July 2026 | Vol. 35 Iss. 7
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Riverton softball snags third consecutive state title Page 8
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By Josh McFadden The Silverwolves capped a dominant 20-1 campaign with a first-ever state title.
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The Riverton girls lacrosse team brought home the 2026 Class 6A state title. (Photo courtesy of Ellie Lauren.)
n the Class 6A ranks, no one could topple the Riverton girls lacrosse team this past season. During the team’s run to the 6A state title, Riverton was rarely even challenged. The Silverwolves finished 20-1 overall and 6-0 in Region 2 play. The team’s only defeat of the season came on April 28 at Park City, the eventual Class 5A champs, by the count of 9-7. It was otherwise an unblemished campaign for the Silverwolves, which captured its first-ever state title in girls lacrosse. In thrilling fashion, Riverton, the No. 2 seed in the playoffs, outlasted top-seeded Skyridge 8-7 in overtime in the title game on May 21. To illustrate how potent Riverton’s offense had been all season, the eight goals were the second-fewest the Silverwolves scored in 2026 — with the seven in the defeat at Park City being the fewest. But eight goals were enough to get past a resilient Skyridge squad.
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Things looked dire early on for Riverton, however, as it fell behind 6-3 at halftime to Skyridge, the champions from Region 3, which entered the game with a 20-1 mark. Coming into the contest, Skyridge’s only defeat had come at the hands of a team from California—and the Falcons’ talent showed. The second half was a different story. The Silverwolves surrendered just a single goal in the second half while scoring four times leveling the game at 7-7 at the end of regulation. In overtime, senior Maggie Bird scored the game winner, lifting her team to victory—and lifting the championship trophy for the school and program. Bird had three goals on the day—sharing
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COMMON GROUND
The Pot Calling the Kettle a Rainbow
Common Ground will be a column of rotating viewpoints that highlight specific feelings across the political spectrum, and it will always end with possible ways to come together. As normal for June in Utah, there was little rainfall, but that didn’t stop tears of the far left from crying throughout the month. What were they upset about this time? Gov. Cox decided June (2026) should be Fidelity Month. Did the left feel betrayed by one of their biggest supporters when he didn’t recognize their month-long orgy? His declaration reads: Whereas, a recent opinion poll of Americans showed that support for traditional values has significantly declined; Whereas, a majority of Americans no longer esteem values like faith, family, patriotism or community involvement; Whereas, fidelity means dedication to faith, family and country; Whereas, it is imperative that we recommit ourselves to the pursuit of fidelity; Whereas, John Adams, a founding father of the United States, said, ‘‘Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.’’; Whereas, the survival of the United States depends on the shared bonds of faith, family and patriotism; and Whereas, it is fitting to observe one month each year to rededicate the United States to its core values; Now, therefore, I, Spencer J. Cox,
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John J. Walker Common Ground
governor of the great state of Utah, do hereby declare June, 2026 as Fidelity Month in Utah. If you imagined Gov. Cox activated his taxpayer-funded propaganda machine and waged war against the LGBTQ+ community by shoving his new declaration down everyone’s throat, it would be exactly that, your imagination. No politician has made such a lackluster declaration since Clinton used his air quotes. The Governor simply posted the declaration to his website. But that didn’t stop people from feeling butthurt about the proclamation. As if the Governor’s track record had been forgotten: 2021: The Governor declares the month of June, LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Utah. 2022: The Governor declares the month of June, LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Utah. 2023: The Governor declares the month of June, Pride Month in Utah. 2024: The Governor declares June the month of “Bridge Building”. 2025: No declaration by the Governor, but 42 miles south of the State Capitol Charlie Kirk, a right-wing political activist, was assassinated on Sept. 10. Note: the accused assassin may have been aligned with the LGBTQ community.
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2026: The Governor declares the month of June, Fidelity Month. Now, let’s look at the track record of the LGBTQ+ community for the same time period. 2021: They mock the LDS culture and religious community by creating an all-out effort to change Pioneer Day into Pie and Beer Day. 2022: They continue to mock LDS culture and community by creating an all-out effort to change Pioneer Day into Pie and Beer Day. 2023: They continue their mocking of the celebration of Pioneer Day. 2024: Continue mocking the celebration of Pioneer Day. 2025: Continue mocking the celebration of Pioneer Day. 2026: Continue their mocking celebration of Pioneer Day. It’s probably the most consistent aspect of their culture, in a world where they add new colors to their flag and their acronym gets so large they just add a + sign. To get respect, you might have to give a little. Common Ground: The current political environment has tricked us, leaving us with two polar options. Either we have to gay bash or we have to run through the street dressed like Richard Simmons, waving a rainbow flag. However, it seems like there’s a lot of ground in the middle. That ground might be the area most of us occupy. I think most Utahns can agree the
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LGBTQ+ community should be recognized; they should be allowed to celebrate their community. But can we make it less about their sexuality and focus more on their suffrage, rights, and successes? Those things we can all celebrate. As a mutual sign of respect, can’t all members of the state come together to celebrate and balance religious aspects with the suffrage, rights and successes within the communities? Those celebrations leave room for the journey of the pioneers in the mid-1800s and the similarities to that of the LGBTQ+ community in the mid-to late 1900s. Both suffered persecution. Both fought the federal government’s overreach as to who they can marry. Should Utah celebrate Pride Month? Of course. Should the Governor have declared the month Pride Month? Maybe. He doesn’t own the month; he can declare it anything he wants and we can celebrate each day as we please. Equally important are values like faith, family, patriotism or community involvement. Are they currently at risk? Of course. Let’s celebrate those values. So thank you, Gov.Cox, for supporting these key values and declaring June Fidelity Month. Let’s celebrate it and next year let’s get even louder about our celebration, maybe a drone show over the Capitol or a UFC fight in the rotunda. Thank you, Governor, for supporting Pride Month for five years. We hope you have not given up on it, and our families and community.
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Riverton City Journal
‘1776’ and immersive art exhibit offer community, music and theater Riverton’s Arts Council City celebrated America’s founding with a free admission event brought to life with a live orchestra, immersive art exhibit and a theater jam-packed with Riverton families. By Tyler McFadden t.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com
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iverton Arts Council presented the musical “1776” multiple days in June, accompanied by a small, immersive art exhibit. Originally by Peter Stone, the production is about the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Founding Fathers’ struggles to bring America to life. “1776” included a large cast of actors and singers from around the community, which, together, made it possible for Riverton residents to come and enjoy local art. The live orchestra added an extra layer of excitement to the experience and made “everything come together,” said Kim Rimmasch, orchestra conductor. Each evening was curated by the community, for the community. Complete with catchy songs, costumes and dedicated actors, the performance engaged the audience, with some cheering, laughing and even humming during intermission. At the small art exhibit, which accompanied the production, audience members could browse paintings of famous moments from the revolution and colonial-era clothing replicas. This mini-museum set the mood before the musical even started. There was a large copy of the Declaration of Independence, just outside the doors to the theater, where people
could practice their best John Hancock signature. This was another way the Riverton Arts Council put effort into making it an immersive experience for everyone. “Individually, they couldn’t have gotten it done,” said Lambert, “but together, it worked.” Some attendees even dressed up for the occasion, wearing red, white and blue clothing to join in on the musical production theme and patriotic spirit. The production team worked very hard to make the performances of “1776” happen in hopes that the community would gain a lot from the performances. “I hope that [the community] gains an appreciation for the remarkable way this country came to be,” said Karissa Kim, the musical’s director. Both the production crew and actors alike wanted to make sure that the musical humanized the Founding Fathers. “They were people, they had flaws,” said Kim. “They never would have gotten there without compromise. It’s a good lesson for today,” said Andrew Lambert, the actor who played the lead, John Adams. During these performances, the theater was full of audience members excited to see this particular historical recreation. Free ticket entry to “1776” made the musical accessible to all residents on select June evenings. Upcoming productions for the Riverton Arts Council include “Freaky Friday” and “SpongeBob.” Like “1776”, these musicals will feature local talent, include a live orchestra and give the public access to art. With more musicals planned in the future, residents can expect even more family-friendly productions to enjoy with the community. l
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A small exhibit showing artist renditions of the revolution and colonial era clothing accompanied the “1776” musical. (Tyler McFadden/ City Journals)
The giant Declaration of Independence that people could sign. (Tyler McFadden/City Journals)
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Riverton City Park’s ‘grand entrance’ has a plan—for now
The beautification of the former skate park plot should be done in time for July 4. By Travis Barton travis.b@thecityjournals.com
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hen spectators during Town Days are looking for a place to sit for the fireworks, they will have a new location to sit. Riverton City officials decided in May to replace the stretch of area just off 12600 South where the skate park used to be with an open expanse of sod and a tree line. The area is part of what some residents, and now the council, are calling the city’s “grand entrance” as one of Riverton’s first city markers once entering the city along 12600 South. Grass and trees were one of eight options city staff presented the Riverton City Council in May, with the simple sod and trees being the choice they could most likely finish in time for Independence Day. Public Works Director Cary Necaise told the council it will give more space for residents to watch fireworks. That’s something Councilmember Alexander Johnson often hears from residents; the park is too crowded with not enough space for the Fourth of July fireworks show. Residents
Fourth-grade teacher raises and releases fish as part of her curriculum.
