West Jordan Journal | May 2024

THE JOURNALS INTRODUCES NEW PROCESS TO ENSURE LOCAL NEWS DELIVERY

The City Journals have published newspapers every month for the past 33 years. During which we have mailed a copy of the Journal to nearly everyone in the city. We know from audits that over 70% of the households in the city read the Journal, but that means 30% do not. That is a

considerable amount of wasted paper. We also know that some people in the community are not receiving the Journal, although they want it.

Until now there was no way to address these issues. But now, using this QR code, you can select if you want to receive the Journal.

Because staying informed about local happenings is more important than ever, the Journals is proud to announce an innovative process to guarantee community members receive their local news each month.

Recognizing the vital role of local journalism in fostering community engagement and connection, the Journals has developed an approach to ensure timely and reliable news delivery to every doorstep within our coverage areas.

Using cutting-edge logistics technology and a dedicated team of delivery professionals, we can create enhanced route planning, tracking systems and distribution methods. The Journal aims to overcome challenges that have hindered timely news delivery in the past.

“It is important to keep readers informed about what’s happening in their

neighborhoods, schools, businesses and local government,” said Bryan Scott, publisher at The City Journals. “With this new process, we’re not only reaffirming our commitment to high-quality local journalism but also ensuring every member of our community has reliable access.”

We have deep gratitude for the United States Postal Service, whose dedication enables the delivery of more than 200,000 monthly Journals to our readers. This partnership is instrumental in ensuring our local news reaches every household efficiently and consistently. With our new system, readers will still receive their Journal in the mail each month but with more accuracy and control based on our new process.

This underscores the Journals’ unwavering dedication to providing trusted local news and information for our readers. Whether reporting on community events, highlighting local businesses, or investigating important issues affecting our neighborhoods, the Journals remains steadfast in its mission to celebrate and build the community.

The Journals encourages readers to provide feedback on their news delivery experience, allowing for improvement and refine-

ATTENTION: USE THIS QR CODE TO MAKE SURE YOU KEEP GETTING THE JOURNAL

ment of the process. With this groundbreaking approach, the Journals reaffirms its position as the leading provider of local news, delivering stories that matter to our valued readers.

Residents can now choose if they want to receive the Journal at their home by using the QR Code or by visiting Mail.TheCityJournals. com. We ask all residents to complete this form to continue receiving the Journal each month.

Share this message with others in the city who may not be familiar with the newspaper and want to sign up. l

• Bluffdale Fire Department 91, 92

• South Jordan Fire Department 61, 62, 63, 64

Thank You

• Unified Fire Authority Station 103 (Herriman)

• Unified Fire Authority Station 115 (Copperton)

• Unified Fire Authority Station 120 (Riverton)

• Unified Fire Authority Station 121 (Riverton)

• Unified Fire Authority Station 123 (Herriman)

• Unified Fire Authority Station 124 (Riverton)

• West Jordan Fire Department 54, 55

• Gold Cross Ambulance

• Bluffdale City Police Department

Join us in celebrating National EMS Week

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your dedication and service to our communities.

In celebration of National EMS Week, we invite you to join us for a free BBQ.

• Herriman City Police Department

• Riverton City Police Department

• South Jordan City Police Department

• West Jordan City Police Department

16 facts about 16-year-old Falcon Ridge Elementary School

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

1Falcon Ridge Elementary School opened July 27, 2008 with 735 students. At that time, the west side was exploding with growth. Enrollment this year hovers around 680.

2. The school community celebrated the school’s sweet 16th birthday with a party held April 4. Current and former students and staff mingled and a new mural, designed by BTS art specialist Jessica Brinton, was unveiled. The colorful mural, painted on the wall of the gymnasium/cafeteria, represents the school’s spirit of service, kindness and collaboration with its message “We rise by lifting others.”

3. The Falcon Ridge Elementary school motto “Together We Are More,” and the accompanying school song written by a student, haven’t changed in 16 years.

4. Four original staff members are still working at the school: former second grade teacher and current academic interventionist Kim Reynolds, front office secretary Jill Williams, and fifth grade teachers Shanda Sorensen and Carolyn Videtich. “The culture is amazing,” said Videtich, when asked why she’s stayed all these years.

5. Sorenson said one of the reasons she’s stayed is the great school leadership. “I've had amazing principals to work for that have really included everybody in a community,” she said. In the past 16 years, Falcon Ridge Elementary has had four principals: Karen Thomson, Paul Bergera, Michelle Peterson and Theresa Christensen. In her first year at Falcon Ridge, Christensen was chosen as Jordan District Elementary Principals Association’s 2021 Rookie Principal of the Year.

6. Falcon Ridge Elementary has a 1:1 technology to student ratio and is a STEM-focused school. Students explore science, technology, engineering and math with handson activities led by a specialist in a weekly class rotation, and can continue the fun after school at STEM Club. Fifth-graders develop projects for the school’s annual STEM Fair.

7. Musical school traditions include the Crescendo Choir for students grades 2-6, an annual Christmas sing-along, and musical Veterans Day and Patriotic Programs.

8. Upper grade students show what they know at Monster Math competitions and the school Geography Bee.

9. Falcon Ridge is a Golden Gate Kids school. Character values are also taught with the Second Step Character Education program.

10. A variety of after-school clubs are offered each year. Previous years included ballroom dance and coding. This year’s club options are Chess Club and STEM Club.

11. A school-wide recycling program is operated by students who collect paper and cardboard from each classroom every two weeks.

12. Student leadership opportunities include serving on the Student Council and volunteering as a Peer Leader. Peer Leaders organize group games at recess. “The peer leaders try to involve everyone,” Sorenson said. “They motivate the kids to all get up and come play.”

13. Falcon Ridge students host a school podcast, JR Falcon Podcast, in which they discuss topics such as favorite movies and snacks. They interview fellow students and faculty members to introduce their listeners to new perspectives

and get answers to their questions.

14. Fifth-graders participate in an annual 5K race as well as a winter service project.

15. A wellness room—with cozy bean bag chairs, mood lighting, books and games—provides a space for students to chill out and calm down. The school also has a fulltime psychologist.

16. A group of parents petitioned the school board to build Falcon Ridge Elementary. “They tackled and found a solution for every issue the district presented,” Christensen said. “The community’s perseverance paid off and Falcon Ridge Elementary was built. It has been incredible to see the amazing amount of service and participation in the community. It was a hard-fought battle for the school and it has been a pride for the community ever since.” l

JORDAN TEAM

The West Jordan Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout West Jordan.

For information about distribution please email hello@thecityjournals.com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website. The views and opinions expressed in display advertisements do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions held by Loyal Perch Media or the City Journals. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the owner. © 2019 Loyal Perch Media, Inc.

Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

Mieka Sawatzki | mieka.s@thecityjournals.com

Jason Corbridge | jason.c@thecityjournals.com

Ryan Casper | ryan.c@thecityjournals.com Greg Tanner | greg.t@valuepagesutah.com

A vibrant new mural is unveiled at Falcon Ridge Elementary School’s 16th birthday celebration. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

Tumbleweeds Film Festival aims to provide creative opportunity for kids

By Linda Steele | l.steele@mycityjournals.com

This marks 13 years for the Tumbleweeds Film Festival and the second year the festival was held in West Jordan at the Viridian Event Center.

“The idea for the festival is to be in a public community space, and provide lowcost or free opportunities for media arts education for kids and families,” said Julie Gale, festival director of Tumbleweeds.

The Tumbleweeds Film Festival is about watching fun movies that you can’t find on Disney+ or Netflix. The films are good stories, and some films are from around the world.

At the festival a lot of kids make their own content and find a lot of joy in being creative and unique. It is a great way for kids to share their experiences with other kids and the community.

Because a lot of kids make their own content, there is a kids film competition that is in its second year. The film festival has workshops and free activities so kids can explore and learn about ways to be creative and make content.

“The goal of the festival is to not only be a lot of fun, but it’s guaranteed to be something that kids two years old and up will enjoy. It’s also something the whole family can go to and enjoy,” Gale said.

There are some special guests that showed up to the festival this year. These guests work in the film industry and live in Utah. The film festival was excited that JK! Studios, who is the original cast of BYU Studio C, was at the festival and talked about sketch comedy and how they come together to make movie scripts and films.

With the workshops being low-cost a child or a family can take the workshops together. The workshop is hands-on where the kids or families can make a short stop animation movie. The festival features an all-Spanish workshop because there is a large Spanish speaking community in the West Jordan area. This workshop uses simple equipment and materials to make the films.

There are special guests that show up at the festival, plus workshops and film making. There is a feature that is called the Clubhouse in the lobby of the Viridian. There are artists, activities that family and kids can enjoy at no cost so the kids can get an idea of fun activities and see how films are made. The Clubhouse feature is fun for small children, older kids and the whole family can find something fun to do.

Utah Film Center partnered with the Salt Lake County Library System to screen the six films at no cost.

For Gale, it’s about opportunity and proficiency. “We really want to create a festival that gives kids the opportunity to express themselves through media arts, and also do it in a thoughtful way. Because

it is one thing to turn on a camera and start filming, it’s another to turn on a camera and start filming and be able to tell a really good story, and add creative touch and have fun,” Gale said.

The festival shows the kids how to make movies with what they have, whether it’s a camera, smart phone, tablet or laptop. The festival has a small supply of equipment to use in case they don’t have

anything to work with.

