Firwork restrictions
Officials keep same restrictions as last year Page 11
Educator awards
Two Millcreek teachers recognized by school district Page 15
William Penn Elementary community celebrates 100 years at birthday bash
By Lizzie Walje | l.walje@mycityjournals.com
To celebrate 100 years in operation, William Penn Elementary School rang in its birthday with a community celebration. Staff, faculty, parents, students and alumni were all invited to enjoy the evening’s festivities.
Millcreek’s William Penn Elementary School is officially 100 years old. To mark this special three-digit birthday, the school hosted a community party, attended by students, teachers and families alike. The April 24 event featured lots of memorabilia, sending its attendees down memory lane through pictures and artifacts.
Speaking of memorabilia, to celebrate the occasion, William Penn curated a time capsule, which featured items that reflect life in 2025. Members of the community were encouraged to bring forth memorabilia, at which point, students voted on which items would be featured in the capsule. The cap-
sule will be reopened in 2050, when William Penn turns 126 years old.
William Penn first opened in 1924; however, its original building was demolished in 2003. Quickly rebuilt, William Penn debuted its new home in 2004. Since then, it has lived exclusively in that same building, teaching countless Utah students along the way.
As a pillar in Utah’s education system, William Penn has reinvented itself many times over, adapting alongside the progression of technology. However, one of their most interesting achievements to date occurred when they championed a Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program.
Back in 2022, Granite School District decided to close three different institutions, Millcreek, Twin Peaks and Spring Lane elementary schools. Despite the school board’s
Continued page 4
was
The fun-filled birthday bash evening
concluded with birthday cake and confetti. (Granite School District)
Salt Lake County
801-840-4000 Sandy & Salt Lake City
801-799-3000
*On July 4 & July 24 time of discharge is extended to 12:00 midnight REPORT NON-EMERGENCY
DATES FOR LEGAL DISCHARGE
: July 2-5 | July 22-25
*If you live in a restricted area, it is illegal to discharge fireworks anytime
TIMES
FOR
LEGAL DISCHARGE
: Between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. July 2 through July 5 | July 22 through July 25
Enjoy a Safe, Healthy, Active Summer
By Vincent Giron, DO
With summer here and everyone wanting to spend time outdoors and to be more active, there are four important health and safety tips that I recommend for all age groups and activity levels.
1. Stay hydrated. The No. 1 priority for summer safety is proper hydration before and after activity. Drinking lots of water and reducing the amount of caffeinated drinks is crucial for hydration. Adding electrolytes such as sports drinks is also helpful while avoiding excess sugar. Zero sugar or diet electrolyte sports drinks and hydration packs are an easy way to do this.
2. Use sunscreen. Sunscreen is crucial not only for skin health but can help with hydration as well. Sunburns put you at higher risk for dehydration. Applying sunscreen and reapplying frequently especially while swimming, playing sports, and hiking keeps your skin healthy and protected. Being conscientious about sun exposure helps prevent skin cancer, wrinkles, skin
discolorations and will help to keep your skin looking and feeling young.
3. Wear a helmet. Summer is a great time to go outdoors riding bikes, scooters and other fun activities while getting exercise. But anytime we bike, scoot, skate or participate in any riding activity, it is imperative to wear a helmet. No matter how short your ride is, you need to protect your brain. It only takes one fall or accident to cause permanent brain damage or life-long disability.
4. Stretch. People of all ages and activity levels from youth sports to the weekend warrior need to be stretching before and after activity. In the summer it is easy to skip the warm-up when exercising or playing sports because the warmer temperatures make us feel ready to go; however our muscles are still tight and are just as prone to injury as in the colder months. Taking the time to warm up by gradually stretching our muscles not only helps prevent injury but promotes muscle building and endurance. Stretching is especially im-
portant for elderly individuals. Stretching also helps reduce aches and pains as well as improve mobility and stability, which decrease the risk of falls.
Exercise is important for all ages. Summer is a great time to increase your level of activity. Exercise, especially outdoors, promotes physical as well as mental health and wellbeing. I hope we can all get outside, spend time with family and friends, and most of all, stay safe and healthy!
Dr. Vincent Giron is a CommonSpirit Health family medicine physician specializing in sports medicine. He is accepting new patients. His clinic is located at CommonSpirit Primary Care & Sports Medicine West Valley at 3336 S. 4155 W., Ste. 102 in West Valley. Phone:801-964-3925. He accepts most insurances.
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Find emergency care close to you at mountain.commonspirit.org.
treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. For further information about this policy contact CommonSpirit Health Mountain Region Office of the General Counsel at 1-303-673-8166 (TTY: 711). Copyright © CommonSpirit Health Mountain Region, 2025. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-303-673-8166 (TTY: 711). CHÚ Ý: N
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Dr. Vincent Giron, DO
CommonSpirit Primary Care & Sports Medicine West Valley
Continued from front page
unanimous vote for closures, the decision did cause dissention amongst parents. For context, these schools housed some of the district’s most diverse populations, with Spring Lane, at the time of its closure, boasting a 43% Latino student body.
Given its proximity to Millcreek, it was natural that William Penn would go on to absorb much of its student body. In response to a new influx of Latino students, William Penn created its Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program.
The program model dictates that students receive instruction, half of the time in Spanish, and the other half of the time in English. To achieve this outcome, most subjects are assigned to be taught in either Spanish or English. The program spans multiple years, starting as soon as first grade.
Not only did the program serve as a helpful transitional tool when introducing students from Millcreek into William Penn, but it also continue to help prepare students for future success. Generally speaking, research indicates that young minds are often primed to acquire a second language more efficiently, which makes elementary school an ideal time to jumpstart the learning process.
“We hear of stories where the grandparents of our current students attended this school,” said Principal Brett Bawden. “We have evolved from being strictly a community school and adapting to be more inclusive by creating a Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program. When Millcreek Elementary closed a few years ago, we integrated all the students in their Spanish DLI program into our school. We are still rich in tradition and have many teachers who have worked here since the 80s and 90s.”
“I am honored to teach inquisitive 6 and 7 year olds,” Shelton said. “They have more questions than I have answers which makes our classroom dynamic and inspiring.”
One of these teachers is Pyper Shelton, a veteran educator who teaches first grade.
Shelton has been at the school since 1989, solidifying herself as a mainstay, one that is particularly popular and beloved by students.
“I am honored to teach inquisitive 6 and 7 year olds,” Shelton said. “They have more
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questions than I have answers which makes our classroom dynamic and inspiring.”
On the day of the party, attendees were treated to free hot dogs, although various food trucks were on site for additional options. While only a select few items could be placed in the time capsule, everyone in attendance was invited to sign a guest book which was placed alongside the time capsule.
Seeing as no birthday party is complete without cake, it’s only fitting that William Penn Elementary got its very own to mark the occasion. As confetti launched into the crowd of children, the excitement was palpable. As for the future, the school hopes to continue to innovate and prepare students for the global world. With 100 years already under the school’s belt the future looks promising. l
84070
PHONE: 801-254-5974
William Penn Elementary School is officially 100 years old. (Granite School District) Food served at the birthday bash event included cake, hot dogs and selections from various local food trucks. (Granite School District)
Cinco de Mayo celebration at Millcreek Common provides food, fun and performance for attendees
Millcreek Common rolled out all of the stops for this year’s Cinco de Mayo festivities. The event focused largely on showcasing Mexican culture through performance, art, food and more. Onlookers got a taste of authentic Mexican culture, particularly highlighting the region of Oaxaca.
