South Jordan Journal | April 2026

Chinese New Year

celebrates fifth annual event

Shot at belonging

Unified basketball gives everyone a chance at connection

13

Bingham girls lift first state title in basketball in six years by believing in each other

By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

At the end of the regular season, Lady Miners stumbled a bit, but put it all together when it mattered most.

After the Bingham Lady Miners lost 57-45 to Cedar Valley on senior night Feb. 10, something happened. Something difficult to put into words, but on Feb. 12 head girls basketball coach Hector Marquez wrote down one word for his girls to see before their game against Riverton.

“Before every game, I would simply write ‘Believe’ on the whiteboard,” Marquez said. “They started to play with a lot more confidence, and they started to play for each other. They started to believe. It was truly beautiful to see them grow up right in front of our eyes.”

That Bingham did, thumping their crosstown rival by the final score of 51-24 behind a 14-point, 10-rebound night from Veanna Pau’u, 14 from Brizzy Cottle and 12 from Evy Roberts.

“We had some really good practices leading up to that game against Riverton, and the girls played exceptionally well,” said Bingham’s second-year coach. “That was a lot of fun, and the girls really enjoyed it.”

That ended the regular season for the Lady Miners, who finished with a 6-6 record in Region 2, a 15-8 overall mark and a 6-seed and first-round bye for the 5A state tournament.

Bingham’s first opponent at state? Skyridge. According to Marquez, it was a tough second-round matchup against a perennial state power Feb. 19, and the visitors from North Utah County proved a worthy adversary.

“The next game was against Skyridge, and although it wasn’t our best win, you could see the team’s growth, and we started to believe in ourselves,” Marquez said.

The game was tied 12-12 after one

continued page 14

After losing on their senior night to end the

to win the 6A state title. (Photo courtesy

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COMMON GROUND

Immigrants are not the enemy

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.

While the 2025 FIFA Peace Prize winner bombs Iran and talks about invading Cuba, the Utah Legislature is fighting its own battles against immigrants and refugees.

Legislators introduced several zero-tolerance immigration bills addressing issues ranging from public education and driving privileges to the right to receive food from local pantries.

If these bills had passed, women, infants and children would have been barred from receiving vaccinations and treatment for communicable diseases. It seems the pro-measles group would also like to welcome back polio, meningitis and maybe a bit of scurvy, just for fun.

I keep saying, “We’re better than this,” but certain legislators (you know who you are) keep making that statement false.

These lawmakers say providing services to immigrants is a drain on taxpayers. There’s just one problem: immigrants pay taxes, too. They pay gas, income, sales and property tax. In fact, immigrants contribute more than $200 million to the state. Why shouldn’t they have access to public schools when they help fund them?

As a kind human, I want my tax dollars to assist those in need. I want families to have food and housing, basic human requirements everyone deserves. I’d much rather have my tax dollars go to immigrants than to pay legal fees fighting Prop 4.

Peri Kinder Common Ground

This year, a bill was introduced to add a 2% tax on international money transfers for those without approved IDs. That might not sound like much, but it could be the difference between sending money for rent or having grandma evicted. Immigrants often wire money to their families in other countries for food, medicine or housing, things our lawmakers obviously take for granted.

Immigrant driving privileges were also on the chopping block. Not only would the bill have revoked those cards, it also required police to contact ICE to turn in an undocumented person involved in a traffic accident.

Utah issues around 35,000 driving privilege cards each year. They allow people to have car insurance, drive to school or work, and navigate the two hazards of Utah roads: terrible drivers and whatever UDOT is tearing up this week.

Undocumented college-bound students were also targeted after a lawmaker introduced legislation to strip them of the right to access lower in-state tuition. Many of these students are on the path to citizenship. Don’t we want an educated populace? My guess is no.

All these initiatives seem to be based on selfishness. If we were really putting Utah first, wouldn’t we ensure that the people who lived here were healthy, fed, educated and safe?

Until recently, Utah leaders lauded the state’s programs designed to help immigrants and refugees learn English, get career training and become productive members of society. Now, the perfect immigrant is someone who doesn’t want education or food and who never sends money to grandpa for a new roof.

Immigrants are our neighbors, coworkers and friends. They deserve the right to dignity and respect. I’d love to see any lawmaker work as hard as the immigrants I know.

Luckily, these bills didn’t pass. But in this political climate, they will probably rise again. Like a case of measles in St. George.

Common Ground: Sometimes, those on the left act like we should open the borders and let the world flow through, while those on the right can’t build walls high enough. What if we all implore Congress to create sustainable immigration policies? Instead of punishing people who want to work and contribute, we need an immigration structure that makes sense. And thanks to the state legislators who voted down the harmful bills presented this year. We can do better. l

From the Publisher:

Thirty-five years ago the City Journals (South Valley Journal) were created with a vision to stay local and bring the community together. Thirteen years ago when I took over as publisher the name changed. but the vision did not. Today that vision is still true; we want the Journals to be hyperlocal and we want to bring the community together.

