The case of the missing school song
By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
How and why it was lost? Was it really missing? Has it been a part of the school’s 45-year history?
TA advocacy chair Audrey Wright was surprised to learn about Welby Elementary’s school song.
“I didn’t even know we had one until our PTA president posted a video from an assembly of the kids singing it,” she said. “I’ve been involved for several years and had no idea that it was even a thing.”
Her third-grade daughter, Elliana, taught her the tune, and Wright introduced it at a PTA meeting so others could learn it too.
“Music brings us together and creates a community. We’re here for the kids, we’re here for the school, and this song makes us connected,” Wright said.
Now, Wright and her children — including second grader Adam, kindergartner Elise and preschooler JP — sing it regularly. Wright even set the “Welby Wildcat Song” as her phone alarm.
“I love our school. I have so much school spirit, and this song feeds my soul. I love it. It’s upbeat. It only takes 60 seconds to sing it,” she said. “Our school was built in 1979, but apparently this has been the song the whole time so our music teacher is bringing this song back to life.”
There is some mystery involving the Welby Wildcat song.
Despite its long history, the origins of the song remain unclear. There’s no official credit for the lyrics or music.
Beverley Taylor Sorenson music spe-
page 21
Welby kindergartners are excited to sing the last line of their school song, “See what a Welby Wildcat can do!” (Julie Slama/ City Journals)
Legendary sportswriter Catherine Garrett retires from City Journals
Catherine Garrett, the award-winning sportswriter for the City Journals, retired following the latest high school sports season.
By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
The first time Catherine Garrett considered a career as a sports journalist, it wasn’t for print. While she studied at Brigham Young University, her sights were set on doing TV. Luckily for the many readers of her hundreds of sports stories in the Valley Journals and City Journals for more than 20 years, a fortuitous conversation with a fellow writer sent Garrett our way.
But now, she’s ready for the next chapter of her life. When the high school sports season wrapped at the end of May, Garrett announced she was retiring from the Journals.
“I played volleyball, basketball, softball and golf growing up,” she said. “When my own ‘playing career’ ran its course, I doubled down on wanting to talk all about everyone else’s journey in sports. But I never thought I’d just write about them.”
Her goal was to do TV. Before she left on a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints mission, Garrett began working for a small TV station in Provo that was broadcast on cable—covering BYU women’s gymnastics, men’s and women’s volleyball and women’s basketball. She did color commentary for those three sports and loved it. When she returned home from her mission, the station owner had passed away and the channel fizzled.
“My little girl brain had always dreamed of being on TV,” she said. “I looked up to women like Sharlene Wells and Hannah Storm, and I got to do it for a while thinking I
was shooting for ESPN. Then I came to terms and realized I had to be satisfied with having reached part of my goal at least locally. I still have some of my tapes, though they’re on VHS of course.”
Back at BYU, she was hired by the school’s athletic department to help write for several programs. She also met her husband Mike, a successful Salt Lake City attorney, while in Provo. They were married in 1997. They moved to the Salt Lake valley and that’s where Garrett met a neighbor of hers who wrote for the Journals and told her the pa-
pers were looking for sportswriters. She had always loved both writing and sports, so she applied and was hired. She’s been part of our team ever since.
“There’s definitely a difference between sports broadcasting and sports writing,” she said, “but also a lot of similarities. I was raised around a sports family—my dad was a golfer and my mother was a nanny for (PGA Hall of Fame golfer) Billy Casper. He introduced my parents to each other, and we grew up around the Caspers when we were young.”
She never took to the sport of golf, but
she loved chatting with, and eventually interviewing, a number of athletes. Her focus over the past two decades has been high school sports, covering many state championship teams and great prep athletes. She’s also done stories on several collegiate and professional athletes. Her writing has earned numerous awards from the Utah Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, and scores of athletes and their coaches have lauded her work. Garrett has established longtime relationships with many schools and their athletic programs.
Part of those years included watching her three children who are all athletes “and tall,” she said with a smile. Daughter Madison, who is 6-foot-2, played college volleyball. Son Branson, 6-foot-3, played basketball, baseball and ran cross country in high school. Son Austin, who is 6-foot-7, also played basketball and ran cross country in high school. He is back from an LDS mission to Mexico and will attend BYU this fall, but not as an athlete.
“I still pay close attention to all BYU sports since no longer working there; in fact, when I met my future son-in-law who played basketball for BYU, I knew his stats better than he did,” she said.
So the sports journalist part of her life may be closing, but not her love for the games.
“I can’t see that my passion for sports will ever die down, but as I won’t be covering it anymore, it will certainly go down on my list of priorities,” she said, “at least until my granddaughter starts playing. With very tall parents at 6-foot-2 and 6-foot-11, she doesn’t have a shot to be short. So it will be fun to see if volleyball or basketball win out or if she chooses something different.”
You’ll be missed greatly, Garrett, by all the sports programs and teams you’ve covered. We’re so glad you were a teammate of ours.l
The South Jordan Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout South Jordan.
For information about distribution please email hello@thecityjournals.com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website. The views and opinions expressed in display advertisements do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions held by Loyal Perch Media or the City Journals. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the owner. © 2019 Loyal Perch Media, Inc.
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Longtime City Journals sportswriter Catherine Garrett with her daughter Madison. Garrett has retired after more than two decades with the Journals. (Photo courtesy of the Garrett family)
Summer Surge: When Fun Turns into Ankle Injuries
By Ryan Callahan, DO
As temperatures rise, so does outdoor activity—from weekend hikes and pickup basketball games to long days on the pickleball court. But with the thrill of movement comes a sharp uptick in lower extremity injuries, particularly to the ankle and Achilles tendon.
Every summer, emergency rooms and orthopedic clinics report a surge in ankle sprains, fractures, and tendon injuries. The most common culprits? Uneven terrain, sudden pivots, overuse, and inadequate warm-ups. While a minor sprain might only need rest and bracing, more severe injuries can sideline someone for months—or require surgery.
Three of the most common issues to be aware of:
ANKLE SPRAINS
Ankle sprains, often underestimated, can lead to chronic instability if not properly treated. Recurrent sprains may
eventually necessitate lateral ligament reconstruction, a procedure to restore stability to a weakened ankle.
ANKLE FRACTURES
Ankle fractures—whether from a misstep while running or an awkward landing during sports—may require an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), where the bones are realigned and stabilized with plates and screws.
ACHILLES TENDON INJURIES
Achilles tendon injuries, particularly ruptures, are also on the rise in active adults. These injuries often occur during explosive movements, like jumping or sprinting. While some partial tears can be treated without surgery, a full rupture often requires Achilles tendon repair to restore function and strength.
Injury prevention is just as critical as treatment. Proper footwear, cross-training, structured warm-ups, and balance exercises can go a long
way in keeping you active and injury-free during the summer.
If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or instability in your ankle or Achilles, don’t “walk it off”—get evaluated by a physician. Timely diagnosis and tailored care can make all the difference between a season on the sidelines and a full recovery.
