Understanding and protecting the Oquirrh Mountains
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournal.com
The overlooked peaks on the valley’s west side are being affected by growth.
Framing the Salt Lake Valley’s west side, the Oquirrh Mountains often take a back seat to the more famous Wasatch peaks on the east. Steeped in a rich history of industry, most people associate the 30-mile-long mountain range with the Bingham Canyon Mine, the deepest open-pit mine on the planet.
As development approaches the Oquirrhs (a Goshute word meaning “wooded mountain,”) more people are discovering the recreation opportunities in those canyons, which some say creates an urgent need to address growth and preservation. A group of University of Utah researchers studied the history, environmental challenges and future of the Oquirrh Mountains, and presented their findings on Earth Day.
Cait Quirk moved to Utah from the Pacific Northwest, where she worked as a mountaineering instructor. While studying at the U, she
was excited to explore the Wasatch range but wanted to learn more about the mountains to the west. She was surprised by how little the Oquirrhs were understood by the valley’s residents.
“I talked to people who had lived in the Salt Lake Valley for 20 years and didn’t even know the name of the Oquirrhs,” Quirk said. “How can that be? As soon as I moved here, I wanted to run and explore and ski in them.”
She approached Dr. Jessica DiCarlo, a human geographer and political ecologist at the university, to see if she could spend a semester studying the Oquirrhs and why the range doesn’t receive the same interest as the Wasatch.
Mara Scallon and Maddie Hill joined the
The Oquirrh Foundation organizes clean-up events to keep the Oquirrh Mountains healthy and to bring attention to the range on the west side of the Salt Lake Valley. (Photo courtesy Bennion Gardner)
Enjoy a Safe, Healthy, Active Summer
By Vincent Giron, DO
With summer here and everyone wanting to spend time outdoors and to be more active, there are four important health and safety tips that I recommend for all age groups and activity levels.
1. Stay hydrated. The No. 1 priority for summer safety is proper hydration before and after activity. Drinking lots of water and reducing the amount of caffeinated drinks is crucial for hydration. Adding electrolytes such as sports drinks is also helpful while avoiding excess sugar. Zero sugar or diet electrolyte sports drinks and hydration packs are an easy way to do this.
2. Use sunscreen. Sunscreen is crucial not only for skin health but can help with hydration as well. Sunburns put you at higher risk for dehydration. Applying sunscreen and reapplying frequently especially while swimming, playing sports, and hiking keeps your skin healthy and protected. Being conscientious about sun exposure helps prevent skin cancer, wrinkles, skin
discolorations and will help to keep your skin looking and feeling young.
3. Wear a helmet. Summer is a great time to go outdoors riding bikes, scooters and other fun activities while getting exercise. But anytime we bike, scoot, skate or participate in any riding activity, it is imperative to wear a helmet. No matter how short your ride is, you need to protect your brain. It only takes one fall or accident to cause permanent brain damage or life-long disability.
4. Stretch. People of all ages and activity levels from youth sports to the weekend warrior need to be stretching before and after activity. In the summer it is easy to skip the warm-up when exercising or playing sports because the warmer temperatures make us feel ready to go; however our muscles are still tight and are just as prone to injury as in the colder months. Taking the time to warm up by gradually stretching our muscles not only helps prevent injury but promotes muscle building and endurance. Stretching is especially im-
portant for elderly individuals. Stretching also helps reduce aches and pains as well as improve mobility and stability, which decrease the risk of falls.
Exercise is important for all ages. Summer is a great time to increase your level of activity. Exercise, especially outdoors, promotes physical as well as mental health and wellbeing. I hope we can all get outside, spend time with family and friends, and most of all, stay safe and healthy!
Dr. Vincent Giron is a CommonSpirit Health family medicine physician specializing in sports medicine. He is accepting new patients. His clinic is located at CommonSpirit Primary Care & Sports Medicine West Valley at 3336 S. 4155 W., Ste. 102 in West Valley. Phone:801-964-3925. He accepts most insurances.
Learn more about the services, care providers and missiondriven work of the Holy Cross hospitals and CommonSpirit Health at www.holycrossutah.org.
At CommonSpirit Health, we make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all.
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When you need emergency care fast, the closest emergency room is a smart thing to know. You never know the level of care you’ll need when an emergency happens and choosing the right ER can make all the difference. And a hospital ER comes with the confidence of additional services right on-site.
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Dr. Vincent Giron, DO CommonSpirit Primary Care & Sports Medicine West Valley
backcountry skiing and participated in several events held on the mountain.
demonstrated by the numerous “No Trespassing” signs.
project that attempted to answer the questions: why do the Oquirrhs seem inaccessible, how can we understand the land and what role does industry and history play in the public’s perception of the mountains?
When researchers asked the public to define the Oquirrh Mountains, they used words like “underrated,” “exploited,” “stepchild,” “surprising,” “beautiful” and “Oquirrific.”
“We realized there was a disjointed perspective between how people thought about and perceived the Wasatch. They’d go out there every day for runs, but they had never once been out to the Oquirrhs to experience that,” Scallon said. “We were curious about how that shaped different perceptions, this whole idea of things hiding in plain sight. There was a mountain range, but people didn’t know the name of that range. That was interesting.”
They talked to residents, federal employees, state and county officials, historians and nonprofit groups like The Oquirrh Foundation. They hiked and ran on the trails, did some
By studying archival photos and local histories, the researchers found virtually no information about Indigenous tribes who had lived there, and no information about women who had helped settle the area. However, there was vast information about the mining industry in the Oquirrh Mountains.
Scallon said they discovered there are nearly 300 archaeological resources in the range, but because most of those sites are on private property, no guidelines have been set for preservation.
“It goes to show that visibility in history depends on land ownership and depends on industry,” she said. “That led us to ask, if there are hundreds [of archaeological resources] that the state knows about, what else is there that is not known?”
The Oquirrhs are a mash-up of private ownership, federal and public lands, and military properties, with Camp Williams and the Tooele Army Depot located on its east and west sides. Property owners don’t seem to welcome the public accessing the area, as
In 2023, Salt Lake County opened Herriman’s Butterfield Trailhead Regional Park. It includes 13 miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians and runners. As a competitive mountain biker, off-road trails are one thing that enticed Hill to move to Utah from California. She said the Oquirrhs offer a dynamic recreational landscape that seems to be underutilized.
“These trails have become more than just an outdoor outlet. They are something that promotes health, environmental stewardship and community pride,” Hill said. “I also view these trail systems as a place for growth, connection and mentorship. These trail systems serve as a way to keep [people] engaged in the outdoors for many years…People of any age or any demographic can come together and embrace the beauty of these mountains.”
As sprawl inches toward the Oquirrhs, Quirk expressed the necessity for stewardship and environmental protection. She noted the EPA has still not designated the Kennecott Superfund sites in Magna and Copperton as
safe for soil or water. Quirk applauded the Oquirrh Foundation’s efforts to preserve lands and facilitate community engagement through events and clean-up activities.
“Most people we talked to really want to develop safe and healthy places for generations to come,” she said. “Conservation goals will take a lot of different stances, but people noted that some habitats should not have more human impacts. To limit disputes, there needs to be preservation that spans different mindsets.”