Riverton is replacing the skate park area with grass and a tree line this summer. (City Journals)
having “more space to sit and enjoy it is a really big benefit,” he said. Other options presented include a sod and tree line set up with either xeriscaping or a walking path, while conservation garden was promising, but ultimately deemed too time
consuming and cost-effective. A community garden was considered along with a more pragmatic choice in adding 16 parking stalls. Two other choices were more recreational and amenity-related which would have seen cornhole concrete pads added to
School of fish meets school of kids
By Robyn Heninger r.heninger@mycityjournals.com
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here was an unmistakable buzz of excitement at the Cove Pond in Herriman as a local fourth-grade class from Foothills Elementary gathered for a very anticipated field trip. With family and friends along for support and after a winter’s-long wait, the students prepared to release dozens of young trout into their new home. For these students, the release of the fish was the height of a months-long journey that brought wildlife biology directly into the classroom. This was part of “Trout in the Classroom,” a national environmental education program sponsored locally by the Utah Department of Wildlife Resources and Trout Unlimited. The program offers an incredible hands-on learning opportunity for students, but for fourth-grade teacher Amy Peterson, making it happen for her class was no small task. “I heard about the program a couple of years ago,” Peterson explained. “But it’s taken me a few years to earn the money to buy all the equipment. It was over $2,000 worth of equipment to do.” Peterson was passionate about providing a quality learning experience for her students;
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the sod and tree line option. The other option, preferred by city staff, would build futsal and street hockey counts on either side of the entrance road. The combined cost there would be an estimated $320,000, a price beyond what Johnson was comfortable with now but could revisit in the future. The council agreed on sod and tree line as the choice with its price set at $35,400, according to Necaise. Various councilmembers voiced this preference given its option to expand in the future without tearing too much up. Any concern about conservation was tempered as the sod used for the area won’t add to the city’s footprint as sod will be removed from the future skate park site. Necaise also explained water usage won’t increase much beyond what was already being used in that area. Councilmember Spencer Haymond said this option gives the entrance to the park “additional beauty and character” and leaves it “a little more aesthetically awesome.” Councilmember Andy Pierucci was in favor, but cautioned a more long-term view to ensure they are intentional in what they choose to do with the area. He noted the park already carries a lot of “nonfunctional turf” and wanted the city to choose “what’s the highest and best use of our public assets.” l
Fourth graders prepare to release trout they raised from eggs since October. The release marks the end of their year-long “Trout in the Classroom” science project. (Robyn Heninger/City Journals)
she spent years raising funds for this project, using her state legislative supply money and launching a DonorsChoose Grant. This year was the first time she was able to introduce this into her teaching. “Everything is new and exciting,” she said. In the fourth-grade curriculum, students focus on the life cycles of smaller organisms, but this project allowed students to see and learn a bigger picture. “In the fourth-grade curriculum, we normally watch mealworms grow into beetles. And they’ve done that before,” Peterson said. “I wanted them to be able to do this because they were able to watch all the steps of the life cycle as they are growing in a much more in-depth way.” The class received the trout eggs back
in October. Throughout the school year, the students got to watch and track each stage of the fish’s growth, watching them hatch and even naming them before their send-off. “We’ve been pretty attached to them all school year,” Peterson said. That same emotional attachment translated directly to academic engagement. The class integrated the trout into their daily math and science lessons; by doing this, the students gained a firsthand understanding of biological concepts. “In our science curriculum, we learn about the structures and functions of organisms that help them to adapt and survive in their environment,” Peterson said. “My class is very informed about the parts of our trout and what they do to help them survive, and their habitats,
because they were really motivated.” The program’s success is already showing. According to Peterson, her students’ test scores have never been higher. The program director, David Doltela, noted that hands-on experiences like this serve as a gateway to open academic interests. “I think if they get interested in science, biology, they kind of get interested in a lot of different scientific endeavors,” he said. “You know, that’s what it’s all about!” When it finally came time to release the trout into the pond, the students’ enthusiasm was contagious. According to Doltela, that excitement is standard for the program — and sometimes makes a little extra laundry for parents. “The kids get so excited,” Doltela laughed. “And then they lose their footing. Fortunately, we have not had anybody actually go into one of these ponds, but we’ve come really close. I’ve had a lot of wet pant legs.” Despite a brief scare with a misplaced fish — “We only lost one…but I didn’t lose it for very long,” Peterson joked — the release day was deemed a massive success. “It was a lot of work, but I think it was worth it for sure,” she said. “The kids get so much out of it.” When asked if she would go through the hassle and work of doing this again, Peterson answered, “Absolutely.” l
Riverton City Journal
Some of the students who completed the America 250 Student Challenge attend an awards ceremony held May 14. (Kraig Williams/JSD)
Students celebrate America’s 250th birthday Learning more about their country’s founding documents and history makes this year’s Fourth of July celebration special for students. By Jet Burnham j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
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hen in the course of the school year, it becomes necessary for students to learn the history of their country, to understand the power of their freedoms, and the laws and responsibilities their citizenship bestows, the semiquincentennial of these United States of America demands a deeper and more interactive curriculum of celebration. Teachers, students, families and local leaders went above and beyond the norm to enrich the school year with patriotic events. Traditionally, fifth grade students perform a patriotic program to share the U.S. history they have learned throughout the year. Many schools expanded those programs this year. To get students excited about the nation’s 250th birthday, Antelope Canyon Elementary teachers upgraded their fifth grade program to a school-wide event and invited local political leaders and parents to attend. Columbia Elementary students at each grade level learned patriotic songs for their school-wide assembly as well. The annual Family STEM Night, held in March, had an American theme which inspired STEM activities. For
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example, in one activity, students learned the science of invisible ink and then wrote secret codes to be delivered without being caught by ‘the British.’ South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey and Jordan School District Superintendent Dr. Anthony Godfrey joined in the fun, visiting nine South Jordan area elementary schools to quiz fifth-graders on their knowledge of U.S. history and civics. The Utah State Board of Education awarded 12 Utah students top prizes for their essay and art entries as part of the America250 celebration. Jordan School District Social Studies & World Languages Consultant Kaye Rizuto invited all JSD students to participate in the America 250 Student Challenge, which had a list of activities to learn more about U.S. history, government and to get involved in their communities. “I hope they learned to be grateful for the freedoms that we have,” Rizuto said. Bluffdale Elementary teacher Melanie Fisher noticed that six of the eight student challenge requirements for fifth graders were things she already does with her students as part of her curriculum, so she had her class complete seven activities together and one more on their own. “Teaching about U.S. history, our government and our rights and responsibilities as citizens is one of the things I love most about teaching fifth grade,” Fisher said. “The more we educate our students
about these important things, the brighter our future becomes.” Fisher’s class performed a song and led the Pledge of Allegiance at the district-wide awards ceremony, held in May, for the 92 Jordan District students who completed the student challenge. Rachael Farley, a former teacher, said the student challenge was a great way for her children to prepare for their upcoming family trip to Washington, D.C. Ranging in age from kindergarten to ninth grade, her children completed the requirements for their specific grade level which tied into what they have been learning in school this year. “I think it’s just a great experience to have them learn more about our nation, learn more about how we became a nation, and the things that we had to do to get to where we are today to enjoy the freedoms that we sometimes take for granted,” Farley said. Some activity options focused on U.S. history and others celebrated Constitutional rights, such as ‘Make a social media post about America 250 and a freedom that you enjoy’ or ‘Take a gun or hunter safety course.’ “A common one between all of them was ‘Attend a religious service and talk about how that impacts you,’ and that’s an important part of our family, is to worship together,” Farley said. Although the kids worked on the challenge individually, Farley said there were many family discussions and in-depth conversations about what they were learning.
Each child did things for the challenge they normally would not have done. Emmaline Farley, a sixth grader, wrote a letter of gratitude to a neighbor who serves in the military. “It just helped me appreciate what they did,” she said. Ninth-grader Adelynn Farley read a book about John Adams. “It really took me out of my comfort zone to read it,” Adelynn said. “I honestly didn’t even know really what he did. I learned a lot from it.” Some of the challenge activities were things the kids were already doing. Adelynn marked off ‘Participate in a school Patriotic Program’ by performing with her school choir at her school’s 9/11 memorial event. Traci Stayner was another parent who encouraged her kids to complete the America 250 Student Challenge. “I really think they saw that there’s a lot of sacrifice that went into the making of our country,” Stayner said. Her daughter Hannah, a junior, was one of the few high school students to finish the challenge, which had more demanding requirements for older students. While third-graders Emma and Ella Stayner wrote reports on George Washington and women’s suffrage, and memorized a few lines of The Declaration of Independence, their older sister had to memorize the entire document in addition to other time-consuming requirements. Hannah is glad she did. “I learned what the Declaration of Independence says — I never knew what it said before,” she said. l
July 2026 | Page 7
The Riverton softball team celebrates a home run during a season in which it captured a third straight state championship. (Photo by Dave Sanderson)
The Riverton softball team celebrates in third title in row. (Photo by mediabyjdub.)
