March. 2022 | Vol. 16 Iss. 03
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WATER REUSE IN APPROVAL PROCESS, DECISION ON FLUORIDATION IN MARCH By Mimi Darley Dutton | m.dutton@mycityjournals.com
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ig decisions about Draper’s water supply are being made by WaterPro/Draper Irrigation Company and its customers, including whether or not to continue adding fluoride to the water supply and establishing new sources for secondary water through water reuse. WaterPro originally planned a fall 2021 decision on whether or not to continue fluoridating the local water supply, but that vote was postponed. The company’s September 2021 newsletter said, “In an effort to educate our customers, we sent you information and initially suggested a Sept. 15 vote on the issue. But we have received a number of calls and comments that the information was too focused on the negative impacts of fluoridating water. This was not our intent.” Another WaterPro publication said, “After receiving feedback before a planned vote on Sept. 15, 2021, requesting more time to evaluate this decision, we asked our users to provide their preferences and opinions on this issue.” WaterPro collected input from customers and stockholders last September and October, then posted that public input on their website in November and December before mailing voter information pamphlets to customers in January 2022. The pamphlet included a summary of arguments for removContinued page 19
Plans for reuse of treated sewage water for irrigation, gardening and landscaping purposes are being considered as the valley continues to grow and drought remains a threat. (Pixabay)
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March 2022 | Page 3
High school students learn engineering offers variety, creativity, advancements By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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illcrest High junior Amber Parker wanted to get a glimpse into potential future careers in engineering, specifically aerospace engineering, so she was excited to attend high school engineering career day. “I learned how engineers got into their positions and specifically what local companies are doing in the engineering field,” she said. “It’s pretty interesting.” Parker attended sessions presented by Boeing, VPI Engineering and the University of Utah. Other presenters came from Ottobock, Rocky Mountain Power, Horrocks Engineering, Hunt, Reaveley Engineering, Comfort Systems USA and Salt Lake Community College, which hosted the half-day conference for mostly high school juniors and seniors from the Salt Lake and Tooele valleys. Canyons School District Career and Technical Education District Coordinator Patti Larkin said that the focus of the fair was to provide about 250 students with possible career opportunities within the engineering field. “They’re getting to meet all different types of engineers, make those connections, and understand their specific pathways,” she said. “We hope students can see what is needed, so they have the opportunity to get an internship or a job shadow and set their path of study toward their career.” Taylorsville sophomore Danna De Leon said she learned a range of engineering. In Ottobock, she learned about the different prosthetics made with 3D printers ranging from snowboarders’ knees to swimmers’ ankles. “They test different varieties, adding weights, forces or whatever is needed to make improvements,” she said. “In the Boeing session, I learned some of the ways they designed commercial airplanes.”
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Granger High and Granite Technical Institute senior Hayden Young, who wants to become a biomedical engineer, also attended the Ottobock session. “I’ve learned composites are a very big part of it,” he said. “With engineering, designs may start on paper then move to CAD (computer-aided drafting). Designs can be improved for better comfort, better manufacturing time, better about anything, to help solve or improve what is needed.” Murray High Work-Based Learning Coordinator Brady Smith said the 15 students who came from his school appreciated being able to interact with industry professionals. “Our goal is to connect the students we work with to the career paths they can continue down once their time is completed here at Murray High School and this is a great opportunity for that to happen,” he said, adding that some students appreciated learning about the Luke Skywalker Arm that is being worked on at the U of U to the engineering careers at Rocky Mountain Power. Brighton High senior Amelia Ackler said that she appreciated the robotics session she attended. “They could make it walk, dance, and do all sorts of cool things through coding,” she said. She was with freshman Audrey Fleckenstein who said that through Reaveley Engineering, she learned how engineers perform a series of tests on structures. “They were designing buildings and tested them and reviewed to ensure their designs would withstand earthquakes,” she said. “It isn’t just a one-time test, but over and over again.” Brighton sophomore Stephanie Guzman De La Haz said she learned about heating and cooling and the laws of thermodynamics in the Comfort Systems session.
Granger High and Granite Technical Institute senior Hayden Young examines a prosthetic leg during the high school engineering career day. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
“I hadn’t heard of it before; it was actually really interesting,” she said. Olympus senior Ben Walston said he’s considering a career in mechanical engineer and through the conference, he learned more about what was available through his sessions with VPI and Ottobock. “It’s amazing and just fun to see how they can make something that is needed through their eyes and creativity,” he said. Having a creative mindset in engineering was what many students discovered that
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day, said Brighton High Work-Based Learning Facilitator Eileen Kasteler. “Engineers are thinking innovation from health care to video games, so this day gets our students thinking if it’s a good feel for them—and reflecting upon that long after the visit,” she said. “It’s a glimpse into the future of wanting to see what there is. It opens their eyes.”l
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Juan Diego seniors spread their service wings By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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his year, after not being able to hold it recently because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Juan Diego Catholic High seniors stepped off campus to provide a 40hour week of service in January to one of 26 nonprofit organizations along the Wasatch Front who have partnered with the school. “Juan Diego was incredibly grateful to partner with many agencies across the SLC Valley,” said Michelle Moynihan, school social justice and Christian service projects coordinator. “Despite complications due to COVID, our students were generous in the giving of their time and talents. They served with their whole hearts. I was so grateful to see our motto ‘Spiritus Donorum’ come alive in such a real way through our students, agencies, and the people served.” It is the seventh year of the program for students who are anxious to help, and organizations are thankful for the opportunity to have extra sets of hands. But it is more. Many organizations say they are providing learning experiences for students in the real world. This year, two seniors, who have competent ski abilities, volunteered at the National Ability Center, which typically serves 7,000 individuals per year from across the United States and worldwide, offering more than 20 adaptive sports ranging from mountain biking, paddle sports and equestrian to indoor climbing, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. “We create a week of volunteer service plus some education, so they have an understanding of what we do here and the populations we serve,” National Ability Center volunteer coordinator Leanne Dannacher said. “These students participated in our ski and snowboard volunteer training so they would be able to be on our ski and snowboard lessons.” After spending mornings on the slopes with individual lessons, then students helped with small group activities where they would help teach different life skills through activities, she said, adding that the students also were trained in ability awareness. “The students always help us so much and make such an impact on the participants,” Dannacher said. “They worked with veterans, populations with intellectual and cognitive disabilities and with populations with physical disabilities, adolescent to adults. They were able to experience the whole gambit of different populations we serve at the National Ability Center.” Dannacher said through the years some students have had a connection to the disability community while others want to learn more about nonprofits, adaptive recreation or find a way to be active outside
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and be able to serve. She said the partnership works well for the National Ability Center. “We get volunteers and that means we can keep running these programs and we just get to spread more awareness about the National Ability Center and reach more different types of communities” which can lead to more volunteers, Dannacher said. Sandy Senior Center Manager Charles Otis also has welcomed the interaction between the high school student volunteers and seniors at his center since the program’s inception. “These kids are, without exception, wonderful, able, friendly and they love participating; they raise the energy level for the staff and the seniors,” he said. “Having these students here is a win-win for everybody on multiple levels. Everybody gets a great experience, and the kids get some knowledge to carry into life.” Otis said students begin the week of volunteering from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. with an orientation. “I say, ‘You’re going to have a good time here. It’s going to be a little different than you think. You’ll combine some good labor with acquiring firsthand experience with being in classes with seniors,’” he said. During the week, students may clean closets, install shelving, hang paintings, change room set-ups and deep clean the kitchen and pantry. Through the years, they also have called out bingo, helped serve lunch and volunteered in the thrift store. “One of the things I want them to always do every year is to interact with seniors. I want them to actually participate in some of the classes here. This year, the kids did the Drums Alive class, they did yoga and tai chi, and enhanced fitness,” Otis said. Through participation, he wants student to witness a senior who may be in good shape physically while another may not. “Obviously, it could be medical and medical history, but I want them to see we have a really active senior clientele here. We do have folks who are less mobile and can’t do much in terms of exercise beyond sitting in a chair kind of exercise, so I want kids to understand that exercise, eating well, staying healthy will help them lead their lives in a meaningful way,” Otis said. “I think it inspires the kids in a good, very positive way to spread the world and to learn firsthand how a well-lived life looks like.” In its first year partnering with Juan Diego, Strides Pediatric Therapy Director of Operations Marley Juarez said the high school seniors learned about people and
Juan Diego seniors Ashlynn Sandberg, Kyra Hoffman and Grace Bathurst volunteered for a week of service at Strides Pediatric Therapy. (Photo courtesy of Grace Lebrecht/Strides Pediatric Therapy)
possible careers during their week volunteering. Through activities and games, students assisted therapists in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, mental health therapy and recreational therapy sessions with children. The students also helped with hippotherapy, which uses horses to help children in therapy sessions. Juarez said it requires two extra people in addition to the therapist for each of those sessions. “They really get a feel for what the pediatric therapy world has to offer,” she said. “We are one of a few clinics that have this many services and there are very few places that incorporate the use of horses as well. All four of our seniors have horse experiences so I think it was awesome for them to see how a passion for something
like that can be incorporated into a career that really makes a difference in kids’ lives.” Juarez said that she feels the weeklong service is meaningful and provides connections for students with nonprofit organizations in the community. “It teaches kids the importance of setting aside time to incorporate experiences and learning that isn’t necessarily strictly academic or book-based,” she said. “I think Juan Diego sets a phenomenal example that book learning isn’t the only important thing to forming these young adults. Taking a week to teach them about serving others and taking these opportunities to learn, and really spend their time giving to other people, is very important. We definitely intend to do it every year.” l
March 2022 | Page 5
Lone Peak students aim to define community through glass art mural By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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one Peak fourth-grade student Tess Holmstead layered light pieces of green glass together while her friend Summer Jolley tried for a balance of the light and dark shades of green. Another fourth-grader Coleman Hurst put green glass together in a circular shape while his classmate, Jax Garrett, layered the glass from light green to darker shades. It really didn’t matter how the glass was pieced, said fourth-grader Tatum Kirskey. “It’s just fun doing it,” he said. The students were creating trees out of small pieces of glass as part of the school’s fused glass art project. Those will be included in a community mural that will be unveiled this spring and hung as a permanent piece in the school’s art collection. “It’s a wonderful opportunity that every student in the school can work together to create an awesome piece of artwork than will last longer than the years they’ll be here at the school,” Lone Peak Elementary artist-in-residence Allison Klinger said. “They can come back, see this art mural and be reminded of the time they had creating this and being here at school.” The mural is designed from drawings students created last fall to portray what the Lone Peak community means to them. Several students drew the school building, a school bus, children together on the playground, eagles (the school mascot), hearts, rainbows, trees, mountains and deer. Klinger merged those drawings into one design that now the students are creating right down to the number of bricks in the school building. “The idea is that when you come to our school, you can look at the mural and get a sense of what we believe our community is,” said Cassie Walker, Lone Peak’s 2019 teacher of the year and Beverley Taylor Sorenson art teacher who came up with the concept and is coordinating the effort. “A lot of the drawings showed togetherness, like kids holding hands and playing at recess. We pulled those repeating themes of supporting and working together out of their drawings, so there will be a representation of that as well as our physical community.” The more detailed and difficult elements, such as the eagles and eggs in the nest and the school bus, Klinger created and shared with 700 students in January, when each grade had the opportunity to create pieces of the mural, such as the mountains or trees. Kindergartners will add “sprinkles” or last finishing touches, to the mural to “add a little bit of whimsy to it,” Walker said. After creating their part for the mural, students also had the opportunity to create a 2-inch by 2-inch ornament of small glass chips that will be fused and they can have as a keepsake, a reminder of learning about fused glass artwork and creating the community mural.
