RICHARD PAUL EVANS THE 2025 STAR AWARD
When Richard Paul Evans wrote the #1 best-seller, The Christmas Box, he never intended on becoming an internationally known author. The story was written as an expression of love for his then two young daughters. This quiet story of parental love and the true meaning of Christmas made history when it became simultaneously the #1 hardcover and paperback book in the nation. Since then, more than eight million copies of The Christmas Box have been printed.
He has since written 46 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, and he is one the few authors in history to have hit both the fiction and non-fiction bestseller lists. He has dozens of awards for his books including the American Mothers Book Award, two first place Storytelling World Awards, the German Leserpreis Gold Award for Romance, and the Romantic Times Best Women’s Novel of the Year Award, and is a five-time recipient of the Religion Communicator’s Council’s Wilbur Award. Evan’s Michael Vey young adult series is a #1 New York Times 10-book bestselling series and has won more than a dozen awards. His books have been translated into more than 22 languages and several have been international best sellers. There are currently more than 35 million copies of his books in print.
Seven of Evans’s books were produced into television movies and have starred such well-known actors as Maureen O’Hara, Rob
Lowe, Christopher Lloyd, James Earl Jones, Naomi Watts and Academy award winners Vanessa Redgrave and Ellen Burstyn. Last November, Evans had his first feature film produced by Netflix starring Justin Hartley from the television hit This is Us. The film was the #1 Netflix movie in the world the week after Thanksgiving.
During the fall of 1998, Evans’ founded The Christmas Box House International, an organization named after his first novel, and that is devoted to building emergency shelters and providing needed items, resources and services for abused, neglected, trafficked or homeless children, teens and young adults. Such shelters are operational in Moab, Ogden and Salt Lake City. To date, more than 140,000 children have been served and protected. In addition, his book, The Sunflower, was the motivating factor in the creation of The Sunflower Orphanage in Peru. Evans was awarded the Volunteers of America National Empathy Award and the Washington Times Humanitarian of the Century Award.
As an acclaimed speaker, Evans has shared the podium with such notable personalities as President George W. Bush, President George and Barbara Bush, former British Prime Minister John Major, Ron Howard, Elizabeth Dole, Deepak Chopra, Steve Allen, and Bob Hope. Evans has been featured on The Today Show and Entertainment Tonight, as well as in Time, Newsweek, People, The New York Times, Washington Post, Good Housekeeping, USA Today, TV Guide, Reader’s Digest, and Family Circle. Evans lives in Salt Lake City with his wife and family, and has a fondness for the alpaca on his ranch.
“Richard is a gifted author who has captivated his fans with a Christmas novel nearly every December since he wrote The Christmas Box 32 years ago. He has a younger audience with his Michael Vey series. They call themselves “Veynics.” They are diehard fans!
Based on his best-selling novel The Christmas Box, there are more than 180 Christmas Box Angel of Hope statues across the country, including Canada and Japan. Every December 6, those who are grieving the loss of a child can gather at an Angel of Hope statue, to give comfort and support each other. The first Christmas Box Angel monument is in the Salt Lake City cemetery, and was dedicated December 6, 1994.”
DIANE GLAD
Richard’s Assistant
“Through his Michael Vey series, Richard has inspired youth to face and conquer their personal obstacles as they struggle with physical, emotional, mental, or social challenges. Through his series The Walk, Richard has helped adults who have lost everything reflect, regroup, and rebuild their lives. Prison inmates have expressed how much that series has helped them in their own journey. Richard started Author Ready, a labor of love that teaches aspiring authors how to write, publish, and market their books.”
LYNN TAYLOR
Friend & Colleague
“Aside from the image the public knows as ‘The Father of Christmas Fiction,’ the personal and private image of Richard Paul Evans is one who does the most good with what he has been blessed with; from helping as many abused and abandoned children as possible through his Christmas Box International non-profit, to being hands-on involved in guiding others who wish to be a published author as he has been for decades. The highest compliment I can attest to Rick, is that I find no guile in him. He is who he is, and that’s all that he is...”
KEVIN FOSTER
1989 Guinness World Record Holder/ 1990 Cyclist of the Year
JOHN BOWMAN LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
John Bowman was born into a musical family and grew up in Rexburg, Idaho. After high school he attended Ricks College, served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to Taiwan, and earned a degree in Music Education from Utah State University. John went to Brigham Young University for graduate school and earned a Master’s Degree in clarinet performance in 1994. He continues to enjoy performing, most recently with the Orchestra at Temple Square and the Utah Wind Symphony.
In 1994, John began teaching at Mountain View High School in Orem, and he will retire at the end of this school year. During his 36 year teaching career, his assignments have included concert band, jazz band, orchestra, percussion, choir, elementary music, marching band and Advanced Placement Music. In addition, he has conducted orchestras for many school and community theater productions. Throughout his career, John’s music ensembles have consistently received superior ratings at high school music festivals and the Mountain View Wind Symphony was a featured performance group at the 2013 Utah Music Educators Conference.
John has served in leadership roles in the Idaho Music Educators Association, Utah Music Educators Association and the Utah High School Activities Association. He has also been requested as a guest conductor for high school and university performance ensembles. He was recognized as the High School Music Educator of the Year in 2017 and
Outstanding Music Educator in 2019. In 2020 he was honored with the National Federation of High School Region VII Outstanding Music Educator award. He received citations of excellence in 2013 and 2022 from the Utah Bandmasters Association and in 2018 from the Music for All national organization.