By Lizzie Walje l.walje@mycityjournals.com
Spring has officially sprung at Millcreek Common, where residents gathered to celebrate Cinco de Mayo festivities during the first week of May. Attendees treated themselves to traditional Mexican food, in addition to a variety of activities and performances.
Highlights included food from various local restaurants, singing and dancing performances, and traditional Lucha Libre wrestling. This year, those behind the festivities wanted to showcase and celebrate unique aspects of Mexican culture.
Despite Cinco de Mayo’s Mexican roots, the holiday has a long and interesting history in the United States, with early celebrations dating back to the 1860s. Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico’s victory over France in the Battle of Puebla, which took place on May 5, 1862. Almost a centu-
ry later the holiday gained traction amongst Southern California Chicanos in the 1950s and 1960s.
Today, cities across the United States host celebrations, which often include traditional Mexican foods and activities. This year, Millcreek Common was among them, partnering with prominent companies in the community like Telemundo Utah and Maria’s Mexican Grill.
This year, attendees were treated to a performance by Oaxaca en Utah, a local organization whose dancers and entertainers perform across the state. Their goal is to preserve Oaxacan culture and showcase its distinct flavor and flair.
Per their social media: “Our mission [is to] celebrate, share, and perpetuate the vibrant culture heritage of Oaxaca by delivering diverse events and programs that ensure its traditions flourish and are embraced by future generations.”
Dancers took to The Common in traditional Oaxacan costume, with vibrant skirts and intricate headpieces. Also present were musicians from Academia Mis Raices, a Utah music academy that focuses on connecting individuals with Mexican heritage through music.
Performers from Lucha Libre Utah also excited the crowd with their traditional, upbeat wrestling style. Lucha Libre originated in Mexico, at first, gaining regional traction, before exploding into a nationwide phenomenon. Lucha Libre, which translates to “free fight” in English, is known for its
fluid and theatrical movements.
Much like the holiday of Cinco de Mayo itself, Lucha Libre also has a fascinating history, dating back to the early 20th century. Preceded by the French Intervention in Mexico, Lucha Libre has roots in Greco-Roman wrestling style. However, arguably its most identifiable feature is the wearing of masks. Lucha Libre wrestlers, or luchadores, often don colorful masks, popularized by El Santo (The Saint), a beloved Lucha Libre wrestler who was known for his silver mask. Onlookers watched as Lucha Libre Utah luchadores took to the ring, showcasing their athleticism with high flying moves and maneuvers.
Also present were the Millcreek Skate Loop Legends, a piñata for children, traditional Aztec and Oaxaca ceremonies, lowrider cars, a Mariachi band, face painting, and a DJ led dance party. All in all, the celebration had something for everyone, while showcasing Mexican culture and the distinct fusion of Mexican American culture.
Naturally, no Mexican celebration is complete without copious amounts of food. Restaurants like Maria’s Mexican Grill, kept visitors happy and full, serving up traditional favorites like tacos, carne and tortillas made from scratch.
In their welcoming remarks Telemundo Utah stressed the importance of such events and their impact on the community, thanking the city of Millcreek for allowing them to participate in the celebration. l
Council seats for two districts are up for election this year
Millcreek to continue with ranked choice voting for 2025 elections
By Travis Barton
travis.b@thecityjournals.com
Millcreek will elect two seats to its city council this year. That vote will be determined by ranked choice voting.
The Millcreek City Council unanimously voted to continue with ranked choice voting for this November’s elections, the same method used in their previous two voting cycles.
Mayor Jeff Silvestrini noted the 70% approval rating of the method from residents during the council meeting prior to the vote.
“I know there are some folks in opposition, but the yeas are far more numerous than the nays,” he said.
A quick refresher course. Ranked choice voting works like this: instead of choosing one candidate as is currently done, voters would instead rank candidates in first place, second place, and so on. If no candi-
date reaches 51%, a clear majority, then the candidate with the least votes is eliminated. Those who voted for the eliminated candidate would then see their votes assigned to their second choice. This continues until one someone has the majority vote.
Having run this voting method in the last two election cycles, Councilmember Thom DeSirant said the consistency was important.
“I also think it makes sense…I think continuity is important so it’s worth us doing it again,” he said.
The ranked choice voting fee is $26,250, divided among the participating cities, which in Salt Lake County is currently known to be Kearns, Midvale, Salt Lake City and South Salt Lake.
South Salt Lake officials also noted the cheaper cost and support from the candidates running in having a shortened campaign period prior to their council’s unanimous approval.
“Ranked choice voting has been a pleasant surprise,” SSL Councilmember Sharla Bynum said.
“I know there are some folks in opposition, but the yeas are far more numerous than the nays.”
-Mayor Jeff Silvestrini
Midvale City Council also approved ranked choice voting unanimously for this year, with councilmembers highlighting how it reaches a majority.
Though Midvale Councilmember Paul Glover said he prefers the traditional election more.
“I’m not as worried about (ranked choice voting) as much as I was, I still think a lot of older people have a hard time with it,” he said.
Salt Lake County will run the election for Millcreek with Silvestrini noting the additional requirements this year about moni-
toring the drop off box could stretch the recorder’s office too thin.
DeSirant didn’t feel it made sense “to invest in infrastructure for our city council to have that sensitive, secure data.”
Silvestrini noted how election fees are increasing this year, and with ranked choice voting forgoing the primary election in the summer, costs come down running only one election.
Though the city didn’t even need a general election two years ago for two of three seats. The mayor along with District 1 seats was canceled due to the incumbents running unopposed. Silvestrini said Salt Lake County charged them $5,000 election administration fee to recoup the expenses they incurred in preparing for the races.
The two seats up for election this year are District 2 (DeSirant) and District 4 (Bev Uipi). Eligible parties can file for candidacy Aug. 12-19 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., at Millcreek City Hall with the recorder’s office. l
Dancers from Oaxaca en Utah performed in vibrant color and costuming. (Millcreek Common)
Wrestlers from Lucha Libre Utah showcased the unique fighting style which centers around theatrics and fluid movements. (Millcreek Common)
This popular plant is sabotaging native landscapes
Myrtle spurge growth is detrimental to local plants and wildlife.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Shannan Cochrane is on a mission and needs some help. The Cottonwood Heights resident wants to eradicate myrtle spurge from the canyons and foothills. Myrtle spurge is an invasive plant that chokes out native vegetation and can be a health hazard for people and pets.
The sinister succulent is often sold at nurseries as a waterwise landscaping plant, but it spreads quickly, wreaking havoc on nearby terrain. It’s also difficult to remove, as the spurge releases a toxic sap that can irritate the skin and eyes.
“It’s so bad in Millcreek Canyon that it’s made its way halfway up the canyon, especially on the south side,” Cochrane said. “Then I started noticing it closer to home, like the mouth of Big Cottonwood…That’s when I started pulling and I’ve been pulling for probably four years now to keep it from moving.”
Cochrane is not alone in her efforts to remove myrtle spurge from public lands. Robert Edgel, a habitat restoration biologist with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, said he’s been dealing with the plant for several years. At first, the division was hand-pulling the myrtle spurge, trying to eradicate it from the mouth
of Parley’s Canyon, but the plant grew back so quickly that they started using herbicide to combat the invasion.
To remove the plant completely, Edgel said the spurge needs to be pulled up with at least four to six inches of root. Plus, the seeds can remain active in the soil for up to eight years. Gloves, pants, long-sleeved shirts and goggles should be worn to protect the skin and eyes from the toxic sap.
