South Jordan Journal | May 2023

By Julie Slama |

Bingham High teacher Andrea Call was getting ready to teach her next class when Principal Rodney Shaw popped in to say he had to talk to her.

“My first thought was, I was in trouble,” she remembered. “I said I had to get to my next class, and he said it would just take a minute and to walk with him; he wanted to talk about school construction.”

Only construction was never talked about because as they walked down the hallway, the school marching band began to play.

“I thought they were just practicing, and I told them good job,” Call recalled, not realizing they were playing for her.

Shaw asked her to go into a room for a conversation. When she entered, she saw her class, Jordan Education Foundation Executive Director Mike Haynes, who has helped find mentors for her Entrepreneurship Academy class, and Jordan School District Superintendent Anthony Godfrey, who also has witnessed Call’s teaching.

“I recognized a lot of the people, and I was wondering, ‘What is this?’ I was processing it all slowly. When I saw my family, I knew something was up and being introverted, I immediately wanted to back out the door, but my principal was there,” she said. “I was in shock. There are so many outstanding teachers and probably hundreds that do equally amazing things that nobody says anything about. It was overwhelming and amazing.”

Call is one of Jordan School District’s 68 Outstanding Educators of the Year. At each school, the teacher of the year receives a crystal award, a yard sign and $500, said Anne

Continued page 15

Bingham High teacher Andrea Call was surprised when Jordan Education Foundation Executive Director Mike Haynes congratulated her as Bingham’s Outstanding Educator of the Year. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Spring Spectacular brings eggs, some snow as city takes feedback on arts master plan

By Rachel Aubrey | r.aubrey@mycityjournals.com

Theannual South Jordan Spring Spectacular was held on Saturday, April 8 and saw lots of eager egg hunters, minus the huge piles of snow on the ground. The absence of snow brought residents of South Jordan and neighboring cities out to watch the Utah Jazz Dunk Team wow with their aerial basketball skills, to pose for a photo opportunity with the Easter bunny, to cuddle some cute barn animals and to sing and dance on stage with Cory Cullinan aka ‘Doctor Noize.’

While the event as a whole began at 9 a.m., the egg hunt started at 10 a.m. and was sectioned off by age group. Thousands of easter eggs filled with candy and toys lay ready for kids ages 1 to 12. The Spectacular also had an adaptive area, or an area where eggs sat on higher surfaces like on raised tables. The adaptive area was on cement rather than grass, making it more accessible to those with mobility devices.

This year’s Spring Spectacular welcomed some new attendees, residents Lisa and Juan Becerra, who brought their younger grandkids for the first time to hunt for eggs.

“We do lots of the activities that the city has,” Juan Becerra said. “These activities make it so much better for the grandparents of South Jordan.”

A returning member of the community, Carrie, who grew up in South Jordan but now resides in Magna said she brings her family each and every year that the city has hosted a Spring Spectacular.

“It’s a family tradition,” Carrie said. “We’ve been coming every year since I was a kid.”

Also new to the Spectacular this year was a community-input activity that the city sponsored along with partner Union Creative Agency. Participants of the activity were given play money in the amount of $1,000 and asked to

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allocate those funds into categories of art they wish to see more of. This community feedback will inform the arts master plan for the city of South Jordan.

According to Janell Payne, director of recreation for the city, the arts master plan is a way to ensure that the residents of South Jordan have a voice when it comes to arts programs.

“We are looking to more officially, and in a strategic way, set up the progress of arts in the city and to continue with the momentum that we have seen,” Payne said.

With an arts master plan in place, that momentum and strategy of bringing the types of arts that residents want will remain in place for years to come. Payne said the plan will help the city be intentional and consistent with the arts despite who sits on the city council or the arts council in the future.

“We’re hoping that this master plan and strategic plan will outline the good we’ve done and provide some additional suggestions about projects and how we handle and acquire art,”

Payne said.

The feedback activity at the Spectacular was one that has been used before by Union Creative Agency, a long-range and strategic cultural planning agency. Jake McIntire, the company founder and project manager for the arts master plan in South Jordan was on-site at the spectacular and impressed with the eagerness of the residents to talk and provide positive feedback.

“The community was very welcoming,” McIntire said. “That’s not always how we are received. Sometimes we do get some negative feedback about the arts as a priority for government, we didn’t get any of that in South Jordan.”

After the event, McIntire and his team took note of how excited and energetic the community was to talk about the arts.

The results of the voting activity will help Union Creative Agency, who also partner with Loom Planning & Design as well as Io Landscaping, present a clear outline for the city,

which they plan to deliver in August of this year.

For those who want to cast a vote about the arts in South Jordan, the same community feedback activity will be out at Art on the Town on May 6 in front of South Jordan City Hall. For more information about projects worked on by Union Creative Agency visit www.unioncreativeagency.com/l

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The main attraction at the spring spectacular was the egg hunt, which was divided up by age group. (Rachel Aubrey/City Journals)

It wouldn’t be spring without a bunny, who was on site waiting to take pictures with eager participants at the spring spectacular. (Rachel Aubrey/City Journals)

South Jordan resident Angie Cote takes an overview of the different areas of art that she can vote for with her play money. (Rachel Aubrey/City Journals)

Cirque Ma’Ceo gallops into South Jordan for a unique performance

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Ifyou’re lucky enough to witness the beauty and spectacle of Cirque Ma’Ceo, you’ll appreciate the rare opportunity to see a performance that blends the strength and grace of horses with the flexibility and bravery of riders and aerialists.

The equestrian-focused show features mesmerizing aerial feats, exotic horses and heart-pumping acts that leave audiences enthralled.

“This show is a blend of traditional circus and contemporary circus. It’s a very up-closeand-personal show where the audience can feel the rhythm of the horse hooves pounding the ground,” said Rachel Gauthier, aerialist and trick rider. “The audience is sitting so close it becomes really intimate. I like the possibility of being connected with the audience and the audience has the same feeling. They feel like they can be part of the story with us.”

Staged under a custom-designed Italian Big Top tent, the theater caters to a smaller crowd in order to provide a more personal experience.

Several horse breeds perform during the show, including a Friesian, an Andalusian, quarter horses, mustangs, a Suffolk Punch and a miniature horse stallion, which is a crowd favorite. The heart-pounding Cossack act brings a rush of adrenaline to the audience, while watching riders doing tricks upside-down with the horses.

Cirque Ma’Ceo was created by Olis-

sio Zoppe, one of the most experienced and well-rounded equestrians to perform on stage. Zoppe has mastered the dangerous art of bareback riding and has performed since he was 4 years old with shows like Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey, Cheval Theatre and Circus Flora.

“There is a bareback act that comes from

Olissio’s family,” Gauthier said. “He’s an eighth and ninth generation of a traditional circus family that came from Italy. His family were equestrians and bareback riders. Olissio has learned from his grandparents and generation after generation. His act is one of the core acts of the show.”

Along with the incredible horse shows, Cirque Ma’Ceo features aerial acts with chandeliers and silks, a tightwire performance, gaucho dancers and more. To learn about the show, or to purchase tickets, visit Cirquemaceo.com.

The 90-minute show runs May 5-7 at the Bastian Agricultural Center (2100 W. 11400 South) in South Jordan. Tickets are available for Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 4 and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 1 and 4 p.m.

“It’s a small circus, but there’s a lot happening,” Gauthier said. “It’s like a family. In these types of circuses, everyone gets involved. Everyone works together to make this happen.” l

It features dazzling aerial feats and beautiful horses performing under an Italian Big Top tent. (Photos courtesy of Cirque Ma’Ceo)

The Cirque Ma’Ceo equestrian show runs May 5-7 at the Bastian Agricultural Center (2100 W. 11400 South) in South Jordan. (Photos courtesy of Cirque Ma’Ceo)

South Jordan City Council annexes over 2,000 acres of land

By Rachel Aubrey | r.aubrey@mycityjournals.com

In a unanimous decision, the South Jordan City Council voted to annex the approximately 2,285 acres of land east of U-111 that was brought forth in a petition by Kennecott Utah Copper LLC on Tuesday, March 21. Annexation is the process of bringing land located in the unincorporated county into the boundaries of a city, which facilitates longrange planning of municipal services, utilities and infrastructure,” according to the Rio Tinto/Kennecott website.

In a “significant” move by city officials to extend its borders, the annexed land is intended for a master planned community patterned closely to the master planned community of Daybreak.