As you get out and enjoy all the amazing summer activities available here in Utah, be sure to take the proper precautions to protect your function and future.
Ryan Callahan is a board-certified foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon at CommonSpirit Orthopedics & Sports Medicine West Jordan.
Learn more about the services, care providers and missiondriven work of the Holy Cross hospitals and CommonSpirit Health at www.holycrossutah.org.
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New Salt Lake Bees team store opens at The
The Salt Lake Bees have opened a new team store near the main entrance to The Ballpark at America First Square in South Jordan.
By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
The evolution of The Ballpark at America
First Square continues with the opening of the Salt Lake Bees team store. Officials from the Bees, the South Valley Chamber of Commerce and South Jordan City gathered to
This team store also represents pride, because as people get to wear something they’re proud of — where they’re from, their community it also represents loyalty.
cut the ribbon on May 20.
The new store offers 2,200 square feet of floor space and includes a huge hat wall with more than 200 unique designs. It features not just Salt Lake Bees hats, but headwear from other teams and baseball-related companies like Big League Utah. That’s the organization working to bring a Major League Baseball team to Salt Lake City.
“This team store also represents pride, because as people get to wear something that they’re proud of — where they’re from, their community — it also represents loyalty,” Jay Francis said, president and CEO of the South Valley Chamber. “This team store represents economic development. In fact, I’m handing out some gift certificates for fans at tonight’s game they can use here
Ballpark at America First Square in South Jordan
in the store. So we’re going to be the first to turn the till on here tonight and start that economic development.”
Ty Wardell, general manager of the Bees, welcomed the crowd who gathered for the ribbon-cutting.
“I’m thankful for everyone that has helped get us to where we are today, this setting,” he said. “The main entrance to the ballpark has been completed, and we’re excited for the activity that this will continue to create, along with the memories.”
He said the hat wall is “the best in minor league baseball, and maybe even rivals some
LIVING
in the major league parks as well.”
The main entrance flows from parking lots just east of the ballpark and funnels to the gates behind center field. On the roof of the team store, the Bees have constructed a wiffle ball field that goes with other family amenities at the stadium, including a miniature golf course behind the main bleachers along the left field line.
The entrance is located adjacent to a newly opened amphitheater that will host concerts and be turned into an outside ice skating rink in the winter. The huge Megaplex entertainment center — featuring movie theaters, a bowling
alley and arcade games — will open in the same town square area in July.
South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey welcomed the new store to the community.
“I want to offer a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who’s been a part of this,” she said. “This is becoming a gathering space where people want to be. This is progress for our community. This is what can happen when you have a really strong public-private partnership.
The Ballpark at America First Square is located at 11111 S. Ballpark Drive in South Jordan. It’s accessible from the Mountain View Corridor.l
Salt Lake Bees GM Ty Wardell and South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey cut the ribbon to officially open the Bees’ team store. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
Jay Francis
More
More than a game: Bocce brings confidence, connection and cheers
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Nine schools, 22 divisions and 37 teams — made up of 300 middle-schoolers of all abilities — gathered at Elk Ridge Middle to compete in one of Special Olympics’ fastest-growing events: bocce ball.
Teams of four aimed to roll their balls closest to the pallina to score points. Courtnie Worthen of Special Olympics Utah said bocce is a game of accessibility that helps students build physical skills and confidence.
Elk Ridge ninth-grader Eliza Millet teamed up with eighth-grader Spencer Darrington.
“I like making new friends here,” Eliza said. “I like playing in all the unified sports – bocce, basketball, soccer – with my teammates.”
Spencer added, “It’s fun when we get together to play.”
South Jordan seventh-grader Sam Gomez partnered with peer tutor Coen Trujillo.
Mike Glenn
“I’ve practice throwing it at school before today; it’s fun being outside with my friend playing the sport,” Sam said, who also was looking forward to middle school unified golf, his favorite sport, a few weeks later this past spring.
Coen added, “It’s fun when everyone plays; it builds our school spirit.”
Oquirrh Hills teacher Kathy Taylor values the sport for its inclusivity.
“I love bocce ball for my kids; no matter what their disability is, they can attempt it and have some successes,” she said. “Most of my kids play bocce; they’re learning social skills and enjoying cheering for everybody.”
Mountain Creek Principal Mike Glenn agrees. “All the kids can play bocce ball. Everyone gets a turn. They’re developing eye hand coordination and muscle
strength and the kids love it. Their peer tutors love it. It brings about excitement.”
Elk Ridge PE teacher Steve Pollock and his students set up more than a dozen courts.
“I volunteered our school to host bocce because these students get left behind all the time; they get ignored,” he said. “I love having them in my PE class, and I’m just done with them getting ignored. So, my students help set up and take down the courts; they’re refereeing and they’re realizing a lot of students want to partic -
ipate, they just don’t often get invited to play. I hope this makes them more empathetic and opens their eyes to their peer students.”
Pollock hopes to make it an annual event.
“When they walk through the arch onto the field with big smiles, and everyone’s cheering them, and they’re so excited to be involved, then this is what we need to do,” he said. “This is unified sports at its best.” l
More than 300 middle school students of all abilities competed at Jordan School District’s unified bocce ball tournament. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
AAI eighth-graders used geometry to inspire hope at domestic violence shelter
Math class sends message of healing to abuse survivors.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
As the school year ended, American Academy of Innovation teacher Landon Leak used his eighth-grade math class to combine geometry with empathy through a project for The Refuge, a Utah County domestic violence shelter and rape crisis center.
“We’re building a tessellation that’s going to be hung at The Refuge,” Leak told his students. “Hopefully, people there will see this tessellation you’re making and it will give them peace. This work you’re putting in will help other people, even if you can’t see the impact. Everybody goes through something unpleasant in their lives, but I want to tell you that no matter what happens, there’s always hope and you can help other people.”
Students chose leaf colors and discussed whether to write directly on the art or on a plaque beside it.
“We want each of you to pick colors you intend to dye the wood once it’s cut out into leaves. Then, as a class, we will decide if we want to write on the leaves or on a plaque next to the tessellation,” Leak told them about the heart-shaped tessellation which
represented unity and growth.
To give the students context, Ashley Lewis from The Refuge talked with students.
“When Landon reached out, I thought your artwork would be perfect especially since we have art therapy; I wouldn’t be surprised if an art therapist will use it during her sessions,” she said. “One thing I want for you to understand is healthy relationships and being able to look for red flags in relationships if that happens, you need to leave immediately.”
Students connected with the project.
“I want to help people get through some hard things so they know they’re good; there’s hope,” said eighth-grader Drake Stinson as he chose his leaf colors.
Classmate Colin Fugal liked “how the repeating leaf patterns symbolize growth in a person,” as well as “by doing this, it’s easier to learn our math concepts.”