“We need more public education because people need to remove it from their yards,” Edgel said. “The Division of Wildlife is working with the Forest Service and Salt Lake County. We’re all partnering together to treat it in the wild lands. But the infestation is coming from the private landowners, the homeowners. So, unless we get rid of it there, it’s going to come back. That’s a key piece.”
Edgel said the plant has been found on public lands statewide, taking over open space where native plants used to grow. Once the original vegetation is gone, it’s hard to replace due to cost and labor.
The DWR uses Roundup to kill the noxious weed since it seems impervious to other methods of removal. However, Edgel said he knows some people don’t want to use that herbicide and suggests Finalsan as an alternative. Its biodegradable formula leaves no toxins in the soil.
“As the federal government is cutting
EFFICIENT ADMIN COSTS:
At just 0 7% of the overall distr ict budget, Granite spends less than 1/3rd the national average for distr ict administration.
back on its spending, we need more state funding support for these efforts,” he said. “Let your state representatives know that the importance of providing funding to the watershed restoration initiative is important to be able to continue to do this work on public lands.”
Cochrane will continue fighting the battle against myrtle spurge and hopes to recruit more people to her cause. She schedules weed-pulling activities in nearby canyons and has contacted local leaders and city officials
GRANITE STACKS UP WELL:
regarding the nuisance.
“I’ve been living in Cottonwood Heights for almost 30 years now and I’ve just seen [myrtle spurge] continually spread,” she said. “No one person can do it by themselves. I’m trying to educate people. I made some flyers and anytime I see [myrtle spurge] on a property owner’s property, I stop and put a flyer in the mailbox. Or I’ll knock at their home and try to educate them about it.”l
47,000 by 2029
*Calculated by USBE as the total students divided by total teachers district wide
WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF GRANITE SCHOOL DISTRICT SPLIT?
Both smaller districts would not have the economies of scale in terms of students and funding to have access to Granite Technical Institute, some CTE programing, and other offerings of a larger district
Both smaller distr icts would lose the current self-funded insurance plan and would likely need to use a more expensive pr ivate provider.
Both smaller distr icts would need to drastically raise taxes in order to maintain the same level of ser vices.
Both smaller distr icts would still face issues with declining enrollment and high home pr ices.
BOUNDARY STUDY
Granite School Distr ict is currently carr ying out an elementar y boundar y and closure study in your area.
Two public meetings were held in March of 2025. Recordings and additional infor mation are available at the QR code below.
HAPPENS TO THE PROPERTY WHEN SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED?
The Distr ict has no plans to sell current proper ties of closed schools, but instead is wor king with local cities to maintain open spaces for our communities
If the Distr ict does need to sell a proper ty, the local city has the first r ight to purchase that proper ty.
Myrtle spurge is sold as a drought-tolerant option for landscaping but spreads quickly, endangering public lands. (Canva stock)
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We invite you to visit us and experience all that our sanctuary has to offer. Whether you’re seeking a unique crystal, looking to participate in a healing workshop, or simply craving a mindful meal in a peaceful setting, we warmly welcome you to come and discover the good vibes and transformative experiences that await.
Millcreek to maintain firework restrictions this summer
Just about everywhere in Millcreek east of 900 East bans the ignition of fireworks.
By Travis Barton travis.b@thecityjournals.com
Fire season is here, and Millcreek officials chose to keep the status quo.
The Millcreek City Council unanimously voted to keep its same restrictions it has in recent years, banning fireworks east of 900 East and in the far west area near Sunnyvale Park and the Jordan River as well as Scott Avenue Park just west of 900 East.
Councilmember Thom DeSirant noted even when the state has a wet winter, July can often arrive dry.
“Unfortunately, Utah is a desert state, this doesn’t completely ban fireworks, but it does ban the use of them in the most flammable areas, I think consistency is helpful,” he said prior to the vote.
Unified Fire Marshal Wade Watkins released a statement saying conditions suggest a fire season ranging from normal to above normal due to moisture levels and the curing of fuel leading up to the Fourth of July. He strongly recommended cities “take proactive steps to reduce fire risk” by maintaining or
reducing the number of approved areas for fireworks.
In 2024, there was some concern about being overly restrictive, but the council’s vote took the safety first approach.
Mayor Jeff Silvestrini said some of this is people pleasing.
“There’s a faction that would like to see the restrictions lifted in some areas,” he said during the council’s discussion. “Then there are others that would prefer we outlaw them in the whole city.”
He said he’s received letters about the fireworks map with some residents in the west side of Millcreek, where they are allowed, asking to ban them for the whole city.
“The answer is because we’re not banning them because people don’t like them. We’re only restricting them to the extent that, in consultation with the fire marshal, we think there’s fire danger here that could result in damage to people or property,” Silvestrini said.
The ban focuses on any ignition source with the resolution the council passed specifically including fireworks, lighters, matches, sky lanterns and smoking materials. The “flammable areas” mentioned by DeSirant and included in the resolution were “bush-covered or dry
grass-covered areas” and “within 200 feet of waterways, trails, canyons, washes, ravines, or similar area.”
Salt Lake City is keeping its fire restrictions in place, banning fireworks east of 900 East as well. Murray also kept its boundaries from last year while Midvale adjusted its boundaries but only to establish more definitive lines on the map. Holladay loosened some restricted areas last year notably east of 1300 East up to I-215 while still banning them in unde -
veloped parks and wildland areas, as well as 200 feet within waterways, ravines and foothills. Holladay officials chose to keep those boundaries.
The Unified Fire website has an interactive map that can tell you whether your area is restricted or not (unifiedfire. org/prevention/fireworks). Legal times to discharge fireworks are two days before, day of, and one day after July 4 and July 24. l
Map of Millcreek outlining the red areas where fireworks are banned. The Unified Fire website has an interactive map that can tell you whether your area is restricted or not (unifiedfire.org/prevention/fireworks). (Millcreek)
1,3,5 Fine Art Show coming soon to the Cottonwood Country Club
A tiered pricing structure is offered to provide the opportunity to find a piece of art that resonates with an individual’s personal style and budget.
By Collette Hayes c.hayes@mycityjournals.com
The highly anticipated 1,3,5 Fine Art Show will open its doors on Saturday, June 14, for just three hours. Presented by the Utah Art Market, this event will showcase original works of art created by some of the most talented artists in Utah. The Cottonwood Country Club will provide an inviting atmosphere for patrons to come together to appreciate and acquire original works of art within reach of most spending plans.
The event offers a tiered pricing structure to provide the opportunity to find a piece of art that resonates with an individual’s personal style and budget while ensuring access to quality original art selections. Art pieces will be categorized into three main price points: $100, $300, and $500. Fine art will also be available for collectors or individuals looking for an exclusive original work by a renowned local artist to serve as a striking focal point in the home or office, with pieces ranging from $500 to several thousand.
The event attracts over 500 art enthusiasts and collectors across the Salt Lake valley each year. Several artists post previews of their work on Instagram before the event to assist collectors in researching the artwork they would like to acquire and add to their collections. As the art show approaches, the creator of the event, Nanette Amis, highlights one of the
26 participating artists each day beginning May 14 on her Utah Art Market Instagram site. This daily feature provides insight into the artists’ unique styles and builds anticipation for soon-to-be-available art.