Bre Mackay (14) and Kenzie Anderson celebrate a catch by Mackay against Davis. (Travis Barton/City Journals)
Riverton softball reaches new heights, captures third consecutive state crown The Riverton softball team once again proved to be the best team in Class 6A, winning its third state title in a row. By Josh McFadden
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he Riverton softball team is getting used to hoisting championship trophies. The Silverwolves are in the midst of a dynasty, having now won three Class 6A state titles in a row. This time, Riverton took down region rival Herriman in back-to-back games to secure title No. 3 in a row and No. 6 overall. The program has won five state championships since 2021 and also won a state crown in 2016. This title might have been the sweetest yet. By the end of the regular season, Riverton was looking up at Herriman in the Region 2 standings, as the Mustangs secured the league title with a 10-2 region record, a game ahead of Riverton’s 9-3 mark. But the Silverwolves got the best of Herriman when it mattered most. Riverton prevailed over Herriman 16-15 to clinch the state championship in a thrilling contest that took eight innings to decide. Grace Leary hit a double in the bottom of the eighth inning of a 15-15 game. Her hit drove in the winning run and brought home yet another
championship for the school. Leary’s heroics were enormous, but teammate Bre Mackay made what was arguably the biggest play of the state tournament in the bottom of the seventh inning. With her team down 15-11 and staring defeat in the face, Mackay smacked a grand slam to tie things up. From there, Riverton played solid defense in keeping Herriman off the board in the top of the eighth inning. The game featured 29 combined hits—15 for Herriman, 14 for Riverton. Maggie Hamblin hit two home runs and drove in six other runs. Mackay and Lexi Huntley each had four RBI and a home run. Huntley also hit a double, as did Londyn Rentmeister. Leary hit two doubles, including the game-clinching one. On the mound, Lindsey Strieby had some challenging moments against a powerful Herriman team, but she got the win and struck out four batters. Riverton and Herriman also played a classic the day before. Game one of the championship series played at BYU also went down to the wire. With the scored knotted up at 8-8 in the bottom of the seventh inning, Kenzie Anderson hit a single and brought in the game-winning run. Herriman outhit Riverton 14-10, but the
Silverwolves played well in the field when it mattered most, limiting the Mustangs to a single run in the top of the seventh. Hamblin hit two doubles, and five of her teammates hit singles in the victory. Riverton began the state tournament with convincing wins over Layton crushing the Lancers 14-0 and 22-0. Riverton then routed Bingham 15-4 in a game that went just 4 ½ innings. Riverton scored seven runs in the third and fourth innings, with Peyton Sanchez and Zoe Hazlett each hitting home runs. Hazlett and Rentmeister each had three RBI, as did Anderson. Riverton then had three consecutive matchups with Davis, champions from Region 1. The Darts proved to be formidable, giving Riverton some trouble in the Silverwolves’ 7-4 win. Rentmeister had four RBI in that victory, as well as a home run. However, Davis got revenge and handed Riverton a rare loss the following day, despite Riverton recording 11 hits to Davis’ 9. Anderson hit a home run and had four RBI in the loss, while she, Sanchez and Huntley each had doubles. Later that day in a rematch, and with its season on the line, Riverton came up big. The Silverwolves dispatched Davis 10-5,
eliminating the Darts and advancing to the final round. Riverton was up 4-0 after the first inning and took a 10-2 lead into the sixth inning. The Silverwolves played error-free ball and got home runs from Sanchez and Jaydan Bushman. Huntley and Hamblin added doubles, as Riverton kept its title hopes alive. What are the prospects of the Silverwolves winning a fourth in a row? There is no shortage of optimism in the program. In 2027, Riverton will have to replace some team leaders and accomplished players. Hamblin, Anderson and Sanchez graduated, leaving head coach Whitley Haimin with some holes to fill. The good news is that she has talent at her disposal. Bushman will be back as a senior after hitting eight home runs, eight doubles and a triple in 2026. She also drove in 33 runs. Huntley will be a junior next year. As a sophomore this past season, she hit three home runs, 10 doubles and three triples, and she had 10 RBI. She was also 7-1 as a pitcher and struck out 26 batters. Leary finished her sophomore season with 35 RBI, fourth on the team. She also hit seven home runs, 13 doubles and a triple. Also back is Rentmeister, who will be a senior. She hit five home runs and six doubles, adding 42 RBI this season. l
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Junior Hanna Lino fields a grounder at second for the game’s final out. Mountain Ridge reached the semifinals of the softball tournament where it fell to Herriman.
Mountain Ridge softball celebrates its come-from-behind victory over Lehi during the double elimination 6A state tournament. Down 6-5, the Sentinels drove in three runs in the final inning for a dramatic win. (Travis Barton/City Journals)
Spring season sees Mountain Ridge teams reach semifinals in six sports Both boys and girls lacrosse, volleyball, soccer, softball and baseball all landed among the final four teams. By Travis Barton travis.b@thecityjournals.com
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us schedules, athletic trainers and athletic directors were quite busy in May for Mountain Ridge High School. Six different teams traversed the 6A playoffs to reach the semifinals of its respective sports including boys and girls lacrosse, volleyball, soccer, softball and baseball. Unfortunately, none were able to reach the finals.
Soccer
The boys soccer team went 14-6 on the year earning the No. 7 seed for the playoffs and tied for third in Region 2 with a 9-5 record. After bouncing Layton 2-1 to open the playoffs, the Sentinels went on the road to defeat the No. 2 seed Davis 2-1. Tragedy hit the team the night before its semifinal loss against Farmington when sophomore Gray Zaragoza passed away. The game went ahead as scheduled where both teams held a 21-second moment of silence before the game in honor of Zaragoza’s jersey number. Both teams also kneeled for 21 seconds to start the game and gathered post-match for another moment of silence. Brody Tarwater and Juan Pardo led the soccer attack with 15 and 13 goals,
RivertonJournal.com
respectively, while Dallan Searle and Peak, but fell twice in the double elimiJoaquin Rossel both chipped in six and nation tournament to Skyridge. Three of the team’s eight losses on the year came eight goals. against the eventual 6A runners-up. Softball While baseball will lose some major Sentinel softball earned the No. 6 contributors to graduation in Colby seed as six of the seven teams from its Claassen, Boston Swain and Brody Garrard; region were in the top eight for the state it will return a talented junior class in Alex tournament. Krasner, Dalton Fay, Brody Buck, Karson Softball went 19-12 on the year and 4-8 Fankhauser, Ryker Morton, Carter Bell and in a grueling region. But the softball team Cooper Goff. was able to make a run to the semifinals in the double elimination tournament, beating Volleyball The boys volleyball team, in its third Lehi twice while falling to crosstown rival year as a sanctioned sport, reached the Herriman twice in the semifinals. Andre Ashton and his crew reached semifinals as the No. 5 seed. The Sentinels bracket play after sweeping Syracuse in the beat Copper Hills 3-1 before sweeping Super Regional. Bracket play began with Herriman 3-0 in the quarterfinals, but were a dramatic, come-from-behind victory over undone by eventual state champion Lehi Lehi that saw them overcome a 6-5 deficit 3-0 to fall just short of the title game. They with three runs in the seventh to secure the would win the third-place game 2-0 over Lone Peak to take the bronze. win 8-6. Volleyball finished the spring going Sydney Lambert, Kelli Christiansen and Avery Rawlins were major contributors 22-9 and 9-3 in region, good enough for at the plate with each tallying over 40 hits second behind Bingham. Mountain Ridge on the year with Lambert, Sahar Fard and has proven themselves contenders in the volleyball world, the third-place finish Natasha Dial leading from the mound. comes after a runner-up medal last year.
Baseball
Baseball was a group that hovered near the top of 6A all season, finishing 23-8 with a Region 2 title going 15-3. That earned the Sentinels the No. 2 seed for the 6A tournament. They bounced the Mustangs in the Super Regional to reach the quarterfinals where they beat Corner Canyon and Lone
Girls lacrosse
Girls lacrosse is a force to be reckoned with. A berth in the semifinals has become a formality for the perennial power Sentinels. Mountain Ridge had reached the championship game the last four years from 2022-25, winning in 2022 before falling in the title game the next three years. The
2026 version saw its championship game appearance streak snapped as the team fell in the semis to eventual state champion Riverton 12-11. They finished the year 14-5 and 5-1 in region behind Riverton. Mountain Ridge smoked American Fork (20-3) and Syracuse (17-6) to reach the semifinals as the 6A 3-seed. Sophomore Lucy Rigby and junior Taylie Anderson led the way in points with 95 and 48 respectively. Anderson was also a threat defensively alongside sophomore Claire Pomeroy as the two combined for 95 groundballs and 49 forced turnovers.
Boys lacrosse
The Sentinel boys lacrosse team earned the No. 4 seed in the playoffs, cruising past Syracuse 18-7, before gutting out a 16-13 win in the quarterfinals over region rival Bingham. Mountain Ridge would meet state powerhouse Corner Canyon and lose in the semis. It was the boys team first foray into the semifinals since the sport was sanctioned. The season featured a region title as the group went undefeated 6-0 in region as part of a season-whole 16-5 record. The attack was paced by JT Rigby (signed to play at Utah) and Gavin Gurr (Northwest Nazarene in Idaho) as they recorded 132 and 105 points, respectively. The defense was guided by turnover-forcing machine Tyler Rominger with 99 and 93 groundballs while goalie Parker Guymon racked up 142 saves. l
July 2026 | Page 9
School crossing guards highlight everyday pedestrian dangers In local communities, crossing guards confront real dangers to safeguard children as they head to classes.
Valley have installed HAWK signals, high-intensity-activated crosswalk. These signals are located in areas close to schools where pedestrians need to cross busy streets but that don’t warrant a full traffic signal. Melanie Cannon is assigned to crossing duties at a HAWK signal in Herriman by Providence Hall. Cannon would like drivers to stop and consider before making turns into crosswalks or speeding past crosswalks. “Especially if it’s a right-hand turn. Take a beat,” Cannon said. “You never know who is stepping out.” Even with all the measures in place, there are still too many close calls. Graham said she reported a close call situation in accordance with Utah Code 41-6a-604.5. According to Elliot, the school resource officers are typically the first point of contact for the guards who experience any type of emergency “I could see this lady’s face clear as day,” Graham said. “I’m like, how did you not see me? That’s what I kept saying.”
By Rachel Aubrey r.aubrey@mycityjournals.com
T
o be a school crossing guard is to learn to become a trusted adult that children get to interact with before and after school. According to Utah Division of Transportation’s crossing guard quick reference guide, “As a school crossing guard, you play a critical role in ensuring the safety of students as they walk or bike to school.” A report published in May by KSL Radio cited an Associated Press and Cox Media Group investigation that deemed school crossing guards as one of the top five deadliest jobs in America. But despite that, these community helpers continue to show up, in rain or snow, and put their own wellbeing in jeopardy to make sure kids get safely to school.
‘We are parents too’
Sarah Elliott has been a crossing guard since 2009. At the time, her and her family lived in Draper, and she was a stay-at-home mom with a toddler and twin babies. A fellow guard and friend suggested that Elliott become a school crossing guard as a way to get out of the house and earn a little extra money. “So my kids would stay in the car with one of the old school DVD players,” Elliott said. “It got me some vitamin D and got me out of the house for a little bit every day.” Elliott continued ‘crossing’ in Draper City after moving to Riverton, eventually becoming a crossing guard coordinator with Riverton in 2019. As a coordinator, Elliott is responsible for hiring the guards and is the liaison between the guards and Riverton police department. As a branch of public safety division, crossing guards are underneath the jurisdiction of the local police departments. “A lot of people don’t realize that,” Elliott said. “We’re under the police department, not the schools or the district. We work with them [the schools and districts] but we’re under the police department umbrella.” As coordinator, Elliott said she puts crossing guards in areas close to where their own kids are going to school as much as possible. “I try to put people where they want to be, where it makes the most sense for them because a lot of the guards are moms.” Elliott also noted that school crossing guards can help with special events during the summer months such as the Riverton City town day parade. Jackie Larson began crossing in 2017, quit for a year in 2025, and is now back to crossing in Taylorsville. She too was a stay-at-home mom at the time she applied to be a guard and was looking for something she could do to earn a bit of income.