Over the last few years, as our nation continues to divide between the right and left, it has become harder and harder to feel like we are bringing our community together. If we write on something that is political, one side will be mad at us, and worse of all we may lose them as readers. This does not feel like we are bringing a community together.

This has left our editorial team in a tough position. Do we write on issues and upset our readers, or do we not write on the issues and move forward blind to the issues that are dividing our community.

Our solution: Common Ground. A monthly opinion column that will cover issues that we feel are dividing our communities. Each month one of two writers will present an opinion column, one that leans right and one that leans left.

This month Peri Kinder wrote about state legislation concerning immigration-related topics.

We hope that you have enjoyed the first Common Ground.

— Bryan Scott

SOUTH JORDAN TEAM

The South Jordan Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout South Jordan. The views and opinions expressed in display advertisements do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions held by Loyal Perch Media or the City Journals. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the owner. © 2026 Loyal Perch Media, Inc.

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Act FAST, Save a Life: Why Stroke Awareness is Everyone’s Business (No, Seriously, Everyone’s!)

When you hear the word “stroke,” what image comes to mind? For many, it’s an elderly relative, perhaps a grandfather, suddenly incapacitated. But local neurologists are clear: that outdated image is a dangerous myth. Strokes can strike anyone, at any age, and often without warning, making awareness and rapid response absolutely critical.

“The idea that strokes are an ‘old person’s disease’ is incredibly harmful,” says Dr. Mohammad Shoari, a neurologist at Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley, Salt Lake and Mountain Point. “We are seeing strokes in younger adults, even teenagers, with increasing frequency. Lifestyle factors, genetics, and even certain medical conditions can put anyone at risk. This isn’t just about grandpas anymore; it’s about protecting our entire community.”

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, either by a clot (ischemic stroke) or a burst blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). When brain cells are deprived of oxygen, they begin to die, leading to potential long-term disability or even death. The good news? Many strokes are treatable, but time is brain.

This is why recognizing the warning signs is

paramount. Healthcare professionals use the acronym F.A.S.T. to help people remember:

SAFFace Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the smile uneven?

Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.

TTime to call 911: If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 immediately. Note the time when symptoms first appeared.

“Every minute counts when someone is having a stroke,” emphasizes Dr. Rebecca Reiser, a neurologist at Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley.

“The quicker a patient receives specialized medical attention, the higher their chances of a full recovery. Don’t second-guess or wait for symptoms

Nurture what’s next.

to worsen. Call 911 immediately.”

Our hospitals are equipped with advanced treatments to combat stroke. For ischemic strokes, our team can administer clot-busting medications like TNK (tenecteplase) if the patient arrives within a critical time window. Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley also offers thrombectomy, a procedure where a specialized device is used to physically remove large blood clots from the brain.

“Beyond immediate intervention, our comprehensive stroke centers focus on post-stroke care, including rehabilitation services that are crucial for regaining function and improving quality of life,” adds Dr. Reiser. “Our multidisciplinary teams work tirelessly to help patients navigate their recovery journey.”

From emergency response to rehabilitation, our community has vital resources. But the first line of defense is you. By understanding that stroke doesn’t discriminate by age and by remembering F.A.S.T., you can be the hero who helps save a life – perhaps even your own.

For more information or to find a provider visit mountain.commonspirit.org

Learn more about the services, care providers and mission-driven work of the Holy Cross hospitals and CommonSpirit Health at www.holycrossutah.org.

At CommonSpirit Health, we make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all.

Women go through many changes in their lives. And we believe every milestone matters. Our health care experts can help you face your next phase with confidence – because each chapter deserves to be celebrated.

Find care near you at mountain.commonspirit.org.

Copper Rock offers great golf and vacation opportunities

Arriving at Copper Rock, you might be torn as to what to do first. There’s the world-class golf course, voted best in Southern Utah for five straight years, with its lush fairways and greens weaving through the stunning red rocks.

There’s the beauty of the Hurricane Valley, with trails beckoning hikers or nature lovers anxious to watch a sunrise or sunset. And there’s the amazing resort itself, with a clubhouse grill, pools, golf pro shop and close proximity to Zion National Park.

With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, it’s become one of Southern Utah’s most desirable addresses for golfers and vacationers and part of a master-planned development that has redefined luxury living in the region.

In addition to amazing real estate options, Copper Rock is a source for luxury vacation rentals that are perfect for families or large groups offering short-term rentals, but also aim to build long-term relationships with those we serve by maintaining constant support before, during and after your stay. And in May, we will once again host the LPGA Epson Tour Copper Rock Championship, welcoming top rising stars in women’s professional golf. That event will be held May 14-16. It fills a hope that developers dreamt about—that Copper Rock would be more than just a golf course—it would be a destination.