“People line up for this show way before the doors open, which is very different from any of my other shows,” Amis said. “Individuals will be following a certain artist and want to make sure they get the first chance at what the artist has to offer. There is a rule during the show: if you take a piece of art off the wall, you must buy it, creating a sense of urgency—‘I’d better grab this off the wall because someone else will buy it if I don’t.’ When the doors open, people literally
Evergreen Jr. High eighth graders host Cybersecurity Fair for younger peers
The project aims to enhance the junior high students online skills and prepare the next batch of kids to be safe in the digital world.
By Travis Barton travis.b@thecityjournals.com
Eighth-grade students at Evergreen Jr. High hosted a Cybersecurity Fair in April for local fifth graders.
The students, as part of the College and Career Awareness class, created interactive booths, digital presentations, and hands-on lessons to teach their younger peers how to stay safe online — covering everything from phishing scams to password safety.
Kurt Twining, a technology teacher at Evergreen, said as part of the class these kids research cybersecurity skills and then teach those skills to younger students.
“They’ve also been able to learn about different aspects of digital citizenship — how to keep your passwords safe, what malware is and what ransomware is and why all these things are important to them today in 2025,” Twining said in a video released by the Granite School District.
Being safe and literate in an increasingly digital world is becoming an educational norm, especially in cybersecurity, an area often shown as a tech pathway for upcoming college students and young professionals. Utah Valley University recently won an international cybersecurity policy competition in March over 45 university, military and private sector teams.
The students, as part of the College and Career Awareness class, created interactive booths, digital presentations, and hands-on lessons to teach their younger peers how to stay safe online.
Granite School District)
to see what the students have come up with and their creativity in making these displays and engaging with the fifth grade students who come to visit.”
Younger students came from William Penn Elementary, Rosecrest Elementary and the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. Twining said one of his aims was to have the class project be a public presentation, bringing judges and, on this occasion, finding ways to engage younger peers.
“Some of the (displays) are very impressive and seeing what the students were able to come up with and how they were able to implement the things that I taught them has been amazing,” he said. “Overall, I would say it’s very impressive
Twining said he appreciates the real-world application of the project to meet the needs of what students face today.
“(Cybersecurity) is not something that’s necessarily covered in the fifth-grade curriculum,” he said, noting the excitement of the teachers he spoke with at William Penn. “But these students are going to be in junior high next year and have their own Chromebooks to use and they need to know how to be safe online.”l
Landscape artist Kristen Tye, whose artwork sold out last year, will return to the show. (Photo courtesy Nanette Amis)
Last year, Alison Prince brought 40 paintings to the show and sold 21. This year, she plans to show 50. (Photo courtesy Nanette Amis)
Eighth-grade students at Evergreen Jr. High prepared a Cybersecurity fair for local fifth-grade students to teach them about malware, hackers and computer viruses among other things. (Photo courtesy Granite School District)
(Photo courtesy
There is a rule during the show: if you take a piece of art off the wall, you must buy it, creating a sense of urgency—‘I’d better grab this off the wall because someone else will buy it if I don’t.’
Nanette Amis
run directly to the artist they are following and immediately pick the piece off the wall they have decided upon.”
Contemporary Impressionism landscape artist Alison Prince is highly sought after by collectors. She has been selling art at the 1,3,5 Fine Art Show for the last three years. Amis loves the highly unique style of Prince’s painting and says it is what she looks for in an artist.
“Gathering inspiration is what every artist does,” Amis said, “but it is so cool when artists create their own style like Alison has done. It’s so easily recognized.”
Last year, Prince brought 40 paintings to the show and sold 21. This year, she plans to show 50.
The excitement on the night of the show is unbelievable,” Prince said. “The atmosphere is filled with high energy and fun. Participation in the Utah Art Market and the 1,3,5 Fine Art Show really has helped to motivate and inspire me to pursue art as a professional.”
Landscape artist Kristen Tye, whose artwork sold out last year, will return to the show. Shelly Coleman, known for her realistic “rain droplet” paintings, will also be featured. Coleman says, “I love painting water. I enjoy how it reflects, distorts and skews reality.”
The 1,3,5 Fine Art Show takes place just once a year. It’s a high-energy show and a must-visit for art enthusiasts, individuals unaware they are art enthusiasts, and definitely all art collectors. The event will be at the Cottonwood Country Club, 1780 Lakewood Drive (5400 South) in Holladay, on June 14 from 5 to 8 p.m.
The 26 artists bringing their unique style of art to the 2025 1,3,5 Fine Art Show are:
Barbara Brandeburg
Shelly Coleman
Tricia Cook
Shannon Davis
Robert Fuerer
Kathleen Jones
Brian Kershisnik and Joe Adams
Jenny Klug
Rebecca Klundt
Alli Malmrose
Maureen Merrell
Jeanette Millward
Caylee Murdock
Heather Olsen
Anna Parkin
Alison Prince
Mark Rance
Heather Richardson
Marty Ricks
Stephanie St. Thomas
Rick Shorten
Annai Smith
Beki Tobiasson
Kristen Tye
Barbara Ward
For the daily artist spotlight visit Instagram @utahartmarket. For more information contact Nanette Amis at 385228-9434.l
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Shannon Davis’s artwork centers around florals and plants with glass and shadow. “I enjoy landscapes and other still life subjects. Because I like to capture simple shapes, my work tends to have a graphic feel.” (Photo courtesy Nanette Amis)
Skyline High grad wins RMAC golf title
Former Skyline High golfer Ashley Lam won the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Women’s Golf title in Nevada.
By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
shley Lam began playing golf at the Fore Lakes course in Taylorsville when she was 10 years old. Those early days on the links being coached by her father have certainly paid dividends, no more so than when the Westminster University freshman won the 2025 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Women’s Golf Championship on April 23 in Boulder City, Nevada.
The Taylorsville native and graduate of Skyline High, where she won two state titles as a junior and senior, finished 8-under-par for the three day RMAC tourney, leading the Griffins to a second-place team finish behind champion Colorado State Pueblo. She led from day one, opening with a 4-under-par, and sealed the deal with three birdies on the final round back nine.
“It’s always exciting to win, and it’s also satisfying that all my effort throughout my whole golf career has paid off,” Lam said. “The birdies on hole 18 felt great as that was in my opinion one of the harder holes because of the tight tee shot. On the last day it was es-
pecially exciting because I almost holed out for eagle with all my teammates, coaches, and family watching and supporting me.”
Entering the conference championship was something that didn’t intimidate Lam.
“My thoughts don’t vary from tournament to tournament,” she said. “When I head into a tournament my goal is to have fun and try my best to shoot well.” Though she’s just in her first year playing for the Griffins, she said “Being part of Westminster’s women’s golf team is something I’d never trade. I love all my teammates and coaches as they are all so nice and supportive. It has created such a warm and inviting environment. I’m glad that all my teammates, coaches and family were all there to witness me with the RMAC championship, and I’m so grateful for them!”
She said that while she hasn’t declared a major yet, “I plan to go somewhere in the business field. I haven’t put much thought into the LPGA Tour as I am focusing on my education and playing good golf in college. If that leads to the LPGA Tour then that would be awesome.”
If she keeps playing like she did in Boulder City, it could happen fairly soon.l
Westminster College golfer Ashley Lam is a collegiate golf champion. (Photo courtesy of Westminster University)
Keys to teaching is ‘loving our students’
Two Millcreek teachers were named outstanding educators by the Granite Education Foundation this year.