Page 10 | July 2026
Jill Graham stands at zebra crosswalk of a busy intersection in Herriman City where she gets to interact with school kids in the morning and afternoon as they go to and from the nearby elementary, middle and high schools. (Rachel Aubrey/City Journals)
“I just love it,” Larson said. “It’s helping kids cross. It’s interacting with kids and just being there to just help them safely cross.” Larson knows just how dangerous the job can be, mostly due to distracted drivers. The year she quit crossing was due to a close call where a distracted driver almost hit her daughter while trying to get to school. “It is definitely dangerous,” Larson said. “People [drivers] are not aware of people crossing, or they’re just trying to get their kids to school as fast as they can.” Larson and Elliot both made similar pleas to all drivers, to remember that all children should be able to arrive to school safely. “Think of [all] these kids as your kids,” Larson said.
‘Stay alert and be aware’
According to Safe Route Utah, there are two types of pedestrian crosswalks that drivers should be aware of: a zebra crosswalk and a parallel crosswalk. The zebra patterned crosswalks, named because of the white and black stripes that resemble a zebra, are not to be entered into by a vehicle while there are pedestrians inside the crosswalk. Drivers should look for the yellow pedestrian signs that indicate a school crossing zone and should wait until the crosswalk is completely empty of pedestrians, guards included. Jill Graham has lived in Herriman City since 2002 and has been a school crossing guard in the city for 15 years. Her current assignment is at an intersection that has five lanes of traffic in the east-west direction. In Herriman,
A Hawk signal is a pedestrian triggered spotlight and is only activated when needed and is a way for students and other pedestrians to cross a busy road safely when needed. (Rachel Aubrey/City Journals)
with that many lanes, two crossing guards are stationed at each side of the intersection. For Graham, part of ensuring that all pedestrians get across these lanes safely is making sure she walks in the zebra patterned crosswalk, holding her big red stop sign, wearing her bright neon vest issued by the police department, to the middle of the intersection where a bright orange cone is placed. Graham has witnessed firsthand some of the hazards of walking kids, young and old, across the street. “I would say the two major issues that we have are people on their phones and not paying attention and people in a hurry that think they don’t need to look at the crossing guard and follow their stop sign,” Graham said. According to Graham, school crossing guards are not to have physical contact with the kids as they cross, but there have been times when she has had to extend her arm out to ensure that kids don’t go into the street because of the potential to be hit by a car. “There have been times I have to block the kids,” Graham said. “Some of these smaller children, the light changes and they don’t understand what the process is and they just want to go.”
‘Take a beat’
Officer Jennifer Fairbanks of Herriman police department clarified that going more than 20 miles an hour in a school zone is an infraction and going more than 30 miles an hour is a Class C misdemeanor. In recognition of the need for more pedestrian safety, many cities across the Salt Lake
Recognizing the efforts
While pay varies from city to city, a crossing guard in Utah can earn between $16 and $21 an hour for one to two hours of work per day. Once hired, Elliott said that the new guards shadow another guard in a busier area, noting that if a new guard can handle a busier intersection, they will likely be able to handle a smaller neighborhood crossing assignment. Because of a crossing guard related death in Layton in January of last year, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox declared Jan. 28 as ‘Crossing Guard Day’ in Utah. “I think people don’t appreciate what their crossing guards do every day,” Elliott said. l
Beyond the recognition of the crosswalks, Utah Code Section 41-6a-604 outlines the fines associated with speeding in reduced speed school zones. The fines are as follows: For the first offense: Vehicle speed:
Minimum fine:
21-29 MPH $260 30-39 MPH $420 40 MPH or greater $760 For the second offense: Vehicle speed:
Minimum fine:
21-29 MPH $320 30-39 MPH $560 40 MPH or greater $960
Riverton City Journal
Continued from front page the team lead with Suli Tafisi. But the final goal was the biggest of her career. Bird left Riverton with an incredible stat line in her time on the team: 125 goals, 99 assists, 224 points, 225 ground balls and 169 caused turnovers. In her senior year alone, Bird tallied 35 goals and 38 assists for 73 points, along with 58 ground balls and 56 caused turnovers. She had 10 games this season of accumulating five or more points. As a junior in 2025, she scored 44 goals and handed out 33 assists. In the championship win over Skyridge, Paisley Young added two goals, while Cara Erramouspe and Sienna Rudd each had an assist. Riverton’s championship run nearly didn’t happen. In the semifinals on May 19, Riverton ran into an inspired Mountain Ridge team, a squad that Riverton defeated 10-7 on April 23. Riverton was the only team to beat Mountain Ridge in league play, and the Sentinels had plans to spoil the Silverwolves party. In a game played at Westminster College, both teams had success on offense. Riverton took a 7-5 halftime lead, but Mountain Ridge, the No. 3 seed, won the second half 6-5. The Silverwolves did enough to win and move on, thanks largely to Bird’s four goals and assist. Tafisi had a pair of goals, as did Marlei Young and Erramouspe. Young and Mya Christian each had a goal, while Erramouspe, Christian and Britney Davenport assisted on goals. Riverton’s first two playoff games were not the sweat-it-out matchups of the semifinals and finals. The Silverwolves had little trouble in round two after a first-round bye. Riverton won 19-1 over Cedar Valley in a similar game to the teams’ first meeting on April 16, a 20-0 Riverton victory. Riverton won a quarterfinals game at home over Davis, 14-1. Blowouts like these
were common for the Silverwolves. Riverton outscored foes in league play 101-18. In all games, that disparity was staggering: 333-93 for the Silverwolves. Riverton scored at least 15 goals in 13 games this season and hit the 20-goal mark seven times. From March 16 through March 27, Riverton had a streak of four consecutive 20-plus-goal games. Fourteen of Riverton’s victories were by 10 goals or more. Riverton’s 333 goals were the most in Region 2, the second-most in Class 5A and the sixthmost in the entire state. Plenty of players contributed in 2026 and played key roles in the squad’s championship. This past season, 14 players scored at least one goal for the Silverwolves, with Erramouspe’s 51 pacing the team. She was also second on the team with 70 points and second in assists with 19. Paisley Young was second with 45 goals, while Marlei Young and Bird scored 35 goals apiece. Bird’s 38 assists led Riverton. Tafisi added 31 goals on the year, with Christian scoring 22 goals and Davenport chipping in 21. Haylie Nelson contributed 18 goals. Tafisi and Paisley Young each had 12 assists. Meanwhile, goalkeepers Isabel Simonsen and Ella Snow each spent time in the net. The duo had 40 and 27 saves, respectively. Christian caused 31 turnovers, second to Bird’s 56. Riverton could once again be a factor in the 6A race, as the 2027 season looks promising. Though Bird, Davenport and Paisley Young graduated, some productive players will be back. Christian, Erramouspe and Marlei Young will only be sophomores next season. Tafisi will be a team leader as a senior in 2027. Simonsen graduates, but look for Snow to be a force in the goal next season as a sophomore. The Silverwolves made big strides this past season following a 14-6 mark in 2025. Riverton went 16-3 in 2024 and 10-7 in 2023. l
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Riverton City Journal
City Journals presents:
recreation A publication covering outdoor recreation around the Salt Lake Valley
Take a walk on the wild side By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com Forest bathing is an invitation to fast-paced world.” The Japanese practice was created intentionally commune with nature. in the 1980s by doctors who noticed their If you’ve ever sat on the front porch to patients were experiencing burnout. They watch a sunset, enjoyed a cup of tea in the developed a prescription involving nature backyard or walked through a park to look connection that research has shown to offer mental and physical benefits. at the trees, you’ve done forest bathing. Napper invites people to attend a Ian Napper is a mindful outdoor guide who leads forest bathing sessions, also forest bathing experience which he holds at known as shinrin-yoku. He said commu- places along the Wasatch Range, including nion with nature comes easily to most canyons, parks and Tracy Aviary. Each people and the mental health benefits are event is around 90 minutes and Napper encourages participants to restore their off the chart. “It literally means to bathe in the sense of wonder, awe and community. “I’m trying to help people reconnect nature of the forest,” he said. “It invites you to slow down, like really deeply slow to nature in a personal way,” he said. “As down. The more you slow down, the more humans, we’ve become very isolated, you notice and the more you notice, then partly because of technology, but we expethe more you slow down. It helps us return rience this and there’s a connection that to a more natural pace, which is one of happens and it reduces this loneliness.” As an Army veteran and yoga the many things we need in this hyper,
instructor, Napper understands the grounding benefits of engaging with the natural world. He said some of those benefits include reduced stress, lower blood pressure, better sleep, reduced fatigue, a sense of peace and a settled nervous system. He holds his forest bathing sessions in places with lots of big trees, preferably near running water and away from man-made noise, which can be jarring to the mind. He said listening to birds or the wind in the trees, allows the body to relax in a way we don’t usually experience. People will ask him, “Why should I pay you when I can walk in the mountains for free?” He explains it’s the difference between taking a yoga class online and immersing yourself in a live class led by a trained guide. “You get instruction. You learn things that you wouldn’t have known before, because you get guidance,” Napper
said. “I have a master’s in education with a focus on trauma, and so I bring a lot of that understanding into this. It’s one thing to talk about things that I notice, it’s another thing to guide you into a different way of being.” Napper said learning to calm the mind and pay attention in nature takes practice; it can also bring up anxiety or judgment around being still. But as the practice continues, participants find it easier to attain a level of calm, and they want to bring friends and family into the experience. Some people think having idle time to walk around in a forest is a frivolous luxury, but Napper said that’s not true, in fact it’s just the opposite. “It might feel luxurious to schedule some time to do nothing but you’re giving yourself permission to go out in nature and do nothing for a while. It’s not a luxury; it’s kind of a necessity.”