John has been involved in the community through organizing music ensembles for the annual Veteran’s and Memorial services and serving as a member of the Orem Heritage Commission. In 2019 he was recognized by the Heritage Commission for his community service. As part of the recognition, the following tribute was written by a Mountain View High School principal: “John Bowman has been the main source of knowledge and expertise in the Performing Arts at Mountain View High School for over 30 years. He is a master musician and instills the love of music in the heart of every student he teaches. He has helped COUNTLESS students get college scholarships in instrumental majors and has had a huge impact on our students. He is kind, patient and easy to work with. He has high expectations for his students, but provides wonderful support to help them succeed. He has the reputation of patience, hard work, talent, fierce loyalty and love for his students.”
John is married to Deborah, a talented seamstress, costume designer, vocalist and cellist. They have two children and five grandchildren. They are delighted that their children also work in artsoriented careers and that their grandchildren are budding thespians and musicians.
“John has encouraged me and supported me through my first 12 years of public school teaching, and I’m so grateful for him.
On the side, he has become a master of the technical workings of the physical musical instruments and has worked as an instrument repair technician at Summerhays Music for many years.
He has touched the lives of thousands of young minds. He inspires with his quest for excellence, always pushing his students to be more technically proficient and musically expressive. He is a natural leader and role model, modeling optimism, compassion, and grit. I also respect that he is fiercely loyal to his wife, kids, and grandkids; he talks about them with such pride and love.”
BRETT TAYLOR
Friend & Colleague
“John Bowman is one of the most exceptional people anyone could ever meet, and the Optimus Prime of teachers that any student could ever have. He is a man of great integrity, a man of high moral value, and the embodiment of exceptional knowledge.
It is his love for students and for teaching that directed him on the path of education. John created exceptional lesson plans which catered to different styles of learning. Not all students think like artistic students. Some students think in very ordered and nonartistic ways. John was as able to teach a student who fit in this category as well as he could teach students who were naturally artistic. This is a sign of a master teacher. John and I worked on over 20 musicals in our years together, and every orchestra for every musical sounded as professional or better as any audience would hear elsewhere.
John must be remembered as being one of the most influential people at Mountain View High School, Alpine School District, and in the state of Utah music education system. He taught longer in the city’s high school music program than any other teacher. Most leave early because of the demands; John stayed because the students needed him.”
Nathan Criman
Friend & Colleague
“John Bowman is the kindest teacher I know. As long as I have known him as an educator his focus has always been on the students and the music.
John’s love for those who served in the military and the commitment he has to honoring them in patriotic services is remarkable. He has recruited and organized a community band for the Memorial Day service in the Orem City Cemetery for many years. He makes it a priority to prepare the Mountain View High School bands for city Veteran’s Day celebrations as well.
John has a great love of pit orchestra. As he tells his students, ‘Pit orchestra is the closest thing we can give you in high school to a professional musician experience.’ He conducted the pit orchestra at Mountain View High School for many years and has played the piano and clarinet in other pit orchestras, sheerly for the joy of participating.
One of my favorite things to see when I get to school early in the morning is the small step stool by the piano bench. It means that he had been teaching his grandchildren piano lessons the previous afternoon.”
ESTHER JUDD Friend & Colleague
HOPEBOX THEATRE THEATRE
The Hopebox Theatre in Kaysville, now celebrating their 10th Anniversary, is built on the power of the performing arts to help people heal through their Wall of Hope program. As a four time cancer survivor, founder Jan Williams has known first hand the struggle and strain that cancer puts on an individual, their family, and their community. It was during her third battle with cancer during an especially difficult treatment that the vision of the Hopebox came to be. A group of her theater students had come to her doorstep one evening to sing some of her favorite Broadway showtunes and provide love, support and the hope that Jan would have a better tomorrow. This event changed her life forever. It brought her hope... so much hope that suddenly she didn’t feel sick or even tired. In fact, that night she couldn’t sleep because she was so overwhelmed with the love and hope that she felt!
As a result, Jan was inspired to start the Hopebox Theatre. She wanted to be able to give back to those who were also struggling with cancer by paying it forward. Jan felt like that experience at her doorstep brought her new life, renewed joy and a bright hope for her future! So even though she didn’t know whether or not she was going to beat her
cancer, she went out with her beautiful bald head and found an amazing partner in Curtis Dalton, who also believed in her intended mission: “To Bring Hope to Families Battling Cancer through the Performing Arts!” Curtis’ family had also felt the effects of cancer when his mother passed away from cancer when he was nine years old. This theatre has been a perfect way for him to honor and cherish his mother. So with a lot of faith, Jan’s experience with theatre, and Curtis’ background in construction, these new partners purchased a vacant church building in Kaysville that Jan had been keeping her eye on. They knew the moment they walked into the space that this is where the Hopebox should be! A couple months later, as renovations were underway for the new theatre, another friend, Derek Raynor, came aboard as the third partner in this new adventure. Derek brought unique expertise and experience in theatrical technical design and together they started a not-for-profit organization called The Hopebox Theatre of the Performing Arts. It was a dream come true for all of them!