Though many years out from building, a memorandum of understanding, or MOU, was put forth by Kennecott/Rio Tinto. The MOU is a precursor or “guardrail” that will eventually lead to a master plan in the annexed area. The following points were touched upon repeatedly during the meeting such as approximately 25% open space, 5 units per acre density and a park.

The meeting was opened for the public to ask questions or make comments about the land annexation. There were three members of the public who stood to voice concerns.

Bob Paxton, a resident on the east end of

South Jordan stood and asked, “Where is the water coming from?”

Sam Bishop, a Daybreak resident, asked for more clarity in who is to oversee what services for the future master community, citing that Daybreak has public services that often supersede that of the city’s public ser-

vice and vice versa, the example given was snow removal.

Carol Sancho asked for clarification of how the land will be evaluated for contamination as well as raised concern over the rise in traffic to the area west of Mountain View Corridor.

The answers to these concerns, as well as some voiced by the city council are to be addressed in the coming months with an open house slated for sometime this fall.

The representatives from Rio Tino/ Kennecott, Josh Brown and Wayne Bradshaw, spoke of the tremendous partnership they have with the city given their history together. Both parties agreed to learn from lessons of the past and to collaborate to the utmost.

Mayor Dawn Ramsey remarked on the decision with the following:

“After thoughtful consideration for the future of the City of South Jordan, and with input from our residents, professional planning staff and community partners, our City Council and I are pleased to approve Rio Tinto Kennecott’s petition for annexation. As we prepare for growth, we remain firmly committed to smart planning, advanced infrastructure, efficient transportation corridors, water conservation, outdoor recreation and economic development opportunities.”

The audio to the meeting can be found by visiting www.sjc.utah.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3711/City-Council-Meetingof-03-21-2023-.

For more information, visit kennecottlands.com/faqs.l

A map of the land to be annexed was presented at the town hall meeting on March 21. (Photo by Rachel Aubrey/City Journals)

Thousands of teen girls’ interests sparked at SheTech Explorer Day

More than 3,000 girls attending the ninth annual SheTech Explorer Day profited from the 1,000 mentors, tech companies and educational institutions who offered classes, tech zone experiences and advice to them.

“Think about something that you totally love, something you totally love to do,” said Cydni Tetro, president and one of the founders of Women Tech Council who oversaw SheTech Explorer Day. “Then think for just a moment how technology might be part of the things that you love to do. You’re going to have an opportunity today to see so many different technologies and to be able to apply to things that you love. Think about if you learn technology, how you can apply that and help us change the world—and some really big problems. Your objectives today are to learn about all sorts of things you don’t know about, to intentionally meet role models— hundreds of them. Take advantage of the time to go and meet those women; they are here because of you.”

Behind the “Imagine the Possibilities” SheTech Explorer Day, was a student board of about 100 girls.

SheTech’s student board has two ambassadors from each high school who serve a one-year term. As ambassadors, they share information at their schools, attend monthly events, belong to school SheTech clubs, and have opportunities interacting with women in tech, industry leaders and the governor.

Many of them participated in the SheTech summer internship program. Several donned cap and gown as seniors and 30 were honored with SheTech scholarships to further their education. Applications for the board and internship are open now at their website, www.shetechexplorer.com.

Hillcrest High Work-Based Learning Facilitator Cher Burbank said her school’s ambassadors have promoted SheTech’s event annually.

“I like how the day is interactive; they’re showcasing their innovation and changes in the industry, and it engages students year after year,” she said.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox supported that as he addressed the attendees.

“Technology is changing rapidly and it’s impacting every single experience that we have; it’s impacting every industry and we need more women involved in those industries,” he said. “I see some of the best leaders in technology in our state here and they are incredible women. You can look up to them. I look up to them. We’ve been working hard to remove those barriers in the past and that’s what today is all about. This will do more to remove barriers than anything else. These people here have broken down those barriers for you and are here to support you in exploration and journey in STEM.”

Tetro realizes the impact SheTech is making as former SheTech students become

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

leaders.

“Last year, a presenter told me, ‘I’m teaching one of the workshops and the only reason I graduated in civil engineering is because I came to SheTech seven years ago. Another told me she had met a woman who was an aerospace engineer, and she decided, ‘I could become that person,’” she said.

Summit Academy senior Kaidence Johnson followed the footsteps of her older sister to serve on the student board. She also serves as vice president of her school’s SheTech Club, a group her sister founded.

“I love the message SheTech is sending of empowering women to get into STEM,” she said. “It’s definitely a field that is growing and I’ve seen on Instagram and on the news how powerful SheTech is. The program is exploding into every school across Utah and every tech industry, so it’s exciting to be part of it.”

Hunter High senior Paris Ott also is a student board member.

“The end of my junior year, I didn’t know what direction I wanted to go and that’s when I came across the opportunity for the summer internship,” she said. “It was through that, I applied to be a board member and found my passion within STEM.”

She learned from data analysts, product managers and software engineers.

“Seeing their passion and the opportunities I had, I realized ‘this is something I can go into.’ I started my school SheTech club and I’ve been helping others see opportunities. At Hunter High School, we have a lot of ethnic kids with Latina and Asian backgrounds. I think a lot of them don’t know that they even have opportunities, especially those like me, as a woman, to have a future in STEM. I think a lot of girls are scared to enter the STEM field because it’s been a male-dominated field. When I see all these women in STEM, it inspires me. I’ve gained so much confidence through this program, and I was able to get an internship with Pixar

because of SheTech.”

Johnson said that the male-dominance is changing.

“My dad works in tech and says the attitude is changing and they’d love women’s viewpoints, but there’s still the idea of 20 years ago when you didn’t have a chance,” she said.

During the day, students were engaged in workshops such as programming, engineering, robotics, biomedicine, web development, ChatGPT, virtual reality, entrepreneurship and others.

Copper Hills High sophomore Sadie Smith attended their first Explorer Day.

“It is a good way to learn more about different jobs and get that in-depth understanding of technology, specific for girls,” Smith said. “Having an organization run this that encourages women empowerment is cool.”

Riverton High junior Elizabeth Westwood said she was researching engineering and learned about SheTech’s student board and scholarship program.

“Explorer Day seemed like a perfect opportunity to learn more about that and about STEM,” she said. “I love physics and math, which isn’t everyone’s love, but it’s normal here.”

The TechZone offered hands-on learning about aerospace programs, 3D printing, automotive tech, gaming, aerial photography and more. Students also used creativity and visionary skills in the annual TechChallenge, with the guidance of industry mentors.

Participants chatted with Miss Utah Lyndsey Larsen, who shared she was a SheTech ambassador and summer intern as a Skyridge High student.

“I’m hoping I’m breaking stereotypes by talking about tech with a tiara,” she said. “I was really intimidated by math growing up, but I came to SheTech and realized that STEM is all around us. My experiences inspired me to take a kinesiology class. As a dancer, it was interesting to learn about the mind and the body and how that connection and the science behind that. That early expo-

sure here at SheTech helped me want to pursue kinesiology with ballet performance for my college degree.”

Hillcrest High senior Morgan Khantivong, who plans to study English and zoology at Weber State, appreciated what she said.

“It made me see how anyone, no matter what your title is or how people may perceive you, can do whatever you want with your life,” she said.

Nearby, girls crowded around the University of Utah’s entertainment arts and engineering, where they learned about game development.

“We teach everything from the history of games to how to do it, like production, design, tech art, game art, programming, all of that culminating in publishing a game,” said academic adviser Miranda Klausmeier. “We want girls to disrupt the norm and envision their future where they can develop these games, whether it’s a traditional entertainment game, or an alternative game, say for the educational or medical field. These young women here are going to be our leaders in STEM fields.”

Through involvement with SheTech, Adobe Chief of Staff of Cloud Operations Jamie Dalton wants to engage more females into STEM by sharing more career choices.

“We have a community of women here who are wanting to give back and help these young women succeed,” she said. “A lot of times women are pitted against each other and don’t realize if you get into a good healthy environment, women can be your biggest allies. For these high school girls, they’re going to have a really big advocacy group, cheering them on to success.”

Tetro said that is one of the reasons the Women Tech Council founded SheTech— to increase students’ exposure to women in STEM and to have that network “of thousands of women in STEM.”