Ian Napper leads groups through forest bathing sessions in canyons and parks as a way to reduce stress and build connection. (Photos courtesy of Ian Napper)
RivertonJournal.com
July 2026 | Page 13
Shifting gears: Utah enacts new e-bike rules By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com One new rule will see riders ages 8 micromobility,” Begay said. “Micromoto 15 needing to complete a state-ap- bility being battery powered vehicles, also known as scooters, e-bikes, e-moto, proved safety course. hoverboards and similar devices. We Whether climbing mountain trails, have seen the supply and demand grow commuting to work or cruising through exponentially.” According to Begay, improvements neighborhood streets, e-bikes are becoming an increasingly common part in battery technology, performance and of life in Utah. Their growing presence has affordability have transformed the market prompted lawmakers to adopt new regu- over the past decade. As demand increased, manufacturers lations aimed at balancing safety, access responded with a growing number of and the future of outdoor recreation. The law arrives at a time when the brands and product offerings. However, broader micromobility industry—which Begay noted that rapid growth has also includes e-bikes, electric scooters, e-mo- created new challenges. “This rapid development in the last torcycles and similar devices—has expedecade has largely been unregulated and rienced explosive growth nationwide. Jeremy Begay, an e-bike enthusiast it feels a bit like the Wild West,” he said. who works in the outdoor recreation “The list of issues we are facing ranges industry, said advances in technology from batteries being a fire hazard, trail and manufacturing have fueled much of access, the speed of these devices, and the race of manufacturers to create a that expansion. “There are several movements platform that is faster, better and cheaper nationwide in industry, retail and outdoor than its competitor,” Begay said. Utah’s new law seeks to address recreation when it comes to the world of some of those concerns by reinforcing the state’s existing three-class e-bike system while drawing a sharper line between electric bicycles and higher-powered electric motorcycles. Under the law, Class 1 e-bikes provide pedal assistance up to 20 miles per hour. Class 2 e-bikes may include a throttle and are limited to 20 miles per hour. Class 3 e-bikes provide pedal assistance up to 28 miles per hour and require a speedometer. Devices exceeding those limits may be classified differently under state law and could be subject to additional requirements. The legislation also establishes new age-based restrictions. Children younger than 8 years old are prohibited from operating e-bikes on public roads, sidewalks and trails. Riders younger than 14 must be supervised by a parent or guardian, while riders under 16 are prohibited from operating Class 3 e-bikes. Additionally, riders younger than 21 are now required to wear helmets while operating e-bikes or electric scooters on public roads. Beginning in 2027, Utah will also require riders ages 8 through 15 to complete a state-approved safety course or ride under direct adult supervision. For Begay, the new regulations represent a reasonable first step toward addressing safety concerns while preserving access to the benefits of micromobility. “The simple answer to this for me is Quick fact sheet on Utah’s new e-bike law. yes,” he said when asked whether the (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals) law strikes the right balance between
Page 14 | July 2026
E-bike enthusiast Jeremy Begay takes his bike for a spin. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals) safety and accessibility. “We need to start somewhere for the purpose of making people aware that micromobility devices are different, so that they can then educate themselves with how to interact with them.” Begay believes many consumers still lump all electric mobility products into a single category despite significant differences in performance and intended use. “The purist in me wants to see a difference in how e-moto and e-bike are treated,” he said. “Currently, people see these as one category.” Trail access remains one of the most debated issues within Utah’s outdoor recreation community. As electric bicycles become more common, land managers, municipalities and trail organizations continue to evaluate where different classes of e-bikes should be permitted. “This is still being debated, so there is a whole spectrum of opinions,” Begay said. He has observed changing attitudes among many outdoor recreation users. “I think people’s ideas about e-bikes are changing and more people are finding that these bikes allow for more people to ride,” he said. Begay noted that the popularity of e-bikes has expanded participation among older riders, individuals recovering from injuries and people who might otherwise be unable to enjoy cycling. “This new market of people who are riding are pushing access simply by riding,” he said. “Trails are becoming more crowded and municipalities are responding to trail demand by creating more trails and trails that are e-bike accessible.” State officials have cited increasing crash and injury reports involving younger riders as one reason for strengthening
regulations. Begay believes education remains one of the biggest challenges facing the industry. “Unfortunately, I have not seen changes in behavior with families yet,” he said. “With micromobility being somewhat new to the masses, there has not been enough education.” He said many consumers still view electric mobility devices as toys rather than transportation equipment capable of reaching significant speeds. “Most people categorize these devices as children’s toys or other light recreation devices,” Begay said. “This leads to people not enforcing rules of the road, helmet safety, product care and other best practices.” He hopes the new law will help raise awareness. “Hopefully, these laws will create more awareness to what people are purchasing,” he said. “Awareness and education lead to more responsible decisions.” Looking ahead, Begay believes Utah’s reputation as an outdoor recreation leader positions the state to influence future policy discussions nationwide. “Utah is known for its access to outdoor recreation,” he said. “Most of that comes from Utah being a model state in the way it approaches recreation.” While debate over trail access, safety standards and regulation is likely to continue, Begay remains optimistic about the future. “I think that Utah should be at the forefront of all of this because it would mean that everyone could benefit— riders, retailers and tourism,” he said. “I’m confident that we Utahns will find a place for micromobility devices to exist in all spaces.”
Riverton City Journal
Trading screen time for trail time: Why more families are heading outdoors this summer By Holly Curby | hello@hollycurby.com What are children missing when childhood and adolescence are critical periods of brain development. During the screens occupy more of their free time? middle school years, the brain undergoes With school out and long summer a process of strengthening frequently used days stretching ahead, families are looking pathways while pruning away those that are for ways to keep kids active, engaged and neglected. “If your kid is doing music and school healthy. For many parents, summer presents an opportunity to swap screen time for and sports, then those are the things that are trail time, replacing hours spent on phones, going to be strengthened,” she said. “But if tablets and video games with hiking, biking, your kid is sitting on the couch and playing video games, then those are the things that fishing and outdoor adventure. The challenge, however, is that tech- are being strengthened.” That reality has prompted some families nology has become deeply woven into children’s daily lives. Author and parenting to rethink how they spend their summers. expert Arlene Pellicane highlights just how Instead of defaulting to screens, parents dramatically technology use has increased are intentionally creating opportunities for among young people. She notes that smart- outdoor adventure. Whether it’s hiking a local phone ownership among teens surged from trail, exploring one of our many national park, 41% in 2012 to 89% by 2018. During that paddling a lake, fishing, mountain biking or same period, the percentage of teens using simply walking the neighborhood, outdoor social media multiple times a day rose from recreation provides something screens cannot: direct engagement with the world. 34% to 70%. Research has long connected outdoor For many parents, those numbers raise an important question: What are children activity with improved physical health, better missing when screens occupy more of their sleep and stronger social skills. Pellicane free time? According to Pellicane, one of the emphasized that children benefit from faceearliest warning signs of excessive screen to-face interaction and experiences that use is a loss of interest in real-world activities. require movement, communication and “If your child used to love playing soccer, but problem-solving. “In the absence of elecnow it’s like, ‘I’d rather just stay home,’ and tronics, guess what? They’ll go out and play, you know they’re gaming instead, that’s a they’ll go build, they’ll do different things,” she said. red flag,” she said. Some families are taking that advice Outdoor recreation advocates say that observation reflects a larger trend. Activi- literally. Pellicane described implementing ties that once happened naturally such as what she calls a “digital Sabbath,” a recurpickup games at the park, bike rides with ring period when screens are set aside and friends, neighborhood exploration and family other activities take center stage. “It could be hikes, now compete with endless digital Sunday afternoon where everyone’s offline and you go to the park instead,” she said. “A entertainment. The consequences extend beyond rhythm of forcibly getting off is helpful.” For outdoor enthusiasts, that idea resophysical activity. Pellicane explained that nates. Recreation experts often point out that children do not need elaborate adventures to benefit from time outside. A picnic, an afternoon of kayaking, a game of Ultimate Frisbee, an evening bike ride or a visit to a local trail can help families reconnect without the distractions of phones and social media. Parents may also find comfort in knowing they are not alone. While social media can create pressure to stay constantly connected, Pellicane argues that meaningful relationships are built through real-life experiences. “I’d rather have one person in real life say, ‘You’re a good person, and I’m glad you’re in my life,’ than have all these followers,” she said. As summer unfolds, families have a unique opportunity to create memories that don’t require Wi-Fi or a charging cable. Whether it’s introducing a child to their first hiking trail, teaching them how The best part of hiking isn’t always the destito cast a fishing line, or simply spending nation, it’s everything you discover along the more evenings outdoors together, these way. (Courtesy Holly Curby) experiences can help build confidence,
RivertonJournal.com
Whether casting for the first time or continuing a longtime tradition, anglers find recreation, relaxation and connection on the water. (Courtesy Holly Curby)
Paddleboarding provides time outdoors, enjoyment of scenery and creates lasting memories together. (Courtesy Holly Curby)
strengthen relationships and encourage healthy habits that last well beyond the summer months. For more insights on helping children develop a healthy relationship with technology while making room for real-world experiences, listen to the full interview
with Arlene Pellicane on Holly’s Highlights Podcast, Season 2, Episode 29 available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and at www.HollyCurby.com. Her practical advice offers valuable guidance for parents seeking to raise healthy, connected kids and perhaps spend a little more time outdoors along the way.