“When we broke ground on Copper Rock nearly two decades ago, we carried with us a bold vision: to build a worldclass golf course in Southern Utah—a course that could not only showcase the beauty of our desert landscape but also stand proudly alongside some of the best in the country,” said Darcy Horman, director of operations at Copper Rock. “We imagined a destination for connection and shared experiences for our community and guests from around the world.”

Opened in 2020, Copper Rock has already established itself as a premier golf and resort community. What was once a vast expanse of farmland has now been thoughtfully transformed into a vibrant, 1,000-acre resort community centered around that award-winning 18-hole championship course. The 7,227-yard layout winds across natural sand dunes and native sagebrush, offering a challenging and exhilarating round of golf. The design integrates seamlessly with the rugged Copper Rock, and the surrounding area seals the deal.

“Everything about this course from start to finish was excellent,” one golfer wrote. “Service was great, tee box and fairway conditions were excellent, pure greens, interesting hole layouts with some challenging but fun blind shots and water hazards here and there, and landscape views that can’t be beat. I’ve played multiple top rated golf courses in Southern Utah and this one was my favorite by a long shot.”

Another wrote, “I enjoyed everything about the day. Pro shop staff were very helpful and worked with our threesome to alleviate a previous scheduling snafu. We were escorted to the practice facility and I have to say the practice facility was top

notch…putting green, chipping green and an excellent driving range. The course itself was in excellent condition. All aspects of course management were superior. The views on the course were just amazing.”

Just minutes from downtown Hurricane and less than 30 minutes from St. George, residents enjoy quick access to shopping, dining and healthcare, as well as Southern Utah’s endless outdoor recreation options. Those include boating and fishing at Sand Hollow Reservoir and mountain biking on the Gooseberry Mesa trails that are all within easy reach. And once you’ve returned to Copper Rock, you can enjoy golf lessons, a grill and pro shop, an online store and private spas.

“It’s a place where our community can come together,” Horman said. “A place that continues to grow and give back while showcasing the unique beauty and spirit of Southern Utah to the world.”

Freelance writer Michael Zuccarello who specializes in Utah sports businesses recalled his visit to the resort in an article published before last year’s Epson event.

“Evening falls on the 11th fairway at Copper Rock Golf Course, and the summer heat is making its peace with a soft evening breeze. Bullfrogs croak in the distance. The fading sunlight beams golden off the sandstone cliffs, backlighting the residences lining the right side of the fairway, while just left of the 11th green, the sun is about to plunge below the Pine Valley Mountains.

“This is what I see as I chip in my flip flops, trying to hold a quick green that demands a pre-meditated landing spot and the kind of precision execution that can be challenging for this 15-handicapper. It’s after 9 p.m. now, and my wife, “Callaway,” and I have a 7:20 a.m. tee time, but I want to finish with three close ones before I walk back through the neighborhood to the gleaming glass house on Torrey Pines Road, a place barely three years old with four bedrooms, five bathrooms, a pool table, and a private pool and spa.”

He said walking past modern, angular homes with huge glass windows, each home seemed to appeal to different groups for their next stay-and-play vacation.

“One home has a water slide, another a bowling alley, and still others have putting greens and basketball courts,” he wrote. “Every last one of them has a private pool. Copper Rock, truth be told, is as much a vision today as it is a living golf community.”

He said Copper Rock is “the place you and your golf friends come to play a course the pros play, with tee boxes as flat and smooth as pool tables, pristine fairways that reward accurate drives with generous rolls, and greens that roll true and fast. I have it on good authority that you can play your way out of the desert sand and sagebrush that line the fairways, just punishment indeed but not round-killing.”

“We’re really excited that the locals once again voted Copper Rock the best golf course in Southern Utah,” said Penny

James-Garcia, Copper Rock’s event coordinator. “Copper Rock was built to be a championship course, and golfers find it both highly challenging and highly playable.”

As Copper Rock continues to grow and evolve, the vision for the community includes expanded resort offerings, walking trails and enhanced hospitality experiences—all designed to elevate the lifestyle of every resident and guest. Whether you’re drawn by the championship golf, the stunning views, or the potential of owning in one of Utah’s most exciting new communities, Copper Rock is more than a place to live—it’s a place to thrive.

“We’re certainly excited about all our future amenities and developments,” Horman said, “but we understand the importance of realistic expectations. We’re lasered in on what makes Copper Rock special. At this moment, it’s a chance to stay in a beautifully equipped modern home and play at a premier championship golf course.”

Copper Rock is located at 1567 West Copper Rock Parkway in Hurricane, Utah. For tee times, vacation rentals, homesites, and stay and plays, visit copperrock.com. For more information on the Epson Tour stop in Southern Utah including tickets, go to copperrockchampionship.com. l

Starting and running a successful business, part 3: Dealing with problems

Unexpected problems dragging your business down? Two local businesswomen explain how to handle curveballs.

By Elisa Eames e.eames@mycityjournals.com

The independence, flexibility and potential financial rewards of owning a business persuade over 5 million U.S. entrepreneurs to take the plunge each year. The founders and owners of Salt Lake-based Backyard Bookkeeper, Backyard Payroll and SPC Strategies, locals Julie DeLong and Alex Mic-Podar tackle tough questions affecting entrepreneurs today.