“We interviewed a 1,000 girls, who said, ‘We don’t know any women in tech and that’s why we don’t enter STEM fields,’” she said. “We knew we could change that.”l

Sunset Ridge Middle Schooler Reagan Darnell points out part of her group’s presentation during the TechChallenge at the conclusion of SheTech Explorer Day. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

About 100 high school girls, seen here with Women Tech Council president Cydni Tetro and Gov. Spencer Cox, represent their high schools are part of the SheTech student board, which is now taking applications. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

What edible plants could grow on lunar surface? Students jump at NASA challenge

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Working with NASA, American Academy of Innovation students discovered a crop that would grow best on the moon.

It was part of the Plant the Moon Challenge, where AAI plant & soil science students tested various crops before winning the best in show award for experiment design, said their teacher Kathy Nuttall.

“It’s part of a program where NASA partners with a variety of different scientists, and reaches out to elementary, middle school, high school and college students to figure out what kind of plants they could potentially plant on the moon — and on Mars,” she said. “Part of it is if there’s any chance of going to Mars, people traveling from Earth will have to make a stop at the moon to refuel and get food to make it to Mars. So, our plan was to see what crops we can grow on the moon that these people could pick up and get them to Mars and back.”

NASA sent the class a soil composite and the class divided into groups of six students each to test a different crop and meet the set criteria, such as having a research plan, a thesis, photos and other requirements.

“The students researched, designed, created their potting system and their watering system keeping in mind the amount of light and moisture that went with their plan,” Nuttall said about the project that lasted about

three months.

The students narrowed their choices to carrots, radishes, beets and peas.

Each group created a hypothesis. For example, the beet team’s was: “If we add UV light to fill in the gaps of the lunar day/night cycle and use drip watering or bottom watering to keep the plants consistently hydrated, then we can overcome the challenge of the dusty lunar regolith and successfully harvest full sized beets in regular harvest time.”

The groups were allowed to experiment with light, water and adding additional potting soil, although at least 30 percent of it had to be the composite.

“The soil wasn’t as rich and dark. The students wore masks when they worked with it just because we’re not really sure what that would do if they inhaled it. They wore gloves and were careful when they were working with it,” Nuttall said. “While they were determining if we can grow something edible from the soil, they were told not to eat it.”

They recorded the plants’ growth by measuring the pH and the amount of water, Nuttall said.

“Everything other than the carrots appeared normal. The carrots are a little different, as far as their shape and form, which was kind of interesting to them. They were kind of fat and then they started to curl instead of being narrow and straight like we typically

see. The peas did pretty well, though they didn’t get pods,” she said.

After submitting their findings, a zoom ceremony was held where the students learned what others did with the project as well as the results.

AAI’s beet team of seniors Alex Paraskeva, Savanna Stout, Saoirse ThomanBlack, Forest Harper and Hayden Hartford and sophomore Basil Paraskeva were award-

ed certificates for their experiment design.

“I’m really proud of what my students did for being the first time and figuring it all out,” Nuttall said. “It was an interesting project for the students. NASA has been doing this for a year or two. When I learned about it, I thought this was a project for the students to discover what they can do. It made the students go through the whole process step by step. It was a good learning experiment.”l

Bingham’s Jazz Dinner-Dance returns to its full program after COVID-19

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Come enjoy a night out, dining and dancing to a top-rated high school jazz band.

Bingham High’s 16th annual Jazz Dinner Dance & Silent Auction will be Saturday, May 13. It begins with dinner being served at 6 p.m. and the night wraps up at 9 p.m. The event will be held in the main foyer at JATC South, 12723 Park Ave., Riverton.

Tickets are $25 for the dinner and dance or $12 for adults for the dancing or watching the program and $6 for students. Dinner options are roast beef or chicken with Alfredo penne pasta. Tickets are available online at https://binghamathletics.com/partner/28/ event/319/buy-tickets. Dress is business casual.

The night will include music by the school jazz band as well as The Phoenix Jazz & Swing Band. In addition, there will be performances by the school’s ballroom team and Madrigals.

“The whole event is to supplement the band program,” dinner dance chair Maria Tegtmeier said. “It benefits the students, from repairing instruments to purchasing music. Since it is for all the band students, every student has an assignment from playing to hanging posters to serving to make this event

successful and fun for the whole family.”

This is the first time since pre-COVID-19 that the event has returned to its original format. It wasn’t held in 2020 and the last two years, dinner wasn’t served.

“I’ve helped for three years and so it will be good to get it back to where everyone can enjoy the program,” Tegtmeier said. “I really enjoy the camaraderie and watching families have fun.”

This year’s silent auction items include a Red Butte Gardens membership, Hale Centre Theatre in Sandy and Hale Center Theatre in Orem tickets, an Anniversary Inn gift certificate, Boondocks gift cards as well as local restaurant gift certificates, homemade quilts and several themed baskets. There is online bidding available from May 13 through 6 p.m., May 15 at binghamminers.org.

Donations to the band program also are accepted at that link.

Bingham High’s band program, under the direction of Darin Graber, has 137 students, all but five are part of this year’s marching band, which was the second largest in school history. The school jazz band and wind symphony both have received superior ratings the past three years; this year, percus-

sion placed third at Utah percussive arts society. Eight band students were selected for the all-state band and three to the intermountain tri-state band symposium.

More information can be found at

https://www.binghamminers.org

Students in the Plant & Soil Science class used classroom grow houses to determine which edible plants grow best in soil similar to the lunar surface. (Kathy Nuttall/AAI)

Bingham High jazz band, seen here in 2021, will perform at the school’s 16th annual Jazz Dinner Dance & Silent Auction on May 13. (Photo courtesy of Bingham High jazz band)

Upcoming middle school concert begins talk of mental illness, seeking support

Throughmusic, artists evoke emotions, commonly of dreaminess and sadness. In this spring’s band concert, Elk Ridge Middle School students will not only convey feelings of joy, but of anxiety and uncertainty.

The core pieces of their concert are from a yet to-be-completed collection of songs entitled “The unBroken Project,” composed by Randall Standridge, who is “open with his depression and anxiety in his life,” Chris Lyon said, Elk Ridge Middle’s band teacher.

During the spring concert, each band will play one song from the series that focuses on different aspects of mental health. Symphonic Band will play “(not) Alone,” concert band will perform “Blue Sky Horizon,” and beginning band will conclude the concert with “Fragile.” Those first-year players will be joined by players from the other two bands.

“Having 150 kids on the stage, saying they’re a community in themselves, is going to be a really neat experience for them,” Lyon said.

“’Blue Sky Horizon’ celebrates the good days when you’re not struggling with mental health; everybody has their days when they wake up and say, ‘it’s going to be a great day.’ ‘(not) Alone’ centers on understanding there’s a community and support available to those who need the help. The song starts with

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

a solo and then the whole band joins in as a sign of support. As the song wraps up, it goes back into the solo before the band rallies around them at the end; the whole idea is they are not alone. ‘Fragile’ is about the bad days and that yes, sometimes we’re going to have bad days and there’s nothing that we can do to make that day better — but we have tools to persevere and get through that bad day,” he said.

Lyon is part a group chat with Standridge and other directors and teachers. The Elk Ridge teacher selected the pieces for a couple reasons.

“I have an anxiety disorder. I’ve had it since I was a kid, but back when I was a kid, that wasn’t a thing. The attitude was ‘You deal with it. Get up, you’re fine, move on.’ It wasn’t until I was about 30 that my doctor and I worked together, figured out I have anxiety disorder and I had never been diagnosed. In the last 10 years, I’ve come up with strategies and coping mechanisms to deal with my anxiety,” Lyon said, adding that calming music or tightening and releasing his muscles helps him. “This music resonated with me because of the struggles I’ve had over the years, and I want to give my students an opportunity to explore the more vulnerable sides of our lives.”

He said for many, mental illness has a

stigma.

“We keep it to ourselves, and a lot of times that is to our detriment. It’s not good, not healthy. My goal with this is to open the lines of communication. I’m hoping that if students are hesitant to talk to their parents about this, we’ll talk now,” Lyon said.

Before embarking on the project, he shared his plan with administration and parents. He wants conversations to be open about anxiety, depression and other disorders people are experiencing.

“I’m hoping there are conversations with parents and their kids, and from student to student. They should be sharing experiences with each other as a wonderful support group. I also want them to be able to communicate with me as their teacher, their other teachers, or their school counselors,” Lyon said. “I want parents to feel comfortable enough to approach me saying, ‘my child is struggling with this; what can we do to tweak their education in a way that will help them mentally?’ The whole point is ‘how can we help our kids?’”