“Having been a part of the Hopebox Theatre since its inception 10 years ago has been a true blessing in my life. Not only have I been able to be a part of a mission that brings hope to families battling cancer, but I have seen first hand how it has impacted so many others who have come through our doors to volunteer their time and share their talents with these families. The Hopebox has become a safe space for many who are not only battling cancer, but also mental illness, chronic illness, family issues, depression, anxiety, and so much more. The mission of the Hopebox has not only saved my life but hundreds of others as well. ”
AMY TURNER Hopebox Operations Manager Academy Director
In Jan’s own words…. ”At times I’ve questioned why God has kept me alive. I’m so thankful to be able to see my vision realized by being able to soften the effects of cancer to an individual and their family! It is truly a dream come true! There is no place I’d rather be than working at this theatre! We may be small, but our mission is great and we are making a positive impact... one life at a time! I feel so blessed to be helping families in our community find hope during one of the hardest times in their life!”
Each show at Hopebox is a tribute and a fundraiser for a community member struggling with cancer. Supporting each Wall of Hope recipient includes a portion of the theatre’s ticket sales; recognizing recipients at performances; encouraging patrons to make donations, with 100% going to the honoree; and engagement throughout the production, including details in the set design, opportunity to attend rehearsals and become close to the cast and production team, and their entire family invited to closing night to be honored on stage after the performance, and presented with a commemorative plaque to place on the Wall of Hope.
The theatre also serves children and youth with Hopebox Academy, offering triple threat training in dancing and acting through their Tiny, Junior and Senior productions. The academy offers half and full financial need scholarships and also implemented a Sponsor A Child program that allows
“The Hopebox Theatre has become a sacred place to many. People’s hearts are changed as they put their time and talents forth to honor someone that is in a very tough situation. People battling cancer are some of the humblest people I’ve ever met. Oftentimes we feel that we’re doing a production to help and lift that individual - and we come out more blessed and enriched than anything we gave them. We’ve seen so many people’s lives literally filled with renewed hope. Many have gone on to become angels that continue to guide and support Hopebox Theatre’s important work. When we stay true to our mission and remember our focus, lives are blessed as a result. Tears of love, compassion, and hope are often shed. Our building has a stained glass dove window on the front, a relic from a former church, but a perfect symbol of hope for us.”
CURTIS DALTON Vice-President of Hopebox
patrons and friends to help with tuition costs, and give hope through the gift of the performing arts.
Hopebox has a sincere desire to provide love and support to each Wall of Hope recipient and their family by demonstrating that a community cares! Every person, every production, and everything they do at Hopebox is driven by their mission to bring light into the lives of those who are battling dark times. Hopebox has helped 80 Wall of Hope recipients over the last 10 years!
BRITTANY SCOTT VISUAL ARTS
Brittany Scott grew up in the orange groves of Southern California and spent high school drawing commissioned portraits for her teachers of their children and grandchildren. In 2003, she made her way to Utah to attend BYU where she fell in love with the high desert, western landscape. During her schooling, Brittany interned with Burton Silverman in New York and worked as an apprentice under William Whitaker.
After completing her degree in 2008, she established herself near the center of Provo’s creative community and continued to attend workshops and make connections
with many celebrated artists. For four years, Brittany hosted Creative Collaborative in Provo, inviting many notable speakers (Dr. Rita Wright, Susan Meyer of Meyer Gallery, Former American Idol Brooke White, Chris & Lisa Clark, Brian Kershisnik, J.Kirk Richards and many others) and inspiring a community of artists to live a successful creative lifestyle. In 2012, Brittany created the popular $100 Show, recruiting many illustrious Utah artists to all sell original art for only $100 in an effort to bring more original art into the community. Wildly successful, the show has now completed its 13th exhibition in 2024 at The Springville Museum of Art.
In 2016, Brittany guest curated “Emerging Artists Primavera” at Meyer Gallery and in 2019, Brittany was a panelist in the Center For LDS Arts Festival in Dallas. Her art has been featured in many shows over the years, including Certain Women, The Center For LDS Arts Exhibition, The Spring Salon and more recently at the unprecedented American Narratives in Fine Art show in Dallas, Texas hosted by Glenn Beck. She has written articles, been interviewed for podcasts and print media, and was featured as an artist on BYUtv’s Artful. Brittany has taught art through Utah Valley University’s Continuing Education Program and had the unique privilege to privately teach art to Glenn Beck from 2020-2023. She was instrumental in helping him launch his art career in Park City.
“I think that Brittany Scott is a genius. I thought she was good when I first met her, but she has a way of connecting to the spirit, a way of connecting with people through her art. She has this innate ability to distill what is true. She was giving me art lessons and at the end of my first painting, she said “you know, you shouldn’t do any more landscapes.” I didn’t realize that she has this kind of mind that can take all the information and distill who you are, take a story and distill it into one painting. She is a remarkable woman; she has done a lot for me, and I think she will be remembered for the work that she’s done for the art world as well.”
GLENN BECK Founder of Blaze Media
In August of 2021, Brittany pulled her work from galleries to spend more time creating sacred art and to launch her non-profit venture with her husband, Inspired Arts League. Now three years into their venture, they have completed their first cohort of 12 world renowned artists, hosted an emotion based storytelling workshop with narrative expert Sarah Lagrotteria, a visual storytelling workshop with former Director of Visual Development for Marvel Studios Bill Perkins, and debuted the artwork created by Inspired Arts League artists at the prestigious Salmagundi Club, the oldest art organization in NYC.
Brittany lives near Dallas, Texas with her husband, David, and six boys where she regularly has little hands creating in her studio and is working to create a series of paintings highlighting stories of faith. In addition, David and Brittany are continuing their work with Inspired Arts League, striving to inspire the world through transcendence with art. She has become a bridge to unite artists in communities large and small and continues to bring creative people together fostering collaboration.