The Tumbleweeds Film Festival will happen again in April 2025 at the Viridian Event Center. For more information go to utahfilmcenter.org. l

Children watching at the festival (Photo courtesy Utah Film Center)

Above: Tumbleweeds Film Screening (Photo courtesy Utah Film Center)

Below: Override Films showing kids drone filming (Photo courtesy Utah Film Center)

A class at the Tumbleweeds Film Festival (Photo courtesy Utah Film Center)

ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM

to Honor Military Veterans for Their Service to Our Country

Monday, May 27, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

At Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy

FEATURED SPEAKER: Congressman Blake Moore

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

NAMI Utah takes strides to raise awareness for mental illness

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Open discussions about mental health address an increased concern for people affected by anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress and disruptive behaviors. The Utah chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness hopes continued discussions will create understanding and empathy for individuals struggling with mental illness.

As part of its education initiative, NAMI Utah will hold the Walk for Mental Health Awareness on Saturday, May 18 from 9 a.m. to noon at Veterans Memorial Park in West Jordan (1985 W. 7800 South).

“Everybody will be impacted by someone’s mental health at some point in their life,” Tina Jones said, NAMIWalks manager. “I think everybody should be educated on the basics, like who to call when your friend is talking about unaliving themself.”

The World Health Organization website states that 1 in every 8 people in the world lives with a mental disorder. In Utah, that number is 1 in 5. While there are several types of mental disorders, effective prevention and treatment options are available to help those individuals and their families.

Jones has her own experience dealing with mental illness with family members. She reached out to NAMI Utah a couple of years ago and ended up working for the organization as a mental health court advocate.

She sees prevalent discrimination toward people with mental illness, whether it’s being shunned for uncontrolled behaviors, fired from a job or shamed for living on the streets. Her goal is to direct people to find help for their disorders and create a dialogue of empathy in society.

“When I reached out to NAMI, I finally had real conversations with people who weren’t terrified to talk about mental illness and people who understood what it is,” she said. “I love this organization and what they stand for, for ending stigma. I’m super proud to be the one who’s marketing this event and hopefully doing more to get the business community to know about NAMI.”

NAMIWalk is the organization’s largest fundraiser, with proceeds going to help with programs like suicide prevention, support groups, education courses, therapy resources and criminal justice for those with mental disorders. NAMI Utah’s goal is to raise $50,000 to help break the stigma around mental

illness.

The walk will include a photo booth area, face painting, a craft table, multiple walking routes (from .5 mile up to 5K), information about NAMI Utah’s services and community resources. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services is a presenting sponsor for the event.

Individuals or groups can participate in the NAMIWalk by raising mon -

ey through donations (with all proceeds going to NAMI Utah), hosting an exhibit, sponsoring the event, donating goods or services or volunteering. For information, contact Jones at 801-323-9900 or tinaj@namiut.org, or visit NAMIWalks.org/Utah.

Jones invites everyone to fuel mental health awareness by attending or participating in the event to let people with mental illness know they are not alone.

“You can walk as little as a halfmile walk or as much as a 5K,” Jones said. “Some people in our community don’t walk at all, they just want to get together and talk, and that’s fine too.” l

NAMI Utah will hold the Walk for Mental Health Awareness on Saturday, May 18 from 9 a.m. to noon at Veterans Memorial Park in West Jordan (1985 W. 7800 South). (Photo courtesy NAMI Utah)

Benefits of Deep Brain Stimulation

with Dr. Joel MacDonald

Deep brain stimulation is an important surgical treatment option for patients experiencing progressive symptoms from Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder with prominent impairment of movement including a disabling combination of tremor, rigidity (stiffness), and bradykinesia (slow movements). As these symptoms worsen, they interfere with daily function and diminish quality of life. Even simple daily tasks like using utensils to eat can be extremely difficult. Many patients notice declining effectiveness of medications over time.

Deep brain stimulation both directly improves these symptoms and allows medication doses to be decreased so that side effects are minimized. The process involves a brief surgical procedure under local anesthetic to implant electrodes within specific targets of the brain. The targets are selected based on the predominant symptoms. The electrodes are then connected to a small implanted stimulator that can then be programmed to improve movement function. Programming is done by a neurologist. Most patients recover from surgery quickly but optimal programming can take some time. This type of surgery has been routinely performed at Holy Cross Hospital - Salt Lake for several decades.

For more information about CommonSpirit Health and our Holy Cross hospitals, including information about neurological disorders, please visit www.holycrossutah.org.

The following is based on real events. The names have been changed to protect identities.

Scalped at Work

Maria was a machine operator at a cardboard factory. The machine she operated turned flat cardboard blanks into complete boxes; taped and ready to be filled. As an operator, Maria had to load the machine with cardboard blanks, and remove the completed boxes and place them on a pallet. Occasionally there were cardboard jams, but nothing she couldn’t handle.

During one shift, Maria’s machine jammed. While fixing it, a small lock of hair that had escaped her hair net was grabbed by a gear as it began to spin. The gear devoured her hair and quickly began to consume more, leaving Maria in a tug of war for her life. With the emergency stop button out of reach, Maria began screaming for help while she continued to fight the machine. Before anyone was able to reach her, Maria shut the machine off herself, blinded by her own blood. Amazingly, Maria had managed to free herself from the grinding teeth of the machine, but it had cost her her scalp – skin and all. Luckily, Maria received prompt emergency treatment at a local hospital. It was there that doctors told her that her injury was such that she was not able to accept full skin grafts and because the skin of her head was gone, she would never be able to grow hair again.

Workers’ compensation handled Maria’s case as they should – at first. They paid for the

medical bills, and paid two thirds of her wage while she recovered from the accident. However, soon after (too soon, in Maria’s opinion), she was told to report back to work. Maria protested; she was still recovering from a traumatic experience and was unable to wear a hat, let alone a wig, because of the pain they caused rubbing against her tender head. Her workers’ compensation adjuster told her that she really should return to work as she was not entitled to any additional benefits. When Maria asked about compensation for the loss of her scalp and for having to go through life as a woman with no hair, the adjuster responded by saying that it wasn’t really their

problem because she could still physically do all the things she could before. While her disfigured scalp was unfortunate, it was nothing more than a cosmetic problem. Maria was shocked. Her battle with the machine had cost her much more than her scalp, it had cost her self confi-

She couldn’t believe that someone would describe her situation as nothing more than a cosmetic problem.

dence and had taken a serious toll on her mental health. She couldn’t believe that someone would describe her situation as nothing more than a cosmetic problem.

Believing more could be done in her workers’ compensation case, Maria called Davis & Sanchez for the help and understanding she needed.

While Maria’s accident may seem uniquely serious, these incidents happen more than you think given the number of manufacturing and construction workers across Utah. Work accidents can have life long impacts both at home and at work. Davis & Sanchez offers Utah’s injured workers serious help in cases big and small. Contact Davis & Sanchez at 801-746-0290 for a free consultation in your workers comp case.

Gary Schlichter, MD

Walker helping to drive Copper Hills girls golf team’s success

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

In

high school girls golf, it’s not unusual to find players who are just getting into the game. The Copper Hills team has a strong core of experienced players, including those who have been starters on the squad for a few years.

One of the team leaders is senior Kailee Walker, a hard-working, talented golfer who brings a good attitude to every practice and match.

Walker started playing golf around age 8, though it didn’t become a big passion until a little later. As a youngster, she played with her dad, as her interest and skills grew. She started playing consistently as a freshman. At this time, she tried out for the Copper Hills team.

“What got me started was always playing with my dad and having friends try out with me,” she said.

Walker is one of the top players for the Grizzlies and is someone head coach Jack Lambert can count on to perform and provide leadership by being a good example to the other girls. Her senior season has been a good one, as Walker has put up good numbers.

High school golf is a unique sport because, while players’ efforts go toward the team score, they aren’t going

up against other opponents in the same way athletes do in other sports. Golfers often measure their progress and success against their own efforts. This is one thing Walker enjoys about the sport. She also loves being around her teammates. Walker said she likes the camaraderie the Grizzlies have. She even has positive experiences interacting with opponents.

“What I enjoy most about the sport is being able to compete with others and myself and spending time with my team,” she said. “The best part of being on the team is working together and uplifting each other as a team and being able to get to know all the other girls on other teams.”

Golf can be a challenging game, and consistency is something many players struggle with. Walker hopes to finish the year strong with steady play, which she hopes will help her team at the region and state tournament. She also wants to polish a few aspects of her game as the season winds down.

“Some things I’m hoping to improve is my distance off the tee and to minimize my three-putts,” she said. “My goal this season to stay in the low 80s through the tournament season and to minimize

the three-putts to better my score.”

Copper Hills will try to qualify as many girls as possible for the Class 6A state tournament, slated for May 20, 21 at Soldier Hollow Golf Course in Midway. Walker expects to be a part of these big matches. Last season, the Grizzlies placed 10th in 6A. Walker was part of that group and hopes to move up the rankings this time around.

After the state tournament ends, Walker’s high school career will be over. As she reflects on her four years as a Grizzly golfer and on the time she has devoted to the sport over the years, she is grateful for the lessons she has learned and the memories she has made. She credits her father for her success and what she has learned.

“My dad has always been my biggest mentor,” she said. “He started me when I was young and has been there for everything else since.”

Walker said her post-high school plans are up in the air, though she will likely attend Salt Lake Community College.

“I’ll start my generals and go from there,” she said. l

Senior Kailee Walker has been a fixture on the Copper Hills girls golf team. She will end her high school career at the upcoming Class 6A state tournament. (Photo courtesy of Kailee Walker.)

Construction begins again with second groundbreaking, celebration for West Jordan’s new Community and Arts Center

Adedicatedspace for West Jordan’s Cul-

tural Arts Society has been in the works for a long time, making the public wonder if the West Jordan Community and Arts Center would ever be built.