During the process, Lyon invited the school counselors to discuss mental illness strategies with his students and how to build a community.

“The truth is mental health is big. Suicide at this age level is out of control and it breaks my heart. I’m hopeful by tackling this project, that maybe I can help one or two students survive high school and beyond,” he said. “By doing this, I want to give them the tools that they can learn to manage this because it isn’t something you’re going to get over. These are lifelong struggles, but they can have a group here to support them.”

The concert is at 7 p.m., May 16 and is free to the community. It will be livestreamed, with a link on the Elk Ridge performing arts Facebook page. The music was purchased with a $300 school PTA teacher grant.

Usually, for the spring concert, Lyon has

students play fun, movie theme songs or radio pop tunes — which although is not the focus, he is adding to support the themes.

“This is a very mature concert we’re doing,” he said. “When I told them, they were all in. We listened to the music. We’ve talked about why we’re doing this, and they all wanted to do this. I think more of our kids are struggling more than we know. I think a lot of kids suffer in silence like I did. For those kids, this is going to be a good lifeline.”

Standridge, who used to be a secondary school band director, wrote the songs for student-musicians.

“This is all at their level, technically. Emotionally, it may be a stretch,” Lyon said. “I think this concert is more about mental development and personal development. I want each kid to have their own personal experience with the music and for them to let the music affect them the way they need. They’re going to learn about music; they’re going to become better musicians and be able to play with more passion, with more emotion.”

The songs were written in 2022 as life resumed after the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine.

“I strongly feel that someone in my classroom needs this right now, so we’re doing it now. Or maybe it’s me that needs it; I don’t know. I just feel the sense of urgency,” said Lyon, who has taught for 16 years. “I’ve had a few students tell me this has resonated with them. I’ve had several parents reach out to me privately, in support of what we’re doing and have been appreciative that I’m getting the conversation started. I want to make my classroom a safe place, a refuge. I want kids to know they can talk about what they need to talk about, that they’re going to be safe from bullying and harassment. My classroom is a safe place to make mistakes and to get help.”l

Elk Ridge Middle School band students, under the direction of teacher Chris Lyon, will play songs from “The unBroken Project” about mental illness as part of their spring concert. (Photo courtesy of Bell Photography)

Romney meets with South Jordan officials

By Travis Barton

ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM

ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY

PROGRAM to Honor Military Veterans for Their Service to Our Country.

Monday, May 30, 2022 at 10:00 am.

Monday, May 29, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

At Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery

1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy

FEATURED

SPEAKER: Jennie Taylor

Gold Star Wife, Civilian Aide to the U.S. Secretary of the Army

The featured speaker is Congressman Chris Stewart. Program will include: Hill Air Force Base Honor Guard, Utah Firefighters Emerald Society bagpipes, Patriotic Music by Brian Stucki and the Minuteman Brass Quintet and Refreshments Courtesy of Cedarwood at Sandy.

PROGRAM WILL INCLUDE: Hill Air Force Base, Honor Guard, Utah Firefighters Emerald Society bagpipes, Patriotic Music by Brian Stucki and the Minuteman Brass Quintet

OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC

OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

Romney met with various elected officials from different cities throughout the last week in March including Draper’s Mayor Troy Walker and various city councils including Millcreek, Salt Lake City, Lehi and St. George. (Photos courtesy Romney Press Office)

Sen. Mitt Romney met with South Jordan officials—including Mayor Dawn Ramsey, Councilmember Tamara Zander and Councilmember Patrick Harris—in late March to discuss infrastructure projects in South Jordan.

“Our bipartisan infrastructure law is funding much-needed infrastructure projects for Utah’s communities,” Romney said. “I sat down with South Jordan City Mayor Dawn Ramsey and City Councilmembers Tamara Zander and Patrick Harris to go over their plans for the city, including improvements to water resources and infrastructure, facilitating growth and expansion and supporting businesses.”

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Gould, Jordan Education Foundation associate director.

Call, and South Jordan Middle School’s Lindsey Morrill, are two of the top 15 educators for whom district officials and members of the Jordan Education Foundation and school board came to their classrooms with the announcement and invited them to an awards banquet sponsored by area business partners in their honor to receive their awards and $1,000.

Godfrey shared with her students, principal, educational and community leaders, including South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey, as well as her family, that incredible learning happens in Call’s classroom.

“The type of learning that happens in her classroom is the learning we’re looking for in every classroom,” he said. “She’s an amazing teacher. She’s just a great example of exactly what we hope every student can experience when they’re learning with the teacher in their classroom.”

Shaw, who nominated her for the award, said Call’s contributions extend beyond the classroom.

“She contributes to the whole culture of the school,” he said. “She’s part of my leadership team, and really guides the discussions about what we need to do with high schools to be more student centric, making sure kids are always the most important thing in the decisions we make.”

Call, who has instructed career and technical education classes at Bingham for six years, said she appreciates the recognition.

“It’s validating knowing that the things I’m doing matter to my students and it’s meaningful to them as well as the principal, the foundation and the school board. As teachers, we all work hard and so it’s nice to be recognized, to be thanked,” she said. “Sometimes, we don’t realize how effective we are until students come back to thank us or until someone takes the time to say, ‘we see what you’re doing, and we know that it matters.’”

Other South Jordan educators honored at their school include Nichole Moore, Aspen Elementary; Carlynn Jones, Daybreak Elementary; Bing Wang, Eastlake Elementary; Holly Fjeldsted, Elk Meadows Elementary; Stephanie Lorenzana, Golden Fields Elementary; Christine McIntyre, Jordan Ridge Elementary; Sarah Christie Matheson, Monte Vista Elementary; Diane Witt-Roper, South Jordan Elementary; Allisun Cartier, Welby Elementary; Mollie Gonzales, Elk Ridge Middle; Jodie Milad, Mountain Creek Middle; Jenny Witzel-Burke, Valley High; and Diane Malmborg, River’s Edge School.

At South Jordan Middle, Godfrey told Morrill’s students that she was one of the few Jordan School District teachers who were being honored. He also let it be known that he has insider information about her dedication as a teacher.

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“I let my son come to her class — what better endorsement than that? I not only let him, I’m excited that he has this class. I know that yesterday, she came in early to load a different program for the kids to work with because the other one was ‘boring’ and she wanted to spice things up. Whatever it takes, she puts in extra work,” he said.

Godfrey also pointed out Morrill, who teaches College and Career Awareness class in the career and technical education department, has 3-D printings on her desk of the district’s theme animal this year, the tardigrade, which, he said, like Jordan’s teachers, are resilient.

“She’s all in, all the time and she does an amazing job,” he said.

In her nomination, it said that Morrill creates a classroom environment that is focused on discovering.

“She loves to give students opportunities to have hands-on experiences with various technology tools. Nearly every day, Lindsey has her students out of their seats working together on a project-based learning experience, such as building model rockets, scribble bots, electrical circuits, CO2 cars, woodturning, coding. One of the many things students love about Ms. Morrill is that

she brings her lessons to life and shows them how the skills and knowledge they gain from her class can be applied in the real world,” it said.

The nomination said her classroom is a place where students love “to learn, create and explore.”

“She is keenly aware of the need for variety in her classroom projects that allow each student to find their strength and excel. When working with her students, she is energetic and encouraging at all times. She looks for innovative ways to engage her students, and has a contagious enthusiasm,” the nomination said.

Call knows the value of knowledgeable teachers and the impact they can make on students; she wants to pay it forward.

“When I see teachers do amazing things and try to make a difference, I send emails or in our meetings with all the department heads, I’ll give a shout out,” she said. “The best part of this award for me, and probably the same for all teachers, is having the students thank me. We care about them. They’re why we’re here.”l

Amphitheater Parking: 495 East 5300 South

Ticket Info: 801-264-2614 or www.murray.utah.gov

Amphitheater Parking: 495 East 5300 South

Ticket Information: 801-264-2614 or

www.murray.utah.gov/1959/Tickets

MAY

May 26 The Alapa Family and the Kulturang Pilipino Ensemble of Utah

May 27 Aladdin, Movie Sing-Along

JUNE

June 3 Murray Concert Band

June 9-10, Disney’s High School Musical 12, 15-17

June 24 Murray Symphony Pops

JULY

July 7-8, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella 10, 13-15

July 21 Peter Breinholt

July 28-29, Seussical the Musical 31, Aug 3-5

AUGUST

Aug 12 Thurl Bailey with Marvin Goldstein

Aug 18-19 A Celtic Summer’s Night

Aug 25 Ryan Shupe & the Rubberband

Aug 26 Jenny Oaks Baker & Family Four

SEPTEMBER

Sept 1 4 HIMS

Sept 9 Trio Los Charros

This program has received funding support from residents of Salt Lake County, SL County Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP), Utah Division of Arts & Museums, Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement, Utah Humanities, and National Endowment for the Arts.