“Students of all backgrounds and abilities can find success,” Wetzel said. “I believe that choice is an important motivator when it comes to student learning. In my program, College of Knowledge, students get a little exposure to the concept of college, but even more so it’s to set a goal and work toward it for an entire school year. When they reach those goals, magic is in the air!”
Jennifer Christensen
“One of the great keys to teaching is loving our students, this means we must continually work to appreciate all types of learning and all types of social skills. We must help all students strengthen their strengths and strengthen their weaknesses. We must create classrooms of joyful learning. We must find our own power.”
Stephanie
Nykamp
Photos courtesy Granite School District
Kids at the assembly held up cutouts of Wetzel’s face in her honor.
Carolyn Wetzel, a fifth-grade teacher at Oakridge Elementary, was surprised at a school assembly as she was named an Excel Award winner by the Granite Education Foundation. The foundation recognizes outstanding educators every year with Excel Awards for their efforts in “forging a legacy of leadership and learning.” Wetzel was one of 10 educators recognized this year.
The Jazz Bear was on hand as the Granite Education Foundation surprised Upland Terrace Elementary teacher Stephanie Nykamp with an Excel Award.
Blueprints for the unthinkable: Inside Salt Lake County’s disaster doctrine
Salt Lake County ramps up emergency preparedness with community-driven planning.
By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
Salt Lake County is reinforcing its emergency preparedness strategy with a comprehensive, coordinated, and community-centered approach to disaster readiness. Tina Brown of the Salt Lake County Emergency Management team provided an in-depth overview of the county’s current efforts, upcoming goals, and lessons learned from past disasters.
At the heart of the county’s preparedness efforts is the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP), which serves as the foundational document for all emergency response operations. “The CEMP is the base plan; the annexes cover specific types of disasters,” Brown explained. Complementing the CEMP are specialized plans, such as the Emergency Response Plan focused on hazardous materials and the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP), which is currently under revision. “The MJHMP is updated every five years to reconsider whether the hazards are still appropriate, identify complete mitigation projects, and define new ones,” Brown said.
The updated MJHMP, once reviewed by the State Division of Emergency Management and FEMA, will help secure federal mitigation funding. “Some of our key takeaways from this update are the importance of ongoing coordination on mitigation activities,” Brown emphasized. “The value of continually engaging the community in understanding our hazards cannot be understated.”
One of the most pressing threats facing the county is the potential for a major earthquake along the Wasatch Fault. Brown noted, “According to the Utah and U.S. Geological Surveys, there’s a 57% chance of a magnitude 6.0 or greater earthquake along the Wasatch Front in the next 50 years.”
To prepare, the county is prioritizing planning, exercises like The Great Utah ShakeOut, and infrastructure retrofits. Residents are urged to build emergency kits, secure heavy furniture, and consider earthquake insurance. “The best time to prepare for a disaster is before it happens,” Brown stressed.
Communication and public engagement play a critical role in readiness. “We engage the community through multiple channels,” Brown said.
These include social media and the county website, where residents can access resources on emergency kits, communication plans, and hazard information. Brown added, “We encourage residents to get involved with their local emergency man-
agement office by attending preparedness events, trainings and community outreach activities.”
Salt Lake County also places a strong emphasis on interagency collaboration. “We activate the Emergency Coordination Center to unify efforts across jurisdictions and disciplines,” said Brown.
This central hub manages mutual aid and ensures that local needs are communicated to state and federal agencies. Partnerships extend to the Salt Lake County Healthcare Coalition, local city councils, and the Local Emergency Planning Committee, which meets regularly to align plans and conduct training.
Technology underpins much of the emergency management system. “We operate within a statewide interoperable radio network that allows emergency responders to coordinate across city and county lines,” Brown explained. Backup communication channels include amateur radio groups, and public alerts are delivered via Wireless Emergency Alerts, the Emergency Alert System, and social media.
Training is another key pillar. “We offer FEMA Incident Command System courses and run disaster exercises that test our plans in realistic, low-risk environments,” Brown said. These exercises are tailored to help participants—from local officials to volunteers—understand roles, improve response times, and identify areas for improvement.
Brown pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic as a catalyst for some of the department’s most significant recent changes. “One of the most important lessons was the importance of strong interagency coordination and communication,” she said. “The pandemic showed us that preparedness is not just about checklists—it’s about partnerships, relationships, adaptability and mutual trust.”
Looking ahead, Salt Lake County Emergency Management has set priorities focused on training, outreach and funding. “Our greatest strength and capability is our people,” Brown said. “An informed community is a prepared community.”
The department also continues to pursue federal grant funding for vital resources, such as damage assessment tools and emergency shelter supplies.
Through what Brown calls a “whole community” approach—engaging non-profits, businesses and local groups—Salt Lake County is working to ensure its residents are ready for the unexpected. As Brown put it, “Effective mitigation strategies involve the whole community… We work together to become better prepared to respond and recover effectively.”
For more information on how to get involved or prepare for emergencies, residents can visit the Salt Lake County Emergency Management website at slcoem.org. l
A 6.0 magnitude earthquake is forecasted to hit the Wasatch Front in the next 50 years. (Photo courtesy of SLCEM)
Winter weather provides multiple risks that Salt Lake County residents should prepare for. (Photo courtesy of SLCEM)
Wildfires not only are prone to Salt Lake County foothill areas but also freeway corridors and trailways. (Photo courtesy of SLCEM)
Community Heroes: High school choir director left lasting impression on thousands of students
Kerry Moore cared about his students beyond the classroom.
By Becky Ginos b.ginos@mycityjournals.com
Most kids don’t remember their high school teachers let alone keep in touch for years after graduation but it’s different with Kerry Moore’s students. The Bountiful man was the choral music director and German teacher at Cyprus High School for 35 years and left such a lasting impact that former students still called him “friend.” Moore passed away April 16 after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer.
“He was an amazing teacher and so much more,” said Brent Graham, who graduated in 1998. “He was the person I needed at the time. He was the closest thing to a father.”
Graham grew up without a father and his mother passed away after he graduated. “It left a big hole,” he said. “I was a scared little 19 year old. They (Moore and his wife Stacey) basically took me in. They’d invite me to Sunday dinner and Christmas. Otherwise I would have been alone.”
He loved teaching, said Graham. “It wasn’t a job, it was like a calling. He made you want to be a better person. His joy was infectious.”
“He was that guy,” said Blake Halladay who graduated in 1997. “You knew he cared beyond class. Many times I’d talk to him after school for hours. If kids had personal problems at home he’d step in to help. He was there for that.”
Kerry and Stacey were a power couple, Halladay said. “They could have done so much but they chose to teach high
Once kids graduated it didn’t end, he said. “My wife and I would go places with them. There are three men who changed the trajectory of my life. My father, my father-in-law and Kerry.”
Halladay spent time with Moore a few days before his passing. “I told him ‘I’m a better man because of you.’ He said, ‘Me too.’ That really hit me to think he feels blessed by me.”
“The most interesting thing about him was the passion and love he’d put into every project,” said Liz Oates who graduated in 1997. “You never felt like an afterthought. He wanted us to succeed. He would push us but we always felt that love.”
Oates said Moore was close friends with her father. “He and my dad were such good comrades. My dad wrote some music and when he died unexpectedly from a heart attack Kerry played dad’s album at his funeral. It was so touching. He was busy in his life but it was so special that he took the time to do that.”
Her senior year, Oates said one of her classmates was homeless for a time and living in her car. “He would check in on her and another classmate who had a horrible thing happen to her. He sat down and consoled her. That’s why so many people remember him. If you were down and out he’d be a friend to help people to recover.”