Scallon said the big question for the Oquirrhs is, how will human and environmental health be prioritized over profit? As more communities are built near the range, what is the impact on water resources and air pollution? How does the increase in wildfires and the possibility of toxic chemical exposure change the way cities expand in that area?
“Whose voices are being left out of these conversations about development and about the growth that’s happening in the region?” Scallon asked. “As humans change how the land is being used and accessed, that can cause some significant challenges.” l
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Continued from front page
Recreational opportunities in the Oquirrhs are becoming more popular as residents discover this range that tends to be overshadowed by the Wasatch Mountains. (Photo courtesy Bennion Gardner)
‘It’s
about building a future’
Domestic abuse organization raises almost $80,000 at community fundraiser.
By Travis Barton travis.b@thecityjournals.com
While breakfast often starts the day for most people, for the South Valley Services on May 15, it meant raising thousands of dollars for domestic abuse survivors.
SVS, who reopened its offices in West Jordan City Hall last year, held a breakfast fundraiser at the Viridian Event Center raising money to support services for survivors and their families. When it was all said and done, it raised $80,000.
“We are so grateful to every person who showed up, donated and leaned in to support survivors,” said Lindsey Boyer, executive director of South Valley Services. “This event isn’t just about raising money—it’s about building a future where safety and support are available to everyone. We couldn’t do it without our community.”
SVS is a support organization for those impacted by domestic abuse and sexual violence which aims to provide shel -
ter, counseling and advocacy. Its breakfast fundraiser featured its primary sponsor in Altabank and a keynote speaker in Ginette Bott, CEO of Utah Food Bank.
The donations take on extra significance in light of recent federal funding cuts. SVS reported in March cuts of $160K as demand for their services increases, most notably with Lethality Assessment Program. Since the implementation of LAP in July 2023 there has been a 100% increase in LAP referrals state-wide, averaging 433 per month, with 92% of those referrals being high danger, according to a SVS press release.
For SVS, it’s been a 90% increase in Salt Lake County, having served 3,812 in the past year.
“Every day, year-round, survivors reach out to us for safety and support. With LAP screenings on the rise, we know more people than ever are connecting with our services. Funding cuts threaten the very services that help survivors escape violence and rebuild their lives,” Boyer said. “Thanks to generous local, non-government funding, we've been able to continue supporting survivors—but the gap between need and resources is growing. We need our communities’ support to en -
sure survivors aren't left without options and funding cuts make expanding towards transitional housing harder to reach.”
The next fundraising event will be Disco Down and Donate at Club 90 (9065 S. Monroe Street in Sandy) on June 21 at 9 p.m. Participants will receive free entry
with donation of an urgent need item such as women’s underwear, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, coloring books and colored pencils, gift cards.
For more information, go to svsutah. org. l
NAMIWalk provides connection and support
NAMI Utah offers free resources to those navigating mental health disorders.
By Peri Kinder
peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Isolation is an obstacle faced by many people struggling with poor mental health. It’s been shown that chronic loneliness can lead to depression and can trigger serious issues like hopelessness and social anxiety.
According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, more than 30% of adults in the state experienced anxiety or depressive disorder in 2023. The state also ranks the seventh-highest age-adjusted suicide rate in the U.S.
NAMI Utah is dedicated to helping people affected by mental illness. The organization celebrated Mental Health Awareness Month with its annual NAMIWalk Utah on May 17 at the Veterans Memorial Park in West Jordan. The event encouraged people to come together and combat the isolation and disconnection so prevalent in mental illness.
“The NAMI Utah Walk is not only NAMI Utah’s most important fundraiser of the year,” said Robin Holcomb, NAMI Utah interim executive director, “it is a community builder, a time to come together to recognize mental illness affects all of us, and we aren’t alone in our mental health journey, whether we battle our own mental health condition or we support a family member who is struggling.”
The NAMIWalk attracted more than 550 participants,
celebrating mental health recovery or honoring the memory of loved ones lost to suicide. Community members enjoyed children's activities, dog costumes and trick contests, snacks, face painting and resources from healthcare providers. It’s meant to be a reminder that no one should ever feel alone.
Cole Henline works as a claims coordinator with Midwest Flooring Coverings. When his company asked for volunteers to participate in the event, he encouraged his
family to join him for the walk.
“We felt inspired to come and do this today. There’s me and my three siblings, and my parents,” Henline said. “We’ve had minor issues here and there with mental health, but nothing too serious. But we wanted to be here to support those that do and want to be able to help in any way we can.”
Participating sponsors for the event included Huntsman Mental Health Institute, Lakeview Hospital, Moving Forward Counseling, NeuroHealth, Odyssey House, Ogden Regional Medical Center, Rising Violet, Salt Lake Behavioral Health. Lone Peak Psychiatry, Neurocrine Biosciences, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Valley Behavioral Health, Acadia Law Group, Alkermes, Johnson and Johnson, Midwest Floor Coverings, USARA and Les Olsen IT.
There was no registration fee to participate, but fundraising was encouraged to support NAMI Utah’s mission. All proceeds raised during the NAMIWalk support NAMI Utah’s free mental health programs, resources and services. For more information, visit NAMIUtah.org.
NAMI Utah addresses a critical need in the community, providing free educational programs, advocacy efforts and outreach to Utahns navigating mental health concerns, and support for their loved ones. Money raised from NAMIWalks Utah, its largest mental health awareness and fundraiser of the year, funds these crucial programs.
“So many people fight silent battles with mental health and mental illness,” said Miss Utah 2024 Paris Matthews. “I think breaking the stigma and talking about it publicly will help us begin to feel less alone.” l
South Valley Services ribbon cutting in 2024 when it officially reopened its offices in the renovated West Jordan City Hall. It’s recent fundraiser raised $80,000. (File photo Rebecca Olds/City Journals)
The NAMIWalk in West Jordan encouraged people to come together to support family members and friends who have struggled with mental illness. More than 500 people showed up to shine a light on mental health. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
Federal funding cuts undermine Utah’s STEM future says West Jordan scientist
Cuts could jeopardize medical research and science careers.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Utah has invested heavily in STEM programs designed to inspire and encourage future scientists and engineers. The Trump administration recently announced deep cuts to federal research funding that could significantly impact the state’s STEM capability.
The Science & Community Impacts Mapping Project estimates Salt Lake County could lose up to $86 million due to federal science research cuts, with a projected national loss of $16 billion and nearly 70,000 jobs.
Nick Ide graduated from West Jordan High School and attended the University of Utah, earning a biology degree. Ide’s father was an engineer who always championed STEM careers as a solid job choice, encouraging Ide and his sister to pursue careers in the science field.
“I really fell in love with my biology and chemistry classes over math and engineering,” Ide said. “I was a volunteer for a year and a half in a lab when the professor at the lab offered to pay me part time. I loved
the job. I love experiments and that’s still true to this day.”
His research opportunities at the University of Utah led him to pursue a PhD in biochemistry at Columbia University in New York City, and he just started a research job at Harvard Medical School in Cambridge.