There were plenty of smiles as South Jordan Middle School’s Lindsey Morrill is her school’s teacher of the year. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

“ Robert and Mark were great! We had pipes burst at night and they were right there to help us get the water shut off and to help us get all the water out and dried. They were both professional, communication was great and they were thorough.I would recommend them to anyone! ”

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Middle school athletes compete in first state unified basketball tournament

About 100 athletes and their peer partners packed Jordan High School’s gym for Utah’s first-ever middle school unified basketball tournament.

The middle school unified basketball tournament is modeled much like the early March high school state tournament where three athletes and two partners play together on the court. The ball is shared with everyone on the team and partners help their fellow teammates be successful, said Boston Iacobazzi, Unified Champion School’s college-growth coordinator.

“We’re wanting to involve more of our middle schools and also elementary schools in Unified Champion Schools,” Iacobazzi said, adding the progression starts with Sports Days or various games at the elementary level. “Inclusion can happen at a young age. It doesn’t need to be later in life; we want it to start as young as possible. Last spring, we started a middle school unified golf program as more of an individual-type sport that students competed in this past year. Now, we’re adding the team sport of basketball. Our goal is to have 25 middle schools involved next year.”

Seven Canyons and Jordan school districts’ middle schools’ players practiced with their peer tutors since mid-winter for the March 23 tournament. Several schools brought more than one team to the tournament. The teams were set into divisions based on the players’ ability.

“It’s all about inclusion,” Iacobazzi said. “Everyone gets to play; everyone is on the floor dribbling, passing, shooting and being out there, having fun.”

Often during the games, unified sports players will clap or high-five a player after a basket, even when the athlete is on the opposing team. Players break out in an impromptu dance with a big grin on their faces in pure joy, realizing that by being included, they’re an important part of their team and their school, he said.

“For me, middle school

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

was not my favorite time. Middle and junior high is an awkward phase in a student’s life. So, it’s important that we add that inclusiveness, that sense of belonging and inclusion while everyone’s still learning how to be a young adult,” Iacobazzi said.

At the tournament, the division 1 middle school teams squared off, with Mount Jordan Middle 1 taking first place. Second place went to Mountain Creek Middle 2 and third to South Jordan Middle 1.

Oquirrh Hills Middle 1 was the champion of division 2, with South Jordan Middle 2 taking second. Mountain Creek Middle 1 took third and Mt. Jordan Middle 2 took fourth.

In division 3, West Jordan Middle won. Second place was Oquirrh Hills Middle 2, followed by Draper Park Middle and Mt. Jordan Middle 3.

“It was very cool seeing

just the level of play and how well the coaches, most of them being special education teachers, had really coached their teams,” he said. “And it was great seeing some of the high school coaches supporting and talking to the middle school players, asking them to be on their team when they reach their schools.”

In addition to the middle school tournament, Special Olympics Utah held a March 24 alternative high school state basketball tournament after more than 70 teams competed for one of the 32 playoff spots.

“We offered this tournament to those teams who didn’t get the chance to play earlier at Weber State,” Iacobazzi said. “We wanted to offer more opportunities than just their oneday region tournament and the state tournament.”

At the March 25 college tournament, four Utah schools

competed to advance to nationals. Brigham Young University won and was slated to represent the state April 13-16 in Maryland. It was also the first unified college tournament for the state.

Special Olympics had its state community basketball tournament March 25, which has been held for about 10 years. About 35 teams, with players age 8 years old and up, competed at the University of Utah.

“It’s one of our biggest events; we may have to pattern it after the high school tournament and hold a state and alternate state tournament just to make sure we have enough basketball courts,” Iacobazzi said. “It’s great that so many are wanting and getting the opportunity to play.” l

During Utah’s first middle school unified basketball tournament, Mountain Creek and Oquirrh Hills meet at the opening tip. (Photo courtesy of Jamie Hakala)

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Bingham boys soccer is getting on the front foot early and often

By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

With the snow playing all kinds of havoc with teams, the Bingham boys soccer team is in the same spot as everyone else and has had to reschedule a few games.

But when the white stuff has let up a tad, the Miners have had as good a record on the pitch as most of their 6A counterparts.

Bingham [1-1 Region 3, 3-3] has played a difficult preseason schedule that began at perennial 5A power Wasatch, March 8.

Junior Kade Davis scored first for the Miners on a nice assist from sophomore Sam Knox on a chilly, low 30-degree type of afternoon in Heber City. Wasatch would answer to close out the first half, and scored twice more in the second 40 minutes, handing the Miners a 3-1 loss.

The storms let up enough for the Miners to get back on the pitch at Ron Case Stadium for their home opener against 6A Granger, March 10.

Bingham got on the front foot early when junior Dawson Jackson scored off another deft pass from Knox, who added to his team-leading assist tally of two on the season. That was all the scoring Bingham needed in a 1-0 win.

For the Miners, this front three of Davis, Knox and Jackson has proven to be a difficult task early on for the opposition—but Bing-

ham is loaded in other spots, too.

Charging up the flank in the Miners next game was senior defender Adam Goodrich, who scored his first goal of the year on an assist from senior defender Kaleb Call in Bingham’s 1-0 win at home against 6A Pleasant Grove, March 15.

Key in the two preseason wins for the Miners has been the play of sophomore goalkeeper Riley Whicker, who recorded two shutouts in those games.

That’s when Mother Nature took a page

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out of the Miners’ playbook, proving to be as stubborn as Bingham’s defense the first week of the season.

The Miners wouldn’t play again until March 22, wrapping up their preseason at home against a Westlake side that has already defeated some highly regarded teams. Bingham fell behind early in the first half and suffered a 2-0 loss—the only time the Miners have been shut out all season.

After that March 22 defeat at home, inclement weather was the big story for the

next two weeks for the Miners as they were forced to practice indoors.

The snow finally let up on Friday, April 7 for school officials to allow the Miners to play their region opener against Copper Hills. Junior Ben Pulsipher scored his first goal on the year in the first half, but Copper Hills answered and then scored the go-ahead goal in the second half, handing Bingham a 2-1 loss. [Jackson also tallied his second assist for Bingham in the loss.]

The Miners would chip back into contention in Region 3, however, with a resounding 3-0 win at West Jordan, April 14. Bingham got two goals in the first half and one in the second courtesy of Davis and Jackson, and Call added a goal—his first of the season.

For the Miners, goalkeeper Whicker leads the way in shutouts with three behind a back line that has faced pretty stiff competition thus far.

In six games played at press time, the Miners defense has only allowed seven total goals.

Up top, Davis and Jackson have each scored two goals. Three other players have tallied one goal apiece for a Bingham side that will now chip into the brunt of its Region 3 schedule through the rest of April and into May.l

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The Bingham Miners take on Mountain Ridge. (City Journals)

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Bingham softball had to literally tunnel out to play one home game, but is delivering results regardless

Like their Miner namesakes, Bingham softball has had to tunnel its way out.

“We shoveled 12+ inches off our field and finally got a game in on April 8, a beautiful 70 degree day that felt like Opening Day! Since then we have played in 80 degree temps and 36 degree temps,” said head coach Mikki Jackson.

For Bingham [4-0 Region 3, 7-2] the beginning of the season feels more like preseason due to the teeter-totter imbalance that Mother Nature has thrown their way.

“As the weather continues to bounce back and forth, the kids are progressing consistently,” Jackson said of her team. “They were great about working hard at whatever we threw at them during the extended stretch of indoor gym practices and hitting the dirt has allowed us to fine tune what we had been working on inside.”

Such a rare beginning to the season, the likes of which have never seen these kinds of interruptions since that nasty storm hit the Wasatch Front in 2007, has had a few silver linings according to the Bingham head coach.