When Mayor Dirk Burton announced the new center would finally be moving forward, the whole auditorium erupted in cheers after the Youth Theater’s performance of Tarzan in early 2024.

“Even though West Jordan is the big, third largest city in the state of Utah, when we have things like this, it helps it feel smaller and more connected,” Burton said.

On Friday, April 5, seven years after the first groundbreaking, a hopeful group gathered at the construction site for the building located at 8105 S. 2200 West and kicked off construction once again.

There are seven organizations under the Cultural Arts Society of West Jordan that will use the building including the city’s Concert, Jazz and Senior Bands, Symphony, Youth Theatre and the Sugar Factory Playhouse group.

The West Jordan Community and Arts Center is expected to be completed in mid-tolate May 2025, with shows starting in the fall that same year, said Tauni Barker of the city’s communications department.

A false start

After false starts in 2017 and 2020 when the building became too expensive for the city to complete, and a loss of funding because of COVID-19, Burton said both he and the city staff were anxious to get the project moving again. With help from SIRQ Construction and Method Studio, city staff adjusted the center’s original plans to cut down costs and make the home for the arts society a reality sooner rather than later.

“Instead of saying ‘hey, give me a price on this plan,’ we said ‘here’s the price, give me a plan,’” Burton said. “And that’s what they did.”

To make the building more affordable and stay under a $10 million budget, the size of the building was decreased and adjustments were made, like replacing the sloped auditorium floor with a flat one.

“It’s only about a 240 to 250 seat theater,” said Vic Groves, the secretary of the Cultural Arts Society of West Jordan. “So it probably wouldn’t be big enough for the symphony and the band and things.”

For now, Groves said, bigger performances will have to continue to be performed at the Viridian Event Center until a bigger space becomes available, but is happy to have a permanent place for the arts again.

Current plans leave room for expansion on the east side of the building to accommodate growth when more funding can be secured to

By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com

The official rendering for the future building looks similar, if not nearly identical, to the cost-effective version presented in 2020 after the project was halted due to financial concerns. (Courtesy West Jordan City)

increase the space, the mayor explained.

A homeless arts society

The building will be built almost exactly where the original Sugar Factory Playhouse building was torn down in 2005 and where the Sugar Factory Playhouse theater group performed more than 15 years ago.

Michelle Groves, chairperson of the Sugar Factory Playhouse, has been involved with the group for more than 26 years. She said the

group has been homeless for a long time and they are excited to have a center for the arts again, despite the smaller plans.

“We started in the park and then we went to the church that was next door to city hall,” said Groves before noting that they had to move from that space to make way for the new fire station.

The group relocated at least four times over the years, moving into the old library on

7800 South after the church location before finally renting out a space for rehearsals.

“Even despite the challenges, they’ve worked their way through those challenges, and they grew through them,” Burton said.

“We are so fortunate that the West Jordan arts community continued to put on plays, and they continued to do their visual and literary arts, they just haven’t had a real solid place to do it.” l

Mayor Dirk Burton of West Jordan leads the official groundbreaking for the new Community and Arts Center by throwing dirt, alongside West Jordan City Councilmembers Pamela Bloom, Kelvin Green, Chair Zach Jacob, and Bob Bedore, Utah State Representative Cheryl Acton and members of the city’s Cultural Arts Society, Vic and Michelle Groves on April 8. (Courtesy West Jordan City)

Rio Tinto Kennecott is excited to announce the launch of a new community engagement initiative called Local Voices, an innovative program designed to provide community members with an opportunity to confidentially share their views and experiences with the company.

Local Voices is delivered by Voconiq, a third-party global research company. Local Voices invites residents 18 years and older to participate in a series of online surveys aimed at gathering insights, feedback and suggestions directly from those who live and work near Kennecott operations. Local Voices provides insights into how community members feel about a range of topics including the impacts and benefits associated with the Kennecott operations, the effectiveness of company community investment programs, and the nature of the relationship between community members and the company.

Follow-up surveys will be conducted every year to track key issues identified in the first ‘anchor’ survey and provide regular opportunities for community members to give their feedback. Survey results will be used to inform and refine business and community investment plans and to guide Kennecott’s operational and business decisions.

“The approach allows a dynamic interaction between company and community that aims to increase understanding on all sides, build trust and strengthen relationships for better community outcomes,” said Voconiq CEO Kieren Moffatt. “Local Voices is a way to help communities engage with the companies that operate alongside them.”

One of the key features of the Local Voices program is its commitment to confidentiality. Participation is 100% confidential, with no personal details shared with Rio Tinto Kennecott. This ensures that individuals can express themselves openly and honestly.

Voconiq thanks community members for their contributions by donating to local not-for-profit groups, directly benefiting the local community.

The first Local Voices survey opens May 6, 2024. For more information, to participate in Local Voices visit https://voconiqlocalvoices.com/riotinto/kennecott

West Jordan City first to bring ‘Lights On’ initiative to Utah

By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com

On Monday, April 15, West Jordan

Police Department partnered with “Lights On” to start a new initiative in the city where officers can give out vouchers instead of citations for non-working vehicle lights.

“Within some households, seemingly minor issues like a malfunctioning taillight or turn signal can create significant dilemmas, pitting crucial repairs against basic household needs,” Chief Ken Wallentine said.

“This program provides our officers a way to engage in a wonderful conversation with people in our community and say ‘look, we can help you with that,’” Wallentine said.

A conversation that can start out pretty awkward.

Officer Kasey Griffin let me ride along with him after the initiative started for a couple of hours to observe how people reacted to the new vouchers.

West Jordan is the first city in Utah to implement the program and Wallentine said he hopes other cities in the state “will join with us.”

Money for the vouchers comes from the “Lights On” parent organization, Mi -

crogrants, and can be redeemed within two weeks for up to $250 at voluntary service locations within West Jordan.

“Anything we can do to make an encounter positive, it’s all the better for us and the community,” Sgt. Brian Schaaf of the city’s police department said, who spearheaded getting the program to West Jordan. “I think we’re all pretty excited.”

Griffin wouldn’t really consider himself “a ticket guy,” he just doesn’t like to ruin people’s days, he said.

While I was in the passenger seat, Griffin stopped three West Jordan residents for either a burnt out tail light or headlight, but only gave out one voucher.

“Because they’re so limited,” he said, “I want to get them to the people that really need them.”

Between 130 officers, there are only 200 vouchers until the end of the year because it’s just a pilot program for now. If this year goes well, there could be more vouchers to be given out next year.

To determine if the person being pulled-over would really benefit from a voucher, he asked subtle questions like “would this repair be a hardship for your family?” in order to gauge the situation.

It’s a question that prompted a surprised expression from each person he asked.

“The second I gave it to him, his face lit up,” Griffin said. The resident said thank you and continued on his way. “It can really be a good experience if the cop makes it a good one,” he said.

Big O Tires is one of the community-based locations where drivers can use the vouchers.

“The biggest thing is supporting these officers and what they’re trying to do,” Adam Garton said, manager of the West Jordan Big O Tires. “And take the perception of what a negative traffic stop would be and turn it into something positive.”

The “Lights On” program started in 2017 in Minneapolis to help build positive police-citizen interaction and has since grown to 160 departments across 21 states, said the company’s vice president, Sherman Patterson.

For the West Jordan PD, it’s a way for them to build and give back to the community.

“It’s a win-win for everybody,” said Patterson. “Why would you not want to do it?”

The initiative doesn’t have an expiration date and will continue as long as there is funding. l

Officer Kasey Griffin pulls over a West Jordan resident and gives them a voucher from the “Lights On” initiative worth $250 to fix a burned out tail and headlight. (Rebeccca Olds/City Journals)

education SECTION

A publication covering local graduation stories and events in the Salt Lake Valley City Journals presents:

With a little PREP in their step, underrepresented students are college-bound

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

“Without PREP, I'd be a loser right now,” West Jordan High School graduate Arlen Villalba Guerrero said. “I wouldn't be very far, just the same old boring stuff, getting ready to do a job that I didn't even enjoy.”

Arlen is one of 15 students graduating from high school with an Engineering Drafting and Manufacturing Technology Certificate of Completion from Salt Lake Community College through Jordan School District’s Pre-freshman Engineering Program (Jordan PREP).

Jordan PREP students, many of whom are typically underrepresented in STEM careers, take four years of science, technology, engineering and math summer courses to prepare to earn 30plus general and engineering college credits by the end of high school.

Arlen joined the program his sophomore year and immediately began to explore his options.

“Being in PREP, you get to think so early about how you're gonna get to what you want to do,” he said. “PREP makes you do so much better and shoot for so much more. I know everything I wanna do right now. I know exactly how to get where I wanna be, and I know exactly what I need to do to get where I wanna be.”

Arlen is now on the pathway to become an Air Force fighter jet pilot, with a head start and higher pay grade due to his college credits.

Natalia Solis said the PREP classes she took as a 12 year old helped her discover her interest in drafting and interior design. She is already on her way to earning a college degree, the first person in her family to do so.

First generation college students, those from economically disadvantaged families or underrepresented minority groups make up the majority of the

students in the Jordan PREP program, which recruits interested students from Title 1 designated schools to motivate and prepare them for STEM careers.

Jordan PREP Coordinator Stacy Pierce has been amazed by the students’ dedication to the program despite difficult life circumstances.

“You've got kids that you had no idea the challenges they had at home— and the challenges got far greater—and they're going to make it,” she said. “They're going to graduate from this program regardless of those challenges.”

She said the rigorous academic enrichment courses students take each summer during their middle school years, prepare them academically, socially and mentally for advanced courses in high school and increase their opportunities to attend college.