Before he started his doctorate program, Ide worked for a biotech start-up in Utah. The company had received funds from the National Science Foundation through a program that helps small STEM companies get off the ground. His time working with the start-up convinced Ide that scientific research was where he wanted to focus his career.
When he applied to Columbia, he wasn’t sure if his experience and education would make him a competitive candidate for the university, but when he got offers from several top schools, he realized his time in Utah had served him well.
“I moved to New York in 2019 and I was able to get a fellowship funded by the National Science Foundation,” he said. “They directly funded my research for most of my time in the lab. Also, the lab I worked in was almost solely funded by the National Institutes of Health.”
President Donald Trump’s proposal would cut billions of dollars for research.
The plan hits the NSF with a funding cut of more than 50%, while the NIH budget would be slashed by nearly 40% and the Environmental Protection Agency would lose approximately 50% of its funding.
Scientists, like Ide, are gravely concerned that these cuts will diminish the capacity for groundbreaking medical and scientific research and discourage students from going into STEM careers. The SCIMaP study estimates Utah could lose nearly $130 million in funding and more than 500 jobs through the federal cuts.
Ide said the monetary loss has had a ripple effect throughout the science community. Student training grants are eliminated; clinical trials are canceled, leaving patients in limbo; custodial and support staff are fired; and, without the funding to provide care, thousands of lab animals will be euthanized.
The New York Times reported that more than 300 lab animals were killed at a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health facility located in West Virginia after funding cuts forced layoffs.
“I’m deeply worried about the future of American STEM competitiveness. I’m worried that there’s such an attack on higher education,” Ide said. “Pursuing a career in STEM is always going to be well-respected but so many people right now are looking for
Field trip features fitness, friends, flora, fun
Students ascend to the peak of education, literally and figuratively, on a class hike.
By Jet Burnham j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
Navigator
Pointe Academy’s annual eighth grade hike is a fun, social, educational and healthy tradition students look forward to participating in. In mid-May, this year’s eighth-grade students hiked around Bell’s Canyon reservoir and up the trail to the waterfall, a distance of about 5.5 miles.
Leading the way was 71-years-young Principal Judy Farris, an ultrarunner who regularly hikes, runs and climbs.
“She was just such an example to us, because she was just going and going and going and we were all like, ‘Okay, guess we'll just go, too,” eighth grader Maggie said.
“I was dying of exhaustion while the principal is a superhuman” eighth grader Preston said.
In previous years, only some of the students made it to the top of the hiking trail with Farris. This year all 17 eighth graders did.
“It was sheer will, drive and motivation from their peers and their own efforts to get them there,” Farris said. “And that didn't just happen on that event. That's an example of how regular P.E. and regular health and physical fitness activities during our school year, and our regular program, motivates the students to dig a little bit deeper when they need to.”
Navigator Pointe Academy is a classical education charter school which prioritizes physical wellness as part of a well-rounded education, providing regular physical fitness classes, three recesses per day and a competitive track and field day.
“I think P.E. is as crucial as math and reading for students,”
Farris said. “They may not always want to run that extra lap or do those real push-ups, but I think they've learned that it does make them physically strong, and when you’re physically strong it helps you mentally as well to think more clearly and to just be a well-rounded, physically fit, mentally awake kind of person.”
On this year’s hike, students expressed appreciation for the opportunity to spend time outdoors with their friends and enjoy the beauty of their surroundings.
“Since we kind of live in the city or suburbs, we don't really see nature as much, so it's kind of like a gift to be able to go out and walk around and see it,” eighth-grader Newell said. “My favorite part was coming down when it was raining
positions outside of the country. It’s sad.” Ide experienced firsthand how investments in public institutions and scientific research create opportunities for researchers to create groundbreaking science, affecting everything from medicine to space exploration. He hopes the state continues to invest in STEM programs and scientific research to ensure its future.
“The science opportunities I had shouldn’t be rare. They should be the baseline for the next generation of kids.”l
and the landscape and everything was, like, really beautiful,” a student named Pramod said. “If you looked up, you could see clouds and the fog covering the mountains—it was pretty beautiful.”
Others enjoyed pushing themselves to get to the top of the trail.
“My favorite part was just the challenge, because I don't usually do it that often, and having the challenge was nice,” a student named Liam said.
The trail included steep climbs, big rocks, water crossings, rain and slick trails. Students helped and motivated each other to overcome the challenges, determined to have everyone make it to the waterfall.
“I was struggling near the end because the rocks were just hard to climb,” a student named Abbie said. “And we were helping each other out, and holding our hands to help lift people up, and that's how we made it to the waterfall.”
A student named Maggie said it was good to have the support of classmates and friends.
“I think most of getting to the top depends on who you're with and your attitude,” she said. “Because I think if I had just gone with, like, one other person, I probably wouldn't have made it because I wouldn't have had the motivation to get there.”
The hike was first proposed as an end-of-year field trip three years ago by science teacher Michael Bean when he realized most of his students didn’t spend much time outdoors.
“I'd say over half of that class had never gone on a hike,” he said.
Bean prepares the students for the field trip each year with lessons on outdoor and hiking safety. He ties in academics on the hike, identifying plantlife and discussing the role of the reservoir in providing drinking water.l
West Jordan native and scientist Nick Ide worries that federal cuts could eliminate programs that support college students interested in STEM careers. (Photo courtesy Nick Ide)
Navigator Pointe Academy’s graduating eighth grade class enjoys hiking in Bell’s Canyon. (Photo courtesy Allyson Pierce)
West Jordan Library program aims to encourage early childhood literacy
The library has embraced the talk, sing, read, write, play initiative for building early literacy skills.
By Linda Steele l.steele@mycityjournals.com
The Preschool Power Play program at the West Jordan library helps with early learning focus. The library has embraced the talk, sing, read, write, play initiative for building early literacy skills. “These are the important things that kids experience when they are little, it is how they learn. This is kids’ work, this is what they are supposed to be doing at this age, is playing,” West Jordan Library Branch Manager Vern Waters said.
In addition to exposing children to words in both written and verbal form, the program helps with eye-hand coordination. “A lot of the ‘play’ that kids do are things you wouldn’t think about that are very important for their development. It has a reading aspect to it,” Youth Services Librarian Paula Burgon said.
When parents take their children to the library for Preschool Power Play, they get exposed to other resources at the library and make friends with other parents. “It is a nice time for them to be able to
speak to another adult,” Burgon said.
Play helps kids express themselves. The program will help them when they get to school with reading and communicating with other children. “A child’s play is the work,” Burgon said. The majority of the growth in a child’s brain develops fast at the young preschool age. The program “gets them exposed to what a classroom situation is like,” Waters said. “It is fascinating to watch the kids who will build the towers with the blocks, and the other kids are into knocking things down.”
The program has been going for 8 to 10 years. “It has been a lot of fun watching children grow and learn,” Burgon said.
“It is fascinating to watch the children interact and see how the parents can come in and react with other people’s kids,” Waters said.
A lot of times they have music playing, it is a good way to calm the kids and get them interested in what they can play with. “It is great to watch the parents teach their child to interact with other children and get their children to ask what the child’s name is, or if they want to be their friend,” Burgon said.