“One cool thing that happened for us this year was a triple play against Mountain Ridge, March 21. There was a pitcher to first for the force,” explained the coach. “First base then threw backdoor on the runner who was tagged out by the second baseman coming back to second base, and second base (throws) to catcher to nail the runner coming from (third) to home. I’ve coached for over 30 years and have never seen one like that!”

One other silver lining: despite all the inclement weather, the Miners are already getting recognized for their hard work.

“The team is doing well. We are currently third in the UHSAA RPI and tied for first in region but are just really starting to get a feel for who we are. With so many games snowed out, we are only 9 games into the season at this point. We were fortunate to get 4 games in at a tournament in St. George mid March, but winter reared its head again and put us on pause until last week.”

That’s when the Miners started off their Region 3 season with a bang and eked out a 6-4 home win over Copper Hills, April 8.

“Our seniors — Shelbee Jones (P, UT), Braxtyn Hunter (MI, 3B) and Charity Drake C/UT) — are all performing well,” Jackson said. Jones went the distance for Bingham against Copper Hills, scattering seven hits in that April 8 region opener while throwing nine strikeouts.

“Shelbee and Braxtyn are both First Team All Staters that were named National Fastpitch Coaches Association All Western Region First team last year and continue to excel,” Jackson said of her SLCC-bound duo.

By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

In nine games, Jones has a 5-1 record as a pitcher and has already hit four home runs. Hunter has hit seven RBI for Bingham in just four games played. A big addition to this Miners lineup has been the presence of senior Charity Drake, who was very limited last year.

“Charity played with an injury last year and was not able to hit but she is doing great at the plate and behind the plate this year. She has a rocket arm that can be used anywhere on the field as an ultimate utility player!” added Jackson.

Drake, who hasn’t committed to a college, leads the Miners with 15 hits.

The Miners hold tryouts in their gym each winter to find the next great Bingham softball player. According to Jackson, promising underclassmen can also find plenty of playing time with the Miners.

“Our sophomore class is loaded with talent,” Jackson said. “At any given time, six to seven sophomores are in the starting lineup. We also have freshmen seeing varsity time as well.”

Looking ahead, Jackson said she believes her Miners must have all of the tools to reach their three C’s—an objective they’re still working towards.

“Our goal is to be clicking on all cylinders with confidence, competence and consistency,” explained the Bingham head coach, who has amassed a whopping 448140 record at the school.

Between a nonregion schedule that Jackson characterized as strong and a “solid ‘cando, will try’ mentality of these kids,” she said it was reasonable to “expect that we will be a lot further down the road than we are today” by the time region play ends and the 6A state tournament is here.

There’s no question, however, that the wishy-washy weather has played a role on her team—like it has on all of the teams in her region.

“Although we have moved into region play, it still feels like we are early in the season and right now we are still working to get all parts of our game going at once. Some kids are hitting well and still finding their defensive game, some the other way around.

“We are already playing well but are still working toward our full potential. With less than a month until state begins and 17 games left to play before then, it can be reasonably expected that we will see a lot of progress between now and then.”l

Shelbee Jones pitches against Copper Hills in the Miners region-opening win. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

Charity Drake (left) celebrates Braxtyn Hunter’s tag out at second base. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

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After a slow start to the season, Bingham boys lacrosse is gradually picking up pace

By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

Theides of March came and went, and with that 15th day in March came the realization, according to Bingham boy lacrosse head coach Brett Everill, that his Miners still had some maturing to do.

“We are growing, quickly in some areas and slowly in others. We have played some great teams early in the season,” Everill said, who is now in his second season at the helm. “We opened well in the snow against Pleasant Grove [11-5 win March 8] and then fell flat on our faces against the next 2 teams (Olympus and Northridge) due to some injuries, absences, confidence and above all, experience.”

Against Olympus the Miners grabbed their sticks and tried to dig out from an early hole on March 14. They couldn’t do so and lost, 19-3.

At Northridge, Bingham [1-1 Region 3, 3-3] played a more defensive game, but fell behind 2-0 after one quarter. They managed to get a goal back in the second quarter, but Northridge hurled three more in the period and added five more in the second half, handing the Miners a 10-2 loss, March 17.

After that though, the Miners gradually picked up the pace as they went. That was evident in both the 12-11 win at Westlake, March 22 in which Bingham came from behind in the second half and at home against Viewpoint, April 10 in a 11-5 win.

“The games after that, we were able to compete…The biggest stand out [so far] would be our Face Off team,” Everill said, who has a career 26-12 record as Bingham’s coach. “Parker Neilsen has been playing really well, he can compete with anyone. He went nearly 70% against one of the best Faceoff players from California last week [a 12-4 loss, April 12].”

Other players who have been standing out for the Miners include Jordan Whitney [10 ground balls along with five turnovers forced], who the coach said “has been great on defense,” along with both goalies James Southworth [9 saves] and Dylan Wahlberg who in the coach’s eyes “have played really well” for Bingham.

“Offensively, Nick Anderson [16 goals, 4 assists] and Curtis Carlson [8g, 5a] have been doing well.” He believes that if fans

and alumni of Bingham “give us a few more games … we will start to have some of the other players really taking off. They are close.”

As far as the program goes, Everill had nothing but great things to say about Bingham as a school, and as a lacrosse program that is still a rather new sport in the Utah High School Athletics and Activities Association landscape.

“We are getting better every day. The culture has been amazing! It’s an honor to coach such good kids. I am really proud of who they are becoming. We have a great coaching staff and Bingham’s admin have been great to work with.

I would like to see us in one of the top spots in our region by the close of April so we can hopefully set ourselves up to win our Region this year. I hope we can continue to build upon what we have started and let that momentum carry us into May where the real fun starts.”

This is the first year that Bingham lacrosse has been placed into the same Class 6A Region 3 league with other sports [in

years past while lacrosse was still in the process of being sanctioned by the UHSAA, the Miners were placed in either Division A, B, or C depending on the number of players and skill level in the program] on both the boys and girls side.

Girls Lacrosse

For the Miners girls team, Courtney McCabe takes over a program that won a Division C state championship just two years ago.

McCabe has led the Miners to a 3-2 record thus far in what is now Class 6A Region 3, having won their first two preseason games at Alta [7-3, March 14] and at Juan Diego [21-4, March 16] before two home losses came at the hands of Corner Canyon [14-8, March 21] and Olympus [21-9, April 11].

The Miners then won their first game at home this season with a 14-8 victory over Highland.

Region play for the girls began on April 18 and will continue through the middle of May.l

Local professional businesswomen mentor high school girls in scholarship program

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Itwasn’t expected to be a traditional cap and gown graduation, but one to celebrate 11 high school seniors at South Valley Chamber’s Women in Business meeting. Miss America 1985 Sharlene Wells Hawkes and two students were slated to speak.

These female students—one from each Canyons School District high school and Canyons Technical Education Center, four from Jordan School District and one from Juan Diego Catholic High School—have been part of the Junior Women in Business program this school year. It’s an opportunity for them to be mentored by professionals and be awarded with a $1,000 educational scholarship.

Corner Canyon High senior Chesney White, who plans to study international business at the University of Utah, is one of the junior members.

“I thought this would be a great scholarship opportunity for me, but since being a part of it, it’s been much more,” she said. “I’ve shadowed my mentor (Draper City’s Chief of Staff Kellie Challburg) and learned how the city runs and collaborates with other local businesses. It’s important to have good relationships because it impacts the community.”

The program pairs professional businesswomen with the students, who learn that even successful leaders may have been once just like them—ambitious, but maybe a little uncertain too.

Gaby Bernal-Camacho graduated from Junior WIB in 2019.

“As a first-generation college student, I was honored to have received that scholarship, but moreso, the resources that Junior Women in Business gave me were unmatched,” she said. “My mentor, Chris Whipple, was phenomenal. We immediately clicked. She was so supportive, I could have called her at two in the morning and she would have been there.”

Bernal-Camacho’s mentor helped her on her career path, supported her through graduating with a health society and policy major and a business minor and applauded her as she started her own business.

“When I shadowed Chris, she was passionate about her job. I remember thinking, ‘I want to be that in love with my job and have that kind of impact in the world,’” she said. “She and (former South Valley Chamber director of programs) Karla Rogers were always there helping me make decisions that impacted my life and my career.”

South Valley Chamber CEO/President Jay Francis is enthusiastic about the program that began about 20 years ago.