DeLong has written several articles for Intuit and Forbes Magazine and was an adjunct bookkeeping professor for the University of Utah. Mic-Podar has started a total of seven businesses and provides coaching and consulting services. She is a board member for multiple nonprofits and was a 2023 recipient of the Utah 40 Over 40 award.

This is the third article in a four-part series about how to start and grow your business.

Q: How do I deal with a difficult employee or customer?

Mic-Podar: Difficulties arise with employees when there are no concrete, defined rules and expectations. If you have a clearly defined job description and expectations, then you can keep employees accountable and consistently give feedback. Remember that your employees are an investment in your company. However much you invest in an employee is how successful they will be.

It’s a two-way street. Always give the benefit of the doubt and expect it. Employees must realize you are not perfect. Also, communication, communication, communication! When a problem arises, set aside personal feelings, and don’t be afraid to confront your employee.

DeLong: The other piece of this is documentation. As we said in Part 2, create and save written documentation about key interactions with employees. Document performance expectations and have employees sign their consent. This creates a paper trail, and if an employee is struggling, you have a basis for disciplinary action. Keep notes about your conversations with employees, recording what you discuss, what each party commits to and any relevant deadlines and promises.

Mic-Podar: Communication also applies to difficult clients or customers. Most clients and customers are not actually mad. They’re just frustrated because they need something. The first and most important rule

is to listen, and do not offer excuses—offer solutions.

Take responsibility for the problem. Tell them they’re important to you and you’ll do everything you can to resolve the issue. Just as with employees, if you have contracts in place that detail your responsibility to the client, most often, the client has no reason to be frustrated unless you are not delivering what you promised.

Sometimes clients are wrong, but even in that case, you want to stay calm, listen and remind them of the details of the agreement. Ask if their expectations have changed, and if so, ask if they have communicated the changes to your business. If the answer is yes, then listen and offer assurance that you will find a solution.

DeLong: Sometimes the best solution is to do whatever it takes to make a client happy to keep them, even if it costs you money in the short term. However, there will also be times when it makes sense to let the client go and move on. Make sure you consider both the short-term and long-term consequences of your decisions.

Q: How do I further establish my brand to stand out from the competition?

DeLong: Brainstorm what is unique about your business. Think about your story, how you founded your business and/ or developed your product. What motivated you? What problem in the market were you trying to solve? This will help you define what sets you apart, and you can use that as a theme in your online content and sales pitches.

Mic-Podar: In the bookkeeping industry and everywhere right now, AI is a big

subject. We are constantly warned that AI is coming for our jobs, so the way we stand out from our competition is to be very aware of almost any new AI platforms. I constantly research advances in our industry and in general. Always be five steps ahead in your research and industry awareness. And never ever stop offering good quality.

Also, do market research. Some companies can do this for you, or you can do it yourself by digging into the data with AI. Perhaps the competition offers the same exact service you do, but you’ve learned from your research that they lack customer service.

Your new marketing strategy should describe how great your customer service is and emphasize that there will always be a live person who answers your phone, regardless of how big you get. I guarantee there is not much that hasn’t been invented that you would want to sell, but the delivery method is constantly evolving, and that’s where you could find your niche.

Q: What do I do if people aren’t interested in my product/service? How do I increase sales?

Mic-Podar: Another important rule is to make decisions based on data. Do not just make assumptions. If sales are decreasing, find out why.

Research the market! Don’t be afraid to ask people who said no to you why they chose your competition. Learn from the data, and tweak the product or service until you’re able to sell it again. But no matter what, do not make decisions without market research data.

DeLong: There are a handful of growth

strategies to consider. You can go horizontal, vertical or pivot entirely.

For instance, if you offer residential landscaping services, a horizontal move could be to find new geographic areas to service or expand to commercial properties. A vertical move would be to offer pest control or another service as well as landscaping to your existing clientele. An example of a pivot would be leasing your equipment or sub-contracting with other, larger companies.

Q: Why is it important for a business owner to be a good leader?

Mic-Podar: Good leaders observe, constantly educate themselves and constantly think ahead. They are rarely surprised.

A good leader knows that mistakes in life and in business are nothing more than opportunities for change. The best-kept secret to success is to never give up and constantly learn from your mistakes.

Q: How do I manage my time?

Mic-Podar: Prioritize work and tasks, plan ahead and reduce or eliminate distractions. Plan and prioritize tasks based on urgency and deadlines.

Remember that once you start your own business, a healthy work-life balance is a myth. So prioritize with your partner and family. You need to be in it together because, as a business owner, you will work 24/7. Even if you aren’t actively working, you’re constantly thinking about work.

DeLong: I’ve heard that, though there is no such thing as work-life balance, it is entirely possible to achieve “work-life harmony.” I believe this. As a business owner, you invest so much time, effort and resources, and it can take a toll. But if your family, friends and community support you, you can definitely have harmony between your work and personal life.