“Because it's not a camp—it's a rigorous academic program— I think that's been key to making these kids believe that they could do anything and pursue any career,” Pierce said.

She said the math courses have the biggest impact.

“Math is the gatekeeper that keeps kids out of, say, 80% of the higher paying jobs that help these kids break into a different economic level,” she said. “To help them maintain and build that math confidence—I think it's absolutely huge.”

Anna Fotheringham said staying academically active during the summer with PREP courses gave her an advantage.

“You learned a little bit of math before [school started], so when you did math [in school], you already kind of knew what you're doing,” she said. “So I feel like it gave me a step ahead in regular classes, and then also just in life, because we have a lot of college classes

done that kind of set us up to, if we want, pursue the certain career that they have set up for us to go into.”

When she was younger, Anna wanted to work in a nail salon but is now planning to earn a manufacturing degree.

“Doing programs like this made me realize that doing nails is not really going to give me enough money to live on my own, basically,” she said. “It made me realize I can do harder careers.”

Ayden Bascom said many of his friends don’t have a post-graduation plan yet, but that PREP taught him to think ahead.

“In PREP, especially with Stacy [Pierce], she tells you this earlier, to be prepared for life,” he said.

Natalia said the expectations set in PREP classes, especially during her middle school years, helped her set

higher goals.

“It pushed me into showing myself that I can do harder stuff than I had set myself to, because I had set my standards low for myself,” she said. “You can do much more harder things than you think you can.”

Lai Lai Havili almost dropped out of the program but is glad to be graduating high school with college credits he can use as a fallback plan if his dreams of playing in the NFL don’t work out.

Talon Johnson, who has always known he wants to be a chemical engineer, said the PREP program has not only given him a head start that will save him time and money, but the confidence to be successful in college.

“I have this foundation that a lot of other students may not, and I can push

Continued page 16

Jordan PREP Plus students will graduate high school with 30-plus college credits. (Photo courtesy of Stacy Pierce)

Unique traditions make graduation ceremonies special

By Jet Burnham and Julie Slama

Thousands of students will be graduating at the end of this month and each school will conduct their graduation ceremony with unique traditions, awards, celebrations and themes.

Students will be the main speakers at Providence Hall High School’s graduation ceremony. The student body president, two valedictorians and two other students will share their thoughts and wisdom with their peers.

“We really make it kid focused, so adults don't speak more than three minutes,” Principal Melissa McPhail said. “I feel like if we're waiting ‘til the last day to teach them something, then we have not done our job for four years.”

McPhail said one of the student speakers chosen to speak this year is not a well-known student but will share an impactful message.

“We get these kids who have had a unique journey through high school, and we catch the attention of those kids that weren't the activity type or the academic type,” she said.

Providence Hall’s graduation ceremony is always less than an hour and 40 minutes to ensure the students have time to celebrate with friends, family, and former elementary, middle and high school teachers who attend the ceremony. Of this year’s 155 graduates, 29 have attended Providence Hall since kindergarten.

After the speeches and diplomas, the students will leave the stadium as the ‘song of the year’ plays. McPhail chooses the song that best fits the graduating class. Last year’s song was Bon Jovi’s “It’s My Life” and in 2020, it was R.E.M.’s “It’s the End of the World As We Know It.”

“The kids really want to know all year what their song is going to be, but I wait until the day of graduation,” McPhail said.

Providence Hall’s ceremony will be held at the Zion’s Bank Stadium at nearby Salt Lake Academy, which also has a unique graduation tradition. Following the graduation ceremony, each Salt Lake Academy graduate receives five roses to give as a ‘thank you’ to their parents,

Continued from 15

myself to do more, to do better because of this foundation,” he said.

Talon will return to Jordan PREP in June as a tutor for some of the 220 PREP students taking classes this summer.

Many of this year’s program gradu-

teachers, counselors or friends.

“They get to present them to people who have influenced them along their journey,” school office manager Cheryl DeHeck said.

Gifts are also a part of South Valley School’s open house style graduation. Students and their families will also be treated to refreshments and a slide show highlighting each of this year’s 35 graduates.

Here is the pertinent information. ADA accommodations are available at all locations.

Academy of Math, Engineering and Science — An anticipated 118 students will take part in the school’s commencement exercises, which will feature nine student speakers and two musical numbers. The 90-minute ceremony will begin at 2 p.m., May 23 in Cottonwood High’s auditorium.

Alta High — About 545 seniors are to walk through commencement exercises at 10 a.m., May 29 at the University of Utah’s Huntsman Center with Canyons Board of Education Vice President Amanda Oaks and Board member Holly Neibaur speaking and will be joined by Director of High Schools Tom Sherwood. This year’s theme is “Alta, Let’s Fly!”

American Academy of Innovation — About 60 seniors will take part in their commencement exercises. Graduation will be at 6 p.m., May 29 at Thanksgiving Point’s show barn.

American Preparatory Academy —

At APA’s commencement ceremony, 52 students will graduate at 10 a.m., June 1 at the school. The APA Chorum Vita choir will be singing a Latin piece titled "Omnia Sol" by Z. Randall Stroope and "For Good" from the Broadway musical “Wicked.” The valedictorian will be selected in early May. The ceremony is by invitation only.

Beehive Science & Technology Academy — Twenty-three students will listen to their commencement speaker, Sandy City Council Member Mar-

ates were part of the first cohort of the Jordan PREP program which began the summer of 2018 with 25 seventh graders. It has since served over 300 students.

Nationwide, PREP is only a threeyear program. With grant money, a sponsorship by Merit Medical, and a partner-

ci Houseman at 7 p.m., May 23 at Salt Lake Community College’s Miller Free Enterprise Conference Center’s auditorium. This year’s valedictorian is James Nelson and salutatorian Lliam Delahunty.

Bingham High — Commencement exercises will be held at 5:30 p.m., May 30 in the UCCU Arena at Utah Valley University in Orem. The theme is from author T.S. Eliot, “The end is where we start from.” Speakers will include Jordan School District Superintendent Anthony Godfrey, Jordan Board of Education members Marilyn Richards and Bryce Dunford with Board president Tracy Miller and District Administrator of High Schools Brad Sorensen in attendance.

Brighton High — Canyons School District Assistant Superintendent McKay Robinson is scheduled to speak to 520 students who are expected to graduate at 2 p.m., May 29 at the Maverik Center. Joining him will be Canyons Board of Education President Amber Shill and former Board president Nancy Tingey. This year’s theme is “The future depends on what we do in the present,” by Mahatma Ghandi.

Copper Hills High — May 29, 6 p.m. UCCU Arena at Utah Valley University

“Be your best self”

ship with Salt Lake Community College, Jordan District’s program expanded to a PREP Plus program, continuing through high school to earn a college certificate and set the students up for a promising future.

“It so far exceeded anything I ever dreamed of when I first started the pro-

Corner Canyon High — “Always One” is the theme for 550 seniors who will graduate at 2 p.m., May 29 at the University of Utah’s Huntsman Center. Canyons School District Director of High Schools Tom Sherwood is scheduled to speak. Joining him is Canyons Board of Education Vice President Amanda Oaks and Board member Holly Neibaur.

Cottonwood High — About 400 seniors will walk through the traditional commencement exercises at 10 a.m., May 24 at the University of Utah’s Huntsman Center.

Cyprus High — May 23, 1 p.m. Maverik Center

Diamond Ridge — About 60 students will graduate at 6:30 p.m., May 28 at Eastmont Middle School’s auditorium. Canyons School District Director of High Schools Tom Sherwood is scheduled to speak. Joining him is Canyons Board of Education Vice President Andrew Edtl, former Board president Nancy Tingey and Board member Karen Pedersen. This year’s theme is by Canadian poet and author Rupi Kaur: “You don’t just wake up to become a butterfly. Growth is a process.”

Entrada — Canyons School District Director of High Schools Tom Sherwood

gram,” Pierce said. “If they decide not to pursue any more education, they've got a sustainable livelihood, and then they also have the option to continue their education and have the means to pay for it.”

For more information, see prep.jordandistrict.org.

Former Sunrise students who studied at several Salt Lake Valley high schools reunited at their elementary school prior to their 2023 graduation ceremonies. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

is expected to address 135 soonto-be graduates at 7 p.m., June 26 at Alta High School. Canyons Board of Education President Amber Shill and Vice President Amanda Oaks will be present. The theme is “Winners never quit. We choose to win!”

Granger High — May 24, 7 p.m. Maverik Center

Granite Connection High — An open house will be held 4-7 p.m. on May 22 and 23 at Granite Connection High.

Granite Peaks High — June 5, 6:30 p.m.

Granite Peaks

Granite Transition Services — The graduation ceremony will be 10 a.m. on May 23 in the Granite Connection Auditorium.

Hartvigsen School — May 23, 12:30 p.m.

Hartvigsen gym

Herriman High — May 30, 7:30 p.m.

Herriman High Football Stadium “Here and Now”

Hillcrest High — About 480 seniors will turn the tassel at their 9:30 a.m., May 29 graduation at the Maverik Center. The speaker is Canyons School District Assistant Superintendent McKay Robinson. Joining him will be Canyons Board of Education Vice President Andrew Edtl and member Kris Millerberg. The theme comes from American businessman and writer, Max Depree: “We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are.”

Hunter High — May 24, 2 p.m. Maverik Center

Jordan High — Canyons School Board of Education Vice President Andrew Edtl and Karen Pedersen will address the 430 seniors at the 6:30 p.m., May 29 commencement ceremony at the Maverik Center. For their theme, the seniors selected “And the Beet Goes On,” to tie into their nickname, the Beetdiggers. Canyons School District Assistant Superintendent McKay Robinson will be in attendance.