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“It’s really important students have a personal project they’ll be able to take home to remember and enjoy,” Klinger said. “They understand the concept and the mural will hang here at the school, but having the glass fuse together in the hot kiln is magical and with that keepsake, they’ll have a piece of this experience to enjoy at home.” Lone Peak fifth-grade teacher Bill Pritchard said his students embraced the project. “This is so cool,” he said. “One kid said he doesn’t get to touch broken glass at home, so this broadens their perspective to have this experience. Many of them are excited to create the school mural and equally wanting to be creative in their own abstract.” Walker agrees: “It’s really unique and rare kids create with glass. It’s so novel that it’s hard for them to contain their excitement. It’s really cool.” Students rotated in the art classroom every half-hour on two days in January to add pieces to the mural. Afterward, Klinger took them to her art studio, Western Art Glass, to fire them in her kiln. The pieces then will be mounted into a single frame, which will be hung between the gymnasium and cafeteria toward the front of the school. Accompanying it will be a QR code that visitors can scan and learn the back story of the piece. “Because the students create the pieces and Allison puts them together, it will be more authentic since students are the ones designing it. At the end of the day, we really want kids to look at it and know they actually created it, and that their ideas are used and a professional artist helping to facilitate that,” Walker said. The year-long activity was to include a kick-off assembly to walk students through the process, but as COVID-19 cases in the Lone Peak community reached higher numbers, assemblies and volunteers were curtailed. Instead, Walker and Kerri Hopkins, who directs the University of Utah College of Fine Arts BridgeArts program and specializes in film technology, filmed what was supposed to happen at the assembly at Klinger’s studio. This film will continue to document the entire process of the fused glass mural to share what students learn about working with glass as an art form, as well as the process of putting their ideas and drawings in the community mural. “We want the community and our parents to understand the power in this process—not necessarily we’ve got this piece hanging in our hallway, but also what we have learned along the way and how we strengthened our community through this process,” Walker said. “It will document students’ designs, what they value, and steps along the way. It will connect our parents to the story behind the art—that they see and
Lone Peak Elementary artist-in-residence Allison Klinger shows fourth-grade students how to make trees out of glass for a mural that will hang at their school. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Lone Peak Beverley Taylor Sorenson art teacher Cassie Walker helps a fourth-grader with his individual ornament, a keepsake of learning fused glass art form. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
hear the kids’ thought process behind the experience and getting to work with a professional artist and come together to create something really big for the school.” The mural and film are expected to be on display at the school’s annual art night, scheduled for March 28. Walker also shared a shorter film, so students had a behind-the-scenes tour of the
studio and learned more about Klinger as an artist from how she got into the field to her recent restoration of the glass windows in Salt Lake City’s Union Station that were damaged by the 2020 earthquake. The idea to work with glass is something Walker has questioned while working with Lone Peak students. She had learned how to work with glass as an art form
Draper City Journal
Summit Academy’s literacy week engages students in reading, writing
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By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
riting can feel like it’s harder, like it’s a daunting task to write a book, but as you practice and get better at it, you’ll figure that it’s pretty easy and that it just takes a lot of experience.” Those words from “Oracle” book series author C.W. Trisef answered a Summit Academy student’s question during his virtual visit, which kicked off the charter school’s recent literacy week. Trisef shared with students his steps in writing the seven-book series: brainstorming, writing, editing. “I was writing for fun, designing this book, and I realized, ‘man, this could be a lot more than just one,’” he said, then proceeded to make an outline which detailed the seven books he finished last year. “I’ve always loved mysteries. When I got older, I thought I need to write a book that explains why they exist because nobody really knows why the Bermuda Triangle exists. So, I created a fictional story to explain why they exist. The whole point of the series, at least when I started, was so I can create my own reason why they exist.” Trisef shared with students that while he hasn’t been to all the mysterious places in his books, although he’d love to, he has been to some such as Bimini Road, Stonehenge and the Bermuda Triangle. “I’ve tried to go to as many as possible because I actually can describe it and write about it better. If I’ve been there, I can see it, I can smell it, I can touch it,” he said, adding that those places’ descriptions, such as seeing the Northern Lights, then come alive for the readers. Trisef also gave aspiring writers advice: “Write about what you love, write about what you’re passionate about, write about what you care about and then it will be great no matter who loves it or not—and you’ll be proud of it.” During the week, students could check out Trisef’s series, or any book, while reading independently or at school to help amass minutes toward the school goal of logging 50,000 minutes of reading that week. Elementary students could participate in a reading bingo where they could make a fort to read in, read wearing a
from Klinger, so she reached out to her, and learned Klinger previously had worked with students at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School in Salt Lake City. However, the cost was out of her elementary school art budget, so she shelved the idea. Then last year, a parent wanted a special memento for fifth-graders since a traditional promotion wasn’t held because of the pandemic and asked Walker for suggestions. With private funds, the 125 fifth-grade students created capstone glass art projects. With success from that experience, and the support of the school community council and Principal Tracy Stacy, the decision was made at the beginning of the school year to use $13,000 in land trust funds to create this permanent installation. “Cassie came to me with the idea and just hearing it, I was on board,” Stacy said. “It’s a wonderful collaboration between students, a professional artist, our art teacher, classroom teachers. We’re bringing art in with our science, literacy, math and social studies and it engages students. It will bring
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We asked the students to write how are you the hero in your story because we feel everybody is being a hero right now and kids don’t really think they are. Loree Romriell hat, read the subtitles on the TV, or read to a real or stuffed animal as one of several activities to complete a line or black-out to turn in for prizes. They also could keep a log of minutes read to submit toward the goal. Junior high students and faculty participated in a “drop everything read” where at random times during each weekday, they read for 10 minutes and could submit their times toward the school goal and prizes. All students, too, could participate in the school’s annual literacy week contest to the theme of “A Hero’s Journey.” “We asked the students to write how are you the hero in your story because we feel everybody is being a hero right now and kids don’t really think they are,” Summit Academy literacy specialist Loree Romriell said. “We want kids to look into their lives to say, ‘Yeah, we’re heroes too. We’re coming to school every day’ or ‘We’re wearing our masks’ or whatever makes them feel like they’re a hero in their own journey.” Romriell was impressed by some of the essays she read; saying they ranged from helping take care of a grandparent or siblings to attending school and setting goals to help in her future. The top essay writers recently were announced. Elementary winners were Grace Sealy, first place; Hadley Aoki, second place; and Beckham Hansen, third place. Junior high winners were Haven McCleery, first place; Campbell Garner, second place; and Eli Grow, third place. Romriell said that she hopes literacy week helps stu-
Summit Academy students were able to ask “Oracle” book series author C.W. Trisef questions during his virtual visit to kick off the school’s literacy week. (Screenshot)
dents develop a lifelong passion for reading. “Students, especially as they get to fourth grade and then as they go from seventh to eighth, there is this point where they just stop reading. They read when they have to for school, but they don’t really read for enjoyment,” she said. “We’re trying to encourage kids to pick up something new to read. There are so many other things that pull them away from reading, so many activities as kids are scheduled a lot, and everyone has their phone in their hand. It’s hard to keep kids engaged in reading because reading a book may not seem as engaging as turning on the TV or pulling up something on your iPad or your phone. So, to give them a goal to set aside some time to read, even if it’s a magazine or a cookbook, just to help them become lifelong readers. That’s what we really want as teachers.” l
color and light to our building. It’s just going to be stellar.” It isn’t the first time a permanent piece of art has been created by students. In Walker’s first year of teaching, six years ago, students created a tile artwork that is hung in the office. “I love pieces the kids create and sharing their vision,” Walker said. “There has been a lot of division right now and it trickles down to the kids when it’s talked about at the dinner table. Kids come here and it’s repeated. So, we really focused on what can we do to strengthen our Lone Peak community and bring everyone together and I think this is something that has really brought us together. The kids are excited about it, and it will be a lasting reminder.” l
The Lone Peak fused art mural, which will be unveiled this spring, was created from images students drew, such as their mascot, the eagle, right down to the three eggs in a nest. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
March 2022 | Page 7
Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society to present Easter story By Katherine Weinstein | k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com