Some of the toys can be helpful for grownups to learn from as well as the children. Grownups need to play too. It is important for play to start as children and
carry on into adulthood. Play will stimulate cognitive development and encourage children to use their senses and explore their surroundings. It helps their minds to create different ideas and concepts. Play helps with their development to expand their vocabulary and skills. It will help with their gross and fine motor skills and
will help them build relationships and cooperate with others. Children can play and explore at their own pace. Preschool Power Play is a great developmental help for preschoolers. There are also a lot of activities at the West Jordan Library for all ages of children and adults. l
Preschool Power Play at the West Jordan Library is a program designed to help with early childhood literacy development. (Linda Steele/City Journals)
Branch Manager Vern Waters enjoys playing with the children during Preschool Power Play at the West Jordan Library. (Linda Steele/City Journals)
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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 efforts gained momentum after a single Facebook post in July 2024.
“That got a lot more response than I expected, and we’ve been paying off schools ever since,” he said.
By mid-April, UTLDR had raised more than $51,000. The foundation has cleared meal debt at several schools: Bluffdale, Oakcrest and Aspen elementaries in Jordan School District; South Kearns Elementary in Granite School District; Liberty Elementary in Murray School District; Butler, Quail Hollow and Sandy elementaries in Canyons School District; and more schools in Davis, Provo, Carbon and Duchesne school districts.
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.”
Some donations come from individuals moved by the cause. One is 17-year-old David “Van” Hafner, who contributed $2,500 toward paying Butler Elementary’s $6,050 lunch debt. Lunches in Canyons School District cost $3.
“I had my own college saving fund and I dipped into that, plus savings from my many summer jobs and money I saved from the stock market,” he said. “I had a lot of money saved up different ways, so I pulled it all together. I like the idea of doing philanthropy, and I thought this was perfect.”
The Alta High junior also volunteers at a West Valley City daycare and plans to join a humanitarian trip this summer. He was honored with the Smith’s Zero Hunger Award and intends to continue helping schools.
“It’s important I’m doing this because kids at a young age need to learn to help the community, to help other people. I wanted to make an example of that by giving my money to kids who can’t pay for their own lunch. The main concern is kids eat, especially a growing little kid,” said the student who hopes to become a doctor.
His generosity left a lasting impression at the Cottonwood Heights elementary.
“The people at the front desk were very thankful and the kids were excited. They said, ‘That’s a lot of money,’ and ‘That’s really cool.’ It made me feel great. That’s why I want to donate to another elementary school,” Hafner said. “Between this and the West Valley City daycare, it feels like I’m making a difference.”
Butler Principal Tracy Stacy said she was both surprised and grateful for the donation.
Another community member contributed; she encouraged her gym members to get involved and raised money to help pay off Sandy Elementary’s lunch debt, Bracken said.
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.
At Liberty Elementary where school lunch is $1.90, Principal Shana Mondragon echoed similar concerns.
“We are consistently in the negative. We’re constantly reaching out to families asking, ‘Do you need help? Have you applied for free and reduced lunch? Do you qualify?’” she said. “I think families are struggling. The responses I get when I call range everywhere from ‘I totally forgot to pay’ to they don’t know how to fill out the form, or didn’t know there was a form. There’s also everybody ate lunch for free during COVID so the assumption is it’s still going. I do appreciate in Murray, regardless of what their balance is, students have the option to get a full lunch every day. It doesn’t fix the budget side of it, but
the kids will always get a full meal. Murray District’s top concern is that the kids eat. We’ll figure everything else out later, but we need to make sure the kids have food. “
Mondragon praised Bracken’s dedication to helping families and spreading awareness. “DJ was helping to educate the families, making sure they had access to the information. He really wants to fix the problem. It isn’t a new problem. If anything, it just keeps getting worse. So, making sure there’s funds, making sure there’s accessibility to the resources and knowing what to do is important,” she said, adding Bracken was honored for his $560 donation to pay off the lunch debt as well as his contribution toward fixing the issue during a “hidden hero” school assembly. “The banner for his foundation is on our website and on our fence to recognize what he did.” 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. “It struck me as a failure of the system. These are kids who are accruing debt for the right to eat at a place they have to be —– and we all want them to learn. We all want them to succeed. I was just completely aghast this could even exist, and it turns out most people are too. I couldn’t stand for it. Someone had to do something; I’m glad it’s made an impact so far. Hopefully we can make the full impact and make it so no kid ever has to worry about where they’re getting their lunch again.”
To support or learn more about the Utah Lunch Debt Relief Foundation, visit utldr.org. l
Utah Lunch Debt Relief Foundation founder Darrell “DJ” Bracken, second on left, is hoping to pay off a school’s lunch debt in every school district. (Photo courtesy of DJ Bracken)
By Jet Burnham j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
The Utah Coalition for Educational Technology recognized one teacher from each school district and charter school for their use of new or novel teaching practices that contribute to student learning.
Three local teachers received an Innovative Teacher Award: Krista Gibbons from Kelsey Peak Virtual Middle School, Robert Machol from Itineris Early College High School, and Crystal Van Ausdal from Mountain Heights Academy Charter School. They were recognized for their use of alternative tools to allow for innovative and tech-based projects that address real-world issues and encourage students to develop critical thinking, computer and AI skills.
Krista Gibbons, Kelsey Peak Virtual Middle School
“Innovation in the classroom is vital,” Gibbons said. “I think we should always be changing and adapting to best teach our students in the way that makes sense to them.”
As a full-time teacher and digital coach at Kelsey Peak Virtual Middle School, Gibbons has more options in her digital toolkit than most teachers to engage her students.
“I'm in a virtual school—I'm not constrained to the four walls that I would be in an actual classroom, so why not take them on a digital 360 tour of museums when I'm talking about different things and letting them see it?” Gibbons said.
Gibbons said virtual fieldtrips, such as to the Gettysburg Battlefield, are engaging and improve students’ learning.
When she can’t find the resources she’s looking for on YouTube or Nearpod, she visits Fort Bridger, Promontory Point, Goblin Valley and famous Civil War Sites to record her own footage. This summer she will film parts of the Oregon Trail and Pony Express route. She is also working with some German museums to arrange virtual tours.
Gibbons also uses a variety of tools to allow students to interview historical fig-
Virtual fieldtrips, robotics and AI, oh my
ures, create escape rooms based on historical events and make interactive maps of famous battles or movements.
Robert Machol, Itineris Early College High School
Computer science teacher Robert Machol uses hands-on activities to make programming classes at Itineris Early College High School more engaging. Administrator Rabecca Cisneros said Machol is a pioneer of creative instruction, actively working to make tech and computer science classes more equitable, inclusive and fun for all students.
“He uses emerging technologies to design engaging, student-centered learning experiences that go beyond traditional curriculum,” Cisneros said.
Machol uses an unconventional method to teach computer programming, traditionally a tedious course, by using robotics. Students learn increasingly complex programming principles to get their robot to complete certain tasks or navigate obstacle courses.
He said traditional computer science classes work exclusively on a computer but he tries to get kids off the computers as much as possible, and instead moving around and doing hands-on kinesthetic learning.