Jordan Prep Plus — May 3, 10 a.m. Maverik Center

Jordan Valley — Canyons School District Special Education Director Nate Edvalson will talk to five students who will graduate at 3:30 p.m., May 24 at the Hillcrest High School’s fieldhouse gallery. Canyons Board of Education former president Nancy Tingey and Board member Kris Millerberg will join him. The

theme is “Adapting to Change.”

Juan Diego Catholic High — The Baccalaureate Mass for 168 students in the Class of 2024 will be held on May 21 at the Cathedral of the Madeleine Catholic Church. The commencement exercises will take place on May 25 at the school. Both events require a ticket to attend.

Kearns High — May 24, 9 a.m. Maverik Center

Kings Peak High — May 30, 6 p.m.

Hidden Valley Middle Auditorium

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”Eleanor Roosevelt

Life Skills Academy — Eight students will graduate at 12:30 p.m., May 28 at the school. The theme is a quote by author J.R.R. Tolkien; he said: “The greatest adventure is what lies ahead. Each day brings new possibilities for exploration and discovery.” Speaking will be Canyons School District Special Education Director Nate Edvalson and he will be joined by Canyons Board of Education President Amber Schill, former president Nancy Tingey and member Karen Pedersen.

Lone Peak High — May 22, 12:30 p.m.

BYU’s Marriott Center

Mountain Ridge High — May 30, 1 p.m.

UCCU Arena at Utah Valley University

“This is the Time”

Murray High — The graduation ceremony will be held at 11 a.m., June 6 at the Lifetime Activities Center on Salt Lake Community College’s Redwood Campus.

Olympus High — May 24, 2 p.m. Huntsman Center

Paradigm High — At 4 p.m., May 30, 55 seniors will graduate at the University of Utah’s Kingsbury Hall. The yet-to-benamed valedictorian will be the student speaker.

Providence Hall — May 24, 10 a.m.

Zions Bank Stadium

River’s Edge — “Level Up” is the theme for this year’s commencement, which will be held at 1 p.m., May 31 in the school’s auditorium. Speaking will be Jordan Board of Education President Tracy Miller and Jordan School District administrator Lisa Robinson. Joining them will be Board vice president Darrell

Robinson and Board member Lisa Dean.

Riverton High — May 30, 8:30 a.m.

UCCU Arena at Utah Valley University

“Beginnings are usually scary, and endings are usually sad, but it's everything in between that makes it all worth living.” - Bob Marley

Salt Lake Academy — May 30, 10 a.m.

Zions Bank Stadium

Skyline High — May 24, 6 p.m. Huntsman Center

South Valley — May 29, 3 p.m.

South Valley School Cafeteria

“Chart Your Course”

Summit Academy High — May 30, 2 p.m.

Summit Academy High Gymnasium

Taylorsville High — May 23, 6 p.m. Maverik Center

Valley High — Graduation will be held at 10 a.m., May 29 at Zions Bank Stadium at Real Academy in Herriman. This year’s theme is “The People, The Stories, The Experiences.” Speaking will be Jordan Board of Education President

Tracy Miller and Jordan School District

Administrator of High Schools Brad Sorensen with Board vice presidents Darrell Robinson and Niki George and Jordan District administrator Becky Gerber in attendance.

Waterford School — At 10 a.m., June 6, the school will honor its Class of 2024 on the campus’ east soccer field. About 70 students are expected to participate in the commencement exercises, which will feature Waterford’s vocal ensemble, the Troubadours, as well as a musical performance by the Lower School students. ADA access is on the southwest side of the field.

West Jordan High — May 29, 2 p.m. UCCU Arena at Utah Valley University

“We didn’t know we were making discoveries, we were just having fun.”A.A. Milne in Winnie the Pooh

Young women in Jordan and Canyons School Districts are shaping the future of business

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

A celebration was held for the 22 graduates of the South Valley Chamber’s Junior Women in Business Program. This year’s cohort was the biggest so far in the history of the initiative that coaches high school seniors through leadership, business and mentoring opportunities.

Young women from high schools across Jordan and Canyons School Districts spent the year attending women in business events, meeting female entrepreneurs in the area, doing job shadowing, participating in service projects and receiving one-on-one mentoring with prominent business and civic leaders.

Savanna Barlow (Alta High School) said the experience was a valuable way to create connections with female leaders, gain experience with the legislative process and develop relationships with the other young women in the program. She plans to attend the University of Utah to get a degree in business management. Each graduate received a $1,000 scholarship.

“That scholarship was only the tip of the iceberg for what this program gave us,” Savanna said. “It was amazing. First of all, the monthly luncheons and the guest speakers

were incredible. We talked to CEOs, authors and entrepreneurs…Each of these women told us about the challenges they faced in the business world and in their personal lives. Those experiences are priceless.”

Sponsored by America First Credit Union, WCF Insurance, Intermountain Health and Crystal Maggelet, president and CEO of FJ Management, the Junior Women in Business program started 12 years ago.

Along with Savanna, these high school seniors also graduated from the program: Aubrey Campbell (Brighton High School), Ava Pezely (Riverton High School), Brooklyn Woodley (AHS), Chantel Moore (Jordan High School), Daira Camacho (West Jordan High School), Gabriella Martinez (WJHS), Giovanna Grant (BHS), Grace Mahoney (JHS), Grace Palmer (RHS), Hannah Bradshaw (Juan Diego Catholic High School), Healani Hernandez (Bingham High School), Jaci Elzinga (BHS), Kaitlyn Rios (Herriman High School), Kate Taggart (Corner Canyon High School), Kiara Sunil-Singh (Providence Hall), Madison Crowther (Copper Hills High School), Makai Johnson (Mountain Ridge High School), Mya Ruiz (American Preparatory Academy), Samantha Picker-

ing (JDCHS), Sienna Yang (Hillcrest High School) and Zoe Kener (CCHS).

“At the Chamber, we’re trying to do some good, and I think the community is a better place,” said Jay Francis, South Valley Chamber president and CEO. “We have 22 young ladies who have rubbed shoulders with some of the best business women in the community. We’ll just keep multiplying that and we’ll just be better.”

At the graduation ceremony held at the Jordan Academy for Technology and Careers South Campus, Sarah Davies (The Piano Place), Alma Lopez and Diana Lopez (Cakes by Edith), and Sadie Bowler (SadieB) participated in a panel discussion talking about their business journeys as female entrepreneurs.

“From the age of 11, I decided I wanted to go to business school and learn how to manage business, how to hire people, how to manage a group of people and eventually how to become an entrepreneur,” Alma Lopez said. “I feel super happy and blessed that my sister and I are able to take the reins of the business and manage the business and be entrepreneurs.”

Nearly two dozen young women graduated from the South Valley Chamber’s Junior Women in Business Program in April, after receiving leadership and entrepreneurial training. (City Journals)

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Larsen staying positive amid challenging season

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

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Even when a team is struggling, it can still find positives, and it can still have standout players and leaders.

Just look at the Copper Hills boys lacrosse team.

It has been a tough season for the Grizzlies. As of April 25, the Grizzlies had yet to taste victory in its 11 games. Copper Hills was 0-7 in Region 2 play. Several of the games have been one-sided, though the Grizzlies did have a couple of close calls in its first 11 matches. Copper Hills lost to Mountain Ridge 12-8 on April 11 and also fell to Lehi 8-4 on March 14 and 8-6 to West Jordan in the season-opener March 7.

Grizzly players might be frustrating, but they’re not throwing in the towel or giving up hope.

Team leader Gavin Larsen, a senior, is doing his best to keep spirits up and set the example on and off the field. Larsen had two goals, seven ground balls and five caused turnovers through the first 11 contests. Even though his team hasn’t had the season it wanted, Larsen is happy to be a Grizzly. He said the team enjoys good unity and friendships. The players even get together for activities off the field.

“The best things about being a part of the Copper Hills team is the unbreakable friendships I have made and also team dinners after games,” he said.

Larsen started playing lacrosse eight years ago. A cousin and uncle got him interested, and he has loved the sport ever since. For Larsen, lacrosse offered a distraction from life’s demands. It has been a stress reliever, a venue for him to leave

troubles behind for a few hours.

“The thing I enjoy most about lacrosse is being able to go out and play this beautiful sport, which allows me to forget about all of my problems and clear my head,” he said.

In his eight years, Larsen has evolved as a player. He has gained valuable skills and experience, which have come in handy for Copper Hills as it battled adversity. Larsen said his biggest asset to the team is keeping a level head and being optimistic, even when things look bleak. He gets along well with others on the team—so much that players feel comfortable coming to him to share their concerns and talk to.

“Some of my strengths as a player is being a positive leader for the team and being someone that my teammates can talk to when they need someone to go to,” he said.

Larsen believes he can learn life lessons from playing lacrosse, including enduring difficult experiences such as losses and setbacks. As his senior season comes to a close, he hopes to be more confident in his play. Developing this mindset can help out later in life, he said.

“One thing I am hoping to improve on is my confidence in game,” he said. “This could really benefit me and my skills not only in lacrosse but also outside of it.”

Even in a season where the team’s record doesn’t reflect the success the Grizzlies had wanted, Larsen said there are things the program can build on. His biggest aspiration this season is to prepare the younger players to grow the program and improve it. He is also trying to establish a

Gavin Larsen (No. 30 in the dark jersey) battles for the ball in a game earlier this season for the Copper Hills boys lacrosse team. (Photo courtesy of Shawn Lovell.)