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“Ultimate is a great spectator sport — we promise you won’t be disappointed in the athleticism or excitement!” (Courtesy Quincey McKeen)
Utah’s Ultimate Frisbee representative team typically has between 35 and 40 players on the roster each season. (Courtesy Quincey McKeen)
Local athletes shred their way to Ultimate Frisbee championships Utah’s team, Salt Lake Shred, will compete in division qualifying games later this month. By Cassie Goff c.goff@mycityjournals.com
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alt Lake Shred (the Shred) is in the middle of their Ultimate Frisbee Association season. One of 22 teams across North America, the Shred is Utah’s representative Ultimate Frisbee team. They compete in the West Division with teams from Washington, Oregon, Colorado and California. “The Shred are a family — camaraderie and work ethic are high, but that isn’t to say there isn’t competition amongst players,” said Quincey McKeen, Shred general manager since 2023. It’s the team’s fifth consecutive year with 35-40 players on the roster. The Shred’s name and logo was originally inspired from Utah’s ski culture. Playing off the name, their mascot is a cheese grater named Shreddy. “Many players are Utah-grown talent, having played in a Utah high school or college before joining the Shred,” McKeen said. One such player is Sandy-native Cole Stenseth (No. 9). He started playing Ultimate Frisbee in his junior year attending Jordan High School. Now, he’s a college student at University of Utah. “You can really use all three dimensions when throwing,” Stenseth said. “The disc hangs on the air leading to big layout catches or people skying a pack.” Nine Utahns have played on the Shred for all five seasons including two of the team captains: Alex Forsberg and Chad Yorgason. (The third captain, Matt Russnogle, moved to Utah after playing club Ultimate Frisbee in Tennessee.) Forsberg was introduced to Ultimate Frisbee while attending the University of Utah. He played for only one year with the
Page 16 | July 2026
college team before joining the Shred. “He has risen through the ranks — from not playing any games his rookie year, to being a leader and dominate player during his fifth season,” McKeen said. Yorgason started playing Ultimate Frisbee in high school (in Cache County) and ended up joining the CHI team at BYU. Yorgason enjoyed the sport so much he inspired his two younger brothers to join. “Ultimate is similar to soccer where… you may be playing for your pro and club team at the same time in two different leagues,” said Stenseth. Playing for the Shred for consecutive years is notable as the team has annual open tryouts each December. McKeen explained how elite players include strength and plyometric training into their track workout regimen. “Even if you were on the team the previous year, you must attend and re-tryout. It takes agility, speed, endurance and a good vertical,” McKeen said. “And, of course, you have to be able to throw and catch. Players will spend a lot of time throwing outside of practices, working on specific types of throws or throwing around a mark.” “It’s nice to get an opportunity to play alongside these talented players and they drive me to be better,” Stenseth said. Never heard of Ultimate Frisbee? The objective is to move the Frisbee from one end of the field to the end zone on the other side by passing the Frisbee from teammate to teammate (similar to soccer). Players must pass the Frisbee within seven seconds of catching it and they cannot run with the Frisbee in hand. “Professional Ultimate Frisbee is not your backyard barbecue game — it’s intense, with players throwing their bodies across the field to block the Frisbee and multiple players jumping to snag a big throw,” McKeen said. The Shred will play two home games: July 4 against the Seattle Cascades and July 17 against the Oakland Spiders. Both games begin at 7 p.m. at Zions Bank Stadium (14787
Quincey McKeen, Salt Lake Shred’s general manager, mentioned their cheese grater mascot, named Shreddy, is pretty “iconic.” (Courtesy Quincey McKeen)
Academy Parkway, Herriman). “The Spiders have been a big rival for the Shred and finally beat us for the first time earlier this season, so the July 17 rematch will be a big game,” McKeen said. Stenseth is particularly excited for their game on July 4 as the new stadium has a direct north view of Salt Lake Valley. “I’m already imagining some Sandlot vibes, playing under the lights with fireworks going off in the background,” he said. Depending on the results of that game, the Shred will either host a playoff game on July 27 or host a playoff game in August. “Residents can support the Shred by coming out to a game. Games are incredible family-friendly events,” McKeen said. Shred games have concessions, great music, fun merch and activities for kids
and youth. Children 7 and younger can get in for free. “Our home crowd is one of the three largest attendance fanbases in the League and we’d love to jump that to No. 1,” Stenseth said. “We could use all the fan support and cheering we can get. We hope to see some new faces out!” Interested in Ultimate Frisbee yourself? Stenseth recommends checking out Utah’s local youth and adult leagues throughout Salt Lake and Utah county. Find one nearest you through Utah’s Ultimate’s website (www.ultimateplayut.com) or Utah Ultimate Disc Association’s website (www.utahultimate.org). Want to learn more about the Shred? Follow them on Instagram (@saltlakeshredulti) or visit their website at www.saltlakeshred.com.l
Riverton City Journal
Cuff raises the bar before the final whistle After 25 years at the UHSAA, Rob Cuff leaves behind a legacy of growth, opportunity and teachable moments for thousands of Utah student-athletes. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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hen Rob Cuff stepped onto the floor in 2018, state trophy presentations were routine. He had presented thousands with the Utah High School Activities Association, but this one was different. Waiting for the trophy with outstretched hands was his daughter, Shaylee, who then was a senior on Skyridge’s volleyball team. “All the girls were there, but I actually got to give her the trophy,” Cuff said. “It was special.” After a career built on creating opportunities for student-athletes, the moment captured what mattered most, the students. That philosophy guided Cuff through 25 years at the UHSAA, 17 as executive director. When he retires July 31, he leaves a legacy of growth, expanded opportunities for student-athletes and the belief that high school athletics are an extension of the classroom. “Athletics offer those teachable moments of winning and losing, and how to bounce back and get up one more time than you fall, and being able to win with humility, dignity and class,” Cuff said. “All of those are lessons that go long after you’re done playing.” As a multi-sport athlete in football, basketball, baseball and track, Cuff learned from his father, who coached him, before becoming a teacher and basketball coach at Mountain View High School. He was named Rookie Teacher of the Year and led the Bruins to two state titles before joining the UHSAA as an assistant director. “I could have stayed coaching another few years, but I wanted my kids to have the benefit of a high school experience where I could just be their dad,” he said.
When Cuff arrived at the UHSAA, there were 125 member schools with about 78,000 participants. Today it’s 160 schools with more than 115,000 participants in athletics and activities. The association added girls golf, boys and girls lacrosse, girls wrestling, boys volleyball, competitive cheer and esports during his tenure. Girls wrestling has become one of the UHSAA’s biggest success stories. “We had about 125 girls wrestling against boys and now, we’re up to about 1,500 girl wrestlers,” he said. Unified Sports, through a partnership with Special Olympics Utah, also expanded, offering several sports. “Unified is a great program. It’s not just in high schools, but it’s in elementaries and middle school,” he said. Cuff, who also officiated high school football for 12 years, is proud of the UHSAA’s sportsmanship initiative, Raise the Bar, that promotes character, leadership, respect and responsibility. Its most visible element, “Do Rowdy Right,” encourages students to cheer for their own team rather than against their opponents. Cuff said the COVID-19 pandemic was the most difficult challenge he faced. In spring 2020, Utah joined every state and canceled spring sports. “It was the fear of the unknown. Nobody knew, so we stopped playing,” he said. Months later, Utah was the first state to resume high school football. Despite testing requirements, spectator restrictions and changing health guidelines, the UHSAA allowed every sport to compete during the 2020-21 school year. “We had every state championship that year; some states didn’t return high school sports until spring 2021,” he said. Cuff’s influence extended beyond Utah. He served on the National Federation of State High School Association’s Board of Directors for four years and became the NFHS president during 2021-22. In June, 1,000 participants nationwide
Executive Director Rob Cuff advocated for student-athletes during his 25 years at the UHSAA and saw significant growth in the number of athletes and schools participating. (Photo courtesy of Rob Cuff)
Retiring UHSAA Executive Director Rob Cluff presents Todd Hyer a plaque this past spring for his 40 years of dedication as a UHSAA referee. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
attended the NFHS Summer Conference, the second time Utah has hosted it. Cuff now wants to focus on family, with three grandchildren and two more on the way. His plans aren’t set except for sleeping in a little later than his current routine, which starts with six-mile walks beginning at 4 a.m. UHSAA’s future is entrusted to Ryan Bishop, who previously served as UHSAA
assistant director from 2014 to 2017. Looking back, what stands out aren’t board meetings or policy decisions. “The biggest accomplishments I’ll remember most are when I was with the student-athletes, at student-leadership conferences, and seeing them compete and doing their best,” he said. “Not everybody can be a champion, but everybody can be a winner.” l
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It’s a soup-er patriotic showcase at SLCO facilities Eight canned-food sculptures celebrating America’s 250th birthday grace Salt Lake County facilities. By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
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owering rockets, patriotic birthday cakes and even a replica of the Liberty Bell made entirely from canned food are now on display across Salt Lake County as part of a countywide effort to fight hunger while celebrating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The eight sculptures, created through the national CANstruction program, were unveiled May 15 and will remain on display through the end of July at public facilities throughout the valley. The installations were created in partnership with Salt Lake County, Utah Food Bank, AIA Utah and CANstruction Salt Lake City. Together, the displays contain more than 25,000 cans of food, all of which will ultimately be donated to Utah Food Bank after the exhibition concludes. County leaders say the larger initiative aims to generate the equivalent of 250,000 meals for Utah families experiencing food insecurity. Among the most eye-catching installations is a massive Artemis II-themed moon
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The USS CANstellation at the Draper Senior Center. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County)
landing scene featuring a rocket ship and lunar display. The sculpture was designed by teams from Layton Construction, Architectural Nexus and Dunn Associates. “Houston, we have a food insecurity problem,” wrote Landon Sherwood, director of business development for Layton Construction, in a social media post
The Liberty Bell greets visitors at the Holladay Lions Recreation Center. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County)
A hot air balloon sculpture made of canned food graces the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County)