Lewis appreciated the symbolism: “I like how they talked about what it represents beauty, hope and healing — which resonates with The Refuge.”
For Leak, it also was personal.
“I’ve found that when I’m the most lost, the way to find myself is by helping others. Eighth grade was the hardest year of my life. If this helps them navigate their eighth-grade year, that would be cool,” he said.
The class chose to let the leaves remain unmarked and to place a plaque nearby, which would include the name of the piece.
“The plaque should say it’s OK to change, because change is normal like nature changes throughout the seasons,” said eighth-grader Kaleb Johnson.
Lewis praised the finished 4-foot-by-4foot artwork: “We are so thrilled with how the artwork turned out. It looks amazing and
we feel strongly that it will make a lasting impact on those we serve and our staff members.”
Eighth-grader Tim Facente summed up the project: “I hope this artwork will represent growth and moving forward. Even if there’s something that is difficult right now, there are other leaves or people who love them and are the good things in their lives.”l
Why Dog Training Isn’t Just About Sit & Stay
A well-trained dog isn’t just easier to live with—it’s a more confident, happy, and fulfilled pup. Yet many pup parents wait until problem behaviors show up before seeking help. What looks like disobedience is often a sign your dog’s mental or physical needs aren’t being met.
Structured training should be a part of your pup’s regular routine; not just a last resort:
Training Builds More Than Obedience:
• Strengthens the bond between you and your dog
• Reduces anxiety and destructive behavior
• Provides structure and clear communication
• Improves focus, recall, and impulse control
Quick Fact: Just 15 minutes of mental stimulation = the same energy burn as an hour-long walk!
What to Look For in a Quality Program:
• Small class sizes and individual attention
• Positive reinforcement and play-based learning
• A mix of physical and mental challenges
• A trainer who understands your dog’s unique personality
At Dogtopia, our Woof Pack Academy offers small-group training led by our in-house Health & Behavior Specialist, Hannae Wright. From crate comfort to agility tunnels, each 4-week course is designed to help your dog grow in confidence, focus, and joy—without overwhelming you at home.
Because your dog doesn’t need to be perfect—they just need to feel understood.
American Academy of Innovation eighth-graders used geometry to make the tessellation art piece, which they gave to The Refuge, a Utah County domestic violence shelter and rape crisis center. (Photo courtesy
Ashley Lewis/The Refuge)
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Summerfest holds its first ever dog show
Categories ranging from big and beautiful to prettiest pooch to best granny costume saw pups win awards and prizes.
By Laura Crapo l.crapo@mycityjournals.com
SouthJordan’s biggest party of the year saved their best for last on Summerfest’s final day. Proud dog owners brought their finest canine friends to show off on the North City Park’s Main Stage.
“We were really excited to bring the dog show to Summerfest this year,” South Jordan City Events Coordinator Courtney Glad said. “This is our first ever in-person dog show. We had 10 different categories ranging from big and beautiful, prettiest pooch, best granny costume inspired by the show Bluey and a lot of other really fun categories where people can bring their dogs and show them off.”
The seed that grew into SoJo’s 2025 dog show was planted in their 2021 virtual Summerfest. Events Coordinator Natalie Domino noticed the dog show and put the idea on the table to have a 2025 in-person show. The planning snowballed. Kelsey Nelson, grant and sponsorship coordinator in South Jordan
contacted Dogtown Pet and Spa who then became this year’s dog show sponsor. The planners even had adoptable dogs available at the show.
“We wanted to make sure it was the best in SoJo dog show!” Glad said. “There were people from other cities who expressed an interest in being part of SoJo’s show.”
Dogs had to be residents of South Jordan to enter the competition. The participants all received a prize and category winners were awarded a gift from the judges.
For example, a beautiful PomSki (combination of Pomeranian and Huskie) named Zarra won third place in the Small and Sassy category. Dogs had to be residents of South Jordan to enter the competition. The participants all received a prize and category winners were awarded a gift from the judges.
The event’s judges included South Jordan City Mayor Dawn Ramsey, an event supervisor and a representative from Dogtown Pet Spa who sponsored the event. This first year dog show is expected to generate more interest in future Summerfest dog showsl
Contestants receive prizes at the SoJo Summerfest’s first ever dog show. (Photo by Darrin Crapo)
SoJo Summerfest brought family, fun
By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
It began with a parade and ended with a bang. Actually, lots of them.
South Jordan’s annual Summerfest provided entertainment and fun for everyone over its five-day run June 3-7. From the parade preview and kite festival in Highland Park on Tuesday night to the fireworks extravaganza in North City Park Saturday night, a wide variety of food, fun and games created thousands of visitors to the fest.
Mulligans Golf and Games hosted its family bash on Wednesday. The next evening, activities moved to North City Park for a vendor market (all three days), root beer garden, food trucks, and the start of the carnival of games and rides.
The variety of activities continued Friday and Saturday, including the demonstration by two amazing pogo stick athletes. Canadian Harry White and Californian Henry Cabales returned to South Jordan as part of the XPogo team.
“This feels like a home away from home,” White said. “We’ve been coming here for the past four years and really love performing for South Jordan audiences.” White has showcased his expertise on America’s Got Talent, Britain’s Got Talent and Canada’s Got Talent.
Cabales, who hails from Long Beach, is the world record holder for stunts in XPogo, and he thrilled audiences with his backwards summersault over a six-foot high pole. Both athletes said Utah’s altitude is both a positive and a negative for pogo stickers.
“The air’s thinner so it offers less resistance, but it’s also harder to breathe,” Cabales said. Both love the mountains and the scenery of Utah when they come each June. Other athletes on BMX bikes and trampolines provided fun and thrills.
Another favorite both Friday and Saturday was the petting zoo, where youngsters could get up close to a number of small farm animals. There was a dog show (see separate story), dinosaur encounters, Scales and Tales exhibits, a talent show, a car show, and of course a chalk art contest. Winners in the chalk art competition were as follows:
Professional — Savanna Ottley Youth — Aven Grimshaw
People’s Choice — Adam Olsen Teen — Everleigh Curran Adult Team — Tyra Tanner Youth/Mixed age Team — Madison Lundquist
Mayor’s Choice — Angela Smith Adult — Addison Edwards
Friday night also featured a family movie in the park (A Goofy Movie). Saturday night’s fireworks were preceded by Voodoo Production Stilt Walkers. l
Pogo stick world record holder Henry Cabales does a backflip as part of the Xpogo show. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
The petting zoo is always a favorite for the Summerfest crowd. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
Under new head coach Chad Pierson and with an assist from former coach Leo Gonzalez, the Miners did something they haven’t done in 12 years.
By Brian Shaw b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
Bingham had just lost 1-0 at Herriman on May 2.
It was a brutal way to lose again to one of your rivals, at their place, and drop both home and away matches by the same score line to the Mustangs.
Where would the Miners be seeded in the upcoming 6A state soccer tournament?
Bingham finished the regular season with a 6-7 record.