Q: How do I manage my finances?

DeLong: Track all expenses and income from the very beginning. Once you make around $1,000 a month or more, you need bookkeeping software.

QuickBooks Online is the most popular, and it works well for most types of businesses. It starts at $38 a month. If you want something cheaper, consider Wave (which has a free option), Zoho, Xero or Count. They all connect to your bank to download transactions and sync other information. Then you or your bookkeeper can put the income and expenses in the right categories within the software.

Depending on your industry and business model, there is a lot of nuance to bookkeeping, so I highly recommend asking a professional to help set up the software so it makes sense for your business and automates as much as possible.

Once you have your bookkeeping set up, it’s important to review financial reports regularly. There are two reports that you should pay attention to: your balance sheet and your profit and loss or income statement.

The balance sheet lists your assets and liabilities. If your bookkeeping has big errors in it, they will be obvious on this report. It’s crucial you look at it periodically and confirm the balances are correct.

Your P&L shows a summary of all your income and expenses by category. One benefit of accounting software is that it lets you run reports for any time period you want. I like to run reports that show multiple months side by side so I can see what changes from month to month.

Our company, Backyard Bookkeeper, can help with all of this. We offer a 10% lifetime discount on QuickBooks Online (new subscriptions only), and we can help you with initial setup and/or ongoing bookkeeping maintenance. If you mention this article when you contact us, we offer 10% off our services for the first year.

Q: What do I do if expenses are higher than anticipated? How can I cut costs?

DeLong: This is why bookkeeping is so valuable. By grouping expenses in useful categories, you can see where your money is going. Review your P&L and look for amounts that stick out. Drill down to see what expenses went into each category.

Ask if you’re getting enough value for each expense. For example, are you using all your subscriptions? Are you getting a decent return on investment from your online advertising? Are your employees producing the way you expected? Can you do a cost comparison to see if other vendors or suppliers can provide the same supplies or

Funeral arrangements are a deeply personal choice. Preplanning provides you with the time needed to make practical, detailed decisions that reflect your standards, lifestyle, taste and budget. And we assure you and your family that the choices you make will be carried out as planned.

services cheaper?

Q: How do I know how much to charge for my products/services?

DeLong: Sometimes you can’t cut costs further, which means it may be time to charge more. Take a good look at the fixed and nonnegotiable expenses that are part of providing your product or service. What

you charge your customers should cover those costs and leave a healthy margin for overhead costs and profit.

Mic-Podar: Do market research! And remember that you want to sell value, not just a product or service. Base your prices on the value your services or products offer compared to your competition. l

EDUCATION SECTION

A publication covering local education around the Salt Lake Valley

Teaching more than music

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

National Federation of High Schools honors RaNae Dalgleish for four decades of shaping students hearts through harmonies.

When RaNae Dalgleish was 4 years old, her mother placed a violin in her small hands the last one her father had worked on before he died.

“This is yours,” her mother told her. Dalgleish remembers looking at it and saying, “This is the most wonderful thing I’ve ever seen in my life.”

In that moment, she knew music would always be part of her life.

Dalgleish’s father had been a violin maker, trained by German luthier Peter Prier, who first worked under her grandfather, a longtime band teacher in Provo who also opened Pearce Music Company.

Music was part of her upbringing. Her mother would accompany Dalgleish on piano during her early violin recitals and her grandfather would play for her,

symphonies and string quartets on his downstairs stereo system for hours.

“He introduced me to the world of classical music,” she said. “He was so knowledgeable and he had such a passion for it.”

Dalgleish’s introduction to music became a lifetime passion which she has shared with students for four decades. Recently, the National Federation of High Schools named Dalgleish as region seven’s Performing Arts Educator Award recipient of the year for her 40 years of dedication to music education.

The nomination itself came as a surprise. Former Canyons School District performing arts specialist Sheree Jorgensen submitted her name in November 2025 and it was in early February that Dalgleish learned she won the award, which as of press deadline, was yet to be presented to her.

“I was excited, humbled, honored and surprised,” she said. “I appreciate Sheree for noticing my work through the

years and thinking about nominating me for this award. It means a lot.”

After earning her degree in instrumental music education on full scholarship at the University of Utah, Dalgleish’s career began teaching elementary students string instruments. She then progressed to teach high school choir and eventually, nearly two decades at Hillcrest High directing orchestras and choirs.

Dalgleish directs highly esteemed ensembles, mentors teachers and organizes districtwide events. She is the musical director for many of Hillcrest’s award-winning musicals and has served on the Utah Music Educators Association. She has performed with the Utah Tabernacle Choir, the Salt Lake Symphony, the Salt Lake Vocal Artists and Salt Lake Symphonic Choir.

For Dalgleish, the heart of teaching was shaped early in her career. During her first year teaching at her alma mater, Olympus High, her student choir president was killed when, as a pedestrian, he was struck by a car.