“As a woman of great capacity, it is remarkable what she has been able to accomplish as a devoted wife, mother of 6 boys, practicing artist, and driving force behind the Inspired Arts League. Brittany has a passion for art, and a deep conviction of the power art can have as a force for good in the world. I am a beneficiary of her work and efforts to bring to the world the Inspired Arts League. I have been blessed and inspired through that organization to pursue with greater knowledge and clarity the path I have been seeking to travel as an artist.”
MIKE MALM Colleague
“Brittany is warm and funny and devoted to her family and her art. She is thoughtful and eager to represent the world around her as she sees it and wants us to see and feel it. The work she does is not simply artbased experience, but brings a sense of her whole being and enthusiasm to the viewer. When you take the time to stop and ponder, it’s as if she reaches out with her heart and spirit to invite you to be a friend and share the wonders of the world. She takes none of her talent or the accolades she receives for granted, but is a sincere representative of how much art can be a part of our lives and what it can help us see in new and unique ways. I love the way Brittany makes me feel with encounters we’ve had over the years; and I love the way her art brings me into that feeling of a gentle hug from a warm and gracious woman.”
DR. RITA WRIGHT Director Emerita, Springville Museum of Art
RYAN INNES MUSIC
This blue-eyed soul singer and songwriter grew up in tiny Thatcher, Arizona, and was raised in the traditional musical environment of a small town. As a youth, he was classically trained on piano and sang in the Phoenix Boys Choir and local church musical groups. Although he enjoyed performing in these settings, the traditional and classical music didn’t quite connect with him on an emotional level. It wasn’t until he was introduced to R&B that Innes began a deep and personal involvement with music.
“The first thing that really caught my attention was a Boyz II Men album my friend gave me,” Innes recalls. “It was like nothing I’d experienced before. It was completely different from the stuff I had grown up with. It really opened my eyes to music’s ability to speak to the listener.” Although Innes continued to develop a connection with music, he never gave a serious thought to pursuing it until a period of great personal tumult in 2003 caused him to reexamine his life goals and aspirations.
“I was 23 years old, and a lot of things happened that made me take a look at my
life,” Innes says. “I had just finished a premed degree and realized I didn’t really like science that much. On top of that, I was going through a broken engagement that caused me to take a step back and examine things. Music really became my outlet during that time and gave me a new perspective on what I wanted out of life.” Innes decided to dedicate himself to developing his talents as an artist and performer. At 24 years old, he applied to the Media Music program at BYU, and sang with their nationally acclaimed acappella group Vocal Point, where he was often featured as a soloist.
Around the same time, Innes began writing his own songs, influenced by artists like Ray Charles, Amos Lee and Ray LaMontagne. For Innes, the most inspiring music was based in honest human authenticity — a characteristic that became a hallmark of his own songs. In 2010, Innes recorded a soulful self-titled EP, featuring covers of classics like Ray Charles’ Georgia On My Mind and Amos Lee’s Colors He spent time in Nashville further developing his songwriting skills. Returning to Utah, Innes began performing solo shows, landed a residency at The Montage in Park City, and gained a loyal following with his original songs and captivating covers.
In 2013, Ryan tried out for NBC’s The Voice. Singing John Mayer’s Gravity, Innes quickly received a four-chair turn and picked Usher as his coach. Mentored by Usher and fellow Grammy-winner Pharrell Williams, Innes performed a rendition of Bill Withers’ Ain’t No Sunshine in the battle rounds, solidifying his place as a crowd favorite.
“Ryan’s music has enriched my life deeply. His songs are not just heard; they’re felt. They have a way of cutting through the noise and touching something universal in all of us. Beyond that, his friendship has been a gift—he’s always willing to lend a listening ear, share a laugh, or offer a wise word at just the right time. That same generosity of spirit spills over into his music and our music community. Beyond just me, he has supported countless other musicians, donated his time and talent to important causes, and been a champion for the underprivileged or underrepresented.”
RUSS DIXON
Music Producer & Friend
After The Voice, Innes returned to Utah to focus on writing music for a debut album, The Inbetween, released in 2018, capturing the ups and downs of life, and giving voice to the listener’s own feelings of struggle and hope. Innes maintains that what is most important is the song’s ability to speak to the listener. The song, he says, is king.
In April 2020 Ryan appeared on the NBC songwriter show, Songland. He sang and pitched an original song called Long Way Home for Lady A (fka Lady Antebellum) that he workshopped with Ester Dean (Katy Perry, Rhianna, Nicki Minaj), leading to a #1 spot on iTunes. Although the song didn’t get cut with Lady A, it was later picked up by the winner of Season 18 of The Voice, Todd Tilghman. Around that same time, Ryan released a 16-track album of new original songs called What I’m Looking For
“I’ve had the great fortune of working with countless creatives and talented performers (including many who are famous). In all the things I have done and seen, few brought me pure joy like sitting at the back of an audience and listening to Ryan sing. Ryan Innes is a special talent who drips music from every pore in his body. It’s effortless for him. It’s who he is. The magical part of it is his voice easily fills the entire room, but you feel like he’s singing just to you! Working with Ryan is one of the highlights of my career. I’m honored to call him a friend.”
CHRIS CONDIE
Producer, Condie Entertainment
“As a fellow Star Award winner, I’d like to congratulate Ryan on a well deserved entry into the club! I’ve been lucky enough to know Ryan, and have him perform on the Velour stage for over 15 years!