West Jordan’s Overby making mark for Jaguars on the track

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

Thoughhe hasn’t been involved in competitive track and field for too long, West Jordan’s Dominic Overby has become a leader for the Jaguars.

Overby started running track as a ninth grader when he and some friends decided to give the sport a shot. Doing it largely out of curiosity and hoping he could simply have some fun trying something new, Overby quickly fell in love with track and field.

And he has been pretty good at it too.

This season, the senior has qualified for state in six events: the 100-meter, 200-meter and 400-meter runs, along with the long jump, 4-by-100 relay and 4-by-400 relay. A captain for the Jaguars, Overby has been undefeated this season in all of his events. This includes a successful unblemished record in offseason indoor events.

A highlight this season for Overby came at the Caveman Class at American Fork High school where he had a long jump of 24 feet 7 inches. It would have been the longest jump in Utah high school history; however, the jump was wind-aided, so it didn’t count. Plus, the sandpit didn’t have enough sand. Still, Overby has had other official standout performances this season. He won the 100-meter race at the Davis Invitational with a time of 10.68 seconds. He also won the 400 at this meet with a school record of 47.08 seconds—a time that also happened to be the fifth-best in state history in the event. Currently, Overby is in the top 10 in the nation in the long jump and top 25 in the 400. Overby loves how track allows him to work hard to improve every day.

“I enjoy being able to compete with myself,” he said. “Track is very mental and physical as well.”

Head coach Taylor Hatch said Overby is one of the hardest workers on the team in addition to being a talented athlete. He helps lead the Jaguars with his performance and attitude. This mindset has helped establish a strong sense of team unity and accountability for the Jaguars.

better culture on the team and build relations with others in the school.

“My goal this season is to leave an example for my teammates and for future players so that we can build up the Copper Hills lacrosse program,” he said. “Some things I am doing in order to accomplish this goal is volunteering the lacrosse team for as many school activities as possible. Some activities we have helped with this year include cleaning the Copper Hills stadium, walking in the homecoming parade, doing odd jobs—which is essentially going around different neighborhoods

“The best thing about being on West Jordan’s track team is the culture that has been built,” Overby said. “Everyone on the team knows the standard to give all their effort in workouts and races.”

As with any sport, track and field requires some natural talent to be successful. Athletes have to develop skills, have a good work ethic and understand the tactics of the sport. Because track and field can be both physically and mentally demanding, it’s crucial for athletes to focus on both areas. Overby said he is confident in his abilities to confront and overcome obstacles, which allow him to achieve goals and find success.

“The strength of being a track athlete is being mentally strong and knowing you can do hard things,” he said. “I always bring my best effort and high energy to the team.”

When it comes to what he does on the track with running and jumping, Overby is pleased with his efforts and progress. While there is always room to get better, his biggest focus this season has been on something entirely different. Overby is trying to be a better teammate.

“I’m hoping to improve being more consistent with being close to all my teammates in different events,” he said.

That team camaraderie is something that permeates the West Jordan team. The Jaguars support one another through every win and loss, all ups and downs. As a team leader, Overby is at the forefront of that charge.

Of course, that doesn’t mean he hasn’t set some lofty personal goals this season.

“I want to break the state record in long jump and the 400,” he said. “As a team, we all have made a goal to win state.”

Last season, the Jaguars had a strong showing on the boys’ side, coming in fifth at the Class 6A state meet with 49 points. This season, West Jordan is competing in Class 5A, potentially giving the team an even better shot of accomplishing its goal of taking first place overall. The state meet

asking people if there are any chores we can do in exchange for donations to paws for a cause. This allows our school to help out with buying Christmas presents for the less fortunate in our area and helping out with anything else they need. We have also helped out with decorating hallways at our school and helping at the special ed carnival.”

Last season, Copper Hills finished 4-12 overall and 2-3 in league play. The team was 8-10 in Larsen’s sophomore year.

Copper Hills closed Region 2 action May 2 with a home game with Corner Can-

this season will take place May 16–18 at Brigham Young University.

Overby will conclude his high school career at the end of May, but he doesn’t intend to stop running track. He hopes to compete at Iowa St. University where he’ll enroll this fall. Interestingly enough, track and field might not even be his best sport. He’s going to Iowa St. on a football scholarship. As a wide receiver for the Jaguars, he had 64 catches or 1,059 yards and 11 touchdowns this past fall. He also added seven rushes for 91 yards and a touchdown on the ground and had 53 tackles on defense. His efforts earned him First-Team All-State recognition.

At Iowa St., Overby hopes his schedule allows him time to keep running track.

yon. The final regular season game is May 9 against Pleasant Grove in a non-region home matchup. Larsen will call it a high school career once the season wraps up. He has many fond memories of playing at Copper Hills and has loved playing alongside some amazing teammates. Through some ups and downs, Larsen has learned a lot as a Grizzly lacrosse player. He credits various people for what he has learned and experienced.

“Some of my biggest mentors are my dad, Bryan Larsen; my little brother Zayne Larsen; and my girlfriend’s brother Braden

Overby is grateful for the people who have helped him along the way to becoming a standout track and field star. He has worked hard to improve, but he acknowledged that his accomplishments wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated coaches he has had. He credits Hatch for being one to push him to do his best.

“Coach Hatch motivates me to work hard,” he said.

At the state track meet, Overby will be among the favorites in multiple events. Last year, Overby was second in 6A in the long jump and fourth in the 400. l

Dean,” he said. “They are all constantly pushing me to be the best version of myself possible and are positive role models for me to look up to.”

Once the school year ends, Larsen will prepare for the next phase of life. He has already accepted a volunteer assignment to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Rancagua, Chile. When he returns home in two years, he wants to pursue a career in speech pathology or work as a teacher for students with severe disabilities. l

West Jordan track star Dominic Overby proudly displays some hardware he won at the Davis Invitational for his performances in the 100- and 400-meter races. (Photo courtesy of Taylor Hatch).

West Jordan track: Freeman jumping to new heights, lengths

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

TheWest Jordan boys track team is no slouch—and this season could be even better than the year before.

The 2023 squad had an outstanding showing at the Class 6A state meet, placing fifth overall. This season, the Jaguars are competing in Class 5A, so the opportunities may be there to finish even higher.

The Jaguars even have their sights set on a state title.

One key member of the boys team is senior Max Freeman, a standout high-jumper, long-jumper and pole vaulter. In fact, Freeman has qualified for state this season in all three of those events.

“[Freeman] is very talented, but he is one of the hardest workers on the team,” head coach Taylor Hatch said. “He always does what his coaches ask him to do and motivates others. He worked really hard during the indoor season and set the bar high for himself during the outdoor season. He is currently tied as the top pole vaulter in 5A and is top five in both the long Jump and high Jump. It is amazing seeing him run around to all three events at meets. He is very well composed and does not show any worry. He is very mentally tough to be able to compete at such a high level in all events. This year he also has been trying to qualify for state in javelin and is one of our top runners. He might also be on our 4x200-meter relay state team.”

Clearly, Freeman is a do-it-all athlete that has earned his coach’s praise. He has been a track and field athlete since his freshman year. The sport appealed to him right away.

“I wanted to do a sport that had to do with jumping, and I was a very active person,” he said.

Freeman placed 15th at state a year ago in the long jump with a jump of 19 feet 11 inches. He was also seventh in the pole vault in last year’s state meet. He has already accomplished his goal this season of getting back to state in those events as well as in the long jump. He’s hoping to improve on last year’s showing and also has his sights set on the Jags winning Region 4 and even the 5A crown.

As for what Freeman loves most about track and field, his response was simple.

“I enjoy hanging out with all my homies and being able to have fun and jump as high as I can,” he said.

A combination of natural talent and skill as well as hard work and determination have combined to make Freeman the athlete he has become. Success has come through consistent effort and a desire to be as good as he can be. Freeman is also a captain and team leader. He enjoys helping others and bringing them along.

“My strengths are probably doing my best and pushing myself in workouts and competitions,” he said. “I try my best to be an example on the team and to bring others up.”

The Jaguars are a tight-knit group. The team has strong unity and camaraderie, which is something Freeman enjoys most about the West Jordan program and competing on the team. But the most enjoyable part of being on the West Jordan

track team isn’t the wins or going for records. Freeman said it’s all about being together and having a memorable time.

“My favorite part is joking with others and helping each other up while having fun,” he said.

As the track and field season winds down, Freeman has some things he still wants to accomplish in this his final year as a Jaguar. He’s working on getting stronger and improving his personal records. The state tournament, which will take place at Brigham Young University May 16–18, will feature the state’s top track and field athletes. Nothing will come easy there, but Freeman is going to give it his all and aim to finish as high as possible in every event he takes part. He has some talented teammates, too, who will help push the Jaguars forward.

As Freeman has improved as a track and field athlete his four years at school, he acknowledges that he couldn’t be where he is today without the help and support of others. Plenty of people have been with him every step of the way, guiding him and rooting him on through good times and rough ones.

“My mentors have been my family, friends, and coaches,” he said “I´ve looked up to [my teammates].”

As many high school students and student-athletes feel, time has passed quickly the past few years. Once the state tournament ends, Freeman’s competitive track and field career may be over. He has some exciting adventures ahead, however.

“After high school, I’m hoping to hang out with friends and family and go on trips and probably work a bunch,” he said. “I also am going to serve a mission in Bakersfield, California.” Freeman will begin his two-year volunteer service for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Sept. 16.