“I learned the lesson that I needed to

For more than 40 years, Hillcrest High’s RaNae Dalgleish has shared her passion of music with students and recently was recognized with the National Federation of High Schools’ Performing Arts Educator Award. (Photo courtesy of RaNae Dalgleish)

love my kids more than I need to love music,” Dalgleish said. “They needed love and they needed music.”

That experience changed her priorities, which still guides her today. Festivals and ratings matter less than connection.

“I want them to understand music as a way to touch hearts that words can’t,” Dalgleish said. “Music is a service that you can help people to heal and to go through hard times. It helps to brighten spirits, to lift hearts that are heavy.”

She chooses repertoire with care, tailoring pieces to the students in her classes. Through COVID, through loss of family and through other circumstances, she chooses music with a message for her students to embrace and share.

“Every year, I need to know my students so I can make music meaningful for them,” Dalgleish said.

One beloved tradition is ending concerts with “Peace be with You,” an arrangement passed down through Hillcrest High choir directors Leo Dean to Brian Bentley and to Dalgleish. Alumni return to sing it in the final concert of each year, filling the stage alongside current students, creating a community through music and love she has helped build.

Music has given Dalgleish many opportunities beyond the school stage. From her first school bus trip to Vancouver, B.C. as a high school senior to performances across Europe and Asia, she has seen how music connects people. She shares that experience with her students, giving them opportunities to tour across the country, including singing in Nashville this spring. Through it all, Dalgleish still keeps that little girl’s sense of awe. The violin was her first love. Teaching became her life’s work. And whether conducting a choir or repairing a student’s bow, she continues to share the gift first placed in her hands, imparting music is an act of love.

“I love giving opportunity to my students and hearing them create music that speaks to the heart,” Dalgleish said.

Chinese culture connects Jordan School District community

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

With more than 20 cultural activities and 10 live performances, the annual celebration gave students a chance to shine beyond the classroom.

The hum of spinning string; the smoky, musky smell of wet ink; the vibrations of ancient Chinese music were some of the sights and smells of Jordan School District’s 5th annual Chinese New Year celebration as hundreds of community members filled Herriman High’s foyer and auditorium.

The celebration featured more than 20 cultural activities and 10 performances in an hour-long showcase that included student-produced short films and traditional lion and dragon dances. Students of all ages demonstrated language fluency, music and dance.

“We work hard every day at school,” Mountain Creek Middle Chinese teacher Michael Lu said. “We created this event to have a platform for our students to shine, to use what they learn in the real world and to give back to the community because we get so much support from them. Everyone is welcome here, no matter if they speak Chinese or not; we make this inclusive to everyone.”

Nearby, the Chinese yo-yo, also known as the Diabolo, whirled to life as Mountain Creek ninth-grader John Gundersen and his twin Eli demonstrated their skills for the event that brought together students from Eastlake Elementary, Mountain Creek Middle and Herriman High.

John showed participants how the two hourglass-shaped cups, which are connected by an axle, could be spun and tossed on a string attached to two sticks.

“I learned to do this partly in class and I did a Chinese yo-yo camp over the

summer,” he said. “I learned a lot of different tricks.”

While teaching others how to do it, John remembered being reluctant to pursue Chinese in elementary school.

“My parents forced me to do it in first grade,” he said. “I really wanted to quit in third grade. I hated it. I didn’t understand its significance, and I didn’t want to learn another language because it’s hard. I was behind so I was frustrated. In fourth grade, I started catching up to other students and now, it’s fun. I’m glad I stayed with it. My goal is to get fluent in it. I will do Chinese in high school and probably some after.”

Learning about the culture is one of John’s favorite parts of the dual immersion program.

“Before I was in middle school, I didn’t understand the concept of culture, how other countries are different from America since I have never been to another continent. Now, I can appreciate how this event brings it together,” he said.

Eastlake sixth-grader Lola Grunander was checking out the activities before helping teach participants how to use chopsticks.

“I do Chinese so I can learn more about China,” she said. “As I’m going around, I’m getting to speak Chinese to others. It’s fun being here with my friends doing everything.”

Lola was inspired to enroll in dual immersion by family members.

“Two of my cousins do it and my brother does it so I thought it would be fun if we all knew Chinese so we could talk to each other,” she said. “Writing and speaking are my favorite parts, but sometimes we learn science and history. It’s fun to learn different things in Chinese.”

Mountain Ridge and Riverton also hosted a Cultural Arts Festival at Riverton High in March. Organized by the two schools’ Chinese Club, the night featured a language competition and talent show.

Herriman High parent Michelle Gibney appreciated this opportunity for her daughter.

“It’s great that students are exposed to different languages and cultures,” she said. “My daughter loves her Chinese classes and this is a good way to share what they’ve been learning.”

Volunteer Piper Wise, who worked alongside volunteers Shirley Lim and

Nancy Dresser, said the event continues to grow. After being at Mountain Creek last year, the celebration was hosted by the Mustangs at Herriman High – in time for the Year of the Horse — to better accommodate the crowd.