In the past 20 years, the Provo music scene has launched multiple international touring artists, and even Grammy winners, but none who equal the voice of Ryan Innes! It’s because of that talent that Ryan is often the first artist I contact when booking our “Velour AllStar Christmas Special” or various music festivals. I always want the younger artists in the scene to know where the bar is set. Congratulations to “The Voice” of the Provo music scene and also one of its fashion icons!”
COREY FOX Owner, Velour Live Music Gallery
You can hear Ryan’s songs on shows like Netflix’s “The Punisher” or on the massively popular YouTube channel “Dude Perfect” and almost every television broadcast network. Most recently Ryan’s song My City was featured at Super Bowl LIX. Ryan is excited to continue releasing and recording music for himself and writing for many licensing and sync projects for film, television and ads.
Over the 20 years he’s made Utah his home, Innes has developed a distinct artistic voice, one that can be heartbreakingly intimate at one moment and soaringly epic the next. Listening to the soulful voice of Ryan Innes, it’s natural to assume the bearded crooner has always dreamed of being an artist and performer. It’s hard to imagine that he almost never pursued his passion for music at all. We’re glad he did!
BYU LIVING LEGENDS DANCE
Founded in 1971, Living Legends at Brigham Young University celebrates the cultural heritage of North and South America and the South Pacific, presenting a vibrant display of energy, music, costume, and dance. Talented performers of native descent capture the rhythms of Polynesia, portray the fascinating legends of Native American people, and dazzle the senses with the energy of Latin America. Their lavish attire and intricate choreography are both authentic representations of the showcased cultures.
Living Legends prioritizes tours in their native lands, a practice that encourages excellence and inspires a love for native culture in both the performers and their audiences. Many of the group’s costumes are made in the region portrayed. Living Legends members and guest choreographers from around the world collaborate to create their shows. All the members of Living Legends are of Native American, Latin American, or Polynesian descent, which lends an extra measure of skill and authenticity to their work.
BYU Living Legends brings communities together to reflect the light of Christ by performing the dances, music, and stories of the indigenous cultures of the Americas and Polynesia. Using the talent, passion, and example of its members, Living Legends honors cultural identities and traditions, while preserving them for the generations to come. Members serve as role models and
cultural ambassadors, enhancing appreciation of indigenous culture and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by sharing their heritage with people of all ages and faiths. Inspired by the peoples of the Book of Mormon, members act as emissaries of service and heritage to the world family.
Their shows reflect the cycle of civilizations and weave together the legends of the past with the reality of today. From the exciting Polynesian haka to the graceful Mexican Fiesta dance to the Native American hoop dance, the group offers exciting experiences throughout the world, touring internationally to Australia, Canada, Europe, the Pacific Islands, South America, New Zealand and French Polynesia.
During the summer of 2013, Living Legends traveled to Central America and performed for enthusiastic crowds in Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. While in Nicaragua, the group had the opportunity to perform for Santos René Núñez Téllez, the President of the National Assembly. Mr. Téllez was profoundly
“The performers of such a talented ensemble use their gifts to encourage unity in promoting mutual values and personal spiritual enlightenment. Every [audience member] could feel the love and tenderness of the performers.”
M.D. Kiekbaev Federal Representative of Bashkortostan, Russia
moved by the show. “A culture does not die when it dies, it dies when it is forgotten. Your show rescues culture and heritage,” he said.
Living Legends also participates in community service and school assemblies, encouraging students to pursue higher education. The group was founded on the belief that all people should take pride in their heritage and continuously better themselves, and this focus is demonstrated in their worldwide outreach. The Office of Culture in Guatemala stated, “Your performance was wonderful. Your presence here teaches our people something - to have high ideals and to talk proudly as a people. We hope this community will not be the same after tonight.”
“On hearing about this show for the first time I thought it was just another history lesson that was choreographed into song. I couldn’t have been more shallow and wrong in my thoughts. From start to finish, this show mesmerizes as the universal themes of hope and unity resonate through the drumbeats of Native American, South American and Polynesian dances. It is here that a story of humanity unfolds with each of Nature’s seasons. This is a breathtaking reminder of the diverse and yet similar cultures that we are all rooted in… and that the one universal truth that encourages us to keep paving the way for future generations – is hope stemming from faith. Filled with family values, a must-see again and again.”
Crown Princess Hon. Lupepau’u of Tonga
“The importance of the light and passion and inner beauty that each individual performer brings to Living Legends cannot be overstated... and is a critical component of their audition process. Although students come from various levels of performance experience, all of them bring an exciting and authentic ability to communicate the light, spirit and truth of their cultures to the audience. Perhaps their greatest impact has been in the small, humble, underprivileged locations where the light that they carry and the ability to be role models for their cultures is showcased with such impact through the power of theater and the arts.
Major Mike Haller of the Alaskan National Guard after a performance in the tiny village of Bethel, Alaska:
‘In this region of Alaska young people have a real struggle with drugs and there are lots of opportunities to get themselves into very deep trouble. In fact, among young men in particular, teen suicide is 16 times greater in this part of Alaska than it is on reservations in the western United States where it is already outrageously high. Anything we can do to bring some light into the lives of these youngsters... to help them understand there is a vision of tomorrow, that they can raise their expectations for themselves ...that is a great day. And in our view, Living Legends will do that. There is going to be more than one young man, more than one young woman, who will come to this performance tonight, who in my mind will absolutely not commit suicide, will not betray themselves in their relationship with their Heavenly Father, with their parents, with their families because they have had their lives changed as a result of what these young folks will do.’