“Kerry was so patient and loving,” said Jeremy Felt who graduated in 2019. “He helped us find success. He would check our grades and see what he could do to help.”
In addition to choir, Moore was involved with the school musicals, Felt said. “I did a lot of musicals with Kerry and his wife who did the choreography. When I was the lead in ‘Pirates of Penzance’ he told me to envision the music. He said music is the universal language to connect with people. He said the words might fade but they would always remember that song—music is so impactful.”
MEET DR. HARARAH, M.D.
Felt said he also took music theory from Moore. “I still have my binder that he created. I create music for fun now in remembrance of Mr. Moore. I’m involved with community choirs and theater because of Mr. Moore.”
He was like Mr. Rogers, said Felt. “I’m so grateful that I got to be a part of his life. He touched the lives of others. He’s going to be missed.” To submit your Community Hero, email Heros@ TheCityJournals.coml l
Dr. Hararah, a triple board-certified physician, completed his residency in Family Medicine at NYU Langone and a fellowship in Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine/Wound Care at SUNY Upstate University Hospital. With additional training in Bariatric Medicine and certification from the American Board of Obesity Medicine, he brings expertise in primary care, dive medicine, bariatric medicine, and clinical hyperbarics.
A firm believer in the biopsychosocial approach, Dr. Hararah views patients as complex individuals whose lives and experiences shape their healthcare. Known for his compassionate care and dedication, he listens intently, prioritizes your well-being, and works to find the best diagnosis and treatment plan.
As the owner of Riverstone Medical, Dr. Hararah is committed to helping you achieve your best health.
OUR SERVICES
Primary Care:
• Annual preventative physical exams
• Cancer screening
• Sick visits
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Patients First:
“Dr. Hararah understands the daunting and sometimes demoralizing feelings health care sometimes causes, and wants patients to be truly seen and valued as human beings.”
Kerry Moore (left) with former student Brent Graham. The pair continued to be close friends for years after Graham’s graduation. (Photo courtesy of Brent Graham)
Local volleyball club establishing a BYU connection
Six volleyball players heading south to BYU.
By Catherine Garrett c.garrett@mycityjournals.com
The Brigham Young University men’s and women’s volleyball teams have been consistently successful in playing at a high level for decades now. This year, some players from Utah will be joining their ranks, showcasing the growth the sport has been experiencing in the state.
Grace Fredrick, a setter from Skyline High School, joined the women’s team this spring and five young men—Corbin Batista, Soren Jepsen, Tennison Lighthall, Evan Olmstead and Trey Thornton—have committed to the men’s program.
“We could not be prouder to help showcase the incredible talent that Utah has to offer and it makes us so happy to know that thousands of young athletes across the state have been inspired to set goals, work hard and realize that dreams really can come true,” said Club GSL Volleyball founder and owner Warren Van Schalkwyk. “Thirty-five years ago, I attended BYU on a volleyball scholarship. It’s an amazing full-circle moment that now, all these years later, we have sent these six athletes to that same program.”
Grace Fredrick
Fredrick, the daughter of Nathan and Natalie of Millcreek, graduated early to get down to Provo and said that her experience so far is “everything I dreamed of.” “The coaches [Heather Olmstead, Dave Hyte and Daniel Jones] are amazing and the team is awesome,” she said. “The competitiveness is insane though as it’s a whole different level.”
The 5-foot-10 setter actually had her
sights set on playing collegiate soccer, attending BYU soccer camps, and “just for fun” would also participate in BYU volleyball camps with friends and family. But, after making the Skyline High volleyball team as a freshman—with limited rec league experience at that point—she “found a love” for volleyball that changed her athletic trajectory.
By her sophomore season, Fredrick was starting varsity and earned First Team All-Region honors. “At that point, I was just thinking volleyball was fun, but then I started received some interest from colleges and I was like, ‘What the heck? OK, I better lock in on a club and get better,’” she said. She began working with Andrew Clark at Club GSL to develop her skills further and get wider exposure.
As a junior, she received Honorable Mention All-State recognition but her senior season, in leading the Eagles to the 5A state championship as the Most Valuable Player, showcased her abilities to more Division I schools and she found a spot at Brigham Young University, her top choice. “It’s incredible that it worked out academically and athletically for me to be able to have ‘No Sunday play’ or practices and be around such high standards,” Fredrick said. “Committing there was the happiest day of my life and just reaffirmed to me that God is in my life.”
Her journey in volleyball has helped her learn how to work hard and “put it all out there” to play her best and let that be enough. “Volleyball is a sport of mistakes where literally every point happens because someone made a mistake,” she said. “While I do get frustrated when I make a mistake, I’m not a perfectionist to the degree that I let my performance affect my internal value, so as to not be only defined as just a volleyball player.”
Corbin Batista
Batista, the son of Victor and Nicolette Batista of Draper, is following in his dad’s footsteps in the BYU men’s volleyball program where his dad was on the 2004 national championship team. “BYU has always been a very successful program and I desperately wanted to be a part of it. Then when I was able to see the amazing culture this team creates and the energy they play with, that drew me even closer to it,” Batista said.
The senior has been using his tall, athletic frame—now 6-foot-7—on the court for the past six years with Club GSL South and high school ball at Snow Canyon for three years until he transferred to Alta for his final season.
The two-time Utah All-Star, All-State and All-Region player helped the Hawks to the Region 6 title this season while also earning Academic All-State recognition.
“This year I moved away from family in order to be up here to play for GSL and this season has been better than I could ever imagine,” he said. “The coaching from Shawn Olmstead [who will be his coach at BYU] has been absolutely mind-blowing. This team is filled with some of the best players and people I have ever met, and I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to be here.”
Batista said that volleyball has taught him resiliency and consistency. “There have been some tough decisions I had to make and some adversity to overcome and it’s all taught me how to be a better person,” he said. “It translates to all parts of life whether it’s school, work, social life and just life in general.”
With BYU, he has seen an opportunity “with the extraordinary coaching staff” to grow in the sport at a high-level and possibly even professionally and academically in the field of Exercise Wellness.
Trey Thornton
Thornton, the son of Jeff and Alisha Thornton of Spanish Fork, grew up playing basketball and swimming competitively but something about watching his older sisters
on the volleyball court stuck with him. “As soon as it was an option to play volleyball I took it and fell in love with the team and social aspect of it,” said the now 6-foot-7 senior.
Thornton lived mainly in Alabama, competing at Hoover High School and with Alabama Performance and Tennessee’s C2 Attack for club volleyball where playing collegiately became the goal. “That really prepared me and steered me in the right direction,” he said.
His family’s move to Utah put him at Maple Mountain High School where he earned the state’s first-ever Mr. Volleyball Award after leading the Golden Eagles to the 5A state championship last spring. The FirstTeam All-State and Region 7 Most Valuable Player helped his squad successfully defend that title in early May.
His experience with GSL the past two years has given him “the opportunity to compete at a high level with a really fun team and great coaches.”
The sport that has taught Thornton to work hard and overcome adversity has brought him to BYU, his “dream school” and the same campus where his mom, Alisha Griffeth, played basketball in the late 1990s. “It was a big dream for a kid from Alabama where volleyball was very rare for boys,” he said. “When schools started reaching out to me and BYU contacted me, I knew that was
Former Weber High volleyball player Tennison Lighthall will join the BYU men’s program this fall following a two-year LDS mission in Australia. (Photo courtesy Heidi Lighthall)
Former Skyline High setter Grace Fredrick joined the BYU women’s program this spring after leading the Eagles to the 2024 5A state title. (Photo courtesy Grace Fredrick)
my path forward.”