“The best thing about this is the community,” Wise said. “It makes me happy that all these siblings and kids grow up together in these classes learning about the culture. It’s like a giant family reunion.”

Tom Haraldsen contributed to this article.

For Jordan School District middle school student-athletes, unified basketball offers confidence, competition and connection.

By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com

When the halftime buzzer sounded, Georgie Harding didn’t hesitate. He sprinted from the court to the stands, grinning as he celebrated his first basket of the game with his dad, Jesse. For the South Jordan Middle student, the moment was about more than 2 points. It was about belonging.

Georgie was competing in his first tournament. As a student with Down syndrome, he plays on a team that pairs athletes of differing abilities with peer partners, competing together against nine other Jordan School District middle schools as well as Timberline Middle School in Alpine School District. This year’s tournament featured 27 teams, an increase from 12 teams three years ago.

“He’s excited to be a part of a team,” his father Jesse Harding said. “Growing up in an orphanage in Bulgaria, he didn’t have a lot of opportunities, especially to work together with kids with special needs and mainstream kids, so he’s just been so excited for this. He’s come a long way.”

Georgie arrived in Utah in July 2025. Since then, he has been learning English, adjusting to a supportive classroom, developing friendships and building social skills, all while learning the game of basketball.

“He’s learning English and adapting pretty well, but he still has a ways to go. In Bulgaria, special needs people are tucked away as people think they shouldn’t be out in public. We got a lot of dirty looks when we picked him up. It was pretty shocking. But it was awesome when we got into the states. Those dirty looks turned into smiles and now, he’s all in to trying to do all these things,” Harding said, adding “Nice shot, buddy” when his son came over to him.

Across the gym, there were similar stories of growth and joy.

A shot at belonging

Bryan Veazie, who oversees the district’s unified sports program, said high school students who serve as officials and scorekeepers also are building that connection and understanding.

“I love having our high school athletes volunteer their service to participate as officials and score keepers; it gives them an opportunity to spend concentrated quality time with our special education students, to feel more comfortable around them and to embrace them more willingly,” he said. “It also gives them a higher level of gratitude and appreciation for the abilities that they have and for the talents to compete in unified basketball.”

Veazie said the growth in unified athletics reflects the program’s success.

“Throughout the Jordan School District, the unified sports program continues to grow, and we’ve added West Hills Middle School (in West Jordan) this school year, who, for the first year, has a support classroom in their school,” he said. “What this tells me is it’s a success. The schools are enjoying the opportunity, the teachers look forward to providing the experience and it’s becoming more known and more popular with the students, both our unified athletes and our unified partners.”

West Jordan Middle eighth-grader Conner Rosenthal learned to play basketball from his older brother and practiced for the tournament.

“I like shooting and winning best; I’ve shot a bunch,” he said. “It’s fun playing with my friends.”

Conner looks up to NBA legend Michael Jordan.

“He’s cool; I want to be like him,” he said.

Two ninth-grade classroom peer tutors, Hailey Litchfield and Kassidy Woolley, played alongside him, embracing the unified sports’ spirit.

“This is about the kids and making sure they have fun,” Hailey said. “I’ve learned it’s not all about winning, but about having a positive attitude.”

Kassidy adds: “I’ve learned how much fun you can have together and just being friends with them.”

Mountain Creek eighth-grader Julian Za-

valeta competed from a wheelchair, adapting his game as he gained experience.

“It’s hard to shoot, but I’m still getting used to it,” he said. “I play a lot of basketball. My friend Max taught me how to throw the ball, pass the ball and shoot. I like shooting and winning best. I started playing with my friends and today, I’ve made friends with players from other schools.”

Mountain Creek ninth-grader and peer tutor Harrison Kenney said the experience has been eye-opening.

“It makes me be more grateful for what I have and more grateful I can do all these things with them,” he said. “We’ve learned even if something is hard, you should keep trying. You may fail a lot of times, like you shoot and not score, but we need to keep trying. They can get upset when they don’t make a basket, but when they get a shot in, they’re so happy and that makes me happy.”

Veazie also is appreciative of West Jordan High for hosting the tournament, which with its growth, has required more planning, but the reward is clear.

“Having the opportunity to work with the people I work with and having the opportunity to provide these experiences we’re able to provide to middle school students as a way of promoting unity and belonging and purpose is one of the most rewarding parts of my position,” he said. “It envelops a spirit of love and gratitude and desire to support and desire to serve.”

For South Jordan Middle eighth-grader Hayden Kirby, it comes down to having opportunity.

“Playing unified basketball is fun with my friends,” he expressed with help of South Jordan Middle instructional assistant Easton Watts. “I’ve made four baskets and the best part is when people cheer for me.”l

quarter—but the Lady Miners outscored Skyridge 20-3 in the second quarter and hung on for a 60-57 win in which Roberts knocked down five 3s and scored 17 and Stacia Peoples added 10 points and 9 assists.