On tours throughout the world, these students will consistently and willingly give up international sightseeing to take the joy and beauty of their dances and music to schools and hospitals and orphanages, where they can use the arts to serve and lift others.”
JANIELLE CHRISTENSEN
Former director of Living Legends, 1989-2019
Living Legends participated in the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics in Salt Lake City in February 2002. It also performed for Olympic visitors in Light of the World, a production that showcased several BYU groups.
Moni Tiatia is the Artistic Director of Living Legends.
LINDA CAMPBELL ADVOCATE OF THE ARTS
This award is very personal to SCERA. When you think of an advocate for the arts, for schools, for volunteerism and for tireless community involvement, the name Linda Campbell probably comes to mind.
Our dear spunky Linda, who served so valiantly as SCERA’s House Manager for 21 years, retired at the age of 78 this past December, and after fighting a series of health challenges, passed away just one week after her final day of work. Linda always said she wanted to work up until the very end... and this warrior of a woman was just stubborn enough to keep her word! And in perfect Linda fashion, one of the last things she said to her son was “I’ve got to get to SCERA to make my candy order!” That made us smile through the tears.
We miss her so much already… she was a huge part of the fabric of our SCERA Family. She oversaw SCERA’s historic volunteer program and added significantly to its growth and impact, caring for and mentoring more than 400 youth and adult volunteers each year… becoming a bit of a second mom who could “get after you” but you still knew loved you unconditionally. At her retirement party, so many former volunteers - who were now adults - showed up to celebrate the wonderful woman who helped shape them into better human
beings. She committed to the mission that her beloved volunteers, starting at age 12, would not only learn valuable life and job skills for their future, but also develop a love of the arts and of community service.
Linda and her husband Les served the people of the Pacific Islands (Tonga) on special assignment from 1978-1979. She loved Polynesian culture, and owned an innumerable amount of mumus, which have made appearances at SCERA… with Linda donning them at our tropical themed gala a few years ago, and recently at her retirement luau. She and Les also served as missionaries in the Provo, Utah Mission from 2009-2010 for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Linda was fun and kind. She could do the splits on demand, and it was a sight to behold. She dressed up as Santa Claus for our volunteers and at local school board meetings. She gave the best greeting cards and messages that were always perfectly chosen for each person. She always spoke her mind, and we teased her that she had no filter. If you didn’t clean the popcorn machine correctly, you’d hear about it! She had the BEST stories about growing up, and we hear she may have been a wee bit of a troublemaker… perhaps a precursor to her strong opinions and lack of fear when speaking up and speaking out about issues. Linda’s mother, Vera Norton, also loved theatre and music, so she grew up in a home where the arts were a priority.
Both of Linda’s sisters were elementary school music teachers, and are both musically talented. Little known fact…in the early 90’s, Linda also performed on stage at Hale Center Theatre Orem in a handful of shows.
Linda was a powerful voice as a civic leader. She always took a stand for causes and organizations she believed in and took action to make a difference, serving on numerous volunteer boards, including Intermountain Healthcare and Alpine School District. In 2003, she and Les received the ProvoOrem Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award, and in 2007 were presented Citizens of the Year award. A passionate arts advocate, Linda was a boots-on-the-ground ambassador who was instrumental in developing CARE (Cultural Arts & Recreation Enrichment) in Orem, a voter-approved program that has allocated tens of millions of dollars over the last two decades to help city-based arts and recreation organizations and programs thrive and grow. And while Linda was loud and proud about SCERA’s events and programs, she also attended and supported theatre all over Utah County (and beyond) with her daughter, Laura, a treasured memory for both of them.
Linda even managed to endow the arts after her death. Before her passing, she asked that in lieu of flowers at her funeral, friends and family might consider donating to SCERA’s Linda Campbell Volunteer Fund, a tribute to her dedication to the volunteer program and ensuring it will continue to support those who give of their time to support the arts. Thousands of dollars were raised, a feat only the indomitable Linda Campbell could accomplish. More importantly, we know it made her incredibly happy.
Linda lived the word DEDICATION daily...to her family, to her friends, to her community, to the arts, and to her beloved SCERA volunteers and co-workers. Thank you for advocating for all of us Linda.
We love you, Your SCERA Family
PHAEDRA JOHNSON FRIEND OF THE ARTS
Phaedra Johnson was born in Ontario, Canada in 1968 with an artistic sensibility but, unfortunately, said she was not born with any artistic talent. After a few disastrous attempts participating in the performing arts in school, she eventually concluded that her time and efforts would be better served by appreciating art rather than trying to create it.
Once she graduated from Westminster College with a Bachelor’s Degree in English in 1990, Phaedra attended her first Utah Symphony concert (featuring Mozart’s Requiem) and her first play at Pioneer Theatre Company (The Man Who Came to Dinner). Both experiences had a profound impact on her life because they allowed her to access and process emotions on a deeper level and exposed her to new ideas and ways of looking at the world.
Receiving a Master’s Degree in Education from Westminster College in 1997 allowed Phaedra greater financial freedom and she began subscribing to various organizations in the Salt Lake Valley, including the Utah
Symphony (she has been a subscriber for 30+ years), Utah Opera, Ballet West, Pioneer Theatre Company, Hale Centre Theatre, and Broadway in Utah (now known as Broadway at the Eccles).