The scheduling gods apparently had a sense of humor though, pairing the Miners that got a first-round bye with … Herriman, at their place.
Talk about déjà vu all over again.
How would the Miners respond to this third meeting against Herriman in just six weeks?
Well, one guy who started his career at Bingham as a freshman in the No. 36 jersey and wound his way down to a single
digit by the time he was a senior under new head coach Chad Pierson had plenty to say about Bingham’s pairing.
Senior forward Sam Knox blasted goals in each half and then fellow senior Riley Whicker was a literal stone wall in front of Bingham’s goal May 13, as the Miners upset Herriman 2-1, at their place.
Whatever bad juju was tossed into the air like the game ball the Miners were playing with in those two 1-0 losses was gone; Bingham was now on to the 6A quarterfinals at Davis.
The Darts have been a longtime power in Utah high school soccer but have been under a new head coach in Dillon Richins for two years running. This veteran-laden Miners team that had 11 seniors capitalized on the opportunity laid before them, and Mason Simmons and Will Harris each scored at Davis May 16, giving Bingham a 2-0 victory and Whicker another shutout.
Next up: a 6A semifinal game at Lone Peak, a team that the Miners got past last year, but only just. In a marathon of a match in May 2024, LP and Bingham went scoreless through two halves and two overtime periods. It was only in the marathon penalty kick shootout that the Miners prevailed 12-11 to move on to America
First Field and the 6A final.
Lone Peak had been no slouch, carrying a 17-2 overall record into this year’s 6A semifinal. And yet the Miners, who were now on a two-game winning streak, were on a roll. Would the Miners
prevail as well in 2025?
Just like the previous year’s meeting, Bingham and Lone Peak were at a standstill through two halves of action. Neither team got on the scoresheet in the two overtimes, either.
For Whicker who’s been at Bingham since he was a freshman, this offered him and his Miners teammates the opportunity to do something they hadn’t done as a group and advance to the 6A championship game.
All of those tough losses at the state tournament provided valuable experience for the Weber State-bound Whicker, who will be a punter and kickoff specialist for the Wildcats football team. The Bingham senior stood on his head and made the game-winning save in the penalty kick shootout to give the Miners a 12-11 win May 20, and propel them into the state championship game.
In the end though, the Miners were playing an American Fork team loaded with nine college-bound players. The Cavemen got on the board in the first half, and that 1-0 lead stood to hand Bingham a 1-0 loss.
2025 marked a year that got the Miners one step further than former coach Leo Gonzalez got Bingham, but credit should go to Gonzalez too for developing this Miners squad like he had; his 61-33 record attested to that.
For Pierson who wrapped up year one at Bingham with a 10-8 record, he’ll lose 11 seniors to graduation, guys that included the afore-mentioned Whicker and Knox, as well as Eli Laroza and Briggs Smith, Grayden Olsen and Ryan Kim, Tyler Powell and Carson Child, Yoshi Tanaka, Riley Meier and Preston Margetts. l
The 2024-25 Bingham Miners 6A runner-up boys soccer team. (Photo courtesy Bingham Miners Athletics)
Fillmore receives Friend of Transparency Award
The state senator’s legislation to provide more public awareness over broadband used by cities earned him the recognition.
By Linda Steele l.steele@mycityjournals.com
Utah State Sen. Lincoln Fillmore received the Friend of Transparency Award from NoGovInternet in late April. This was in recognition of his leadership in passing SB 165 bill which aims to protect taxpayers with further transparency in government.
“Thank you Sen. Fillmore for bringing much needed transparency and accountability with the passage of SB 165. Thanks to his efforts, taxpayers will have a stronger voice and better oversight when it comes to major public projects,” wrote Greg Hughes in a statement, spokesman for NoGovInternet.
At the Accountability for Utah Event held in Daybreak in April, Sen. Lincoln Fillmore, coming straight from his role of coach of his son’s baseball team, accepts the “Friend of Transparency Award” from the Utah Taxpayers Association. To the right is Utah Tax Payers Association President Billy Hesterman. To the left is NoGovInternet spokesman Greg Hughes. (Photo courtesy Leslie Carpenter) Larkin Mortuary - Downtown 260 East South Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84111 (801) 363-5781
The Friend of Transparency Award was created by NoGovInternet and the Utah Taxpayers Association in March 2025. It is aimed at honoring elected officials who demonstrate a strong commitment to public accountability, open processes and taxpayer protection.
Fillmore’s bill received strong support in the legislature, updating an existing bill on communication to include broadband. The bill says if a city is considering installing its own broadband network using public funds, a public hearing dedicated to this topic must be held. It requires the commission of a feasibility study, and how much it would cost, what would the bond payment
be and how many customers would you need to service that bond. The bill gives the people of that jurisdiction a chance to speak on whether they want to commit taxpayer dollars to building broadband.
Hughes said this legislation provides a clear window for how local governemnts prioritize and allocate public dollars.
The bill passed by a super majority of votes in the House. He said this is a bill for constituents that you serve and those public servants in getting together and sharing important information early on. With the update, the communications act it is now called The Municipal Broadband Service Amendments.
“Senator Fillmore put key provisions in state law to protect taxpayers and ensure that government is transparent and responsive to the people,” added Billy Hesterman, President of the Utah Taxpayers Association. “This is consistent with legislation he runs every year, and Utah is fortunate to have him serving in the state legislature.”
Fillmore wasn’t going to be able to make the meeting to received the award because he is a baseball coach for his son. They were humbled by him not being able to be present for the award, but they really wanted to give the award to him in person. As soon as his coaching was done, he went to the meeting in his uniform.
“I love seeing a state senator in his baseball coach uniform for his kid,” Hughes said. “He’s a dad, senator, and a baseball coach. It was a great look instead of seeing some stuffy senator in a suit and a tie.” l
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Kenny J’s BBQ is Now Open in South Jordan
This labor of love started with Kenny Jackson feeding friends and family over the years. It turned into feeding large groups for occasions like homecomings, weddings or community events. Then it began to take o .
With his wife, Mary, Kenny started looking for a permanent location where he could bring his delicious BBQ to more people. They took several trips to Texas to study their favorite BBQ joints and brought back the best ideas. Now, Kenny J’s is open in South Jordan and ready to become your new favorite place to eat. We asked Mary to tell us more about this new restaurant.
How has the South Jordan community responded to Kenny J’s?
We have had such a warm welcome from the community. This adventure is custom-made for us! We love people and we love feeding people true, hardwood-smoked BBQ, in an atmosphere that is comfortable and welcoming.
What’s on the menu?
We have everything from brisket, ribs, pulled pork and turkey, to our signature sausage. We o er smoked meats, done right with real smokers that use hardwood, with no gas assistance in our smokes. Our sides are avorful and bring that air of comfort food.
Our banana pudding is truly a showpiece. We’ve designed the restaurant to focus on the meat. The “Pit” is visible and welcoming, where anyone can see how we smoke our meat. This concept is everywhere in Texas and we wanted to bring that experience to Utah, our home.