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ometimes the old saying, "every cloud has a silver lining," rings true. Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society Director Sherri Jensen recently had to scramble to find a new concert venue for the spring production of "Lamb of God." By moving to the Ellen Eccles Theater in Logan, however, she gained the opportunity to present the Easter-themed piece along with a reprise of last Christmas' orchestral and choral work, "King of Kings." "It will be a musical panorama of the life of Jesus Christ from His birth to the Resurrection," Jensen explained. "I think it's going to be absolutely amazing. I'm so excited!" Composer Rob Gardner is presenting “Lamb of God” in Salt Lake City and asked Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society to move their production to a performance space outside of the Wasatch Front. Their performances will now take place at the Ellen Eccles Theater in Logan on March 25 and 26. The performance schedule at the Eccles was such that the Philharmonic will be able to present both "King of Kings" and "Lamb of God" in one evening. "It's been a dream of mine to put these two pieces together," said Jensen. The running time of both musical pieces combined is approximately two and a half hours. "It will not be as long as 'Savior of the World' or 'Les Misérables,'" she noted. Both "King of Kings" and "Lamb of God" have been described by their composers as "musical experiences." Based on the gospels, "Lamb of God" tells the story of Jesus' last days through the eyes of His dis-
ciples and loved ones. Similarly, "King of Kings," written by Draper composers Tyler Teerlink and Jake Lives, imagines a back story to the Nativity through contemporary music. Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society has added theatrical elements to the production which makes it stand out from traditional orchestral and choral performances. The soloists will be in biblical costumes and set pieces such as a "stone" wall, stables and a throne will add to the spectacle on stage. Principal violist Risae Carlson appreciates the differences that set Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society apart from other community orchestras. "I enjoy that the music is not just orchestral," she said. "It's the choir and soloists, it's different from what I've always played." She is looking forward to the upcoming performances. "'King of Kings' doesn't include the usual Christmas-y music," Carlson explained. "You can perform it any time of year. I'm excited to do both pieces. I think people will be affected by the story." Performing these works is an emotional experience for the musicians and singers in Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society. Although soprano Heidi Price has sung "Lamb of God" several times before, she never tires of the piece. "It's just a joy to sing," Price explained. "The music is well-written with beautiful melodies and poetic lyrics. It's just so moving it's hard to describe." "I think we have a lot of beautiful Christmas music," she continued. "I feel like we don't have enough music for Easter.” Price added that this concert will be
Zackary Williams, Eric Peterson and Jacob Kenison as the Three Wise Men and William Covington as the boy Jesus performed in Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society’s “King of Kings” last December. The Philharmonic is reprising the production along with “Lamb of God” this month in Logan. (Photo courtesy Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society)
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Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society first performed “Lamb of God” by composer Rob Gardner several years ago. This year they have added costumes and set pieces and will perform it along with “King of Kings” in Logan. (Photo courtesy Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society)
an opportunity to hear music that celebrates both sacred holidays. The concert affords Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society the opportunity to showcase their musical talent. “I’m amazed at how much talent we have,” Jensen said. “They are just all phenomenal. We are so blessed.” Some of the soloists will be familiar to local audiences. Dallyn Vail Bayles is singing the roles of Joseph in “King of Kings” and John in “Lamb of God.” Serena Mackerell will be reprising her role singing the
part of Mary in “King of Kings.” Eric Peterson is singing the role of Peter in “Lamb of God.” Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society will present “King of Kings” and “Lamb of God” at the Ellen Eccles Theater located at 43 S. Main St. in Logan at 7 p.m. on March 25 and 26. For tickets and more information, visit www.draperphilharmonic.org l
Serena Mackerell as Mary and Kimberly Robbins as Elisabeth performed in Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society’s “King of Kings” last December. The Philharmonic is reprising the production along with “Lamb of God” this month in Logan. (Photo courtesy Draper Philharmonic & Choral Society)
Draper City Journal
Looking into Utah’s judicial courtrooms: A former court watcher’s observation By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
I
n this November’s general election, Utah voters will take to the polls to determine if judges should be retained. Currently, there are 63 judges who are eligible to stand for retention. Utahns determine whether judges should remain on the bench on even-numbered years through a simple yes or no vote. If the majority say yes, the judge is retained. Utah is one of a handful of states that use elections to determine this process. However, not all voters are aware that through the Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission, Utah residents, who are unidentified to judges, have evaluated those judges who are currently eligible to stand for retention. These volunteer observers or court watchers provide voters with information about each judge’s performance, which also is shared with the judges to improve the quality of their judiciary. The commission’s report is designed to provide accountability of the judge while ensuring he or she acts as an independent branch of government. While House Bill 40 proposes to change the language in the report to indicate whether a judge “passes minimum performance standards” versus be “recommends” retention, the material that has been gathered each year provides information to allow voters to determine judicial retention, said former Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission member Becky Overacker. Overacker was a courtroom observer for four years, filing her last of about 120 reports on judges six years ago. She is one of the 293 volunteer observers who served or is serving since the commission was established. She stepped into the position after hearing on the radio about a need for civically minded people who wanted to learn about the courts and attending a meeting. The Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission, established in 2008, after piloting the observation program, asked for volunteers in 2010. “It piqued my interest; they said this is a new thing and we’re just getting started,” Overacker said, despite having worked in the chemistry field before retirement. “It’s a benefit (that she didn’t work in the civics field); because they want lay persons. If you’re going to be taken to court, it can be a scary thing; it can be the worst day of your life. So having a lay person in their eyes, saying ‘this is a safe place,’ is a valuable thing.” While serving the commission, Overacker entered courtrooms from Logan to St. George, Vernal to Tooele and she has observed judges rule on traffic offenses to criminal cases to family situations. She witnessed courtrooms where judges ruled on stealing hot dogs to child abuse. During her first two years as a court-
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I learned two very important things within that first year I was doing this: One, if someone is ever in trouble, I would get a lawyer because they know the system and know what they’re doing. The second thing I learned is the judges in Utah are really good. Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission member Becky Overacker room watcher, Overacker said she learned two critical things early on. “I learned two very important things within that first year I was doing this: One, if someone is ever in trouble, I would get a lawyer because they know the system and know what they’re doing. The second thing I learned is the judges in Utah are really good,” she said. Overacker said that Utah has a system of appointing judges different from most states, which hold elections for judges so it can be partisan. In Utah, the governor appoints a commission to review applications to be judges and they’re chosen by merit, including education and service, she said. “They’re already at the top of their field by the time they get to be judges,” she said, adding that it’s then up to voters to determine their retention on the bench. Overacker said the Utah legislature recognized that initially very few voters have the time to observe court proceedings, so they didn’t know how to enter their retention vote. Thus, a commission was established with court observers who usually enter an assigned judge in a courtroom across the state to quietly take notes for a two- to threepage report they would file afterwards. “I tried to be very discreet. I don’t want anybody to know who I am. I just wrote what’s going on the whole time, who did what and I tried to get direct quotes from the judge, the dissent and everyone to put in the report that I later wrote,” she said, adding that she did carry a letter from the commission explaining who she was if she was every questioned. As a court observer, Overacker discreetly watched for basically three points: “Voice—does the judge allow everybody to speak equally?; neutrality in not taking sides; and respect—just being respectful to
Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission court watchers provide information about judges’ performance to help voters’ make informed choices about judicial retention. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
every party that’s there and having eye contact.” She said that most of the judges met those criteria. “Every judge I saw, would usually always say, ‘Do you have anything else to add? Is there anything I need to know? Most judges are really good. There are judges that will look at their monitor the whole time people are talking and sometimes I know they’re busy and could be looking for history on the case or at precedents, but it’s really important to look up and face people when they’re talking to and not interrupt,” Overacker said. She once did observe a judge that was “concerning to me. I wrote in my report that he was so favorable to the prosecution, everything they asked for, they got, and I thought if I was a defendant in that court, I would be really nervous. I was asked to observe that same judge a couple years later, and I was hesitant, but he had changed. He was much more open.”