She retired from teaching English at Hunter High School in 2020 and this has given her the time to indulge her passion to her heart’s content. She added Hale Centre Theatre Orem (now known as The Ruth), Centerpoint Legacy Theatre, Parker Theatre, On Pitch Performing Arts, Empress Theatre, Terrace Plaza Playhouse, and, of course, SCERA Center for the Arts to her calendar and she is always looking for more opportunities to support the arts in communities across Utah. She also loves film, and attends events at Sundance Film Festival, Salt Lake Film Society and more.
Phaedra really enjoys attending the theatre with her sisters Kristine and Marilyn, her brother-in-law Trent, her niece Tashena, and her nephew Sean, especially at Tuacahn
“Phaedra is an avid lover and patron of the arts in our community. Her interests span multiple genres and art forms, and she attends several productions each week, supporting both highly acclaimed professional companies and smaller community organizations. Phaedra reviews the productions she attends in her personal blog, which inspires others to see productions they may not have considered.
In addition to her passion for the arts, Phaedra has an adventurous, independent mindset regarding them. This has inspired me to step outside my comfort zone to see productions I may not otherwise have seen, even if that means having the courage to go solo. Phaedra has been an incredible example in this regard.”
ANGELA BRICKEY Friend & Colleague
“Only a handful of people know that for a long time she and I had a little private competition going on for how many times we saw the Hamilton tour as we kept our personal tallies!
What a happy surprise I had when we unintentionally ended up with our season tickets to Eccles being the same night, which has brought special memories as well. I always know that she’ll be sitting on a bench at the Eccles with a big smile on her face as I come into the theater and we always do our traditional selfie to document the show. It sounds like a small thing, but her sweet presence has been a part of some lovely memories. She is always beaming about her purchase of the ornament from the show to add to her collection and then we sit on the bench and discuss recent shows we’ve seen. Because of her literature and teaching background she is knowledgeable about so many subjects including Shakespeare and all the classic authors and we could talk and talk but we finally had to separate to find our seats.”
KAREN
SPENCER Friend
Amphitheatre in St. George, at the Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City, Broadway at the Eccles (one of her favorite memories is attending Hamilton at the Eccles Theatre with her niece and nephew) and at CPT. She has made lifelong friends as a result of her appreciation of the arts (another favorite memory is seeing the original Broadway cast of Hamilton with her friend Karen) and she loves introducing new people (especially her students when she was still teaching) to the thrill of attending a live performance.
Phaedra also writes about all of the productions she attends on her blog www.phaedrasadventures.com
“Phaedra’s passion, joy, and commitment to the arts has enriched my own commitment to the arts through her photos, blogs, recollections of her own, and our shared artistic experiences. Not only does Phaedra support local theatre, music, museums, sporting events and film, Phaedra’s passion for the arts has inspired her to travel to several states and foreign countries to experience the joy and exhilaration that artistic forms can provide.”
DARRYL STAMP Friend & Colleague
2006 STAR AWARDS
The Star Award: Jerry Elison
Lifetime Achievement: Syd Riggs
Theatre: Jayne Luke
Visual Arts: Max Weaver
Music: Ray Smith
Dance: Rick Robinson
Friends of the Arts: The Daily Herald, Dick & JoAnn Losee
Advocate of the Arts: Hale Center
Theatre Orem
Volunteer: Gareth Seastrand
Special Recognition: Lesa Pulham
2007 STAR AWARDS
The Star Award: The Osmond Brothers
Lifetime Achievement: Keith & Jody
Renstrom
Theatre: Eric Fielding
Visual Arts: James Christensen
Music: Clayne Robison
Dance: Derryl Yeager
Friends of the Arts: KBYU Television, Ray & Tye Noorda
Advocate of the Arts: Sharon Swindle
Volunteer: 8 charter members of Utah Valley Symphony
Special Recognition: Timpanogos Storytelling Festival
2008 STAR AWARDS
The Star Award: The 5 Browns
Lifetime Achievement: Norm Nielsen
Theatre: James Arrington
Visual Arts: Tom Holdman
Music: Mack Wilberg
Dance: Kim Delgrosso
Friends of the Arts: Rocky Mountain Power, Stephen & Sandra Covey
Advocate of the Arts: Marc & Sharon Haddock
Volunteer: Laura Folkman
Special Recognition: Laurel Barham
2009 STAR AWARDS
The Star Award: Kurt Bestor
Lifetime Achievement: Arnold Friberg
Theatre: Marvin Payne
Visual Arts: Gary Price
Music: Michael Ballam
Dance: Lee & Linda Wakefield
Friends of the Arts: Alan & Karen Ashton, Bassett Furniture
Advocate of the Arts: Thomas S. Monson
Volunteer: Verdalee Barron
2010 STAR AWARDS
The Star Award: Michael McLean