promoting the event. Sherwood said the team’s design was inspired by both the America250 theme and NASA’s Artemis II mission, which is expected to become the first crewed lunar mission since 1972. The installation used approximately 5,900 cans, making it the largest sculpture in this year’s event. “But the best part?” Sherwood added. “Every can used in the competition gets donated to a local food bank for families in need.” Other sculptures include a USS Constitution battleship, a patriotic hot air balloon, a city skyline and multiple oversized birthday cake displays designed around red, white and blue themes. The installations are spread throughout county facilities, including the Salt Lake County Government Center North Building, Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center, JL Sorenson Recreation Center and Viridian Event Center in West Jordan. According to organizers, CANstruction events are held in roughly 100 cities annually and combine architectural design competitions with charitable food drives. Teams are typically composed of architects, engineers, contractors, fabricators and other design professionals who have only eight hours to assemble their structures. Awards are given in categories such as structural ingenuity, best original design and people’s choice. Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson said the sculptures represent both creativity and community service. “These 25,000 cans are a symbol of what Salt Lake County does best: coming together to take care of one another,” Wilson said in a statement released by the county. “Come see the sculptures, cast your
vote, and donate if you can.” Salt Lake County Council Chair Aimee Winder Newton emphasized the public nature of the exhibit, encouraging residents to visit all eight locations during the summer. “It was fun to watch these food sculptures take shape, and we hope residents visit all eight locations around the county,” Winder Newton said. “Who knew that canned food could provide such great nutritional and artistic enrichment.” Donation bins have been placed near each sculpture, allowing visitors to contribute canned goods while touring the displays. Residents may also donate online through Salt Lake County’s America250 fundraising campaign. The displays are part of broader America250 celebrations taking place throughout Utah ahead of the nation’s semiquincentennial in 2026. The statewide initiative includes community events, historical commemorations and service projects intended to encourage civic participation and volunteerism. Salt Lake County’s canned-food sculpture initiative is part of the broader America250 celebration, a nationwide effort commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Utah’s America250 campaign emphasizes the themes of education, unity and service, encouraging residents to celebrate what brings commu nities together. Salt Lake County’s partnership with Utah Food Bank and CANstruction aligns with that mission by combining public art with charitable giving, transforming thousands of cans of food into sculptures that will ultimately help families facing food insecurity. Locations of all canned-food sculptures can be found at www.saltlakecounty.gov. l
Riverton City Journal
JULY CONCERT SCHEDULE July 3: Josh Groban, Jennifer Hudson, Maverik Center July 8: Wynton Marsalis Septet, Red Butte Garden July 8: Lukas Nelson, Sandy Amphitheater July 9: Zach Top, Utah First Amphitheatre July 10: JJ Grey & Mofro, The Wood Brothers, Red Butte Garden July 10: Allen Stone, Canyons Village July 10: The Acrobats, The Depot July 11: Cumbiatron, The Depot July 11: Houndmouth, Sandy Amphitheater July 12: KALEO and Dawes, Red Butte Garden July 13: Old Crow Medicine Show, Big Richard, Michelle Moonshine, Gallivan Center July 14: Gin Blossoms, Blues Traveler, Red Butte Garden July 17: Hilary Duff, Utah First Amphitheatre July 17: Freddie Gibbs, Roo Nostalgia, Amie Blue, Gallivan Center July 17 and 18: Utah Symphony performing Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9”, Deer Valley July 17: The Avett Brothers, Maverik Center July 18: Treaty Oak Revival, Utah First Amphitheatre July 18: The Me Gusta Festival, Zions Bank Stadium July 19: Marcus King Band, Red Butte Garden July 20: Maren Morris, Red Butte Garden July 20: Idobi Radio Summer School, The Depot
RivertonJournal.com
July 21: Joji, Nate Sib and Corbin, Maverik Center July 21 and 22: Jimmy Eats World, Sandy Amphitheater July 22: Olivia Dean, Maverik Center July 22: The String Cheese Incident, Red Butte Garden July 23: Riley Green, Utah First Amphitheatre July 24: 39 Special, Canyons Village July 25: Taylor Dayne, Canyons Village July 25: Evanescence, Utah First Amphitheatre July 25: Utah Symphony performing Stravinsky’s “Firebird” Suite, Deer Valley July 26: Sawyer Brown, Canyons Village July 26: Totally Tubular Festival, Red Butte Garden July 27: Suki Waterhouse, Beeson, Gallivan Center July 28: Post Malone, Jelly Roll, Rice-Eccles Stadium July 28 and 29: Death Cab for Cutie, Sandy Amphitheater July 29: Alabama Shakes, Red Butte Garden July 29: Howard Jones, Wang Chung, Maverik Center July 30: Sarah McLachlan, Utah First Amphitheatre July 30: Wynonna Judd, Melissa Etheridge, Red Butte Garden July 31: Lyle Lovett and Utah Symphony, Deer Valley July 31: The Psychedelic Furs, Deer Valley
LOCATIONS FOR CONCERT VENUES Red Butte Garden 2188 Red Butte Canyon Road, Salt Lake City Sandy Amphitheater 1245 E. 9400 South, Sandy Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre 5150 Upper Ridge Road, West Valley City Maverik Center 3200 S. Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City The Depot 13 N. 400 West, Salt Lake City Zions Bank Stadium 14787 Academy Parkway, Herriman Rice-Eccles Stadium 451 S. 1400 East, Salt Lake City Gallivan Center 50 E. 200 South, Salt Lake City Deer Valley 2250 Deer Valley Drive South, Park City Canyons Village 4000 Canyons Resort Drive, Park City
July 2026 | Page 19
Visitors to the Spring Garden Fair brave the rain to learn about water-wise practices and participate in all-ages activities. (Anna Nielsen/City Journals)
Afternoon attendees assemble native wildflower seed mixes for planting in the fall. (Anna Nielsen/City Journals)
Conservation Garden Park welcomes the wet weather at Spring Garden Fair
The event highlighted water-wise resources and programs for Riverton residents. By Anna Nielsen a.nielsen@mycityjournals.com
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adeline Sueltz, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District (JVWCD), was anxiously checking the forecast the evening before the Conservation Garden Park’s Spring Garden Fair on May 30 and making panicked plans for inclement weather. What if the canopies blew away? She had spent months putting everything together for the event and now worried for its attendance, only to be pleasantly surprised the next morning by the turnout. Six hundred and fifty-four people (and
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some dogs in raincoats) showed up that Saturday, even in the rain. Built in 2000, the Conservation Garden Park in West Jordan is owned and operated by the JVWCD. For the last 26 years ago, the Garden has served to show the public how to be water-wise, “because most of our water, our culinary, treated water, is used on our outdoor landscapes, and we’re asking people to use less water by having landscapes that use less water,” said Kelly Good, director of Community Engagement at JVWCD. “In that time period, there was a lot of pushback. A lot of ‘well, I don’t want my yard to just be full of gravel and cactus,’ so we developed the garden to demonstrate that a waterwise landscape can be beautiful and shady. You can recreate in it and still save water. We see the garden as our biggest tool in helping the community save their water, because it gives them an actual visual idea of what we’re asking them to do. Families partook in the variety of activities offered that day, as well as (literally) soaking in the carefully crafted garden itself. One woman, who had happened across a sign that morning directing her toward the free event, was grateful she came, calling the day “Christmas for gardeners.” Elsewhere, a girl tugged on her mom’s sleeve and grinned up at her, “Hey mom, thanks for bringing me today, I had a lot of fun!” The Fair featured the chance to talk with experts about yard design, the specialist’s favorite plants and irrigation. There were creation stations for nature crafts
ranging from cyanotype printmaking, to assembling seed packets full of native wildflowers, to making pinecone birdfeeders. Inside the Education Center, there were workshops where parents, children and a few pets learned how to arrange a wildflower bouquet and do it all in a water-wise way. Tours left from the garden, taking visitors to see one of the water treatment plants, where they treat tens of millions of gallons of water a day. The JVWCD serves Riverton and about 775,000 residents of Salt Lake County. “Pretty much, we service the entire west and south of the county,” Good said. Good also shared that “working for Jordan Valley Water is really rewarding because we provide an essential service to our community. We get to interact with a lot of the community in Salt Lake County. To live in a desert, and to have a firsthand role in helping people conserve water, is probably my favorite part about working here.” Sunny skies opened up as the afternoon went on. Guests that day went home carrying yard signs about lessening water usage, a branded tote bag full of their nature crafts and pamphlets from over a dozen nonprofit community partners, and the band Rat Cat’s rendition of “Fishing in the Dark” stuck in their heads for the rest of the weekend. Sueltz was thrilled by the outcome and said her favorite part of the fair was “getting to see all of our different community partners come together across different areas, and seeing what you can do with the collective impact when you partner with
other organizations. The partners were all so excited. The garden is such a nice setting to be able to have an event, so I think they look forward to it every year.” The Conservation Garden Park is free and open six days a week. There are weekly events, like the yoga, qigong and tai chi classes, design workshops for “creating your ideal yard,” tours, forest bathing, sound baths, art classes and story time. These and many other events can be found on the Conservation Garden Park’s online community calendar. Sueltz said, “It’s amazing that we get to offer this for free. I know that there are a lot of families who can’t afford to go visit gardens, and so the fact that we put on, you know, Halloween events and classes and things that maybe people wouldn’t have access to where they live, I think, is really awesome.” Good shared the importance she sees in the garden’s programming. “Events are a place to learn more than they might otherwise learn by just passively walking through the garden. We try to hold events that deepen people’s understanding on water-wise landscaping, where they realize ‘Oh, this is all water-wise plants. I can do this too. What are the resources?’ And so we see value in hosting classes like that to just kind of spread awareness,” Good said. “We have family-friendly events, some that are geared a little bit more toward adults, some geared specifically to homeowners, but the idea is that we will have something for everyone, and we really invite everyone to come out and take advantage of that.” l
Riverton City Journal
Lifelong dream sends bus driver to international competition
The competition tests drivers’ ability to perform difficult maneuvers. By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
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s a child, Charel Allred dreamed of becoming a school bus driver. He’s been living the dream now for 15 years, driving for Jordan School District. He’s honed his bus navigation skills, putting safety first to become an expert driver. Allred took second place at the 2026 State of Utah School Bus Safety Skills Competition/School Bus Road-e-o, held in May, and will represent JSD and Utah at the School Bus Driver International Safety Competition in Austin, Texas. The state event featured 30 school bus drivers who were evaluated on abilities like curb parking, student loading and weaving through traffic cones. They also had to pass two written tests. “We had to do a little obstacle course and maneuver the bus through it and not hit any of the flag poles they had with an inch on either side of the bus,” Allred said. “You have to be super precise and you have to do it in a time limit.” A lot of the skills were based on everyday bus situations, with a few surprises
Jordan School District Driver Charel Allred earned a spot at the School Bus Driver International Safety Competition in Austin, Texas, after finishing in second place at the state event. (Photo courtesy JSD)
thrown in to keep drivers on their toes. The parallel parking test meant maneuvering a 35-foot bus into a tight spot. “You had to get extremely close, but you couldn’t hit any of the barriers they had,” he said. “Otherwise, you lose all your points. For whatever reason, that was one that I struggled with.” JSD Transportation Coordinator Marcus Swainston is a former school bus driver.