“I think just the hands-on experience of doing these things makes it a joy to do,” he said. “It doesn't feel like it's a chore. They're having fun and they're learning on the side. It's not a bunch of kids sitting and staring at a computer, so I think that is why it is more inclusive for lots of different learning styles.”
Machol is always looking for tech tools to use for school and personal tasks.
“There's so much out there it's impossible to stay on top of everything, but I'm always looking for new ways to do things,” Machol said.
Crystal Van Ausdal, Mountain Heights Academy Charter School
It is Crystal Van Ausdal’s job to find new ways to incorporate innovative tools in Mountain Heights Academy’s curriculum.
As this year’s AI Research Committee lead (and next year’s AI Coordinator), she identifies the best AI tools and determines how to effectively and ethically integrate them into
teachers’ lesson plans.
“We look to see if we can enhance the assignment with AI to make it more engaging while still having students complete the chosen skill on their own,” Van Ausdal said. “If we determine the skill is not as meaningful or necessary, we can alter the assignment to have AI take over completing the more menial tasks, and then enhance the assignment to allow students to go deeper and reflect more on what AI gives them. If we embrace the positive uses, while being thoughtful to adapt curriculum and assessments so that they cannot be so easily completed by AI, I feel that AI can help us reach and help many more students than we can alone.”
Computer Science department lead Nichole Shelton described Van Ausdal as a visionary educator who is shaping the future of learning.
“Crystal’s passion for AI is contagious,” Shelton said. “She is constantly exploring the newest tools and advancements, always looking for ways they can be meaningfully integrated into education to benefit students and teachers alike. Her dedication to staying
ahead of the curve is matched only by her commitment to her students.”
Van Ausdal created a New and Emerging Technologies course to teach students how to use AI safely and ethically.
“The overarching goal of this course is to teach students how to use AI to learn new skills rather than get out of learning.” she said. Students learn to spot bias and dangers and to develop prompt engineering skills. They use these skills to create a Personalized Learning Plan, including generating an AI tutorial to help them study.
“I love this project because it puts students in the driver’s seats and helps them develop a skill that will enable them to become lifelong learners,” Van Ausdal said.
Digital citizenship and ethics are a main priority for all three innovative teachers. They all realize the need to prepare students for a digital world and AI in the workplace.
“It is critical to teach students how to ethically and responsibly use AI in school because they will be expected to use AI in the workforce when they exit high school,” Van Ausdal said. l
Krista Gibbons receives a 2025 Innovative Teacher Award from the Utah Coalition for Educational Technology. (Photo courtesy Krista Gibbons)
As the school year comes to a close, standout educators are receiving awards and recognition for their inspiring efforts and dedication.
By Jet Burnham j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
West Jordan schools have an abundance of inspiring educators who go above and beyond to show up for their students, school and community. Here are some who have received special recognition for inspiring, nurturing and creatively educating their students.
West Jordan area schools celebrate award-winning teachers:
Itineris Early College High School, Robert Machol, Innovative Teacher Award from the Utah Coalition for Educational Technology
Joel P. Jensen Middle School, Resilient YOU 2025 Outstanding Middle School
Kelsey Peak Virtual Middle School, social studies teacher Krista Gibbons, Innovative Teacher Award from the Utah Coalition for Educational Technology
Enthusiasm for exceptional educators of 2025
Majestic Elementary Arts Academy, K-3 music teacher Olivia Murphy, Outstanding Elementary Music Educator of the Year
South Valley School, Chelsea Lopez, 2025 Utah Council for Exceptional Children Outstanding Paraeducator Award
Spectrum Academy, Andrew Delcamp, UCET Innovative Teacher Award
Sunset Ridge Middle School, P.E. teacher
Jenny Rossen, SHAPE’s Secondary Physical Education Teacher of the Year
West Jordan High School, CTE Auto Body
teacher Nathan Shields, New Teacher of the Year award: Skilled and Technical division
West Jordan High School, Robyn Briggs, ResilientYOU’s Exemplary Secondary Educator Award
West Jordan Middle School, health teacher Kathy Howa, SHAPE’s Linda Mayne Lifetime Achievement Award
West Jordan Middle School, social studies
teacher William Shields, Founding Forward’s George Washington Honor Medal Westvale Elementary School, art specialist
Rachel Henderson, one of nine Utah edu-
Heather Lyon, Jordan Hills Elementary School, Jordan Education Foundation Outstanding Educator of the Year. (Photo courtesy JSD) “Heather is a teacher-ninja,” one colleague said. “She connects with students, shows she cares and makes them feel safe. She is encouraging regardless of students’ academics. She is the go-to for some students with personal issues they may have. She will help them feel safe enough to accept help from a counselor or admin. She is attuned to social needs of students and provides helpful feedback to her team so we can meet their needs.”
Mountain Ridge High School choir teacher Kelly DeHaan (who previously taught at West Jordan High School) is Jordan School District’s 2025 Teacher of the Year. (Photo courtesy JSD) “Kelly DeHaan has a brilliant mind and focuses on each of his students,” a student said. “He loves his job and the music he puts in front of the students. He works with each individual and cares so dearly about what’s happening in our personal and academic lives. DeHaan really makes each of his students special in different ways. He notices little things as well as big things. He is a very dedicated man and I adore that about him. He really does love each of his students and their efforts.”
cators to receive a 2025 Sorenson Legacy Award for Excellence in Arts Education
Jordan Education Foundation Outstanding Educators of the Year (for West Jordan schools) *indicates top winners
Antelope Canyon Elementary School, ‘ Kellie Freestone
Columbia Elementary School, Jessica “Jessi” Jensen
Copper Canyon Elementary School, Julie Hilbig
Copper Hills High School, Mindi Little Falcon Ridge Elementary School, Shanda Sorensen*
Fox Hollow Elementary School, Trish Packer
Hayden Peak Elementary School, Silma Bailey
Heartland Elementary School, Jessica Clawson*
Jordan Academy for Technology & Careers, Lisa Wadzeck
Jordan Hills Elementary School, Heather Lyon*
Joel P. Jensen Middle School, Laura Halverson
Vickie Daniels, Majestic Elementary School, Jordan Education Foundation Outstanding Educator of the Year. (Photo courtesy JSD) “She is wholly invested in the success of our students and she tailors individualized plans to get them there,” Principal Marianne Johansen said. “She knows every student in the school. She can also tell you what skill they are working on in Walk to Read, their Acadience group, and whether they are struggling with any specific math skills. She can also offer research-based ideas on how to help that student.”
Shanda Sorensen, Falcon Ridge Elementary School, Jordan Education Foundation Outstanding Educator of the Year. (Photo courtesy JSD) “She offers her insight and expertise with wit, straightforwardness and a positive attitude,” Principal Theresa Christensen said. “Her impact on her peers extends far beyond her classroom walls, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she works with in the school and community. Her enthusiasm for life, love of learning and dedication to her students, colleagues and community is unmatched and a great example for all.”