“I’m passionate about having these high school senior girls rub shoulders with successful businesswomen at professional lunches, perform a service project, be mentored; it gives these young ladies a boost up,” he said.

Former Sandy Chamber CEO/President Greg Summerhays agrees.

“Many of these girls have a great GPA,

they know where they’re going, they know what they want to do,” he said. “Others look for direction and guidance. So that one-onone mentorship helps these girls to discover what it’s like to be a woman in business, the challenges women face, and the amazing opportunities out there. They’re able to network and have their mentor’s cell phone number as they are graduating from high school, entering college and looking for jobs or internships. It’s an amazing connection for them.”

The mentorship helps the girls gain insight, support and guidance, said Susan Edwards, Canyons School District’s public engagement and legislative liaison.

“We match the girls and their interests with our mentors,” she said, adding that in the past 15 years she’s been involved in the program, mentorships that once focused in business fields now extend to other careers. “(My mentee) this year is interested in environmental policy, so she’s had some experiences and talked to people in that field. Last year, my mentee wanted to understand politics so she talked to people at the Capitol. When a student wants to go into education, I introduce her to all the working parts of the district office so she learns the business behind education.”

White, and the other junior members, attend monthly luncheons featuring keynote speakers.

“We heard how small business owners learned from their experiences to become successful. We heard from the Policy Project,

a nonprofit that recently got the legislature to pass getting menstrual products in schools,” said White, who afterward volunteered to be an ambassador with the Policy Project.

“We’re lucky because as Junior Women in Business members, we get a shoutout and get to meet the presentation speakers. It’s a cool opportunity to be with these successful women, all who answer our questions. I’ve learned a lot of leadership skills; it’s been uplifting.”

Bernal-Camacho also remembers speaking to the women leaders.

“I’d ask every speaker for contacts and follow up with them,” she said. “I wanted to make the most of the opportunity. I’m still in contact with some of those people as well as my cohort of girls to this day.”

Through the years the speakers have ranged from Gail Miller, owner of the Larry H. Miller Company, to the local business entrepreneurs with Julie Ann Caramels and RubySnap Bakery.

In March, Salt Lake Community College President Deneece Huftalin shared how she uses her leadership style to lead the state’s largest two-year school. She hopes she inspired the junior members.

“I want them to think the world is their oyster,” she said. “They should never think that they can’t do things they care about. If they want to do something, pursue it. Work hard to get to that place, do your homework and be prepared, and realize, you can do more than you think. Sometimes, a job doesn’t always line up with what is on your resume, but

when you’re passionate and have enough capability, you can do incredible things.”

Three-year WIB committee member Gayle Whitefield of Jordan School District said students appreciate the messages of encouragement.

“It motivates them to see the changes they can make and how women are leaders,” she said. “They realize, ‘I can be a part of this great thing;’ we’re here to make that connection and give students a step to achieving their dreams. These girls will be leaders, and we’re giving them support.”

As part of the program, the teens learned from legislators at the Utah House of Representatives.

“We learned how they work through bills and how the government affects how businesses run. I compete in congress debate in school, so I was able to relate to it, which was neat,” White said, adding that they helped with Women of the World, an organization that helps women who have been displaced become self-reliant. “This program is one of the best things I’ve done; I’d do it again—in a heartbeat. I’ve loved it.”

The program evolved from Sandy Chamber of Commerce wanting to support a student interested in business into the mentorship scholarship, beginning with seniors in Canyons School District and at Juan Diego, Edwards said.

Former Sandy Chamber President/CEO Stan Parrish said that the strong WIB program allowed for more networking opportunities.

Salt Lake Community College President Deneece Huftalin talks with Junior Women in Business members during a recent South Valley Chamber of Commerce Women in Business luncheon. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

It’s cap and gown time for hundreds of students

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Area schools are announcing their commencement exercises for the class of 2023. ADA accommodations are available at all locations. Here is the pertinent information.

Alta High — Canyons School District Assistant Superintendent Bob Dowdle is scheduled to speak to 522 students who are expected to graduate at 10 a.m., May 25 at the University of Utah’s Huntsman Center. This year’s theme is “We are better together.”

Bingham High — Commencement exercises will be held at 1 p.m., June 1 in the UCCU Arena at Utah Valley University in Orem. The theme is “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

Brighton High — About 500 seniors are to walk through commencement exercises at 6:30 p.m., May 25 at the Maverik Center with Canyons School District Superintendent Rick Robins speaking. This year’s theme is “Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts,” spoken by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Canyons Transition Academy — Thirteen students will graduate at 12:30 p.m., May 24 in the Canyons Center. The theme is a quote by Barnum & Bailey Circus founder, nicknamed “The Greatest Showman,” P.T. Barnum; he said: “No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else.”

Corner Canyon High — “Good things end so great things can begin” is the theme for 567 seniors who will graduate at 2 p.m., May 25 at the University of Utah’s Huntsman Center. Canyons School District Assistant Superintendent Bob Dowdle is scheduled to speak.

Cottonwood High — Seniors will walk through the traditional commencement exercises at 1 p.m., June 2 in the school auditorium. The theme is “What matters in life is not what happens to you, but what you remember and how you remember it,” by

Colombian writer Gabriel García Márquez. During the ceremony, the school’s Madrigals, Concert Choir and jazz band will perform.

Diamond Ridge — About 60 students will graduate at 6:30 p.m., May 24 at Mt. Jordan Middle School. Canyons School District Assistant Superintendent Bob Dowdle is scheduled to speak.

Entrada — Incoming Canyons School

District Assistant Superintendent McKay Robinson is expected to address 140 soonto-be graduates at 7 p.m., June 22 at Jordan High School.

Hillcrest High — Canyons School District Superintendent Rick Robins will address the 450 seniors at the 9:30 a.m., May 25 commencement ceremony at the Maverik Center. For their theme, the seniors selected a quote from the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg: “Whatever you choose to do, leave tracks. That means, don’t do it just for yourself. You want to leave the world a little better for you having lived.”

Jordan High — About 400 seniors will “Beat the Odds: The odds are up to them, the end result is up to you” at their 2 p.m., May 25 graduation at the Maverik Center. The speaker is Canyons School District Superintendent Rick Robins.

Jordan Valley — Canyons School District Superintendent Rick Robins will talk to two students who will graduate at 4 p.m., May 19 at the Canyons School District’s boardroom. The theme is “Adapting to Change.”

Juan Diego Catholic High — Students and their families celebrate commencement week with a baccalaureate mass at 6:30 p.m., May 23 at The Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City. The week concludes with commencement for the Class of 2023 at 9 a.m., May 27 at Juan

Diego Catholic High School’s auditorium. Contact the school for both ticketed events.

Murray High — The graduation ceremony will be held at 1 p.m., May 26 at the Lifetime Activities Center on Salt Lake Community College’s Redwood Campus.

River’s Edge — “Level Up” is the theme for this year’s commencement, which will be held at 1 p.m., June 2 in the school’s auditorium.

Valley High — Graduation will be held at 10 a.m., May 31 at Zions Bank Stadium at Real Academy in Herriman. This year’s theme is from Indian lawyer and activist Mahatma Gandhi, “A beginning, a struggle, and a victory.”

Waterford School — At 7:30 p.m., June 1, the school will honor its Class of 2023 on the campus’ main quad east. l

“There’s a lot of support in the program and a genuine goodness in the community to want to help,” he said. “We learn a lot from one another about running a business; when we share those stories with everyone, we become a stronger community.”

The junior program multiplied in 2019 when the chamber became South Valley and included four Jordan District high schools: Bingham, Herriman, Mountain Ridge and Riverton. It also expanded in its scope beyond the business pathway, Edwards said.

Summerhays said Rogers “elevated” the program during her tenure to include powerful speakers, strong mentors and meaningful service.

“What’s neat is the Junior Women in Business girls are right alongside these professional women; they see their impact in our community,” he said.

Rogers said the program’s focus allows girls to learn from women about their careers.

“I grew up thinking you were either a nurse, a schoolteacher or a secretary, so having these girls be exposed to women with so many varying backgrounds is critical to their learning,” she said.

Juan Diego Catholic High’s John Moran, a WIB committee member, agrees.

“There’s a big push to get girls into these nontraditional tech fields, so we get them opportunities to see these women in action so

they can learn successful professionals are doing and how to become those future leaders,” he said.