What sets your company apart from your competitors?
We smoke our meats on-site with our o set smokers. Our blend of hickory and post oak wood makes for a clean smoke. Kenny delivers an experience with his food. We o er tours where you can visit the Pit and see how Kenny takes such care with his craft. Kenny’s love is apparent when you taste such avorful meats.
What does your restaurant provide to the community?
We’ve had wonderful customers say they feel like they are at home. Whether they are from Texas, visited Texas, or just feel like our restaurant makes them comfortable, it’s an experience we are hoping to deliver to every single customer.
Who will enjoy your menu?
We are grandparents and our grandbabies LOVE the meats and the sides. From ages 1 to 101, our ideal customer is anyone who enjoys smoked meat and comfort foods in a comfortable, homey atmosphere. We know people who smoke their meat at home, but don’t always have the time to do it. We are here for YOU with ondemand smoked meats.
What do you want people to know about you?
Kenny is honest to the bone. We’ve done charity events for causes that are dear to our hearts and when you meet Kenny, you truly feel his kindness and love. He always goes above and beyond. We love our repeat customers, who are now family, and we hope that potential customers come with their friends and family to experience what so many have experienced.
What’s a popular menu item?
The brisket brings people in the door, and then they try the turkey, the signature sausage or other meats. They keep coming back to taste new meats. Our top sellers for our sides are the sweet corn, the mac and cheese that has a kick to it, and the funeral potatoes brought to you from Kenny’s sweet mom’s recipe book. Great BBQ doesn’t need sauce, but when you taste Kenny J’s homemade BBQ sauce…hmmm… we’ll just let you decide!
No student should go hungry: One parent’s mission to end statewide school lunch debt complements new state law
Teen donates portion of college fund to help local elementary students eat lunch debt-free.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Starting July 1, about 40,000 students in Utah will receive free school meals, thanks to House Bill 100, the Food Security Amendments. This legislation eliminates reduced-price lunches, making them fully free for students who previously qualified for the reduced rate.
Sponsored by state Rep. Tyler Clancy, the new legislation aims to address food insecurity and promote share tables to reduce food waste. It guarantees free school lunches for eligible students — from kindergarten through 12th grade — at any school participating in the National School Lunch Program.
Darrell “DJ” Bracken, a West Jordan parent and community advocate, believes the new law also will help tackle Utah’s growing school lunch debt, which reached $2.8 million last year.
“I was just down at the capitol yesterday when Gov. (Spencer) Cox signed the
bill,” he said. “I was a part of the coalition along with The Policy Project and Utahns Against Hunger; we advocated for it for about eight months. I think it was very hard for legislators to directly reject the idea of feeding kids at school. I think it’s something everybody can get behind.”
Bracken was shocked when he first learned the extent of lunch debt in his local school district.
“I thought that was impossible. I called Jordan School District and they confirmed to me not only is that number true, but there’s $88,000 in debt in elementary schools alone within my district. I was just completely blown away,” he said.
Motivated to act, Bracken began by paying off Bluffdale Elementary’s $835 lunch debt himself. That experience led him to start the Utah Lunch Debt Relief Foundation to ensure no child in Utah schools goes hungry or accumulates meal debt.
“I thought other people would be just as upset as I am that this exists — and I was right,” Bracken said.
His foundation is designed as a temporary solution to a systemic problem.
“I didn’t want to fill a role I personally felt the government should already be
filling so it’s in our charter we will exist until we have gone one full calendar year without any school lunch debt in the state of Utah. This bill is a great solution. It does many great things, taking the group of kids who are getting reduced lunch into getting free lunch. But there’s still going to be lunch debt. I view this as kind of a steppingstone toward healthy school meals for all; that has been passed in a lot of other states. I would like to see that passed in Utah,” he said.
Bracken’s goal is to pay off meal debt at an elementary school in every district statewide.
“We’re well on our way to doing that,” he said. “It’s mostly individual people finding our website and deciding to donate on their own, but we have had a couple partnerships with businesses. It’s really been an amazing thing to see how many people care about this.”
At Aspen Elementary in South Jordan, Bracken’s foundation donated $2,100. However, debt stemming from $2 per lunch continues to be a recurring issue, said Principal Suzie Williams.
“We’re grateful for the donation, absolutely, and we’ve used it, but we don’t want it to be a crutch for people either,”
Williams said. “We want to help them navigate how to pay or qualify for lunches. When he came, he tried to reach out to a bunch of families and educate them about filling out forms for free and reduced lunch and that helps, too.”
She noted despite the efforts, debt remains a challenge.
“His donation helped, but we got back up to $3,000 deficit (in late March). When you hit $50 in Jordan School District, then it goes to collections. We called several people today and told them that — and it’s awful. Our lunch debt is down now at $1,700 (as of late April); there always is a debt,” Williams said.
Bracken said the foundation continues to expand its outreach.
“There are many great causes in the world. I have a 7-year-old daughter so this was easy for me to picture a world where there’s some kid out there who’s worried about getting school lunch, and how are you supposed to learn if you’re worried about being in debt instead of focusing on things like fractions?” Bracken said.
To support or learn more about the Utah Lunch Debt Relief Foundation, visit utldr.org. l
Hawthorn Academy spotlights STEM, sprouts students’ success
Elementary school’s farmers’ market grows minds and gardens.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
AtHawthorn Academy’s STEM Night, students ran a farmers’ market showcasing what they’ve learned through the Green Our Planet grant.
“When we got the STEM Action Center grant, we started our hydroponics and greenhouse and thought STEM Night was a perfect opportunity to showcase what the students are learning,” Joy Leavitt said, school STEAM coordinator.
Students from all grades contributed. Kindergartners and first-graders painted pots and garden rocks, while second graders studied seed dispersal and grew trees. Third graders learned plant lifecycles and dried flowers. Fourth graders explored erosion and energy with a rock tumbler. Fifth graders focused on photosynthesis and built birdhouses.
“Students planted flower seeds and watched them grow and identified the process and parts of the plant as it happened,” Leavitt said.
Sixth graders studied matter and energy; they made lemon lip balm infused with olive oil.
“We also had students plant lettuce seeds into sponges as a form of hydroponics and plant
tulips around the school and vegetables in the school garden,” she said.
The event drew 400 families—double the previous year’s attendance. Presentations by Utah State Space Dynamics Lab, Nerdly Tutoring and ham radio groups complemented classroom activities.
Laura Houtz, who attended the event with her three children, checked out the farmers’ market.
“We liked the farmers’ market and Mayley (kindergartner) bought slime and some lip balm,” Houtz said. “We’re looking to buy a plant. My second grader is volunteering as the cashier so it’s fun to see her working in that experience.”
Brianna Dekorte was headed to make Shrinky Dink sun catchers with her boys — third-grader Cameron, first-grader Jack and 1-year-old Hunter.