However, most of the times, the judges were fair. Overacker remembers observing an Ogden judge who realized a defendant on his third public defender wasn’t getting a fair shake when that lawyer asked for a continuance. The judge listened to the defendant as he grumbled saying he already had served the maximum time in jail for that offense and the judge shortened the amount of time before the trial. After sitting in courtrooms and having time to reflect, she wants people to know about the commission and information it provides so they can make informed decisions when it’s time to vote on judicial retention. “Our system really does work and there are really good, honest people who are trying their best to make things fair to people,” Overacker said. “Our judges are good. Attorneys are invaluable. I learned this by watching how people listened, how people reacted and how people were taken care of. Utah has a good system.” l
March 2022 | Page 9
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Draper Park students win prizes from leadership summit By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
T
wo Draper Park Middle School Latinosin-Action eighth-grade students Nickan Abtahi and Luis Ortega won prizes from the Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs after the group of students attended the recent Multicultural Youth Leadership Summit. The conference theme was Reflect, Reengage and Reignite and the virtual conference was opened by Gov. Spencer Cox. Break-out
session topics included mental health, which explored mindfulness, resiliency and wellness; financial empowerment in learning how to save for college and the future; and exploring college and career pathways. Shown here, Draper Park Middle School LIA adviser Edith Goodwin distributes the bagged prizes. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
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Draper City Journal
Juan Diego student to attend national youth summit on the environment By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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Juan Diego Catholic High honors biology student has been selected as one of 100 students nationwide to participate in a week-long youth summit on the environment in Fairfax, Virginia this summer. Sophomore Sammy Pickering, of Herriman, will learn about environmental science and conservation while at the 2022 Washington Youth Summit on the Environment June 26 through July 1 at George Mason University. The youth summit at GMU partners with the National Zoo and the National Geographic Society. Pickering was nominated to be a delegate. While she doesn’t know who nominated her, students are typically nominated by their teachers, counselors or Washington Youth Summit on the Environment alumni. Pickering received an email in the fall, then an acceptance letter in January. “I like to look at college letters and this just happened to be the one that I pulled out,” she said. “I was very shocked when I found out I could go to Washington, D.C. for this.” According to the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment website, students are selected on academic excellence and have an interest in environmental science.
Pickering wants to pursue a career in marine biology. “I’ve always had a love for animals and saving them and figuring out ways to help them survive in the ocean,” she said. As a conference delegate, Pickering and other students will have exclusive field visits to the National Zoo, NASA Flight Center, the National Aquarium, National Geographic Society and other places as well as be able to talk to researchers, scientists, professors, directors and program staff to gain an inside look at environmental science, policy and conservation issues. Pickering also is expected to be able to talk to lawmakers on Capitol Hill about environmental issues and topics. She hopes to be able to talk to U.S. Sen. Mike Lee. “I want to look up the issues that they see on the environment and then issues I have on the environment in Utah,” she said. In addition to environmental issues, there will be discussions about selecting colleges and careers in the field and she will have the opportunity to stay in a GMU dorm. Pickering also will be able to visit the Capitol, the Smithsonian and several monuments during her first visit to the capital Juan Diego Catholic High sophomore Sammy Pickering has been selected as a delegate to the 2022 Washcity. l ington Youth Summit on the Environment, which will be held this summer in Fairfax, Virginia. (Photo courtesy of Maryann Pickering)
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Juan Diego hockey team back on ice By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com
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fter years of playing independently— joined with other high school programs because of low participation—the Juan Diego Catholic High School hockey team has been thrilled to be back in their own uniforms this season. “I can’t tell you what a different feel it is in so many ways to compete in our own jerseys,” said head coach Moe Van der Sluys, who is in his 12th year with the program. “Playing as an independent is hard because you don’t really know your teammates very well, but these players are bonding like never before. It has reinvigorated our program and has been amazing and really cool to see.” Despite having just 14 players on the team, the players and parents were on board with fielding their own squad this season. “We called a meeting and they said, ‘If we’re Juan Diego, we’ll play,’” Van der Sluys said. This year’s group has been young with just five upperclassmen on the roster. “We only have two seniors and have a very young team. But, these kids are leaders, so was actually tough to choose captains,” Van der Sluys said. “It’s really cool to see and it sets the stage for not only success this year, but in future years.” Juan Diego finished the regular season in seventh place out of 22 teams in Division 2 in Utah High School Hockey with a 9-3-3 record. The Soaring Eagle squad has defeated Salt Lake Stars, Tooele, UCI-North, Viewmont,
Davis County Independent Eagles, Riverton and Bountiful while tying Oquirrh, East and Murray, and losing to Southern Stars, South County, Weber County, Skyline, Cache Valley, Bingham and Mountain Ridge. In the state playoffs that began Feb. 7, JDCHS defeated Davis County Independent 5-2 and advanced to play Park City Feb. 12 where they lost in a 3-2 “nail-biter,” according to Van der Sluys. “Against Park City, it was an action-packed game and they came from behind to score the game winner in the last minute.” In the double-elimination state tournament, Juan Diego went on to face Northern Utah Independent game Feb. 16 and won 5-2. “NLI was a skilled, fast and physical team,” Van der Sluys said. “They scored two goals in the first period, but our players adjusted and scored the next five goals.” JDCHS faced Bingham Feb. 23 (after press deadline). Captain Tommy Filldore has led the team this season with 29 goals and 15 assists. “His quiet leadership is an inspiration on the ice through his skill and desire to help the team be successful,” Van der Sluys said. “He is only a junior so we look forward to seeing him another year as well.” Alternate captain Matt Odell, a sophomore, is second on the team in scoring with 21 goals and has also recorded 15 assists. “Matt
The Juan Diego Catholic High School hockey team is again competing for their school this season after having to play independently because of low participation. (Photos courtesy Moe Van der Sluys)
has shown some great dedication to the team and has some great leadership skills,” Van der Sluys said. Matt’s younger brother, Jake Odell, is third on the team in scoring with 17 goals this season. Also on the Soaring Eagle squad this season are alternate captains Connor Davis and Nathan Schilly along with William Conley, Weston Eder, Wyatt Hanna, Zachary Meehan,
Kailey Mulcahy, Bryson Newport, Goalie Pool, Thomas Rock, Miles Sears and Jackson Tenzer. Van der Sluys is assisted by former player Matt Alter and April Van der Sluys, Moe’s wife, who “mans the penalty box.” “I have such a passion for this sport and watching these kids develop and grow up and become young adults,” Van der Sluys said. “Hopefully, we are making a difference.” l
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Draper City Journal
JDCHS swimmer wins three state titles; teams finish in top four By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com
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uan Diego’s Audrey Weller won two state titles at the 3A state swimming championships Feb. 11-12 at Brigham Young University while also swimming a leg on the winning 200 medley relay team for the fourth-place girls team. The boys 200 freestyle relay team also finished first in leading the boys to a third-place showing. Weller “shattered” a 16-year-old school record in the 100 breaststroke, according to head coach John Moran— besting the mark by nearly four seconds—in touching the wall in this year’s event well ahead of Juab’s Grace Holman. The junior also set a school record in the 200 Individual Medley with a 2:13.40 swim, coming in nearly eight seconds head of Holman. The 200 medley relay team of Weller, Thais Tosolini, Lyla Sylvia and Morgan Rutledge put themselves atop the JDCHS record books as well with a 1:59.18 effort to tie Judge Memorial for first place. “It was a highlight as the president of the Utah Swimming Coaches Association to present the swimmer of the meet award to Audrey,” Moran said. Ethan Atzet anchored the state champion boys 200 free relay squad with the fastest 50 free swim in school history. That lineup also included Charlie Gleason, Shepherd Foy and Khristian Swick. Atzet, a senior also placed second in the 50 and 100 free events. Other All-State performances for the Soaring Eagle team were Atzet (third, 200 medley relay), Elise Baker (second, 200 free relay), Shepherd Foy (sixth, 400 free relay), Gleason (third, 200 medley relay; eighth, 100 back), Matthew Howard (sixth, 400 free relay), Irvine
Nelson (third, 200 medley relay), Morgan Rutledge (second, 200 free relay; eighth, 50 free), Joseph Shami (third, 200 medley relay; fifth, 100 butterfly; sixth, 400 free relay), Khristian Swick (sixth, 400 free relay), Lyla Sylvia (second, 200 free relay; seventh, 400 free relay), Audrey Tita-Munoz (seventh, 400 free relay), Thais Tosolini (seventh, 400 free relay), Thaia Tsandes (seventh, 400 free relay) and Weller (second, 200 free relay). Moran also noted the performances of Rutledge in the 100 free, Bea Pascual in the 100 fly, Theodore Tsandes in the 200 IM and Tosonili—“who had the toughest meet program”—and scored in the 500 free and 100 back. “I am very proud of our team’s performances and all of their hard work throughout the season,” said the coach. “Hoorah, Soaring Eagle swimming!” l
The Juan Diego Catholic High boys swimming team took third with the girls coming in fourth at the 3A state swimming championships at Brigham Young University Feb. 11-12. (Photo courtesy John Moran)
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Draper City Journal
The electric bus was able to make it to the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon without a hitch, and even recharged most of its depleted battery on the way down. (Justin Adams/City Journals)
Are electric buses a viable solution for Little Cottonwood traffic problems?