Kelsey Peak Virtual Middle School, Kymberly “Kym” Harrison
Kings Peak Virtual High School, Sharman Holloway
Majestic Arts Academy Elementary School, Vickie Daniels*
Mountain Shadows Elementary School, Jodie Ball
Oakcrest Elementary School, Jamie Wilhelm Oquirrh Elementary School, Angela Garside Riverside Elementary School, Grimanesa Perez
Rocky Peak Virtual Elementary School, Emily Baugh
South Valley School, Emily LaRue*
Sunset Ridge Middle School, Colette Memmott
Welby Elementary School, Alyssa Murray
West Hills Middle School, Evan Feinberg
West Jordan High School, Felicity Knight
West Jordan Middle School, William Shields
Westland Elementary School, Rebecca Schaefer
Westvale Elementary School, Amanda “Mandy” Moon l
LaRue, South Valley School, Jordan Education Foundation Outstanding Educator of the Year. (Photo courtesy JSD) “Emily LaRue is an exemplary educator who not only teaches but inspires, motivates and transforms the lives of her students,” Principal Tammy Rajczyk said. “Her resilience, adaptability and positivity have made a difference in our school community. Her positive energy is not only evident in her interactions with students but also influences her colleagues.”
Jessica Clawson, Heartland Elementary School special education teacher, Jordan Education Foundation Outstanding Educator of the Year. (Photo courtesy JSD) “She pours her heart into every effort, demonstrating passion and commitment that inspire those around her,” Principal Buddy Alger said. “As an excellent teacher for special education students, she provides supports, tailored to their unique needs, ensuring they receive the individualized attention necessary for their success. She truly has her students’ best interests at heart. She fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among staff, creating opportunities for colleagues to connect and share experiences. This holistic approach not only enhances the learning experience for her students but also strengthens the overall culture of cohesive community that Heartland desires to promote. She is truly an outstanding educator.”
Emily
West Jordan named Healthy Utah Community
The program recognizes cities and towns that are promoting policies and programs that support good health for their residents.
By Travis Barton travis.b@thecityjournals.com
Get Healthy Utah and the Utah League of Cities and Towns recently designated five Utah cities as Healthy Utah Communities, and West Jordan made the cut.
The program recognizes cities and towns that are promoting policies and programs that support good health for their residents.
To earn the three-year designation, cities must form a community health coalition and implement health strategies in the areas of access to healthy food, active living and mental health. Cities must also submit a letter of commitment and develop a community health plan. After three years, to be redesignated, a city or town must demonstrate a continued dedication to building a healthy community.
“We don’t want to stay where we are—we want to improve,” Mayor Dirk Burton said.
West Jordan’s health coalition focused on offering seminars, events and resources for residents to have positive health experiences, like walking events on the Jordan River Trail, a produce swap at the monthly community market, support for the Jordan School District Principal Pantry, mental health trainings for the police department and daily lunch at the West Jordan Senior Center.
Nearby Taylorsville also earned the designation.
“It seemed like a great idea for us to apply because it was simple, because it makes sense. We want to have healthy citizens, we
want them to be outside and connecting with their neighbor, and just having a lot of fun,” Taylorsville Mayor Kristie Overson said. Taylorsville was recognized by Get Healthy Utah for creating a new active transportation plan to go along with the city’s youth sports programs, a popular community 5K, new trail systems, an active farmers market, a food bank to help those in need, beautification of local parks and a variety of community educational events.
Other nearby cities to earn the designation include West Valley City, South Salt Lake, South Jordan, Herriman and Draper. l
Mayor Dirk Burton is seen here riding his bike at the Golden Spoke event in 2018. West Jordan was recently designated a Healthy Utah Community. (File photo City Journals)
Play, explore, build, plant and experiment
Eighteen hands-on activities engage students in the development of STEM skills at Hawthorn Academy’s Family STEM Night.
By Jet Burnham j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
Forkids like Malia Primacio—who wants to be a forensic scientist someday—interactive, creative and experiential activities make learning science, technology, engineering and mathematical concepts engaging and fun.
“STEM is actually really fun for me because we can make our imagination run wild, and we can go out of the box and think big,” Malia, a fourth grader, said. “My favorite thing about science is learning about new things and always trying out something new and making stuff. I've always loved experiments, and I've always loved making stuff and being creative. I love kind of blowing stuff up. Science and learning is about getting messy, because if you don't get messy, how are you going to learn?”
Malia got to play, explore, build, plant, experiment and get messy at Hawthorn Academy’s Family STEM Night held April 17 at the West Jordan campus.
“We just want to provide a night where families and students can come in and have some positive experiences with STEM so that they're encouraged to try new things and just have a night as a family,” Hawthorn Academy STEM coordinator Joy Leavitt said. “It's just always fun for me to see everybody come and enjoy themselves, and it makes my
heart happy when I see that happening.”
With the theme of “Unleash Your Creativity: The Sky’s the Limit” as inspiration, Leavitt gathered supplies for students and their families to make lava lamps, catapults, marble runs, kazoos and foil boats in various rooms around the school building.
Fourth grader Allison Ripley enjoyed the hands-on activities such as making an alien parachute, a magnetic maze and a Morse code bracelet.
“She likes to do a lot of different crafty activities, and when it involves science, that makes it fun for her,” Allison’s mother Jackie Ripley said.
Kaeli Warner said the annual STEM Night gives her four kids, ranging in age from kindergarten to sixth grade, a chance to do educational—and messy—experiments.
“They’re using more of their brain, the creative juices are flowing with all the activities I don’t care to do at home with them—I don’t want to get out the lava lamp ingredients,” Warner said.
Some of the activities were sponsored by community partners, such as Nerdly Tutoring and a local ham radio operator, but overall, Leavitt relied on Hawthorn Academy teachers to provide instructions and support at each station.
“I am just so grateful for the teachers, because I really could not have done it without them,” Leavitt said. “I'm just so grateful for their willingness to do that in their evening.”
Hawthorn Academy science teacher Jason Guy built a rocket launcher which drew a large crowd. Seeing how high the rocket could go quickly became one of the most popular activities of the night.
“Kids loved the rockets,” Leavitt said. “They were re-
ally fun because he was outside, and he was able to turn up the pressure so they went pretty high. That was really fun.”
Another popular activity was planting vegetable seeds for students to take home and grow. Students also were given a packet of flower seeds, which had been harvested by students at the south campus STEM Night held the previous night. l
Hawthorn Academy students are thrilled to make a parachute out of crafting materials when they see another student’s final creation in action. (Joy Leavitt/Hawthorn Academy)
In a state final against Cyprus High, West Jordan High’s co-ed unified basketball team reached for every loose ball and shot to score at every chance to become state champions.
Additionally, junior Garrett Draper, wearing jersey number 51, was honored as the male athlete of the year.
The Jaguars had secured the opportunity to play in the March 28 championship in their division at the Delta Center after advancing from the Canyons-Jordan-Murray school districts’ tournament.
Unified basketball embraces students with and without intellectual disabilities to play side by side. The program, supported by both Special Olympics Utah and the Utah High School Activities Association, now boasts more than 200 high school co-ed unified basketball teams across the state. l
Photo by Julie Slama
Smith, Bryant team up to produce successful year for West Jordan baseball
By Josh McFadden
Inwinning 21 games this past season, the West Jordan baseball team had no shortage of highlights. Payton Smith and Nick Bryant were on the ends of many of them.