This fall, the Chamber plans to include girls from all Jordan School District high schools Francis said.

“We’re reaching to all the high schools in Jordan and some private schools to expand this opportunity to 17 or 18 girls. As a Chamber, we’re finding resources so we can mentor young women in careers and help with their college education,” he said.

Canyons’ Career and Technical Education Specialist Patti Larkin is serving her sixth year on the WIB committee.

“The biggest benefit is the connections

that are made, those with the mentor, the speakers, the Women in Business and the other girls themselves,” Larkin said. “Most of the girls stay in touch with their mentors long after their mentorship ends and continue to connect with those people they’ve met during their senior year.”

Summerhays agrees.

“There are tears and hugs when they say goodbye at the formal end of the program, but the girls stay in touch as they move forward with their lives,” he said. “Those connections continue through college and as they enter the business world.”l

Bingham High School seniors will walk in their graduate ceremony June 1. (Photo courtesy of Jordan School District)

Cottonwood High students will celebrate graduation June 2 at their campus. (Photo courtesy of Granite School District)

For BYU-bound Bingham senior Maddax Peck, family extends beyond the typical definition

By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

Family.

The universal definition is “a group of one or more parents and their children living together as a unit.” But in other cultures, a family bond can perhaps be thought of another way.

For Maddax Peck, who is half-Japanese from his mother, his kanji—or family bond— extends outside of his immediate family to Bingham head baseball coach Joey Sato.

“I wouldn’t be at Bingham if it wasn’t for coach Sato. He is like a second father to me and I love playing for him,” Peck said. “He has been a big key to my growth as a person and a player.”

When Peck was younger, he said he looked up to older brother Maxton—older by only 18 months. For Maxton, he himself was a decorated two-sport All-State athlete who graduated from Bingham last year and is currently enrolled at SLCC, said the boys’ father Jackson Peck.

“I’ve always wanted to emulate my big brother in everything he does. He has been successful in everything he has done and has an incredible work ethic,” Maddax Peck said. “He pushes me to be better every day.”

For Maddax, being pushed to be the absolute best he could be came with a heavy price early, Jackson Peck said. But it was one he was willing to pay.

“Maddax has always sought out and thrived on competition. When he was younger, he was always playing up on his older brother Maxton’s football and baseball teams,” added Peck’s father. “He even played a year of 12U baseball as a 9-year-old so he could get more experience at other positions. He wasn’t the star of the team and he had to work twice as hard as the older boys just to compete.”

With that desire to do everything Maddax’s big brother was doing, however, also came what Peck’s father said was the groundwork for bigger things for the Bingham senior.

“We feel it helped lay a foundation of future success,” Jackson Peck said. “As competitive as he is on the field, watching him transfer those qualities into the classroom has made us the luckiest parents. Maintaining a perfect 4.0 throughout high school while playing 2 sports at a very high level is such a remarkable achievement and it’s something that we are most proud of.”

It’s the kind of desire and positive energy that Maddax has inside of him that made him who he is, added Bingham head football coach Eric Jones, who with assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Fred Fernandes found unique, creative ways to use Maddax’s skill set on the Miners, who were Region 3 champs and reached the 6A semi-

finals.

“Maddax has been phenomenal for us all year long. He’s the catalyst to our passing game, another quality threat running the ball, and he’s a dangerous punt returner,” Jones said. “I can’t say enough good things about the kid. He’s a 4.0 student, extremely respectful and humble. We were fortunate to have him on our team.”

For Maddax Peck, he said he isn’t quite done reaching all of his goals at Bingham. The baseball season is just getting underway after an unusually lengthy winter. A boy of more actions than words, it took him a moment to come up with some that he himself would like to accomplish in his final months at Bingham. Shohei Ohtani, the fabled Japanese star who plays for the Los Angeles Angels, is Peck’s do-it-all idol who “hits tanks and throws gas.”

“Throw gas and win a ship [6A state championship in baseball],” said the do-it-all Peck who at 6’1” and 165 pounds can throw a fastball that averages in the 90s as he’s warming up and can reach a top speed in the mid 90s. Against nationally ranked Hoover [Alabama], Peck two-hit the mighty Buccaneers in five innings pitched for Bingham, April 2.

Back at home in South Jordan, Peck again two-hit Lehi in five innings of action on the mound. Both were losses for the Miners, but Peck has been through those times before, and he won the next game he pitched [one-hit shutout vs. West Jordan in an 8-0 win, April 14] for a Bingham team that since April 11 has won four games in a row. Peck would never tell anyone this, but he also leads the team in RBI with 10.

After wins or losses in either sport, Peck was seen immediately posing for pictures afterward with members of his extended family—a potential BYU commit in one, a longtime friend and club ball teammate in another photo.

Smiling in all as he’s emerged to become his own person—always guided by that kanji.

“Watching him grow from that little boy in the shadows and stepping into the spotlight as the type of young man he is today makes us immensely proud of him,” Jackson Peck said of Maddax’s journey.

As is the custom, however, one does not take that journey on their own, added Peck’s father.

“Watching our older boys chase their baseball dreams together is one of the great joys of our lives. We are blessed and excited to watch him [Maddax] play baseball at BYU next fall.” l

Baseball is a family affair for Maddax Peck. (Photo courtesy Bingham High School Athletics)

Maddax Peck is a two-sport star at Bingham, playing both football and baseball, where he’ll continue swinging the bat next year at BYU. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

The Royal Treatment

Polish your teapots, iron your doilies and butter your crumpets. For the first time in 70 years, an English monarch will be crowned and the whole world will tune in to see if King Charles III, Prince William and Prince Harry bust each other up at Westminster Abbey.

Whether or not the coronation turns into a fistfight, there will be plenty of spectacle, pomp, circumstance, tradition, snobbery and a reminder that England adores fluffy hats.

King Charles will be 74 on the day of his coronation, code-named Operation Golden Orb (not even kidding). He’s much older than his mother was when she was enthroned. Queen Elizabeth was crowned at the age of 27 and reigned for 156 years.

The coronation is based on traditions going back centuries. In fact, for nearly 1,000 years, the Archbishop of Canterbury has conducted the ceremony. You’d think, at some point, people would start asking how he’s been alive for so long.

Our country has a bit of history with England, but we're still infatuated with royalty. American royalty just isn’t the same. It’s either the Kardashians or the Kennedys, depending on who you ask. When we elect a new president, we don’t

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follow centuries of history and tradition. We do a swearing-in ceremony followed by four years of smack talk on social media.

But England knows how to stage a

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coronation. King Charles and Queen Camilla will leave Buckingham Palace in a four-ton Gold State Coach that’s been used in coronations since 1830 and is notoriously uncomfortable. It’s covered in gilded statues and painted panels and will be pulled by eight dragons through the streets of London.

The procession travels from the palace, past Isengard at the southern end of the Misty Mountains, along Trafalgar Square, through Hogwarts to Westminster Abbey where the king will be anointed with holy oil using the Coronation Spoon. I don’t know if there’s a knife and fork. Wikipedia didn’t mention any other coronation utensils.

King Charles will then stand next to a really old chair (and it’s not even made out of swords pulled from the hands of his dead enemies), and given things to hold like the Royal Orb, a couple of scepters, gold spurs, a jeweled sword, gold bracelets and a ring. No wonder it’s hard to be king. That’s a lot to carry.

Then the Archbishop (who HAS to be a vampire, I mean come on!) places the five-pound crown on the king’s head. Saint Edwards Crown has a solid gold frame and is bedazzled with rubies, ame-

thysts, sapphires and other jewels, making the crown worth more than my entire lifetime income.

Everyone yells, “God save the king!” and trumpets blare and, Bob’s your uncle, England has a new king.

Then the fun starts. Concerts will feature new musical pieces commissioned by the king himself, including an anthem written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, and I can only hope it’s performed by the cast of “Cats.” A refugee choir and an LGBTQ+ ensemble will perform, because we all know how much the royal family loves diversity.

There’s even a Coronation Quiche consisting of spinach, broad beans, cheese, tarragon and lard, to celebrate the country’s devotion to bland food. You can get the recipe online and make it for your family as you watch the celebration.

Leaders from around the world will attend the coronation, except some countries who are afraid if they send leaders to the event, England will colonize them while they’re gone. But this is a historical moment you won’t want to miss, especially if the royal family starts throwing the crown jewels at each other.

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