“They were excited to come and try some of the activities,” she said.
Jack liked making a tornado in the bottle best.
His older brother added: “You have to get enough momentum to make it really cool; that’s the trick.”
English language arts teacher Lisa Wilson tied science into her fifth graders’ writing assignments.
“We’ve linked writing to science; recently
they wrote an opinion piece on which natural disaster was the most destructive - tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamis and floods,” she said. “Tonight is engaging for the students; we give
kids hands-on opportunities to create, to
to build, to explore. They’re also proud to show their families what they learned and how they met the standards in an interactive way.”l
STEM Night sparks curiosity at Jordan Ridge Elementary
Young minds light up with butterflies, bots and Burmese pythons.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Second-grader
Milo Guardares stood still as butterflies fluttered around him—until one finally landed on his arm.
“It feels tickly,” he said. “It wants to stay on me.”
Milo and his dad, Eddie, were exploring Jordan Ridge Elementary’s annual STEM Night, which featured a live butterfly house in the school’s multipurpose room. The exhibit was brought by Riverbottom Butterflies and other stations were supported by partners including the South Jordan Fire and Police Departments, Hogle Zoo, Discovery Gateway, Bridget’s Bugs and Reptiles, Peak 5 Dental and Nerdly Tutoring.
Students explored everything from DNA and 3D printing to snakes and tooth decay— exactly the kind of hands-on learning organizers aim for, said Nicole Kerr, PTA STEM night coordinator.
“Our goal is to encourage learning, to encourage STEM and to see science and math can be fun and there’s fun opportunities,” she said. “The kids are super excited about it and every year it’s grown with more activities and more participants.”
Principal Melissa Beck said the tradition
began five years ago, launched by teachers earning their STEM teaching endorsements.
“They brought in different STEM career fields’ professionals with activities in their fields as an opportunity for students to explore and engage in STEM-related career fields,” she said. “That’s important because it’s where a lot of career fields are right now.”
Now led by the PTA, STEM Night also draws families together while supporting the school’s computer science program.
For students, though, the experience is just pure fun.
Sixth-graders Sydney Shewell and Aiden Barrios had already explored the butterfly house, 3D printing, reptiles, and even played a round of Jenga.
Fifth-grader Lily Bright liked learning about the Burmese python, but she thought making Alka Seltzer rockets in film cannisters was fun.
“It exploded in my hand,” she said.
Kindergartner Harper Ence led her dad, Jonathan, and twin preschool siblings around the exhibits.
“I liked creating messages with invisible ink,” she said.
Ence added, “Then we can read them to decode them. It’s a bunch of hands-on fun using math and science and maybe, they’ll discover a passion for a possible career.”l
grow,
English language arts teacher Lisa Wilson talks to students during the farmers’ market part of Hawthorn Academy’s STEM Night. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Families learn about snakes and other reptiles as part of Jordan Ridge Elementary’s STEM Night. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Learning from the past: South Jordan students find heroes in their pioneer ancestors
Sons of Utah Pioneers honors students with pioneer heritage awards.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
In 1849, Alexander Beckstead moved his family from Illinois to a dugout south of Salt Lake City. He likely never imagined his great-great-great-great-grandson, Niko Fillmore, would write about him in a school essay.
“He founded South Jordan,” Niko said. “There’s a road named after him and his family dug the first ditch, ‘The Beckstead Ditch,’ to bring water from the Jordan River to their land so they could farm. It’s behind city hall and the library now.”
Niko was one of eight fourth-graders in Karrie Wardell’s class who entered the Jordan River chapter of the Sons of Utah Pioneers’ essay contest.
Addy Anderson won first place and $50 for writing about her great-great-great-grandmother Emma Hardcastle, who lost her father and sister while immigrating from England.
“Her sister Jane was sickly and rode in
the wagon so Emma would pick flowers for her to help her feel happy,” Addy said about the woman who opened Utah’s first millinery shop in Midvale and learned to read and write from the Bible so she could vote in every election—even at age 93. “I went to her gravesite in Midvale. I found her to be inspiring.”
Sienna Nimtz took second for her essay on Isaac Turley, a Canadian immigrant who once cared for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints founder Joseph Smith’s horses in Illinois before settling in Beaver, Utah.
“Once there, he helped bring peace with the Native Americans during the Black Hawk War,” she said.
Third-place winner Josette McCleary wrote about her ancestor Jane Rowley, who crossed the ocean and pushed a handcart at age 8.
“They didn’t have any food,” Josette said. “While her dad went to look for food, they prayed. Then, her mom remembered she had two biscuits left, but they were too hard. She put them in a Dutch oven and prayed. When they looked over, it was overflowing with food. She was brave. I’m 11 and I can’t imagine doing her journey.”
Nyssa Rasmussen chose her third
great-grandmother, Nancy Maria Badger.
“She went through a lot of hard times, but she got through them,” Nyssa said. “I’m impressed how much I can learn from my ancestors.”
Ruby Eldredge profiled relative Severin Nielsen Lee, a 12-year-old Danish immigrant who became a furniture maker and Brigham City choir and band director for 32 years.
“Learning about him and writing it down brings him more to life to me,” she said.
Ava Richardson focused on her fifth-great-grandfather, James Brown, a captain in the Mormon Battalion. During a storm, his men survived by boiling saddle leather and drinking it, eventually delivering seeds to plant in what was the town he founded, Brownsville — now Ogden.
“I hope I can be like him by always doing the right thing,” she said.
Hazel Fordham honored her third great-grandmother, Mary Goble Pay, who lost three siblings and her mother as well as all her toes from frostbite on the trek to Utah.
“She just taught me to never give up, and that’s something I can respect,” Hazel said.
Two Bingham High seniors, Erin Grimshaw and Jason Peterson, also received $1,000 scholarships for essays on pioneer values.l
Daybreak Elementary students recreate story of Egypt’s trailblazing pharaoh
Sixth-graders learn confidence, camaraderie and a pharaoh’s tale in performing musical.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s most influential pharaohs, is remembered for ushering in an era of prosperity and artistic achievement. Her remarkable story— defying the belief that a woman couldn’t rule—was brought to life by a sixth-grade class at Daybreak Elementary in a year-end performance.
Sydney Hansen stepped into the role of the legendary leader, portraying the “Queen of Denial” who ruled along the Nile.
“It’s become easier to know the Egyptian history by getting to know the people and how they lived,” she said. “I understand it so much better now.”
After earning the part through an audition, Sydney worked on memorizing her lines outside of rehearsals, often practicing with her mother.
“I learned how to not just say the lines, but act with them; I learned how to walk around and use facial expressions,” she said. “She was confident, so I had to make sure I played the part since she knows her stuff.”
The musical, “Hatshepsut,” was directed by Sydney’s teacher, Tawna Pippen,
who previously led a class production of “Romeo & Juliet.”
“First, I wanted them to understand more about Egyptian history, and secondly, have confidence in themselves to do hard things because performing in front of people can be hard,” said Pippen, who has taught at the school the past 11 years.