The West Jordan team, including Freeman, will end its regular season in early May. The region and state tournaments follow. The more athletes the team qualifies for state, the better chance the Jaguars will have of competing for a state championship. Region 4 alone has some talented athletes, and 5A will provide some intriguing challenges for Freeman and his teammates. l

Students not shaken by Great Utah ShakeOut

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

“Jump under the desk and grab the legs, and then wait.” That is what third-grader Abby Aspenwall learned to do in the event of an earthquake. Abby and other Utah students practiced the “Drop, Cover and Hold On” response during the Great Utah ShakeOut earthquake drill held statewide on the morning of April 18. The purpose of the drill was to prepare students, teachers, staff members and parents to know how to respond during an actual earthquake.

“So if it’s real, you know exactly what to do, you know all the steps on what to do,” Abby said.

Abby was startled when she first heard the rumbling sounds that accompanied the announcement that the drill had begun, but she said she remained calm by reminding herself, “It’s okay, you know what to do, so it’s gonna be fine.”

Heartland Elementary School Prin-

cipal Buddy Alger said there was a lot of preparation for the drill in the days leading up to the event so that it would be a positive experience for students.

“We talked about how we would prepare for the Great ShakeOut, and what it would look like, and so they knew what to do,” he said. “We also made sure that each teacher talked through the drill with their students beforehand to make sure that nobody felt afraid during the drill.” l

Heartland Elementary students practice the “Drop, Cover and Hold On” response to the Great Utah ShakeOut earthquake drill April 18. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

Max Freeman, shown here in the long jump, has qualified for state in three events. (Photo courtesy of Taylor Hatch.)

Family affair: Hein following in brother’s footsteps on CHHS track team

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

Every sport offers different opportunities and challenges. When it comes to track and field, Copper Hills athlete Zoe Hein thinks it’s a pretty special thing to do as a high school student.

Hein is a junior for the Grizzlies and one of the top performers on the team. She runs the 100- and 200-meter races and also participates in the long jump and relays. Head coach Garth Rushforth praises her for always giving her at all and providing crucial leadership on and away from the track.

Likewise, Hein has nothing but positive things to say about the chance she has to run track and help her team.

“The thing I love most about track and field is that the environment is unlike any other sport,” she said. “Teammates and coaches are always cheering you on, and once the adrenaline rush hits, I feel like I’m on top of the world. Even when I’m not running, I enjoy being around friends and peers.”

That feeling of closeness and support is a hallmark of Copper Hills track and field, Hein said. She’s also proud to be a part of a program that has produced excellent athletes over the years. Hein it the latest in a line of talented Grizzlies.

“The best thing about being on the Copper Hills track team is knowing that my school has a long legacy of amazing athletes who have been able to run in college and set records,” she said. “They inspire me to work harder every day in order to achieve the accomplishments they’ve earned.”

Hein hasn’t been involved in competitive track and field for too long. In fact, it was just two years ago when she was a freshman that she picked up the sport. She has been a fast learner and is a natural talent.

But if it hadn’t been for a family member, she might have never given track a shot.

“I started track because my brother, Zeth Hein, did track in high school, and I always looked up to him, so it seemed like a great chance to follow his lead,” she said.

Hein has been a big part of the Copper Hills team this season, and she’s hoping she plays a role in the team’s success as the season winds down and moves to the state championships. Her goals this season are lofty.

“Some of my individual goals I plan to accomplish this season are to break 12 seconds in the 100-meter dash and to break the school record for the 200-meter dash and long jump,” she said. “My goals this season for the Cop-

per Hills track team are for the team to place in regions and to collectively get better.”

Last season, the Grizzlies placed 12 on the girls side at the Class 6A state meet. Hein and her teammates are aiming to move up the standings this season. The state meet will be held at Brigham Young University, May 16–18.

Though weather conditions can affect any outdoor sport—and springtime in Utah can offer a wide array of weather, such as wind, cold, rain and even snow—it can be especially troublesome in track. Running against a strong wind, for example, can be difficult. Doing the long jump in the rain is no easy feat. But Hein is confident in her abilities to perform well despite the external factors.

“I’d say one of my greatest strengths is my ability to dial into the race no matter the obstacles (weather, head wind, etc.),” she said.

Throughout the season, Hein has been working on improving her abilities. As a junior, she has one year to go, so she’s already looking toward the future and ways she can even better contribute to the team. The sport provides numerous events for athletes to explore. Hein has specialized in the 100 and 200 as well as the long jump. This year, however, she has made it her goal to give some other events a try.

“I’m hoping to diversify my track events and try new events I haven’t even thought about trying before,” she said.

For Copper Hills to be a factor in the state meet, it will have to qualify as many athletes as possible in the Region 2 championships. Hein could be one to watch at state, though she knows the competition will be stiff, as many talented 6A athletes will be in the mix for medals. Last year, as a sophomore, Hein placed third at state with a top jump of 17 feet 5 inches. She was an inch and a half out of second place. She was also seventh in the 100 with a time of 12.54 seconds, just .04 seconds behind sixth place and .1 seconds behind fifth place.

Though she still has another year left in high school, Hein is already thinking about her post-Copper Hills plans. She intends on continuing her track career by competing at the next level.

Hein is also humble and credits her accomplishments to many people. She expressed gratitude to a variety of individuals, each of whom have shaped her career in some

way.

“My mentors have been Zeth Hein, Baylee Beck (teammate at Copper Hills), Mitchell Brown and Garth Rushforth,” she said. “I credit my success to Brett and Camille Hein, my coaches and Christian Sandoval from Total Athlete Training.”

With Hein coming back to the Grizzlies next season, Copper Hills should continue to be a team to watch in 6A. l

Copper Hills track standout Zoe Hein, shown here in a relay race, is one of the state’s top performers in the 100-meter run and long jump. (Photo courtesy of Jason T. Strother, @jtsmedia.io)

West Jordan one of two Utah cities in top 15 of most affordable and safest cities in the U.S.

By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com

WestJordan made it in the top 15 for the safest and most affordable mid-to-large cities in the United States based on a new study published by MoneyGeek.

Cities that outranked West Jordan in the category included cities in Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Washington, New Mexico, Kansas and Colorado, with Westminster, Colorado having a perfect score.

West Jordan was 15th on the list with a score of 81.

“This recognition highlights your commitment to our community,” Mayor Dirk Burton wrote in his March Mayor Message to residents. “Thank you for being kind to your neighbors which vastly improves quality of life for all of us. Meanwhile, West Jordan continues to provide a secure and accessible living environment for all our residents.”

The ranking is based on several factors analyzed by the company, but primarily based on the researcher’s previous list of 2024’s safest cities analysis, where West Jordan ranked 106th overall.

“The recent data reflects the success of this proactive, education-based approach to policing, which contributes to a sense of safety within our city,” Chief of Police Ken Wallentine said.

Wallentine said officers are “deeply committed to fostering strong community connections” by being actively involved in all aspects

of the community because they believe like Martin Luther King said, “People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don’t know each other; they don’t know each other because they have not communicated with each other.”

“In our department we speak and believe that ‘you matter like I matter,’” Wallentine said.

To get feedback from the community, the department initiated easily found surveys through a QR code placed on an officer’s business card to find out how the community per-

ceives officers in the area.

In addition to the city’s standing as a safe city within the country, the most affordable aspect is because of efforts by the local government to create more affordable housing units, find funding from other sources besides taxes and bring larger businesses to West Jordan, said West Jordan Public Affairs Director Tauni Barker.

The largest investment in transportation infrastructure in the city’s history will kick off in May and be mostly paid for by outside funding, only supplemented with the city’s existing

capital investment funds, Barker said.

During Burton’s first term, the city has secured $30 million in outside funding with the payout lasting decades as the mayor is determined to stretch tax-payer dollars as much as he can.

For more affordable housing options, the city has approved 9,000 new housing units and encouraged more accessory dwelling units, such as basements, garage studios and/or a second dwelling on a single property.

In four years, the city has welcomed businesses such as The Grace Company and Walker Edison, and expanded established relationships with Aligned, Amazon and Sprung.

“West Jordan is proud of our city’s reputation as one of the most affordable and safest places to live,” Barker said. “Our commitment to conservative fiscal policies and prudent budgeting practices has not only ensured our financial stability but has also allowed us to invest in vital services and infrastructure while maintaining low taxes.”

“All of these economic development projects contribute to our bottom line, but also provide valuable jobs for our community,” Barker said.

Layton, Utah was the other Utah city on the list and ranked as the 14th most affordable and safe small cities in the U.S. by MoneyGeek. l

All ages, communities, languages welcome at Story Crossroads Storytelling Summit & Festival

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

Avariety of languages and cultures will be celebrated at the 9th Annual Story Crossroads Storytelling Summit & Festival May 13-16.

Story Crossroads Founder and Executive Director Rachel Hedman, who knows hundreds of stories from every part of the world, has always had the goal of a multicultural, multilingual and multiage experience at the Summit & Festival, but she said it takes time to earn a community’s trust.

“Sometimes communities can be insular, and not because they want to have these barriers with each other, but just because of the comfort level— ‘It’s always been this way and so why are we suddenly opening up and doing it this way?’ she said.

Fourteen different languages were

represented at the first Story Crossroads Summit & Festival nine years ago. American Sign Language interpreters have always been provided and Spanish interpreters have been provided consistently for the last few years.

Deaf storytellers have also been featured, such as this year’s award-winning Deaf professional storyteller Peter Cook. For the first time, Deaf students have been invited to perform with the youth tellers this year.

“This is the year where it feels like different communities are finally realizing that we are here and we have tried to showcase different languages, to spotlight and to celebrate different languages,” Hedman said.