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By Justin Adams | justin.a@thecityjournals.com
group of local elected officials, community activists and college students boarded a bus last month for a ride up Little Cottonwood Canyon. Their goal? To show that electric buses can be a viable solution for the canyon’s traffic problems. The Utah Department of Transportation is currently in the middle of the process of narrowing down its list of proposals. From an original list of five possibilities, the department narrowed its consideration down to two: an enhanced bus system (along with widening the roads in the canyon) and the construction of a gondola. Throughout its Environmental Impact Statement report, UDOT’s analysis of the enhanced bus system presupposes that those buses would run on diesel fuel. An assumption that Cottonwood Heights City councilwoman Ellen Birrell says is based on a myth that electric buses don’t have what it takes to make it up the steep slopes of the canyon. “We’re going to urge UDOT to revisit their assessment,” Birrell told the City Journals. The bus ride was organized by the University of Utah student group, Students for the Wasatch. They coordinated with Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall to use an electric bus that her office borrowed from California for a few days to demonstrate its versatility and viability to local legislators and elected officials. So how did the bus fare with the challenge of climbing Little Cottonwood Canyon? “We zipped up!” Birrell said. “And it was so quiet we could use our inside voices. It was delightful.” “I would describe it as clean, fast, quiet and comfortable,” said Sandy Mayor Monica Zoltanski. “I was skeptical, to tell you the truth, whether it could handle the climb up Little Cottonwood Canyon, but this bus
DraperJournal .com
had no problem.” Not only was the bus able to keep up with other traffic as it made its way up the mountain, but it was able to recharge its battery on the way down through a process called regenerative braking. Because of this, the bus was able to make it up and down the canyon using only 3% of its battery. Alta Mayor Roger Bourke, who hopped on board the bus for the final few minutes of the ride, was impressed with the experience and touted the vehicle’s benefits for the environment. “We are faced with a worldwide catastrophe if we don’t get a handle on these greenhouse gasses,” he said. “And this is the way to get a handle on it. This can be charged with renewable energy, which we’re getting more and more of. That’s the future.” Birrell noted that the solution to traffic problems in the canyon doesn’t necessarily have to be contained to one big project that costs hundreds of million dollars, like the gondola or road expansion. Instead, she suggested that a better strategy would be to adopt multiple smaller changes. One change she said has already started working is the ski resort’s implementation of reserved parking spots. “With Alta ski area having reserved parking for all their parking spaces, there has not been a traffic congestion problem this ski season,” she said. “Some of the logical and practical solutions that many of us want to see phased in, that would be much less expensive than a gondola or lane expansion, are already reducing the traffic.” A fleet of electric buses could also theoretically be purchased and deployed by next ski season, noted Students for the Wasatch member Claudia Wiese. “It can be an immediate solution, as opposed to spending years on a project,” she said. l
March 2022 | Page 15
St. John students to perform ‘Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Jr.’ By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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ifty-two third- through eighth-grade St. John the Baptist students will take the stage to present “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Jr.” this month. The show will be held on Friday, March 11 at 7 p.m. in the Juan Diego Catholic High auditorium, 300 E. 11800 South. The show is free, however canned food donations are being collected to donate to Catholic Community Services. The show features Sasha Bugay as Belle; Ava Tota as the Beast; Parker Stolz as Gaston; Amelia Chiazzese as Maurice; Jameson Wigton as Lefou; Biankah Arostegui as the enchantress; Dylan Orega as Cogsworth; Mack Kessler as Lumiere; Sienna Wheeler as Mrs. Potts; and Morgan Hunter as Chip. It’s the first show since the COVID-19 pandemic hit and the fifth musical performed by the students. “We used to run two programs (one in the elementary and one in the junior high), but when COVID hit, we took a break and brought it back this year because there was such a high demand of kids wanting to get back into theatre and perform,” said St. John curriculum and faculty development director Gina Parker, who is joined directing by literacy team member Monica Bathurst and second-grade teacher Andrea Arnold. Students auditioned in early September with a memorized monologue and 45 minutes of singing a song from the show. Ninety-minute weekly rehearsals began in the middle of the month and recently, a second day of practice each week was added. “They’ve gained so much confidence performing and speaking in front of others. It’s been amazing. Some were so
shy when they auditioned and could hardly speak, let alone sing in front of you. Now there’s a whole different person, they’re singing, they joke, they use inflection in their voices, they have eye contact. It’s been fun to see their confidence grow,” Parker said. What they practice has carried over into the classroom as students are reading with inflection and being confident in the oral presentations. “They’re also learning to read music and listen for timing, different tones and beats in the songs,” Parker said. “They’re working together as a team and that’s huge, supporting each other.” Parker started teaching at another Catholic school 13 years ago and got into theater from a co-worker when they directed a kindergarten Christmas play. When she came to St. John, Parker began directing “The Polar Express” play. Eventually, she began the school drama club. “We began with ‘Seussical’ because Dr. Seuss has everything a little whimsical and crazy so I knew if it wasn’t perfect, that it would come out, but the characters would be just fine,” she said. “It just grew in the interest of the kids and parents.” Since then, students have performed “Shrek the Musical, Jr.,” “Elf the Musical, Jr.,” “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka, Jr.” The show, “Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids,” was to be performed when the response to COVID-19 closed schools. l St. John the Baptist student Sasha Bugay, who plays Belle, rehearses the opening scene of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Jr.” (Photo courtesy of St. John the Baptist)
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Ranked Choice Voting in retrospect and the future of voting in Utah
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raper was among 23 Utah cities that participated in Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) for the first time for the November 2021 election. RCV is a pilot project approved by the state legislature from a bill sponsored by Representative Jeff Stenquist (R-Draper). The bill stated it was up to each city council, not the mayor, whether or not their city would participate. Draper City contracts with Salt Lake County to conduct its elections. Prior to the election, both the city recorder and county clerk’s office made efforts to educate voters about RCV and each ballot came with a letter from the county clerk’s office introducing RCV. Following the election, Draper City conducted a survey to gauge residents’ responses to RCV with 791 people responding. The majority (67.9%) of respondents said they were expecting the new system while 32.1% said it came as a surprise. Statistics from the survey: 33.4% were very satisfied with RCV (30.2% were very unsatisfied) 50.7% felt the instructions on the ballot were very clear (9.5% felt they were very unclear) 46.4% said the RCV process was very easy (9.6% found it difficult) 63.2% were confident they completed their ballot correctly (8.5% were not at all confident) “At this time, the city council has not made a decision about using RCV again. The next election is in November 2023, so we expect it will not be addressed until early 2023,” said Draper City’s Communications Director Linda Peterson, following the survey. Meanwhile, a panel discussed the future of voting in Utah at a February forum at the University of Utah’s Hinckley Institute of Politics. Panelists included Salt Lake County Clerk Sherrie Swensen, Weber County Clerk Ricky Hatch, Ammon Gruwell from Utah Approves, and Stan Lockhart, a proponent of RCV and former chairman of the Utah Republican Party. “There is no perfect method of elections. The (current/ traditional) system of plurality voting is fraught with challenges,” Lockhart said. According to Lockhart, plurality voting causes people to either be really happy or really unhappy because their choice for office either wins or loses. He said that there are “games played” with plurality voting, including splitting the vote (such as when an Independent, Libertarian or Green Party member joins a race) and that strategic voting is necessary. Lockhart feels RCV promotes more voter satisfaction (a voter’s first choice may not win, but their second choice might) and encourages civility in campaigning (if a candidate is not a voter’s first choice, that candidate hopes to be their second or third choice). Lockhart cited New York City as having used RCV for their last mayoral election, resulting in a win for Eric Adams. Gruwell indicated the nation’s current system has low voter satisfaction and that all voting methods perform identically when there are only two candidates. His nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, Utah Approves ( www.utahapproves.org ) advocates for approval voting. “Approval voting…results in a big improvement in outcomes in crowded races. Voters simply get to vote for more than one and the candidate with the most votes wins. It’s an election based on highest favorability rating…there is no ranking or elimination of candidates like with RCV,” Gruwell said. The system has been used throughout Eu-
DraperJournal .com
By Mimi Darley Dutton | m.dutton@mycityjournals.com
A panel made up of (L-R) Salt Lake County Clerk Sherrie Swensen, Weber County Clerk Ricky Hatch, Ammon Gruwell of Utah Approves, and Ranked Choice Voting advocate Stan Lockhart spoke at a February forum on election innovations at the University of Utah’s Hinckley Institute of Politics. (Courtesy The Hinckley Institute)
