy behavior and how, because of his miserly ways, he’ll die hated and alone.
“Oh, well,” he says, as he jumps off the bed and heads to his vault, where he swims through stacks of gold coins like Scrooge McDuck. “It’s not my fault there are poor people.”
Jacob Marley’s ghost hovers nearby, rattling his heavy chains. “Remorse is a heavy burden,” he cries. Scrooge tells him to get lost and skips downstairs to count his money.
The jolly Ghost of Christmas Present jumps out from behind the couch, reminding Scrooge of the two ghastly children hidden in his robes, representing poverty and ignorance. “You have so much,” the ghost says. “You could help so many.”
“They should get jobs,” Scrooge replies. “It’s not my problem.”
The spirit starts to disagree, but Scrooge calls in officers from Interstellar Creature Enforcement to haul the ghost away. Christmas Present mutters something about corporate greed as he gets zip-tied.
Scrooge runs to the window and sees a young boy on the street below. “Hello, fine
Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
fellow! Run to the Cratchit house and tell Bob to come to work. I gave him the day off, but there are debts to collect!”
“But it’s Christmas,” the boy responds.
“Humbug! Christmas is just an excuse for sloth. Remind him that although I didn’t give him a raise or bonus this year, I put a ping-pong table in the break room and, because it’s Christmas, he can use the Keurig one time today. He should be grateful.”
The Ghost of Christmas Past taps Scrooge on the shoulder. “Old Fezziwig shared his wealth with employees and friends. He was greatly mourned.”
“Well, Fezziwig is dead,” Scrooge says. “Where did compassion get him?”
He dismisses the spirit, then calls his maid to bring him weak tea (“I’m not wasting money on sugar!”), plain, toasted bread (“Jam is a luxury!”) and a hard-boiled egg (because it is Christmas, after all).
Scrooge slurps his tea, the sound echoing through the cavernous room as the grandfather clock ticks away the final moments of his miserly life.
Meanwhile, across the city, Bob Cratchit and his family wake up to a vast display of gifts and food. Knowing exactly how stingy Scrooge would be, friends and neighbors quietly pooled their money to create the perfect Christmas morning for the family.
The Cratchit children are awed by the generosity. Peter eagerly opens the latest Dickens novel, Martha admires her fashionable scarf and the baby toddles around with a new doll.
Neighbors even started a GoFundMe for Tiny Tim so he could see a doctor and the town carpenter made him a new crutch. The home is filled with laughter and friendship as everyone roasts Ebeneezer Scrooge with Victorian cocktails. Even the dog gets tipsy.
While Scrooge and Cratchit live just miles apart, their life experiences are vastly different. Although poor, the Cratchits love each other and are cared for by the people around them. Communities take care of each other.
It’s something Scrooge will never understand. All his wealth won’t save him.
He sees the Ghost of Christmas Yet to
Come dramatically using his bony finger to beckon Scrooge to follow. Time’s up.
“Fine,” Scrooge says, “but I’m taking my egg. Eggs are expensive, you know.”
Marley moans from the hall, “Mankind was your business.”
“Gold was my business!” Scrooge yells as he stomps after the ghost, wishing he could roll around in his money just one more time.