Tennison Lighthall
Lighthall, the son of Dirk and Heidi Lighthall of Pleasant View, played soccer, baseball, football and basketball growing up until he was introduced to volleyball by a mom who coached the sport and taught him the basics. “Without those little things I learned from her, I wouldn’t have been as successful. I quickly fell in love with it and stopped playing all other sports from that point on,” he said. “I chose volleyball because of the friendships created, as well as the way I feel when playing. As soon as that first serve goes up, everything else completely disappears. My body and mind just click into a flow state and it’s addicting. That feeling when you get a good dig, hit, or block is so sweet and you always strive to get another one.”
Lighthall is a 2023 graduate who played just two games during the 2020 pandemic-shortened season in Arizona during his freshman year. Then he was only able to play on Weber High’s club volleyball team—where he was a threetime Utah volleyball All-Star and All-Star Game Most Valuable Player—for the next three years when his family moved to Pleasant View and the sanctioning of boys volleyball didn’t begin until 2024.
He credits his ability to play at a high level with playing for Club GSL in tournaments against nationally-ranked teams and attending USA Volleyball National Team Development Program camps. “Without GSL I would not be where
I am at today,” he said. “It is not just a volleyball club, but it is truly a family. The people there are there to build you up as a person, as a player and to provide opportunities for your future. I am beyond grateful for each coach, teammate and friend I was able to make there.”
Lighthall is grateful for learning how to work hard, sacrifice and communicate—skills he has used on and off the court. “To be successful in volleyball, you have to really want it and then work harder than others to get what you want,” he said. “A lot of people ‘want’ to play in college, but only those who are willing to work hard and sacrifice can really make it. For me to get where I am, I had to sacrifice by waking up early and working out before school and then travel by train an hour and a half away for practices throughout most of high school. I also heard coaches say 10,000 times that ‘communication is key,’ and I have learned how true that is, not only on the court, but in real life.”
Being able to play collegiately has always been on Lighthall’s radar and, although he actually hasn’t stepped foot on the court for BYU yet as he’s been serving a twoyear LDS mission in Australia, he will join the team this fall. “Where I am at now, is a dream come true,” he said.
Soren Jepsen
Jepsen, the son of Bret and Katie Jepsen of Holladay, started playing basketball when he was young—the sport his dad and uncle played at BYU—but he switched courts in seventh grade and began his journey in volleyball.
At Olympus High, he led his team to the state championship during his junior year in 2023 and then was able to play one season in the newly-sanctioned sport, earning All-American status and being recognized as the 5A Player of the Year as a senior.
As a freshman, he began dreaming of playing at the college level so he trained with Reed Carlson at Club V and then with Van Schalkwyk at Club GSL in 2024. “It was awesome and a super fun time, working really hard,” he said. “We had a good time traveling and playing together.”
The key life lessons Jepsen has gained from volleyball are team coordination and communication, taking “fundamental roles of players that work together to achieve something.”
Choosing between several schools to take his talents to wasn’t too difficult despite enjoying good relationships with several coaches at Long Beach State, Pepperdine and Loyola Chicago on the recruiting trail. “BYU had the whole package for him,” his mom Katie Jepsen said. “They had a competitive team with a history of being great, a phenomenal coaching staff, plus a great education and college environment that aligned with his goals.”
Jepsen is currently serving a mission for the Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Argentina and will join the Cougars program in the fall of 2026 with his eyes on national team and professional pursuits beyond college. Academically, he plans to pursue business investing and real estate. l
Former Olympus High middle blocker Soren Jepsen will join the BYU men’s program next fall following a two-year mission in Argentina. (Photo courtesy Katie Jepsen)
Local nursing programs graduate thousands of Utah residents
Nursing education is anticipated to grow by at least 8% in the next 10 years. Utah’s local nursing programs are ready to help students move into the backbone of the healthcare industry.
By Cassie Goff c.goff@mycityjournals.com
ThroughoutMay, graduating nursing students have been walking across stages at their graduation and pinning ceremonies. Thousands of new nurses will begin and/or continue their careers in health care in summer 2025.
“Nurses make up the largest single group of healthcare professionals in the nation and are increasingly taking on more responsibility in healthcare up to and including taking on the role of primary patient care at doctoral levels,” said Bridgerland Technical College Practical Nursing Director Eric Haskell.
“The growth of nursing programs in Utah has been widely recognized as a proactive and necessary response to the state’s ongoing nursing shortage,” said Communications Director at Mountainland Technical College Maile Richardson. “Institutions across the state, including MTECH, have expanded their programs to meet the increasing demand for qualified nurses.”
In Utah, there are over 27 different nursing programs available through post-secondary education institutions for aspiring students to choose from. Students may apply to different programs depending on their options for their hybrid flexible schedules, smaller class sizes, networking opportunities and variable tuition rates.
For example, MTECH’s nursing program (new location in Provo) focuses on hands-on training with industry experts, lab simulations and clinical sites. While Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Nursing program (South Jordan) offers specialty and leadership roles during twoand four-year programs.
“Many of our LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) students are returning to school after a significant break, balancing education with parenting, work or caregiving responsibilities. This life experience gives them maturity, resilience and a strong sense of purpose,” Richardson said. “Students learn relevant and industry-standard best practices from current nurses.”
Some of these local nursing programs even partner with one another. For example, the two technical colleges mentioned above partner with local universities to help nursing students continue through their education and career goals.
Bridgerland Technical College partners with Weber State University to guarantee BTECH’s graduates a spot in Weber State’s
“Bridgerland Technical College graduates are highly coveted in our local market. Most end up working at one of two local hospitals, local skilled nursing facilities or clinics and a few seek and gain employment at large trauma centers such as Primary Children’s or St. Marks,” said Practical Nursing Director Eric Haskell. (Eric Haskell/Bridgerland Technical College)
Registered Nurse program.
“We share space in our building with Weber State so (students) would attend all of those classes here at BTECH,” Haskell said.
A similar partnership agreement exists between MTECH and Utah Valley University, as students can move directly into UVU’s RN (Registered Nurse) program.
“All of our most recent LPN graduates plan to go to UVU in the fall,” Richardson said. “Students are excited about this transfer credit opportunity and have found it very valuable.”
The majority of students attending the nursing programs listed above are Utah residents. BTECH currently has 96 nursing students per year primarily local to northern Utah, most from Box Elder and Cache County. While MTECH does draw some nursing students from out of state. Last year, 2,093 students graduated from Western Governors University’s nursing programs during their 100th commencement class.
“The goal of nursing…is a science and an art. The science is obtaining research-based nursing knowledge, judgement and skills. The art is the establishment of a caring relationship through which nurses apply nursing knowledge, skills and judgement in a compassionate manner,” said Roseman University’s Director of Marketing Rachel Thomas.
For readers who may be considering nursing school in the future, a few recommendations were offered. Richardson recommended taking the prerequisites of anatomy and physiology beforehand. Haskell echoed that sentiment with the addition of medical terminology and psychology cours-
“Once students are in the program, students can expect hands-on, engaged learning. During their time in the program, students will experience classroom-style lessons, hands-on lab simulations, and have opportunities to work in clinical sites.” (Maile Richardson/Mountainland Technical College)
Bridgerland Technical College has been recognized regionally and nationally for their outcomes, affordability and resources. (Eric Haskell/Bridgerland Technical College)
es too. Some of the local nursing programs look for students to have already obtained their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license.