rope, in Papal Conclaves, and in U.S. cities including Fargo, North Dakota and St. Louis, Missouri. “All 29 county clerks in Utah have come out in support of approval voting…not only due to the simplicity and cost-effective nature…but also because it has an audit trail they are comfortable with,” the Utah Approves website states. According to Gruwell, the level of ballot spoilage with approval voting is low (compared to moderate for RCV) and approval voting requires moderate voter education (the traditional system requires low-level voter education and RCV requires more). Hatch and Swensen, two of four county clerks in Utah who administered RCV for the first-time last November, shared their thoughts. “Voter confidence across the country is low, but we do it well in Utah,” Hatch said. He cited an MIT study that found voter confidence has a 20% swing based on if the voter’s candidate won or lost. As an election administrator, Hatch said his priorities are threefold; following the law, accuracy in tabulating results, and removing voting barriers including complexity. He’s not convinced about RCV and questions if now is the right time to make changes. “It’s great in concept, but let’s take a holistic approach,” he said. Swensen said, “It was challenging for us to administer RCV, from creating the ballot to the instructions.” She later said, “It took our staff two weeks to format the 79 different ballot faces or styles for all the municipalities. The various ballot styles had to be designed to apply to voters depending on where within the county they resided so they could vote on candidates that pertained to their voting precinct. We found examples of ballot instructions from other jurisdictions that conducted RCV elections. We took the best examples of those…It was a very complex process to position the RCV contests and the standard voting contests on the ballots so they would not be confusing to voters.” Swensen said approval voting wouldn’t take as much space on a ballot as RCV. She has concerns that RCV ballots could be multiple pages, resulting in higher costs to print and mail, and more chance for potential spoilage, such
Election assistant Becky Overacker helps first-time voter Zyon Bruce in November. (Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)
as if a voter failed to return all pages of the ballot for tabulation. She estimated one extra page on a ballot could cost $200,000. Swensen said she wished the county had more time to prepare for the first RCV and she had a realization after it was conducted. “We definitely undercharged the municipalities,” she said. “The estimate for conducting an RCV election should have been at least double what we cited… partly because of the complexity of the ballot formatting… There were also a lot of ambiguities in the RCV statute which required a lot of administrative time and legal consultation.” Lockhart commended the county clerks for successfully administering the first large-scale RCV elections. “Until you use alternative methods of voting you’re skeptical,” he said. The RCV pilot project is good until Jan. 1, 2026. A RCV “clean up” bill, sponsored by Rep. Doug Welton (R-Payson), was in house committee waiting to be heard at press time. l
March 2022 | Page 17
Page 18 | March 2022
Draper City Journal
Continued from front page ing fluoride from the culinary water supply, and a letter in favor of fluoridation from Salt Lake County Health Department Director Dr. Angela Dunn and Environmental Health Director Ronald Lund. In February, WaterPro stockholders received a pink ballot in the mail with the opportunity to vote on the matter. Draper Irrigation Company’s 2022 annual meeting of stockholders will take place Wednesday, March 16, in council chambers at City Hall. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting will start at 7 p.m. There will be no public discussion on the matter of fluoridation. “The outcome of the vote will be determined by a majority of the votes cast by ballot and in person at the annual meeting. An unofficial count will be provided during the meeting with final results being posted to the company website within 24 hours after the meeting,” Draper Irrigation said. Meanwhile, with concerns over drought and future water supply, the subject of treated sewage water reuse for WaterPro’s and Bluffdale City’s irrigation systems was discussed at a February public hearing. Water reuse would apply only to secondary water, used for irrigation, and not for culinary water, used for drinking and cooking purposes. “The water is very clean…this is the latest, state of the art treatment for secondary water,” said Ken Brand of South Valley Sewer District. The process is already happening in other parts
of the U.S. and has to meet approved regulations from agencies such as the U.S. Department of the Interior. The treated, reused water is said to be cleaner than the current secondary water Draper gets from canals. The alternative would be a scenario in which, during a drought, WaterPro would have to shut off secondary water for customers partway through the season. The project is still in the approval phase with a final decision expected in early 2023. Construction of a pipeline, primarily in the area of 13560 South in Draper, is projected to take two and a half years and people could utilize the reused water beginning in 2025. Without the reuse system, water rates could increase as much as 45-50%. “In the long term, this will give us a more reliable source of water and make us more independent,” said Dave Gardner, previous assistant general manager for WaterPro. Last October, Draper’s city council discussed details of an agreement with WaterPro on the matter. “I see this as a great opportunity to use a resource that’s currently just going down the river. It’s sort of an exchange for better water. Down the road, as growth happens, they’ll be able to pull more water out of it because of the growth as well,” said Scott Cooley, Public Works director. Cooley estimated this system and arrangement would reduce the city’s cost for irrigating Galena Park by roughly $70,000 to $80,000 per year. l CJ
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March 2022 | Page 19
Females in Action focus on body, mind and heart in Salt Lake Valley By Rachel Aubrey | r.aubrey@mycityjournals.com
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hether during pre-pandemic times, post-pandemic times, or anywhere in the middle, everyone wants to feel like they have a group to belong to. Along with that feeling of belonging also comes the feeling of acceptance despite your age, color, race, religion, orientation, occupation, etc. Those looking for such a group need look no further than a nearby park where every Tuesday at 6 a.m., Wednesday at 7 p.m., Friday at 6 a.m. and Saturday at 8:30 a.m., you will find, regardless of the weather (not excluding snow), Females in Action Salt Lake Valley, a group of women who are ready and waiting to accept other women into their circle, free of charge. “At first I thought it was too good to be true, to be free and an amazing social outlet,” said Rachael Van Cleave, FIA member. “I can’t say enough how much it helped my mental health throughout the pandemic. I was able to have that social outlet, get exercise year-round and stay safe.” More than just a weekly workout group, FIA Salt Lake Valley offers the kind of like-mindedness that many look for in a group of female friends. From all
Page 20 | March 2022
different backgrounds and circumstances, the mission of FIA is to “make each other stronger in all areas through activities that include bodies, minds and hearts.” Females in Action was inspired by F3, a national organization of men seeking “fitness, fellowship and faith.” The headquarters for both F3 and FIA are located in North Carolina. According to the website, FIA is more than 6,000 women in 22 different states, and continues to grow. The FIA Salt Lake Valley group just celebrated their one-year anniversary in February. Allyson Naud discovered FIA after seeing her husband participating in F3. A self-proclaimed introvert, Naud was not keen, at first, on the idea of a weekly exercise group, especially when it came time to be the leader of said group. What started off small in numbers has turned mighty in spirit. “I just emailed a few friends and they came,” Naud said. “I never imagined it would grow like this and that it would have such an impact on everyone.” The group became official with FIA nation last year after about four months of having consistent attendance. The group started with one workout a week and 30
Weekly workouts are free of charge and help the women of FIA Salt Lake Valley focus on improving their health and wellness (Photo taken by Laura Grenmyr).
women. It has grown to four workouts a week and 52 women. More than just a peer-led workout, the women of FIA Salt Lake Valley spend time serving in the community. The most recent project was for a women’s shelter, for which they put together hygiene kits. The group com-
municates regularly, using Slack, about upcoming workouts, gathering for book club, dinner club, and just checking in with one another. “It’s about more than working out, it’s about community, and having a group of awesome women to do life with,” Naud said. During the Covid quarantine the group was still able to gather to do their weekly outdoor workouts, with their masks on and at a safe distance. They were able to be a support to one another in what seemed like a never-ending cycle of uncertainty brought on by the pandemic. Every workout ends with a circle of trust, where the group gather in a circle to acknowledge each individual and reflect or contemplate, using a motivational thought, quote or story before parting ways. The sense of community has made a huge impact on some members, some who moved to Utah during the pandemic, some who are here without family support. “If it weren’t for FIA, I would have had a worse time during the pandemic,” said FIA member Laura Grenmyr, who serves as the marketing and public relations coordinator. Newcomers to the group should expect to receive a nickname, something to do with her experience or her life, be it a hobby or characteristic or something she enjoys. Grenmyr spent seven years living in Sweden, and travels there often, garnering her the nickname Globetrotter. Naud is known to the group as Leafmaster, and Van Cleave is known as Primetime. For more information or to see the local weekly workout schedule, visit fianation.com/locations/utah/salt-lake-valley/. l
Draper City Journal
2022 Hope Walk highlights suicide prevention By Dylan Wilcox | d.wilcox@mycityjournals.com
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tudents, teachers and community members of Riverton High School participated in the Hope Walk on Saturday, Feb. 5, calling attention to the importance of suicide prevention, especially among youth. The event was planned in part by the Hope Squad, a team of students and faculty who have been trained in recognizing signs of suicide in individuals and how to respond. Natalie Bartholomew, the Hope Squad Adviser, says that the Hope Walk, which is part of Hope Week, was inspired after a cluster of suicides occurred a few years after Riverton was established in 1999. “This is something that a lot of us have noticed that there is this alarming trend, an increase in anxiety and depression, just mental health generally. If you notice people are struggling, reach a hand out and let them tell you their story, then you’ve created a connection with that person,” Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs said. According to Bartholomew, previous Riverton City Councilor Jerry Payne discussed various programs that could be implemented to emphasize suicide prevention. The Hope4Utah program was integrated with the high school’s curriculum. “We have a group of 50 kids who are trained on mental health topics and QPR which is question, persuade and refer which is a suicide prevention strategy in looking for