Lifetime Achievement: Utah Symphony
Theatre: Nathan Criman
Visual Arts: Liz Lemon Swindle
Music: Choir of the Madelaine
Dance: Louis Van Amstel
Friends of the Arts: Ron & Terri Lindorf, XanGo
Advocate of the Arts: Robert & Cumorah Holdaway
Volunteer: George Stokes
Special Recognition: American Fork High School Marching Band
2011 STAR AWARDS
The Star Award: Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Lifetime Achievement: Lex de Azevedo
Theatre: Rodger Sorensen
Visual Arts: Springville Museum of Art
Music: Sam Cardon
Dance: Bonnie Story
Friend of the Arts: Zions Bank
Advocate of the Arts: Ivan Lincoln
Volunteer: Bob & Darlene Nave
Special Recognition: Col. Jack Tueller
2012 STAR AWARDS
The Star Award: BYU’s Vocal Point
Lifetime Achievement: Janie
Thompson
Theatre: David Tinney
Visual Arts: Greg Olsen
Music: Peter Breinholt
Dance: Jacqueline Colledge
Friend of the Arts: Diamond Rental
Advocate of the Arts: Newell Dayley
Volunteer: Sandy McDade
Special Recognition: Barbara Elison
2013 STAR AWARDS
The Star Award: Jenny Oaks Baker
Lifetime Achievement: Dean Hughes
Theatre: Neal Barth
Visual Arts: Frank Magleby
Music: Janice Kapp Perry
Dance: Mary B. Jensen
Friend of the Arts: Daynes Music
Advocate of the Arts: Thanksgiving Point
Volunteer: Debi Richan
Special Recognition: Janet Swenson
2014 STAR AWARDS
The Star Award: Utah Shakespeare Festival
Lifetime Achievement: Gerald Lund
Theatre: Randy Boothe
Visual Arts: Rick Nye
Music: Caleb Chapman
Dance: Paul Winkelman
Friend of the Arts: Gaylen Rust
Advocate of the Arts: Buddy
Youngreen
Volunteer: Hahne Family
Special Recognition: America’s Freedom Festival
2015 STAR AWARDS
The Star Award: Neon Trees
Lifetime Achievement: Ballet West
Theatre: Kathryn Laycock Little
Visual Arts: Christian Vuissa
Music: Darrell Babidge
Dance: Pat & Kathie Debenham
Friend of the Arts: Lynnette Loveland
Advocate of the Arts: John Curtis
Volunteer: Pat Schow
Special Recognition: Sterling Poulson
2016 STAR AWARDS
The Star Award: Jason Hewlett
Lifetime Achievement: Sundance
Resort
Theatre: Barta Heiner
Visual Arts: Eric Dowdle
Music: Velour / Corey Fox
Dance: Alan Salazar
Friend of the Arts: Barbara Barrington Jones
Advocate of the Arts: Utah COPA
Volunteer: Utah Valley Handbell
Ringers
2017 STAR AWARDS
The Star Award: Alex Boyé
Lifetime Achievement: Sara Lee Gibb
Theatre: Chris Clark
Visual Arts: Mark Philbrick
Music: Marden Pond
Dance: BYU Cougarettes
Friend of the Arts: Nu Skin
Advocate of the Arts: Heritage School
Volunteer: Shari Woodward
2018 STAR AWARDS
The Star Award: Lindsey Stirling
Lifetime Achievement: Bill & Marilyn Brown
Theatre: Grassroots Shakespeare
Visual Arts: Angela Johnson
Music: Ryan Shupe
Dance: Utah Hispanic Dance Alliance
Friend of the Arts: James & Andrea Clarke
Advocate of the Arts: Heber Valley
Western Music & Cowboy Poetry
Volunteer: Bonnie Busco
2019 STAR AWARDS
The Star Award: Chelsie Hightower
Lifetime Achievement: Clay Christiansen
Theatre: Agnes Broberg
Visual Arts: Joseph Brickey
Music: Dallyn Vail Bayles
Dance: Shelley School Of Irish Dance
Friend of the Arts: Douglas & Marian Smoot
Advocate of the Arts: Miss Utah Organization
2020 STAR AWARDS
The Star Award: Governor Gary Herbert
Lifetime Achievement: T.C. Christensen
Theatre: Andrew & Jan Hunsaker
Visual Arts: Willie Holdman
Music: One Voice Children’s Choir
Dance: Jason Celaya
Friend of the Arts: doTERRA
Advocate of the Arts: Utah Cultural Alliance
2022 STAR AWARDS
The Star Award: Gentri
Lifetime Achievement: David Glen Hatch
Theatre: Chris Brower
Visual Arts: Glen Ricks
Music: Dr. J. Arden Hopkin
Dance: Sheryl Dowling
Friend of the Arts: Utah Valley Magazine
Advocate of the Arts: World Folkfest
2023 STAR AWARDS
The Star Award: David Archuleta
Lifetime Achievement: Bonner Family
Theatre: Hale Centre Theatre
Visual Arts: UVU Museum of Art
Music: Timpanogos Symphony Orchestra
Dance: Jean’s Golden Girls
Friend of the Arts: Karen Spencer
Advocate of the Arts: Covey Center for the Arts
2024 STAR AWARDS
The Star Award: Jon Schmidt
Lifetime Achievement: Karen Baird
Theatre: Robinne Booth
Visual Arts: BYU Center for Animation
Music: Kenneth Cope
Dance: Jennifer Hill Barlow
Friend of the Arts: Minky Couture
Advocate of the Arts: PBS Utah
THANKS FOR MAKING TONIGHT’S EVENT POSSIBLE:
SPECIAL THANKS
Casey Scott
Star Awards Committee
SCERA Staff, Board & Volunteers
All of you…for your attendance and support
REGISTER TO BID IN TONIGHT’S AUCTIONS!
To participate in this year’s silent and live auctions, register as a bidder by scanning this QR code and adding your information and credit card. All the silent auctions displayed in the lobby are available for online bidding only. For the live auction, If you wish to bid on any item(s), the cover of the live auction booklet you received at check-in is your bidding number. Just hold it up for the auctioneer to see when you want to bid. If you win the bid, a staff member will finalize the transaction and the card you registered will be charged for the item(s) you won. You can pick up your items at the end of the evening.