The Jaguars were Region 4 champions this season, as the team brought home a league trophy for the first time since 2021 when it took first place in Class 6A’s Region 2. Overall, the Jaguars finished 21-6 and were seeded third in the state tournament. The season ended on a sour note, with West Jordan falling to Salem Hills in the super regionals. Still, Smith and Bryant have a lot to be happy about with the 2025 season.
Bryant, a first baseman and outfielder, was fourth on the team with 26 RBI. He also hit five doubles. Perhaps his best game of the season came March 15 at Richfield when he drove in four runs.
“Having Nick join the West Jordan Baseball program as a senior was an absolute game changer,” head coach Travis Johnson said. “He has been such an amazing addition to our team. His work ethic is incredible. He is a silent leader who sets the tone by his actions and not his words. He is our Swiss army knife and has supported his team in many different roles and positions this season. We only wish we had him as a part of the program for all of his high school career.”
Meanwhile, Smith was a stalwart pitcher, going 5-2 on the season to post the most victories on the mound among all Jaguar pitchers. He also struck out 46 batters, the second-best mark for West Jordan. He finished his career with 95 strikeouts. On March 25 at home against Hunter, Smith sent 11 batters to dugout with his excellent pitching. He also had eight strikeouts in the season opener against Copper Hills on March 10.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to be a part of Payton's four years at West Jordan watching him grow and improve each year to the player and leader he is today,” Johnson said. “Payton is a fierce competitor that expects the best out of himself and his teammates and is always pushing them to be the best version of themselves on and off of the field.”
Both players brought extensive experience to the Jaguars. Smith started playing at age 5, and Bryant joined his first team at age 5. Humorously, Smith and Bryant each said they didn’t initially love baseball, but their parents made them stick it out and keep playing. Eventually, both players found a love for the game.
“I love competing because it gives me a feeling I don't feel anywhere but the field,” Smith said. “I continue to compete because it gives me a feeling of accomplishment.”
For Bryant he finds the feeling of working hard and accomplishing difficult tasks to be
ment. He is pleased to say that he was a good teammate that other people could look up to. Bryant was a consistent player, especially at the plate where his coaches and teammates could rely on him to get a hit was needed. However, Smith and Bryant focused on improvement through their careers and into their senior seasons. Bryant had an emphasis on improving his baseball IQ and cutting down on errors. He also made a concerted effort to get better at hitting, something he said is never easy at this level.
“The most challenging aspects of the sport are in my opinion, hitting a baseball and dealing with failure,” Bryant said. “The greats hit the ball three out of 10 times, and I think that’s what makes baseball so hard. I personally try to think ahead to the next pitch when I strike out or make an error in the field.”
Smith has already committed to play baseball at Warner Pacific University in Seattle, Washington.
rewarding.
“I enjoy the daily grind,” he said. “It’s hard, but it’s also fulfilling in its own way. I think it turns boys to men.”
Over the past few years, the West Jordan baseball program has experienced a wave of highs and lows. One thing that has been constant, however, has been the team chemistry
and camaraderie. Smith and Bryant are grateful to have been a part of such a tight-knit group.
“I love the West Jordan team because we are all a family, we fight together and we die together, and it feels amazing being a part of a team like that,” Smith said.
Smith said his biggest strengths as a player were leadership, hard work and encourage-
“I am extremely excited to continue playing baseball and furthering my education as well,” Smith said.
As for Bryant, his next step will be to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He then plans to study mechanical engineering at Southern Utah University. l
West Jordan pitcher Payton Smith won five games on the mound for the Jaguars this past season. (Photo courtesy of Travis Johnson)
Nick Bryant was a standout performer at the plate and on the field for the Jaguars this season. (Photo courtesy of Travis Johnson)
Baldwin piles up stats, leads Jaguars to Region 4 baseball crown
The West Jordan baseball team captured the Region 4 championship. Senior Ethan Baldwin was a key factor in the Jaguars’ success.
By Josh McFadden
Justtwo years ago, the West Jordan baseball team won a single game. This season, the Jaguars won a region championship and piled up 21 victories.
Many players, along with committed coaches, contributed to the team’s success. Perhaps no one more impressive than senior Ethan Baldwin. The pitcher and third baseman was a steady performer who had a tremendous impact on the field each game.
Baldwin was second on the team with three home runs and shared the lead in triples with three. He contributed a West Jordan-best 13 doubles as well, not to mention 32 RBI, second on the squad.
Those were just his offensive stats this past season.
In addition, Baldwin struck out 47 batters and was 4-2 on the mound as one of the team’s main pitchers. His strikeout total paced the Jaguars. This was on the heels of a junior season that saw him retire 18 batters and drive in 15 runs.
The confident player loves a big challenge. He has set some lofty goals and is determined to achieve them.
“I love the competition because it makes you a better ball player,” he said. “I keep doing it because it is a dream of mine to make it to the big leagues.”
Baldwin has witnessed firsthand the progress of West Jordan baseball from a team that was 1-24 while competing in Class 6A in 2023 to a 10-17 mark last season (and fourth place in Region 4) to 21-6 this season. The Jaguars also won the Region 4 crown by two games over Cyprus by going 16-2. Both region defeats were by only two runs.
The Jaguars have made gigantic strides as a program under head coach Travis Johnson over the past two years. Baldwin and his teammates have made focused, dedicated efforts to get to where the team is now. He said
it has been rewarding to see the fruits of that hard work.
“The best part about being a part of West Jordan is that nothing ever came easy,” he said. “We had to work for what we got.”
Baldwin has the physical tools and skills that coaches look for. Unquestionably talented, Baldwin, however, said his biggest attributes are his leadership abilities. Baldwin spent extra time working on his hitting and even worked in the offseason with friends on this area.
“Some of my strengths are that I encourage others to help them become better—a better person and player,” he said. “Another strength is that I am a hard worker. I am also a good role model for others.”
Having experienced many highs and lows during his career at West Jordan, Baldwin understands what it takes to win and what is required to overcome challenges. He’s not complacent but is continually striving to do better in all aspects of the game, including how he works with his teammates.
“I want to work on my leadership skills and become a better person overall for people,” he said.
Like many baseball players at this level, Baldwin started playing as a young child, beginning with games of catch in the backyard with his father. He joined a team at age 4 and has been going strong ever since. He intends to continue playing for years to come.
“My plans are going to play college baseball and hopefully having the chance to fulfill my dream of becoming a major league baseball player,” he said.
The Jaguars’ coach heaped praise on Baldwin and believes big things are in store for him as he continues his baseball career.
“I have had the privilege to be a part of Ethan's entire high school baseball experience,” Johnson said. “Ethan has been challenged over the years and called upon to play at a high level since he was a freshman and has continued to improve year over year. He is a silent leader that is respected and looked up to by his teammates on and off the field. He has a high baseball IQ and likes to think about situational baseball and figure out ways to be successful. I am excited to see what the future holds for him in baseball and in life. He is amazing.”