warning signs and how to get those people help,” Bartholomew said. “We train them, and we make students aware of who they can get help from and who they can talk to.” According to Hope4Utah.com, suicide is the third leading cause of death among youth ages 10-19. About 4,600 teens are lost to suicide annually. “We see it a lot, as a counselor at the high school, mental health is the number one thing we see kids struggling with right now,” Bartholomew said. “Hope Squads are the eyes and ears of your school. They are comprised of students who are trained to watch for at-risk students– provide friendship, identify warning signs, and seek help from adults. HOPE4UTAH works with school advisors to train students who have been identified by their classmates as trustworthy peers to serve as Hope Squad members. Through evidence-based training modules, Hope Squad members are empowered to seek help and save a life,” the website says. The training is done in tandem with parents so both teens and parents are aware of suicide warning signs. The Hope Squad is a nonconfrontational means of having students who struggle with suicide ideation reach out to a peer rather than an adult with whom they might not feel comfortable discussing such topics. Dylan Elliott, a senior at Riverton High School, is the Hope Squad president. He
Riverton High School students and community members participated in the annual Hope Walk on Saturday, Feb. 5. (Brook Bowen/Riverton City)
DraperJournal .com
was introduced to the Hope Squad in middle school, joined the team in high school and has since been involved in planning events for the cause in the community. “I feel like everyone has been affected or can relate someway to suicide prevention,” Elliott said. “So, I thought this program was so cool because it not only focuses on the deep stuff, but also the happy stuff, the idea of hope. And we want to give hope to my peers.” Last year’s Hope Walk was different because of COVID, but this year is “very empowering,” Elliott said. Elliott shared that the Hope Squad’s QPR training helped him to recognize suicide warning signs in a friend. He called 911 to prevent the attempt. “I was very grateful for the training I got from Hope Squad to be able to recognize the signs,” he said. “I think there is a level, while I’m participating in meetings and events, that this kind of training can really make a change.” The United Health Foundation maintains suicide statistics on AmericasHealthRankings.org which lists Utah as the state with the fifth highest suicide rates. According to their data, 21 people in every 100,000 have committed suicide in the last year. The highest demographic being Caucasian males aged 35-41. Natalie Hall, the newly elected mayor
of Bluffdale, said that the Hope Walk was an impactful experience for her and her kids. Even though the city lines are different, Hall says Bluffdale and Riverton are the same community. “I think it’s really important for people to realize that our kids go to Riverton,” Hall said. “We really want to support Hope Week year-round. We want to make sure our students know they are loved and that they can share their stories. Mayor Staggs has been very gracious in including Bluffdale in events this week.” Hall said these events will continue to play an important role in addressing the mental health needs of the community. Hope Squad Public Relations representative Jacqueline Willard, a senior at Riverton High School, has been using social media to spread the word about Hope Squad and Hope Week. “I’ve been able to communicate with students and staff through multiple ways, in assemblies and in classes, by showing videos to talk about Hope Week and how we can help students,” she said. “It’s important for them to reach out to us and we can work with counselors [to address their needs],” Willard added. l
Riverton High School students pose for a picture at Spirit Corner at the end of the Hope Walk on Saturday, Feb. 5. (Brook Bowen, Riverton City)
March 2022 | Page 21
CCHS swimmers runners-up at state for best finish in school history By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com
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orner Canyon High junior Karson Spencer successfully defended his 6A state title in the 100 butterfly at the state championships Feb. 19 at Brigham Young University. He also swam a leg on the championship 200 medley relay team which also included his brother, Konnor, and Jaxon Barlow and Ryan McNeill in bringing the Chargers their first relay title in school history. The top finishes helped the boys team to a runner-up finish, also setting a school mark, and earned head coach Patrick Thurman, who is assisted by Sheridyn Cook and Victoria Blow, the 6A boys coach of the year. “We had some great performances,” said Thurman, the only swimming coach CCHS has ever had. Also earning All-State honors for the Corner Canyon boys were Ashton Brunt (sixth, 400 free relay), McNeill (sixth, 50 freestyle), Brandon Smith (sixth, 400 free relay), Rocky Smith (sixth, 400 free relay; seventh, 200 free relay), Karson Spencer (sixth, 200 Individual Medley; sixth, 400 free relay), Barlow (seventh, 50 free; seventh, 200 free relay), McNeil (seventh, 200 free relay; eighth, 100 free relay), Konnor Spencer (seventh, 200 free relay; eighth, 100 breaststroke) Lily Afualo led the 11th-place girls squad with a fifthplace showing in the 500 free and the 200 free. She also swam legs on the sixth-place 400 free relay team – which also included Ruby Winget, Halle Walker and Macie Granger – and the eighth-place medley relay lineup along with Winget, Abbi Pelegrin and Walker. Winget additionally earned an All-State honor by finishing eighth in the 100 backstroke. Also earning points at state for the Chargers were Barlow (ninth, 100 breast), Konnor Spencer (11th, 200 IM), Hugh Hammons (13th, 500 free; 14th, 200 IM), Brandon Smith (14th, 100 back; 14th, 200 free), Winget (15th, 200 free) and Rosemary Akins (16th, 100 breast) “State took it to a whole new level,” Thurman said. “The kids battled and all contributed to the team success. Each boy had a best time during the meet and most of the girls did as well. Only six of our 20 state swimmers had been in such a big meet before, so it definitely was a fresh experience and a learning experience.” Also on the 2021-22 CCHS swimming team were seniors Katie Bingham, Aaron Dean, Madalyn Delis, Lily Johnson, Ashlin Richardson, Ethan Robichaux and Kail Smith; juniors Caleb Bevan, Ellie Bowler, Halle Button, Feme Chirachanakul, Bree Cruz, , Michael Dorny, Annika Gilson, Jenna Goates, Manga Hansen, Avery Hanson, Sheila Horman, Henry Horsely, Miles Johnson, Noah Moartins de Mello, Aiden McMillan, Samuel Morrell, Nicoline Mousten, Naiah Sirrine and Aden Wright; sophomores Ali Bagley, Noah Geertsen, Sophia Harward, Colin Ho, Anna Hotvedt, Ashlee Jensen, Crew Kartchner, James Lilian, Heather Lund, Alyssa Meadows, Marissa Parker, Ethan Pulley, Brayden Towns and Camden Trudo; and freshmen Jake Anderson, Jake Anderson, Lili Bailey, Sydni Barlow, Jordan Barlow, Mariam Coucoure, Landon Fitts, Lincoln Nelson, Potter Palmer, Bailey Palmer, Kenyon Roberts, Rebecca Rogness, Edin Strait and Emily Vega. “This season has been so refreshing to me. After the challenges that we faced last year due to Covid restrictions, I loved the energy and positivity that the team showed all season,” Thurman said. “One of the great highlights of my coaching career was when several seniors qualified for state for the first time. It was so rewarding to see their years of dedication be validated with a chance to compete at the championship meet.” l
Page 22 | March 2022
The Corner Canyon High 200 medley relay team of Jaxon Barlow, Konnor Spencer, Karson Spencer and Ryan McNeill won the title at the 6A state swimming championships Feb. 19 at Brigham Young University. (Photo courtesy Patrick Thurman)
Corner Canyon High junior Karson won his second consecutive 6A state title in the 100 butterfly Feb. 19 at Brigham Young University. (Photo courtesy Patrick Thurman)
Corner Canyon High swim coach Pat Thurman (center) received the 6A Boys Coach of the Year award. He is pictured here with assistants Sheridyn Cook and Victoria Blow. (Photo courtesy Patrick Thurman)
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March 2022 | Page 23
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Senior Jaxon Heiden shoots a free throw during the Hawks season finale against Mountain View. The senior night game saw Alta clinch the Region 8 championship outright. Heiden averaged 13 points per game, leading the team along with his namesake and heir apparent, sophomore Jaxon Johnson.
In his first season, Travis Ohrn led the Hawks to a region championship, overcoming an early-season loss to Orem to finish 10-2 in region and take the trophy outright. Alta entered the 5A state tournament (after press deadline) as the No. 5 seed.
Jaxon Johnson averaged 13 points per game to help lead the Hawks to a region championship.
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The Alta student section celebrates during the Hawks senior-night victory over Mountain View. Alta finished the regular season 17-6.
Draper City Journal
Celebrate St. Paddy's Day with shamrocks, leprechauns and the color orange By Karmel Harper | k.harper@mycityjournals.com
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ocal Danielle Millar Stoddard's Irish mother celebrated St. Patrick's Day by wearing orange. "My great grandfather was Protestant Irish and raised his children to wear orange on St. Patrick's Day. My grandmother would let my mom and her siblings wear green so they wouldn't get pinched at school, but if Grandpa was coming over, they had to change quickly to something orange; otherwise, Grandpa would get so mad. He was very stubborn and set in his ways!" The green color rules on March 17, but not all people wear green. Some wear orange. First celebrated in 1631, St. Patrick's Day is a Roman Catholic holiday that honors the patron saint of Ireland. The color green is the Irish Catholic tradition, but not all Irish citizens are Catholic. Some are Protestant. Protestants wear orange to honor William of Orange, the Protestant king who overthrew Roman Catholic King James II in the Glorious Revolution in 1688. The Irish flag, with its vertical blocks of green, white, and orange, is representative of the blending of the cultures. The green represents the majority of Roman Catholics; the orange represents the minority Protestants; and the white in the center symbolizes purity and peace between the two sides.