“Thirdly, I really wanted them to have this memory; this is what they’ll remember.”
The script was shared with Pippen by drama teacher Wendy Babcock, who collaborated on the show and supported students in learning the music.
“I also like that they’re working on core curriculum skills like speaking and listening. They memorized their parts; they practiced singing. They’re learning teamwork,” Pippen said.
Many of the students will enroll at Mountain Creek Middle School where they may continue exploring theater.
“Last week, I had two students from last year return from Mountain Creek to give them pointers. They told them to work on their choreography, sing louder and to have fun,” Pippen said.
For Sydney, the fun was already underway.
“It’s an exciting show. The songs are awesome; they’re uplifting and have good beat,” she said. “It’s been fun to do this with my friends in class. We’re able to give each other suggestions to make it better, tell jokes, sing the songs and do it together.” l
Three South Jordan students — Jason Peterson, Bingham High; Erin Grimshaw, Bingham High; and Addy Anderson, South Jordan Elementary — were recognized as essay contest winners by the Jordan River chapter of the Sons of Utah Pioneers. (Photo courtesy Karrie Wardell/South Jordan Elementary)
Daybreak Elementary’s year-end performance of “Hatsheput,” sixth-graders tell the story of ancient Egypt’s female ruler. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Bingham softball wins nine straight before running into Riverton again in the 6A title game
The Miners allowed just five runs through Super Regional and 6A Bracket Play, but lost the last two games of the championship series.
By Brian Shaw b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
Having received a first-round bye and the one-week break you get while others play their games, the Bingham Miners softball team were well rested for the 6A state tournament, and it showed.
In the Super Regional May 15-16, Bingham destroyed Fremont 10-2 and 13-3 to move on to the next round. Seniors Shyann Banasky and Gracelyn Lemke belted home runs in game one, and Brecka Larson went the distance striking out 10. In game two, juniors Jenna Thomas and Kava Faiola went 3-for-4, while senior Brooklynn Fogg was perfect, going 3-for-3 at the plate. Would this hot hitting streak continue in 6A bracket play?
The Miners first opponent on May 20 was Pleasant Grove—but there was absolutely nothing happy about the 11-0 onslaught Bingham’s bats leveled at the feet of the Vikings. Lemke, Rian Howland and
Brenna
Cowley each went 3-for-4 at the plate and Banasky had 3 RBI as the Miners rolled. Larson struck out 10 batters and Kendra Hintze came on in relief. Combined, the two pitchers allowed just two hits.
Later on May 20, the foe was familiar in Mountain Ridge. Bingham’s rival. The Sentinels had given the Miners everything they could handle in the season finale May 8. But Bingham held on then for a 10-8 win.
Who would triumph this time in this all-important bracket play showdown?
The Miners would make no mistake about it, as they shellacked MR 10-0 in just five innings. Larson belted a home run and Banasky continued her torrid hitting streak, going 2-for-3 at the plate with 3 RBI. Larson allowed just one hit and earned her second straight shutout on the circle.
In game two against Mountain Ridge May 21, a good night’s rest led to five Bingham players launching home runs that included a Larson grand slam, en route to a 17-0 victory in five innings. Larson scattered two hits and Banasky had four RBI in the win.
Who would be next for the Miners that were now on an eight-game winning streak? Riverton. For the 6A championship.
The Region 2 champs and losers of only four games, the rival Silverwolves were Bingham’s 6A championship game opponent for the second straight year. Each game the two crosstown rivals played was a nailbiter.
Last year, the Miners got the first game then lost the last two to hand the Silverwolves the championship trophy.
What would happen this year?
Bingham [21-9] won the first game of the championship series 3-1 as Fogg belted a two-run home run that lifted the Miners to the victory.
With a chance to win Bingham’s second state title in three years on the line in game two, the Miners were swinging their axes mightily at their rivals. Banasky hit a double in the first inning and then Larson brought her and another runner in with a home run as Bingham took a 3-0 lead over Riverton to end the first.
The Miners held the lead through three innings as Riverton could only muster up one run during that time. It was very clear that the Miners, who trotted out Larson for the second consecutive game, were trying to close out the Silverwolves this time around and go home with the trophy.
When would Larson’s arm give out?
That was probably the question that the Miners coaching staff, helmed by Hall of Famer Mikki Jackson, had been wondering.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, the
Miners unfortunately found out, as Riverton knocked in four of its five runs in the game, and then held on to hand Bingham a 5-3 loss at BYU’s Miller Field early on May 23. Larson’s arm only allowed six hits and yet aside from that first inning, the Miners could not score.
It meant both Bingham and Riverton would be playing a win-or-else game three that afternoon at BYU.
At the outset of game three, Bingham still couldn’t muster up any runs. The Miners settled for one run in the top of the third—that was only after Riverton scored four runs in the first and second innings off freshman Hintze, who is sure to be heard from again, having thrown a perfect game earlier this season against Weber.
In the fourth, with Larson on in relief, Riverton scored one run to put Bingham in a 5-1 hole.
In the top of the fifth inning, the Miners showed why they’d only lost one game in 10 when their bats exploded for five runs to take a 6-5 lead. That’s when Larson hopped back onto the circle knowing she had to save her team. And she did, in the bottom of the fifth in relief.
Bingham would increase its lead to 7-5 in the top of the sixth. However, Riverton scored five runs in the bottom of the inning, shelling Larson and ending Bingham’s season at 23-10-2. l
Brooklyn Fogg was a major performer for the Miners during their run to the 6A finals. (File photo City Journals)
Whicker reported to WSU this past week according to his kicking coach Jaxon Clark, and is expected to compete for two Wildcats starting jobs as a late freshman enrollee.
By Brian Shaw b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
For most kids straight out of high school, there is an adjustment period.
Not for Riley Whicker.
The Bingham High graduate and star kicker/punter and goalkeeper is already hard at work preparing for Weber State football’s upcoming season, according to kicking coach Jaxon Clark.
“Now that soccer season is over, we’re excited to get back to working on the field and getting ready for this fall at Weber State,” Clark said.
The reason? Rather simple, according to Clark who operates Rogue Kicking, an organization helping local high school punters and kickers advance their skills for college and the pros.
“Right away he’s expected to compete for the punting and kickoff responsibilities,” Clark said.
Whicker, who was Bingham’s starting punter, also blasted a career-high four field goals as starting kicker for a Miners team that finished with a 4-1 record in Region 2, 5-6 overall. The 6-foot-2-inch kicker also connected on 17 extra points for Bingham this past season.
Whicker is also a terror on the soccer field. The three-year starter in that sport was named to the 6A first-team as a Bingham sophomore, was 6A second-team AllState as a junior and will likely be named to the All-State team as a senior when it is announced after he posted 20 shutouts over his high school career, setting a Bingham boys’ soccer program record in the
process.