West Jordan’s 21 victories this season set a school record. The Jaguars earned the No. 3 seed in the Class 5A state tournament. Unfortunately for West Jordan, upstart Salem Hills wasn’t intimidated when the two teams met in the super regionals May 14 and 15 for a bestof-three series on West Jordan’s home field. Fresh off a two-game upset of 14th-seeded Springville, the 19th-seeded Salem Hills team shocked West Jordan for wins of 2-1 and 8-5 to knock the Jaguars out of the playoffs. In a losing effort in game one, Baldwin struck out seven Salem Hills batters and gave up just six
hits. The following day in the second game, Baldwin recorded an RBI.
Despite the disappointing ending to the season, it was still a memorable year for the Jaguars. Aside from winning a region title and setting a single-season record for wins, West Jordan posted its first winning season since 2022, Baldwin’s freshman year on the squad. l
Ethan Baldwin, shown here playing third base, produced some impressive statistics this past season for the West Jordan baseball team. Baldwin helped the Jaguars to a school record of 21 wins and a region title. (Photo courtesy of Travis Johnson)
Working together to plan for the future
Utah’s Wasatch Front is growing faster than almost any other region in the nation, and nowhere is that more evident than here in Salt Lake County. Today, more than 2.8 million Utahns—over 80% of our state’s population—live along the Wasatch Front and Back. By 2050, we’re on track to nearly double that number, reaching around 5 million Utahns. Protecting the quality of life that drew families, businesses and adventurers to our valleys and mountains in the first place means making smart, coordinated choices right now.
Utah was recently recognized as the best state in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for the third consecutive year. While we have so many great things going for us—a strong economy, volunteerism, social capital and incredible people—one of the things that helps with our success is our willingness to work together.
When it comes to planning for the future, it’s vital that we collaborate at each level of government. I’m proud to be a board member for a planning body that does just this. Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC) brings together elected leaders and staff from the state, counties and cities across our region. WFRC ensures that transportation investments, land-use decisions and economic development strategies all align with a shared vision—what we call the Wasatch Choice Vision.
The Wasatch Choice Vision is organized around four key strategies:
1. Real Transportation Choices - Expand travel options beyond the single-occupancy vehicle. By investing in transit, bike networks, sidewalks and more efficient roadways, we help everyone—from commuters to families running errands—get where they need to go safely and affordably.
Aimee Winder Newton
Salt Lake County
Councilwoman| District 3
2. Housing Options for All - Encourage development patterns and zoning that support a wide range of housing types—single-family neighborhoods, starter homes, workforce apartments and townhomes—so that people at every stage of life can find a place to call home that’s close enough to jobs, schools and services.
3. Plentiful Parks and Open Spaces - Preserve and enhance parks, trails and open land for recreation, environmental protection and community gathering. These green assets keep our air and water clean, support mental and physical health, and maintain the outdoor lifestyle Utahns cherish.
4. Vibrant City and Town Centers - Strengthen walkable downtowns and neighborhood hubs where people can live, work, shop and play. By focusing growth in these centers, we relieve pressure on suburban and rural areas, reduce drive times and foster stronger social connections.
No two communities are identical. What succeeds in Sandy or South Jordan might look different than what works in Murray or West Valley City. That’s why WFRC’s member jurisdictions—from the state Department of Transportation to Salt Lake County and its constituent cities—work side by side to adapt the Wasatch Choice Vision’s strategies to local circumstances, ensuring each community charts its own course while staying connected to its neighbors.
Putting the Wasatch Choice Vision into action will have concrete impacts right away—and pay dividends for decades: more jobs, conserved open space, less water used, billions saved in infrastructure costs, and reduced household budgets through more housing and transportation options. This translates to stronger communities, healthier families and a sustainable economy that can thrive even as we welcome more neighbors—along with our children and grandchildren—to our mountain valleys.
None of this would be possible without the active partnership of the state, county planning commissions, city councils, transit agencies, business associations and civic groups. Through WFRC, these diverse interests come together at the same table—an inclusive forum where big-picture goals align with local aspirations.
I’d encourage you to learn more about the Wasatch Choice Vision. Our region’s future quality of life depends on informed, engaged residents—and on leaders who listen, collaborate and act. Visit wfrc.org to see the Vision and learn more about how to stay informed. l
A Puppet Regime
It took decades, but Ronald Grump finally found a way to evict the residents of 123 Sesame Street. Grump (played by Joe Pesci) visited the TV show in 1994 with plans to demolish the beloved neighborhood to build Grump Tower.
Sesame Street doubled-down in 2005 when a selfish, orange-haired muppet, Donald Grump, tried to hire an apprentice to help with his trash empire. In the episode, Oscar the Grouch sings about Grump, “Whose name equals trash, to you and to me?”
Maybe he holds a grudge, but a U.S. president with a similar name signed an executive order to cut funding for PBS, a nonprofit provider of educational shows like Arthur, Elmo’s World and Sesame Street.
The move could throw the Muppets into the gutter. Bert will have to sell his paper clip collection, Elmo will be forced to pawn his tricycle and Count von Count will have to join an accounting firm.
From the beginning, Sesame Street championed diversity, equality and inclusion: three things the current administration is gleefully destroying. Humans on the show included Gordon and Susan (a Black couple), Maria from Puerto Rico, Luis from Mexico and the elderly Mr. Hooper, who was Jewish and ran the corner store.
The multicultural cast attracted big guest stars. Carol Burnett, Stephen Curry,
Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
Jones are just a few celebrities who visited Sesame Street, proving you’re never too famous to be silly.
Not only does the show teach children basic reading and math, it also teaches cooperation, respect and kindness. It’s tackled divorce, same-sex marriage, racial literacy, anger, sadness and even has a Muppet whose parent is incarcerated. The show never talks down to children.
When Will Lee died, his Mr. Hooper character died with him, leaving Big Bird distraught as his friends tried to explain the concept of death. That episode won an Emmy, one of more than 120 Sesame Street has collected.
Sesame Street has its furry finger on the pulse of American culture. The show is as much for parents as for kids. My favorite characters are the loveable Grover and Guy Smiley, the enthusiastic gameshow host.
I can still sing the show’s theme song,
along with “Rubber Duckie,” “I Love Trash,” “Doin’ the Piegeon” and hundreds of tunes from the show. I couldn’t begin to choose a favorite skit but I always loved the baker falling down the stairs. That remains my level of humor maturity.
The show is iconic. Big Bird is an international star. He visited Michelle Obama at the White House, made the cover of Time magazine, has a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and his picture on a postage stamp. I spent several months cross-stitching Big Bird’s face on a Christmas advent calendar our family still uses nearly 40 years later.
Maybe it’s because Muppets don’t vote. Maybe it’s because Oscar started teaching kids about recycling. Maybe it’s the Sesame Workshop’s mission statement, “Helping
children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.” Maybe the president just doesn’t like watching people have fun. My husband and I paid thousands of dollars in federal taxes this year, but if funding is cut for things I value, like PBS, science, national parks, higher education, Head Start programs and world health initiatives, maybe I don’t have to pay taxes anymore. I mean, seeing all these tax-free billionaires… tax evasion isn’t a crime anymore, right?
Sesame Street promotes kindness and community, while the president seems to only find value in wealth and power. As he said in 2011, “Part of the beauty of me is that I am very rich.” For anyone who’s ever loved Sesame Street, beauty has a much deeper meaning.
Robert De Niro, Billie Eilish and James Earl