According to the website Patriot Wood, "When Ireland's flag was created, white was chosen as the central color to represent a lasting truce and hope for peace between the two sides. It represents the ideal that every person has a part in Ireland, regardless of political stance, religion, or ethnicity." Other Irish traditions on St. Patrick's Day include a meal of corned beef and cabbage, which, according to Delish.com, isn't actually the national dish of Ireland. It's typically only eaten in the U.S. around the holiday. "During the time of the Irish immigration to the U.S., the first generation of Irish-Americans were in search of the comforting tastes of their homeland. On St. Paddy's Day, that meant boiled bacon. But the immigrants were too poor to afford the high price of pork and bacon products. Instead, they turned to the cheapest cut of meat available: beef brisket. The corned beef was paired with cabbage, as it was one of the cheapest vegetables available to the Irish immigrants," said the website. While St. Patrick's Day is just another day to some people, to others, the celebrations go beyond wearing green to avoid getting pinched. Herriman’s Denise Wooten Christiansen said, "As a granddaughter of Irish immigrants, St. Patrick's Day is special to me and it's become special to my children. I decorate
Some Irish prefer wearing orange instead of green on St. Patrick's Day. (Photo courtesy of KTBS)
our home, wear a special green chenille shamrock pin that my grandma made for every child and grandchild in our family every year, and eat corned beef and cabbage for dinner. It is a day to remember our Irish heritage and to carry on the multi-generational traditions of our family," Regardless of how you celebrate or not celebrate St. Paddy's Day, perhaps this famous Irish blessing that abounds this time of year resonates: "May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. The rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand." Or perhaps this Irish blessing that local resident Megan Sticht shared may be more appropriate to your mood: "May those who love us, love us. And those that don't love us may God turn their hearts. And if He doesn't turn their hearts, may He turn their ankles, that we may know them by their limping." l
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March 2022 | Page 25
Sandy couple celebrates 75 sweet years of Valentines By Heather Lawrence | h.lawrence@mycityjournals.com
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hink what you want to about Valentine’s Day—the sappy cards and obligatory chocolates. But whether you love it or hate it, the story of Tony and Vina Borrero is a sweet one. They met in 1944 at the height of World War II. Tony was stationed at Fort Douglas and serving in the U.S. Air Force. They married in 1946, and have been together ever since. At ages 102 and 98, Tony and Vina celebrated their 75th Valentine’s Day together in February. Their lives have been filled with hard work, children and grandchildren, travels around the world, ballroom dancing and nights out at their favorite restaurants. The Borreros moved to Cedarwood at Sandy Senior Living a few years ago. As the years pass, their love and willingness to care for one another grows stronger. “I’m glad to help her because I love her so much. She’s just such a wonderful person. She made me the person I am today, and she’s the best wife I could ever have,” Tony said. He cares for Vina, who has gone blind, by taking her for walks, going to activities with her and helping her with daily tasks. Vina appreciates having Tony at her side each day. “He is everything you could want in a lifelong partner. He has such a kind
Tony and Vina Borrero in the early years of their marriage. (Photo courtesy Tony and Vina Borrero)
heart, and each day I grow more thankful to have him by my side,” Vina said. Tony has some advice to share: “The key to a long and happy marriage is to respect and love each other, and to never speak harshly to one another. You can’t lose with a formula like that.” l
Tony and Vina Borrero celebrate 75 years of Valentine’s Days together. (Photo courtesy Cedarwood at Sandy)
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Draper City Journal
Need more fiber in your online diet? Google is coming to town! By Mimi Darley Dutton | m.dutton@mycityjournals.com
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n addition to the regular roadwork happening around town this spring, Google Fiber will begin a projected 18-month buildout of their service to residents of Draper. The company was granted access to city roads, park strips and other city property when the Draper City Council unanimously approved a licensing agreement with Google Fiber to provide high-speed, high-bandwidth internet service to residents and small businesses in the city. “This will provide residents with another option for fiber,” said City Manager David Dobbins. Unlike an offer from Utopia approximately one year ago that would have obligated the city to cover costs of both infrastructure and the service if not enough users signed up for the service, this agreement puts zero financial obligation on the city and its taxpayers. Councilmember Tasha Lowery said comments she’d received from residents about the potential agreement with Google Fiber were unanimously in favor. “Welcome, we’re excited to have you,” said Councilmember Fred Lowry to Jacob Brace, Government and Community Affairs manager for Google Fiber. Councilmember Cal Roberts inquired about the potential for service in SunCrest. Brace said that area may prove to be more challenging. “Google’s engineers have to work within limits,” he said. Brace said the intent is to have people online at
CELEBRATING
the end of this year and then sign others up as quickly as possible. He said his company will work with HOAs and private, gated communities to ask if they want the service as well. Draper City said decisions about service areas and fees will be solely determined by Google Fiber. “Everyone deserves access to fast, reliable internet. Google Fiber is looking forward to helping Draper residents accomplish all the things they need to do online everyday with dependable internet,” Brace said. The city will communicate with residents about construction-related activity and service availability throughout the process. “This is going to get our citizens the service right away and it’s up to them if they want it. You can start at my house,” Mayor Troy Walker said. More information can be found at fiber.google. com Residents can contact the Google Fiber Construction hotline at 877-454-6959 with questions or concerns. l Jacob Brace, Government and Community Affairs manager for Google Fiber, speaks with Scott Cooley, Draper’s Public Works director, following a February Draper City Council meeting. The council unanimously approved an agreement with the internet service provider. (Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)
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‘Star’ JD wrestler wins at Divisionals
J The Juan Diego Catholic High School SilverLine drill team successfully defended their region title and then placed third at state in a historic season. (Photos courtesy Jaydee Lester)
JDCHS drill back-to-back region champs; third at state
By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com
uan Diego’s Yvette “Star” Vargas won the 115-pound classification in Divisional B at the Sevier Valley Center Feb. 5. Ximena Torales-Quintana placed fourth in the 125-pound division while Skyley Hanna came in fifth at 120 pounds. Vargas pinned Journey Tooney of North Sanpete in the semifinals before pinning Canyon View’s Kristie Jensen in just over a minute and a half to come out on top. Quintana beat Ogden’s
Tylee Day—come back from an 11-5 deficit—and North Sanpete’s Alexis Passaretti while losing to Brielle Fawsom and Vanessa Elexpuru, both from Grantsville. Hanna came back from an elbow injury to defeat North Sanpete’s Anna Eliza Booher and pinning Sophia Calchera from Grantsville with losses to Providence Hall’s Alyssa Lujan and Ogden’s Kennedy Cadiz. (Photos courtesy Zac Petereit) l
By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com
F
or the first time in school history, the Juan Diego SilverLine drill team won consecutive region titles. This year, they won the Region 13 championship Jan. 21, sweeping the Military, Dance and Show. Two weeks later, the squad placed third at state with a second place finish in Military and third-place showings in Dance and Show Feb. 4 at Utah Valley University. “We are so proud of our girls’ progress this year and how far they have come,” said head coach Jaydee Lester. “We put everything out on the floor and danced the best we ever have. We as coaches are so proud of the girls and all their hard work. It was amazing
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Page 28 | March 2022
to have the opportunity to compete.” Those on the 2021-22 team are captains Caitlyn Bath and Kambree Guest, co-captain Izzy Bonacci and drill president Kaylynne Ransom along with Sinai Barba, Ella Devir, Rachee Hatch, Josie Jewkes, Lily Martin, Sam Martinez, Sophie Moreno, Danielle Pozzi, Miranda Rice, Simone Nicolodemos, Emma Sharpley, Ella Schorlemmer, Iris Silva, Mia Silva and Corinne Simao. Lester was assisted by Maddy Gough and Gentry Stevenson on the coaching staff this season. “We are so proud of this season, in making Juan Diego history,” Lester said. l
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Charelles take region championship By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com
T
he Corner Canyon Charelles won the Region 4 drill team championship that was held Jan. 20 in their CCHS home gym. Those on the 2021-22 Charelles squad this year are President Madeline Chambers, Vice Presidents Abby Gray and Ani Allan, Officers Kamryn Cotterell, Siena Evans, Bella Kilgore, Sammie Harkness, Isabella Salazar and Sarah Knowlton, along with Ava Allred, Amybeth Anderson, Phebe Balfe, Clara Boman, Hailey Carroll, Chloe Day, Isabella Dean, Emersyn Dickson, Abigail Engh, Anna Fankhauser, Hailey Hadfield,
Hadley Hagen, Paris Hagen, Jada Hardcastle, Chanel Holt, Mia Judd, Claire Liljenquist, Hailey Love, Lauren Luper, Madison Moeller, Brooklyn Nelson, Camryn Osborn, Kenna Pupunu, Presley Richards, Sophia Richards, Lily Robertson, Sophie Sanderson, Tessa Stringham, Alexa Theler, Alexa Wade, Kiara Warner, Addison Williams and Gianna Wittwer. Head coach Jamie Crowther was assisted by Taylor Frame and Jaylee Hoover this season. (Photos courtesy Jamie Crowther) l
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was eight when I ran away from home. It was the summer of ’76 and my mother did the unspeakable. She banned a book in our home. In the stack of books I’d checked out at the library, there was a paperback copy of “Jaws” I instinctually hid from Mom because she could be irrational. The book cover, with its looming shark and nearly-nude swimmer, might make her think the novel wasn’t “proper” for an 8-year-old. With a plateful of homemade oatmeal cookies, I sat on my bed engrossed in shark attacks. My bedroom door opened and Mom (without knocking!) entered my room to put clothes away. Her mouth dropped open when she saw what I was reading. She grabbed it out of my hands and banned the book from the house. How dare she! I fumed and realized there was only one answer to such blatant oppression. I got my red suitcase and packed a nightgown, a change of clothes, my toothbrush and a Nancy Drew book. I stomped down the stairs, ignoring Mom as she stood in the kitchen doorway with her arms crossed. Before I walked out of the house forever, I told her I couldn’t live with her cruelty any longer. I walked two blocks to my Aunt Judy’s house and announced I was moving in because Mom was an unreasonable tyrant.
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I stayed the night, knowing Mom must regret her terrible behavior. I figured by the next day, she would be frantic with worry. Served her right. (I later learned she’d called my aunt to let her know I was heading her way.) When I returned home, I asked her if I could read “Jaws.” She said no. You can bet your sweet bookends I found a copy of “Jaws” and secretly read it cover to cover. My effort to read banned books didn’t stop there. As I got older, I tore through Judy Blume's books, inhaled the “Flowers in the Attic” series, and absorbed “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Twice. My cousin and I would sit on the bookstore floor, reading salacious parts of popular bodice-ripper novels written by the queen of romance, Kathleen Woodiwiss. Mom realized it was counterproductive to forbid me from reading books, and we ended up having conversations about racism, in-
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equality, sex and sharks. I make it a point to read banned books, buy banned books, promote banned books and encourage my daughters to do the same. I figure if a book is so powerful it has to be banned or burned, that’s a book I need to read. Anything that gets people’s knickers twisted and touches a literary nerve goes on my toread list. Parents and lawmakers are increasingly trying to create laws that shelve books that don’t fit in with their (mostly conservative) ideals. When that happens, society loses. Didn’t you read the (ironically) banned “Fahrenheit 451?” I agree that 8-year-olds don’t make the best choices, but if we control the curriculum, frame the narrative, and put a conservative slant on history, we’re not doing those 8-yearolds any favors. In January, when a school board in Tennessee banned the Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel, “Maus,” parents pushed back. The Salt Lake County Library System has dozens of copies of the Holocaust story where the Jews are depicted as mice, Germans as cats, and Americans as dogs. I was happy to see it has hundreds of hold requests. Looks like I’m not the only one making sure I read things that make me uncomfortable.
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