As a senior, Whicker led the Miners soccer team to a spot in the 6A championship game after he stood on his head for two overtimes and a penalty kick shootout against Lone Peak in the 6A semifinals. Bingham fell 1-0 in the title game to American Fork, but it was Whicker’s leadership over the past three years in part that helped get the Miners to where they ended up during the postseason.
Whicker the Kicker will now focus his attention on the Weber State football team, where summer training is already underway in Ogden according to Clark.
“Training has already started! But he reports at Weber June 23,” Clark said.
That’s because Weber has its first game on Aug. 30 at James Madison, a school that was a perennial power in FCS before moving up to the FBS several years ago. The Wildcats follow that game up with a trip down south to Tucson, Arizona to play the Big 12 University of Arizona Wildcats on Sept. 6.
For the Wildcats under third-year head coach Michael “Mickey” Mental who’s guided Weber to 10 wins over his first two seasons and has also coached seven FCS Division I-AA All-Americans, year three is big. Mental was Jay Hill’s offensive coordinator at Weber before accepting the head coaching position in 2022 after Hill abdicated his to go to BYU. The Ohio native Mental comes from a winning culture, having led Division II Notre Dame to a 16-2 record as its head coach.
For Whicker though, Clark said he has also set some goals with the Bingham graduate—the only Miner currently on the Weber State roster.
“What I would like to see from Riley this year is to gain consistency with his kicks and to find his way on the field in whatever capacity he can help the team the most!” l
Bingham graduate Riley Whicker as the Miners punter. (Photo courtesy Bingham Athletics Media Day via Riley Whicker)
cialist Karissa Evensen, who found the song in a folder last year, began teaching it without knowing it had fallen out of use.
“I assumed they’d been singing it all along and taught it to all my classes,” she said. “We sang it at a couple of assemblies, then teachers came up to me, saying, ‘It’s great we’re doing the school song again.’ I didn’t know it had stopped.”
Teacher Linda Woolf, however, never stopped teaching it.
“It used to be something all the kindergarten teachers taught,” she said. “We did it to help the students get a sense of belonging to the school, to build school spirit.”
Fifth-grade teacher Aleesha Naylor hadn’t heard the song in about a decade until Evensen reintroduced it.
But when was it written? And by whom?
Former principal Kirk Denison said the song began with the school’s founding.
“They started using it the first year through the six years that he (founding principal Clell McMullin) was principal, and it continued through when I was principal for six years,” he said. “It has a peppy tune, and the words really fit for Welby. The students got excited as they were singing.”
Fourth-grade teacher Rachelle Peterson, a former student in the school’s early years, only remembered the song after returning to teach. She also recalled different school colors.
Retired teacher Janie Lauritzen said the original colors were brown and gold but later changed to red and black after a
Linda Woolf
student vote; those colors are now included in the lyrics.
After contacting other former colleagues, Lauritzen concluded former kindergarten teacher Holly Newton was the writer of the song with former first-grade teacher Mitzi Bray as the accompanist.
“Holly had music talent and was sharp. Mitzi also was talented musically and she wrote it down and added the pause and clapping to it,” Lauritzen said.
It also is believed a former choir teacher, Margo Munson, updated the ending with a faster tempo.
Despite debate over its authorship — and even where to clap — the lyrics endure:
A Welby Wildcat I will be
When I work for victory
I’ll wear the colors red and black
To show that I’m a Wildcat!
Being afraid is not for me
Confidence is what I need
To get that winning spirit through
Don’t give up!
Do your best!
Now just see what a Welby Wildcat
See what a Welby Wildcat
See what a Welby Wildcat can do!!
Now, under Principal Aaron Ichimura, in his sixth year, Welby plays the song at the start and end of each day.
“We don’t want to lose our school song again,” he said. “Singing it together is a treasure.” l
Map It Out
Remember maps? Old-fashioned, fold-out paper maps the size of a beach towel? My husband wanted to buy one to navigate our road trip through the Sacramento Valley. I stared at him for 47 seconds before stating, “We have Google Maps.”
“It’s not the same thing,” Tom said, sadly. I reminded him I have the orienteering skills of a baby sea turtle running away from the ocean. Handing me a paper map is the equivalent of asking me to decipher ancient Egyptian. Although, to be fair, Google Maps can be equally confusing. Don’t tell me to turn left in 450 feet. That means nothing to me. You might as well say, “Turn left after 850 toothbrushes.”
Unfortunately for him, there were no road maps to be found. So, with phone in hand, I guided us through Chico, Stockton, Napa Valley and Yosemite. I don’t know which direction we drove. North? West? Up? Sideways? Sure.
Road trips should be a great time to catch up on my reading, but Tom doesn’t know how to sit in silence for longer than 1.3 seconds. Even though he hasn’t lived in California for decades, he had a story to share about every city we passed.
“About 15 years ago, there was a serial killer arrested in Yuba City,” he said. “Look it up.”
I put my book down and switched my phone from Google Maps to Wikipedia to learn about the murderer, Juan Corona. But, dear reader, he was arrested in 1971. Just a touch
SOUTH JORDAN
Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
more than 15 years ago.
Tom can hold a conversation with himself for at least 30 miles. It’s a stream of consciousness speaking that is amazing to behold. Let me give you an example:
“This is a great Glen Campbell song. Jimmy Webb wrote a lot of songs for Glen Campbell. Did I tell you Merrilee Rush was the first musician I saw perform live? Can you find yacht rock on the radio? Where does that driver think he’s going? Move over, scumbag! I’ve never been to Yosemite. I’ve heard it’s hill-arious.”
When I noticed a line of cars on our bumper, I suggested he drive a bit faster, although he insisted he was going the exact speed limit. I told him that was the problem.
Remember when you taught your kids to drive and you kept pushing an imaginary brake pedal on the passenger side of the car because you thought your teenager was going to drive you into a building? Well, I have an imaginary accelerator on my side of the car that I press when Tom’s going the exact speed limit.
But once we hit Yosemite, or any mountain range, my husband turns into Dominic Toretto of “Fast and Furious” fame, Tokyo-drifting off cliffs and taking corners at the speed of sound. I was grabbing the door handle, not sure if I was trying to keep it closed or if I was preparing to jump out if we launched into Yosemite Valley.
On our way through wine country, we stopped at the Napa Valley Welcome Center to get ideas for which wineries to visit and where to get a good Chardonnay. The woman at the counter whipped out a map of the area. Tom’s
eyes widened with glee. He used so many exclamation points, I thought his heart might burst with joy.
“Look!” he said. “She has a paper map! Cartographers really know how to draw the line!”
We did a lot of driving in California, which could be considered relationship bonding or time served, depending on the situation. Tom still swears by paper maps. I’m dedicated to Google. But we always find our way.
rs told me that there was nothing more that they could do to expect to air. Finally, I did the
treatment and improved exactly as ould. I couldn’t believe it! My wife cried, “I have my husband back.”
—Steve M.,
Forces