He said Allred has always been committed to excellence and safety, going above and beyond to protect students and train new drivers coming into the program. “He’s just overall a great employee,” Swainston said. “He’s one of those employees I would love to be able to clone.” Ten years ago, Swainston competed in the bus safety competition, finishing in third place for the state. He understands how
difficult the course can be. He applauded Allred for the work he put into preparing for the event. “[Allred] did a lot of practicing,” he said. “Districts hold their own competition to select the drivers to send to the state. So he placed in our district rodeo and then he kept practicing after that was over to prepare himself for the state rodeo, and it really showed.” Sponsored by the Utah Association of Pupil Transportation and hosted by Canyons School District, the State of Utah School Bus Safety Skills Competition was won by Canyons School District Bus Driver, Terry Brown. As he heads to Texas, Allred is one of 100 drivers preparing to be tested in right turns, railroad crossings, diminishing clearance, straight driving, offset alleys, curb lines and more. He’ll also have to conquer the pre-trip review to determine what’s wrong with the bus. This wasn’t his first time competing at the state level, but he’s got some pre-competition jitters as he prepares for the Texas competition. “I’m definitely nervous,” he said about the event. “Going in, I was like, ‘this time I’m just gonna have fun with it and take it easy.’ I did better than I did when I was super nervous, but now I’m starting to feel a little nervous going to nationals.” l
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RivertonJournal.com
July 2026 | Page 21
A more perfect union of hearts and principles
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s our nation celebrates America 250, it’s worth asking what it really means to be a citizen of the United States. The Constitution is built on a simple but powerful idea: people should be free—free to speak, believe, assemble, act and worship. It protects our ability to make choices, even when others disagree. That freedom is not accidental. The framers also separated power— legislative, executive and judicial— because they understood something deeply human: we are imperfect. Unchecked power tends to be abused. So they built guardrails, not around perfect people, but around real ones. The Constitution itself was born from compromise. Large states and small states. Different economies. Competing interests. Deep disagreements. The founders didn’t eliminate those differences—they worked through them. Today, compromise is often dismissed as weakness. But peacemaking is not weakness—it is strength. We often talk about politics as two opposing sides, but that oversimplifies reality. Within each party are a wide range of ideas and perspectives. You will never find a leader—or a neighbor—you agree with 100% of the time. And that’s OK.
Aimee Winder Newton
Salt Lake County Councilmember District 3
Scholar Yuval Levin, in American Covenant, puts it this way: the Constitution answers a central question—how can we act together when we don’t think alike? His answer is not uniformity, but cooperation. The system works by requiring negotiation, bargaining and coalition-building. I see this firsthand in my role in county government. Our council includes members from both parties in nearly equal numbers. When we work together, outcomes improve. When we dig in and fight, progress stalls. The system works best when leaders work with each other—not against each other. Congress was designed with this same purpose in mind: to force opposing sides to negotiate and find common ground. The frustration many feel with today’s political climate is not because the Constitution has
failed, but because we are drifting away from how it was meant to function. Instead of persuasion, we often see performance. Cable news and social media reward outrage, not understanding. The more inflammatory the message, the more attention it gets. The more attention it gets, the more it spreads. And the more it spreads, the more it shapes our perception of reality. When we “like,” share and financially support politicians who attack, vilify or refuse to work with others, we are reinforcing the very behavior we say we dislike. We are, in effect, incentivizing division. Peacemaking, by contrast, is quieter. It requires listening, humility and a willingness to move forward together. It does not mean abandoning truth. It means recognizing that in a diverse society, progress often requires cooperation. Without compromise, we don’t get purity—we get paralysis. Yet today, there is enormous pressure to divide into “us versus them.” Instead of seeing neighbors, we see opponents. Instead of truth, we see spin. Instead of compromise, absolutism. Instead of charity, contempt. We can change that—but it starts with us. First, be principled, not tribal. Care more about what is right than who is right. Second, seek truth. Be thoughtful about
what you believe and share. If your news diet is dominated by one outlet—or your social media feed is filled with outrage—it will shape how you see the world. These platforms profit from strong emotional reactions. Don’t reward that model with your attention. Third, speak with civility. You can disagree without being disagreeable. Fourth, work with others—even those you don’t fully agree with. Relationships matter more than winning an argument. Fifth, participate. Vote, engage and serve. Too often, only the loudest and most extreme voices are heard. And finally, lead with charity. Remember that every person you disagree with is still worthy of respect. The Constitution can only do so much. It creates a framework, protects rights and structures power. But it cannot make people virtuous. That responsibility belongs to us. We live in a time of division—but also a time of opportunity. An opportunity to be better citizens. To use our agency wisely. To defend freedom with responsibility. To build unity without demanding uniformity. If we do that, we won’t just strengthen our nation—we will help create a more perfect union of hearts and principles.
County resident competes at National Spelling Bee Ray Mishra is already practicing for next year’s event. By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
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hen Ray Mishra first took the stage at the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee, he wasn’t stressed, but as he moved into the quarterfinal rounds, he said it became “a little bit nerve-wracking.” In March, the 11-year-old won the 2026 Wasatch Front Regional Spelling Bee, sponsored by the City Journals community newspaper. That win qualified Ray to compete at the national event and he traveled with his parents to Washington, D.C. at the end of May. After six rounds, which included two spelling words, two definitions and a spelling test, Ray misspelled “klinotaxis” and finished tied for 55th. “It was a little bit of disappointment. I didn’t make it to the semifinals. It was the final round of quarterfinals,” he said. “I didn’t focus very much on New Latin, and ‘klinotaxis’ is a New Latin word.” For the first time, the Scripps National Spelling Bee was held at DAR Constitution Hall in downtown Washington, D.C. The event featured 247 spellers from across the world in the week-long competition, which included tours, workshops and the Bee Week Bash.
Page 22 | July 2026
“The Bee Week Bash was my favorite,” Ray said. “We got to go to the Smithsonian National Museum of History, but it was also a party that had some nice food, snacks, music, and if you ever got bored, you could just go and walk around the museum.” Ray, a South Salt Lake resident, stayed focused and grounded by studying words and reading “Words of Wisdom: Keys to Success in the Scripps National Spelling Bee” written by former Bee contestant Scott B. Remer. The book offered spelling strategies, competition tips and word lists organized by language root and origin. Not only is Ray a champion speller, but he also loves to hike, bike, study science and practice karate. Ray will attend sixth grade at Evergreen Junior High in Millcreek this fall. He hopes the school participates in the regional Bee so he can try to earn another spot in the national competition. Ray’s father, Santi Mishra, is proud of what his son accomplished. He said it was stressful watching him participate at the national level but he loved that Ray had the opportunity to compete. “It was a great achievement for him to be there. He was so close to the semifinals,” Mishra said. “He did really great. He’s already started preparing for next year, trying to learn new words and finding different sources.” Shrey Parikh, a 14-year-old from
Ray Mishra, 11, spent a week in Washington, D.C. while competing at the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee. (Photo courtesy of Santi Mishra)
The 2026 Wasatch Front Regional Spelling Bee winner, Ray Mishra, made it through six rounds at the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee. (Photo courtesy of Santi Mishra)
California, won the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee, following a spell-off, only the third in the Bee’s history. Shrey set a new spell-off record by spelling 32 words before winning the Bee and $50,000 with the word “bromocriptine.” Ray received a commemorative pin, a certificate, a $100 gift card, a prize package full of Bee souvenirs and subscriptions, and tickets
to the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex. “We were excited to watch Ray compete at the national Bee,” said City Journals Publisher Bryan Scott. “It’s essential that we celebrate academic accomplishments. It’s important to me that we give students like Ray a chance to shine on the national stage. We’re very proud of him and hope he competes at the regional Bee next spring.” l
Riverton City Journal
I
had my first glass of water at the age of 27. I was at my doctor’s office for a physical and he asked how much water I was drinking. The answer was zero, but I thought it was a trick question. I hedged my bet and said, “Um, two?” “Two what?” he asked. “Two waters?” “Give me a measurement.” “Tablespoons?” He sighed and told me I was dehydrated. Looking back, that makes sense because I hadn’t had a glass of water in more than a quarter-century. Growing up, we drank four things: Kool-Aid, orange juice, milk and soda. Even our ice cubes were made from Kool-Aid. I never remember going to the faucet to get a glass of water. We used the faucet to fill up water balloons. On the weekends, I’d ride my bike 40 miles, play two games of basketball, hike Mt. Timpanogos and play at the park until it was dark, and I never, ever stopped for a glass of water. If I got thirsty, I’d swing by 7-Eleven to grab a Fresca and a pack of candy cigarettes. We didn’t carry expensive, gallonsized, bedazzled Stanley cups where we could sip cucumber-infused, artisan well
RivertonJournal.com
A tall drink of water Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
water through a biodegradable straw. We would have mercilessly mocked anyone who did. I did have a metal Thermos that came with my Holly Hobbie lunch box, but it always smelled like sour milk, even when it was filled with Hawaiian Punch. We didn’t drink water at school except after lunch recess, when we were allowed to have one gulp from the water fountain at the back of the room. But Raymond B. always put his mouth on the faucet and then no one else wanted to drink. Raymond was Patient Zero for all diseases in our class. If we were driving with Mom around town and got thirsty, she wouldn’t throw us a bottle of Dasani. She would hand us a stick of gum and say, “Chew this until you have enough spit to swallow.” I didn’t know drinking water was an option. Well, that’s not quite true. When we
played outside, we’d drink it straight from the hose like God intended. It was cold, refreshing and full of lead and arsenic, but it quenched my thirst. I never would have poured water into a cup and just sat around like a fancy person, sipping Perrier with my pinky in the air. No hoity-toity water for me, thank you. But then, single-use plastic bottles were created and water became an industry. Why drink water from the hose for free when you can purchase tap water in a bottle? We were told to drink eight glasses of water every day. Who has time for that? Social media influencers took drinking water to a whole new level. They are responsible for making reusable water bottles a lifestyle necessity, launching brands like Yeti, Hydro Flask and Stanley into the liquid stratosphere. Do you know how many water bottles are in my home? As of yesterday, there were 4,628, most of them branded from events, including the 17 my husband has from the Sundance Film Festival. We can blame data centers for taking our water (and I do), but maybe we should share culpability for the world’s dehydration by carrying 100 cubic meters of water with us wherever we go.
My eight-year-old self is sitting on a bench at Murray Park, puffing a candy cigarette and swigging Fresca. My 27-year-old self is learning how to drink water every day. My current self just knocked my Yeti mug over for the umpteenth time, spilling water all over the desk. Progress or product placement? Peri Kinder is an award-winning columnist and journalist who has written for The City Journals since 2004. She also hosts the Life & Laughter podcast. Peri can be reached at peri.k@thecityjournals.com.
July 2026 | Page 23
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