“When nursing school starts, you’ll have plenty of work and studying that you'll need to do,” wrote nursing student Molly Jae Cox through the Nursing Programs Facebook group. “You need a stethoscope and a pen light, and they’ll give you scrub specifications as well.”
Beyond the nursing programs listed above, Utah offers nursing programs through (listed from least-expensive to most-expensive on average tuition costs): Davis Applied Technology College, Night-
ingale College, Uintah Basin Applied Technology College, Utah Tech University, Galen College of Nursing (Draper), Salt Lake Community College, Snow College, Utah State University, Brigham Young University, Southern Utah University, Joyce University of Nursing & Health Sciences and Westminster College.
“Nursing education programs generate more than $8.5 billion in annual revenue, representing nearly 3% of all higher education revenue,” said Alyssa Reynolds, public relations associate for Validated Insights Market Research. “By 2030, the nursing education market is projected to be worth $14.6 billion.” l
Working together to plan for the future
Utah’s Wasatch Front is growing faster than almost any other region in the nation, and nowhere is that more evident than here in Salt Lake County. Today, more than 2.8 million Utahns—over 80% of our state’s population—live along the Wasatch Front and Back. By 2050, we’re on track to nearly double that number, reaching around 5 million Utahns. Protecting the quality of life that drew families, businesses and adventurers to our valleys and mountains in the first place means making smart, coordinated choices right now.
Utah was recently recognized as the best state in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for the third consecutive year. While we have so many great things going for us—a strong economy, volunteerism, social capital and incredible people—one of the things that helps with our success is our willingness to work together.
When it comes to planning for the future, it’s vital that we collaborate at each level of government. I’m proud to be a board member for a planning body that does just this. Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC) brings together elected leaders and staff from the state, counties and cities across our region. WFRC ensures that transportation investments, land-use decisions and economic development strategies all align with a shared vision—what we call the Wasatch Choice Vision.
The Wasatch Choice Vision is organized around four key strategies:
1. Real Transportation Choices - Expand travel options beyond the single-occupancy vehicle. By investing in transit, bike networks, sidewalks and more efficient roadways, we help everyone—from commuters to families running errands—get where they need to go safely and affordably.
Aimee Winder Newton
Salt Lake County Councilwoman| District 3
2. Housing Options for All - Encourage development patterns and zoning that support a wide range of housing types—single-family neighborhoods, starter homes, workforce apartments and townhomes—so that people at every stage of life can find a place to call home that’s close enough to jobs, schools and services.
3. Plentiful Parks and Open Spaces - Preserve and enhance parks, trails and open land for recreation, environmental protection and community gathering. These green assets keep our air and water clean, support mental and physical health, and maintain the outdoor lifestyle Utahns cherish.
4. Vibrant City and Town Centers - Strengthen walkable downtowns and neighborhood hubs where people can live, work, shop and play. By focusing growth in these centers, we relieve pressure on suburban and rural areas, reduce drive times and foster stronger social connections.
No two communities are identical. What succeeds in Sandy or South Jordan might look different than what works in Murray or West Valley City. That’s why WFRC’s member jurisdictions—from the state Department of Transportation to Salt Lake County and its constituent cities—work side by side to adapt the Wasatch Choice Vision’s strategies to local circumstances, ensuring each community charts its own course while staying connected to its neighbors.
Putting the Wasatch Choice Vision into action will have concrete impacts right away—and pay dividends for decades: more jobs, conserved open space, less water used, billions saved in infrastructure costs, and reduced household budgets through more housing and transportation options. This translates to stronger communities, healthier families and a sustainable economy that can thrive even as we welcome more neighbors—along with our children and grandchildren—to our mountain valleys.
None of this would be possible without the active partnership of the state, county planning commissions, city councils, transit agencies, business associations and civic groups. Through WFRC, these diverse interests come together at the same table—an inclusive forum where big-picture goals align with local aspirations.
I’d encourage you to learn more about the Wasatch Choice Vision. Our region’s future quality of life depends on informed, engaged residents—and on leaders who listen, collaborate and act. Visit wfrc.org to see the Vision and learn more about how to stay informed. l
A Puppet Regime
It took decades, but Ronald Grump finally found a way to evict the residents of 123 Sesame Street. Grump (played by Joe Pesci) visited the TV show in 1994 with plans to demolish the beloved neighborhood to build Grump Tower.
Sesame Street doubled-down in 2005 when a selfish, orange-haired muppet, Donald Grump, tried to hire an apprentice to help with his trash empire. In the episode, Oscar the Grouch sings about Grump, “Whose name equals trash, to you and to me?”
Maybe he holds a grudge, but a U.S. president with a similar name signed an executive order to cut funding for PBS, a nonprofit provider of educational shows like Arthur, Elmo’s World and Sesame Street.
The move could throw the Muppets into the gutter. Bert will have to sell his paper clip collection, Elmo will be forced to pawn his tricycle and Count von Count will have to join an accounting firm.
From the beginning, Sesame Street championed diversity, equality and inclusion: three things the current administration is gleefully destroying. Humans on the show included Gordon and Susan (a Black couple), Maria from Puerto Rico, Luis from Mexico and the elderly Mr. Hooper, who was Jewish and ran the corner store.
The multicultural cast attracted big guest stars. Carol Burnett, Stephen Curry,
Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
Robert De Niro, Billie Eilish and James Earl Jones are just a few celebrities who visited Sesame Street, proving you’re never too famous to be silly.
Not only does the show teach children basic reading and math, it also teaches cooperation, respect and kindness. It’s tackled divorce, same-sex marriage, racial literacy, anger, sadness and even has a Muppet whose parent is incarcerated. The show never talks down to children.
When Will Lee died, his Mr. Hooper character died with him, leaving Big Bird distraught as his friends tried to explain the concept of death. That episode won an Emmy, one of more than 120 Sesame Street has collected.
Sesame Street has its furry finger on the pulse of American culture. The show is as much for parents as for kids. My favorite characters are the loveable Grover and Guy Smiley, the enthusiastic gameshow host.
I can still sing the show’s theme song,
along with “Rubber Duckie,” “I Love Trash,” “Doin’ the Piegeon” and hundreds of tunes from the show. I couldn’t begin to choose a favorite skit but I always loved the baker falling down the stairs. That remains my level of humor maturity.
The show is iconic. Big Bird is an international star. He visited Michelle Obama at the White House, made the cover of Time magazine, has a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and his picture on a postage stamp. I spent several months cross-stitching Big Bird’s face on a Christmas advent calendar our family still uses nearly 40 years later.
Maybe it’s because Muppets don’t vote. Maybe it’s because Oscar started teaching kids about recycling. Maybe it’s the Sesame Workshop’s mission statement, “Helping
children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.” Maybe the president just doesn’t like watching people have fun. My husband and I paid thousands of dollars in federal taxes this year, but if funding is cut for things I value, like PBS, science, national parks, higher education, Head Start programs and world health initiatives, maybe I don’t have to pay taxes anymore. I mean, seeing all these tax-free billionaires… tax evasion isn’t a crime anymore, right?
Sesame Street promotes kindness and community, while the president seems to only find value in wealth and power. As he said in 2011, “Part of the beauty of me is that I am very rich.” For anyone who’s ever loved Sesame Street, beauty has a much deeper meaning.