One of the regular features at the Summit & Festival is a Language of Story series. Past years have explored storytelling in ASL, Portuguese, German, Hungarian and Tongan. This year’s language of

An aerial view of West Jordan City Hall. (Courtesy West Jordan City)

A youth teller performs at the 2021 Story Crossroads Storytelling Summit & Festival. (Photo courtesy Bob Davis)

focus presentation is Spanish, and for the first time, will be a trilingual experience. The presenter, Dr. Tomás Hidalgo Nava, will speak in Spanish and then in English, which will then be translated into ASL.

State of the Art report, now in its third year, to allow communities the opportunity to share the past, present and future storytell ing of their culture. This year’s presenters are represe and Japanese-American communities.

tival events are hybrid, with options for both in-person and virtual attendance. A variety of ticket types for individuals, fam ilies, youth groups and schools are avail able at storycrossroads.org/festival.

the economic barriers, or language barri ers, or any kind of barriers, because people need the experience of storytelling,” Hed man said.

art performances and education, with several workshops directed at teachers. School districts with storytelling programs send their top student tellers to perform.

vite every year, but really, it wouldn’t be a Summit & Festival without the youth tell ers and our amateur tellers,” Hedman said.

outreach locations such as preschools and community centers and by virtual links to

Professional storyteller Norm Brecke performs at Little Critters Preschool as part of the 2023 Story Cross roads Storytelling Summit & Festival’s outreach events. (Photo courtesy Rachel Hedman)

Over the last few years, more readers are emailing us about the Life and Laughter columns that run in the Journal. Last month, realizing the topic was more controversial, we decided to ask for reader feedback. Our readers left nearly 200 responses.

Over 60 percent of readers agreed with the article. Here is a small sampling of the comments that we received from our readers.

“I always love Peri Kinder's articles. I am on the same page with her politically. However, the length and tone of her articles make clear they are written for people who already agree with her - not for people on the fence or are looking for information on a topic”

“Peri inspired some thoughts that I hadn't paid much attention to.”

“Peri's bigotry is showing. No one should have to apologize for their sex, race, income status, or sexual orientation, unless of course, according to Peri, you’re a straight white male in Utah. Replace white with black and male with female in her piece and maybe you’ll be able to recognize the vitriol for what it is. Women are entitled to safe, private spaces, and I guarantee that if there were a man pretending to be a woman ogling at Peri in the bathroom, she might feel just a wee bit uncomfortable. As a woman, I’m tired of feminists telling me to “just get over it” and that my feelings don’t matter. Must I once again subjugate my desires in deference to a man who wants things his way? Maybe you should ask the girl in Virginia who was sexually assaulted by a transgender girl in the girls’ bathroom at school. Just because Peri doesn’t mind men in her bathroom doesn’t mean the rest of us aren’t traumatized by it. The Legislature did absolutely the right thing, carefully balancing the rights of transgender people with women’s right to privacy and safe separate spaces.”

“Biological men do not belong in the same restroom as women. I do not want my children to ever be in a bathroom where a man is present. Just because the author has not encountered a “creepy man dressed as Mrs. Doubtfire, accosting women in the re-

Life and Laughter Reader Response

stroom,” does not mean this has not occurred. There are numerous cases where women have been assaulted by so called transgender info inside of women’s restrooms, for example, the case in Louden County VA.”

“I really like a lot of her articles but I am very opposed to pretty much everything she said in this one.”

“I agree with most of the comments about the legislature. However, I do not want transgender (born male) in my women's bathroom. They can use the family bathrooms which are becoming much more available.”

“Responding to "the article" as a whole cannot be done here because many different opinions were expressed on many issues. My only reaction to the overall article is "what happened to laughter"? I have often enjoyed your humor but this article had none! That's sad.”

"I agree that Trans women should not be allowed in the female bathrooms. Why? Because they are not women. There are only two genders. There always have been two genders and that cannot change. It is not dependent on what we think we are or are not. We cannot and should not change the gender given to us by our Creator. I think He knows best.”

“Also, the author makes it sound like not allowing Trans women in a female bathroom is being unloving...love thy neighbor. Since when does disagreeing with someone's lifestyle directly correlate to being unloving? In any relationship we have with others, there are likely times we don't fully agree with someone's opinion or choices. We can still love that person, but not agree with their actions or lifestyle. These days it seems that if you disagree in any way with diversity, equity and inclusion you are labeled a hater. How is it that everyone else is entitled to their opinion but if mine is different in any way, I am wrong. How is that loving? We live in a free country that allows us to have a variety of opinions and express those opinions in a respectful way. But we also have to understand that not everyone is going to agree with each other and that is OK. With the bathroom issue, single stall bathrooms that allow either gender is the best solution in my opinion."

“Agree 100%. Peri is right. Sometimes it is embarrassing to live in this state with the things the legislature worries about and focuses on, and the bills they pass. There are more important problems to deal with than worrying about which bathrooms people are using, fighting DEI, and what books kids should or shouldn’t be reading. Frankly I think some of these things send the wrong message; I fear the kids are only learning that the adults don’t trust them to make good decisions. Or any decisions at all which will only lead to more problems down the road… an even more intolerant society with no critical thinking skills which is never a good thing.”

“This article is right. I couldn't agree more with all of Peri Kinder's articles. This one is my favorite.

I usually read the Peri Kinder column to get a good chuckle but this one hit the nail right on the head.”

“Thanks for printing this. I'm a trans woman who lives here and this was nice to see. I worked at the airport before, now I'm

looking for a new job. It's been a rough couple of years for trans people and can seem overwhelming at times. Thanks for reminding me there's allies out there.”

“Peri is so sensible. I appreciate her writing this column.”

"I completely agree. We have a short legislative session and too much time and efforts were made supporting hatred and exclusion, singularity of thought and government being for themselves instead of for the people.

Read the polls: none of this is what the majority of voters are asking for.”

“It is so refreshing to read an opinion driven by common sense and compassion, rather than ignorance and fear. I know people in Utah are more compassionate than those who represent them, based on proposed legislation.”

“I look forward to Peri Kinder's article every month. This article was especially "spot on". Government needs to be more transparent! Not hidden behind so called "privacy" laws that block access to to the daily calendar of elected officials. I also agree with Peri's stance on public restrooms. Nobody goes into a restroom 'looking for" a transgender. They are there to "do their business" and leave asap! I have noticed that airports, some restaurants, and some of the wonderful theaters (Pioneer Theatre's new Meldrum Theatre and The Eccles) have an open doorway. The stalls allow for individual privacy, but the rooms are open and very visible. This is the first time I have used my scanning code. I felt it was important to express my point of view.”

“Acceptance has been slow over the years, but acceptance of the reality is gaining more support as people learn about their families.”

“I question the comments about guns in schools but clearly agree with the rest.”

My dog, Jedi, runs to the closet where her leash hangs. She spins in circles as I take it off the hook and click it on her collar. She bites the leash and pulls because I’m just not moving fast enough. She is so happy to walk the neighborhood and terrorize small animals.

Usually, these daily walks cheer me up, but recently, I follow behind her like I’m wearing cement shoes on a muddy beach. Does anyone else feel soul-tired?

I’m the weariest I’ve been since my daughters were newborns when sleeping two hours a night left me moving through life in a haze of dirty Pampers and milk-sour T-shirts.

But what’s my excuse now? I’m a deflated balloon, bouncing along the floor without the helium needed to float. I’m too weary to yawn, too sluggish to nap.

I guess I’m not alone because author and computer science professor Cal Newport said we’re in the throes of “The Great Exhaustion.”

It’s not about getting more sleep, it’s not about eating more fiber or fewer Hostess Twinkies, it’s a complete burnout because rest is a sign of weakness.

Taylor Swift recorded a double album while performing in a sold-out global tour

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

Dead on My Feet

and then flew halfway around the world to catch her boyfriend’s little football game. And here I am, struggling to write a column and make it to my granddaughters’ soccer games.

I sprawl on the couch watching dust accumulate on the end tables, too fatigued to do anything about it. I pray a brisk breeze blows through the house, scattering the dirt back to the floor where it belongs.

I feel a lot of people are in this same engineless boat. It doesn’t help that companies now require employees to return to the office, even though the flexible, at-home schedules have kept thousands of women in the workplace. Even though, for the first time in history, job schedules have helped women feel like work and home are almost manageable.

Our energy is also being drained fast-

er than our bank accounts because we’ve trained ourselves to be 24/7 content creators. We spend a crapload of time making reels about our trip to the Grand Canyon or a TikTok video about how to raise goats and make goat milk ice cream.

But there’s more! Start a tech company during your free time! Renovate your kitchen and use time-lapse videos to share with the world! Become an Instagram influencer by creating beauty masks using pencil shavings! Document all the moments all the time and share on all the platforms!

With nonstop information from streaming shows, music, podcasts, audiobooks and social media going directly into our big noggins, our brains are tired. Every person in your household (and possibly your pets) is processing information at speeds unheard of just a few years ago. There’s probably smoke coming out of our ears.

It’s a firehose of electronic data. Everything is breaking news. Everything is trying to capture our brief attention. Life is one big clickbait link and we doomscroll like we’ve been enchanted by a wizard to sell our souls for just a little more spilled tea.

Are you feeling burnt out? Tell us about it. Are you feeling fresh, share your secret with us!

The funny thing is, we can turn it off, silence the noise and deactivate the notifications. But our cortisol addiction is out of control. So what do we do?

Jedi has the right idea. Walking outside, breathing fresh air, maybe even chasing a cat up a tree reminds us the small things matter. Quiet rituals are important. “The Great Exhaustion” is a bone-deep weariness but also a reminder we’re not alone as we stumble through life.

Maybe in sharing our weariness, we can find a listening ear, a comforting shoulder or a Hostess Twinkie.