Captained by Roberts and senior Peoples, these Lady Miners weren’t done undergoing a bit of adversity against … Cedar Valley. They were the same team that embarrassed Bingham on Senior Night, sending three seniors—including Peoples—home a bit unhappy on Feb. 10 .

What a difference 15 days makes.

Though the Lady Miners trailed 34-26 at the half, and then looked buried at one point in the third quarter down as many as 15 points, they dug out of the mess with a 23-point fourth quarter powered by Roberts’ four 3s and 18 points and Peoples’ 13 in No. 6 Bingham’s come-from-behind, 60-57 victory against No. 3 Cedar Valley in the state quarterfinal.

That win over the Aviators—the Lady Miners’ first in three tries this season— seemed to flip a switch in Bingham.

From that point forward, this squad that Marquez deemed “The Believe Team” didn’t even seem fazed by being down 11-9 after one quarter to No. 2-seed Syracuse, a team that lost to Bingham 49-45 earlier in the season.

The Lady Miners knotted up the state semifinal 22-22 by scoring 13 second-quar-

Avery Aiono. Could these Lady Miners possibly put one more magical run together against No. 1 Lone Peak in the state championship game?

It’s awfully hard to count out a group of girls that calls themselves “The Believe Team.” It’s also hard to believe that Skyler Beard’s kids that were mostly freshmen and sophomores a few years ago, are all grown up.

It’s also been a sight to see what the new head coach Hector Marquez has been able to get out of these kids that lifted Bingham to a resounding 49-33 win over the Knights to win its second state title in six years. Peoples’ 14 points, Pau’u’s 10, Cottle’s 9 and Roberts’ 7 were too much for Lone Peak, who only managed to score 15 first-half points.

In Marquez’ eyes, two people above all were responsible for the Lady Miners’ first state title in six years.

ter points, and it stayed tied through three quarters of action at 31-31.

But Bingham scored 15 fourth-quarter points and held Syracuse to just 5, rolling to a 44-34 win against the Titans. For the game, Lanie Smith drilled four 3s for 12 points and Pau’u added 12 along with 8 rebounds.

On a night when Syracuse’s game plan was to limit Roberts, who was held to 7 points, Bingham got what it needed from others including 7 from Cottle and 4 from

“I really think our two captains powered it (Evy Roberts, Stacia Peoples). As a coaching staff, we did everything we could to put them in a position to succeed, but we all know that when the players buy in and just play for each other, that is when you get the best out of every player that sets foot on the floor.

I will never forget this group and how they taught me to “Believe.” They earned my trust throughout the year. We had so many fun memories in practice, and it was just a magical group.” l

Red Cross recognizes library system for blood donation efforts

Last year, the library system collected 2,220 units of blood. This was a 71% increase over the 1,296 units.

By Laura S. Crapo l.crapo@mycityjournals.com

Something special happened on Feb. 27 when the American Red Cross of Utah recognized the Salt Lake County Library system and their growing impact on the region’s blood donations. Last year, the library system collected 2,220 units of blood. This was a 71% increase over the 1,296 units collected in 2024.

“We wanted to recognize the efforts of the Salt Lake County Library system and when we saw a 71% increase in their blood donations, we wanted to present our recognition at one of their locations,” Executive Director of the American Red Cross Greater Salt Lake Chapter Jeremiah Lafranca said. “It was our next big drive to be able to give out the awards. And, it’s a nice location for photos with the associate director of public services.”

On the same day of their recognition, a blood drive was held for six hours at the Daybreak library. The county librarians are welltrained and competent in working alongside the Red Cross staff. These blood donations are important because they make a difference in improving and even saving peoples’ lives.

There’s a person in the United States needing blood for surgeries, cancer treatments or traumatic injuries dozens of times per minute.

One pint of whole blood through different processing can be used to help up to three people. It’s divided into red blood cells, plasma and platelets. That division is how three people are helped depending on their specific needs. This modern component therapy allows medical professionals to maximize the impact of each single donation.

General eligibility requirements for whole blood donation typically include three things. The donor must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be feeling well the day of donation. There are always snacks and juice for donors after their donation to prevent weakness or fainting.

“I’ve always been involved in community service and working for the American Red Cross has been a good fit,” Lafranca said. “I wanted to expand our service and working with the local libraries has been a successful choice. They have lots of foot traffic and it’s a friendly place for donations.”

Blood donations from Red Cross donors help more than one hospital or clinic. ARUP is another organization for blood donations. They are connected to the University

of Utah and are another reputable option for blood donation. Both organizations are excellent in providing professional service for blood donors.

“If ARUP were unable to supply blood from their donations, we would back them up,” Lafranca said. “It’s a two-way agreement and works both ways. We have success in Utah because of it being a service

minded community.”

Anyone willing can search for meaningful service and provide a gift for the life of others. The actual donation process takes about 10 to15 minutes. Plan for the total appointment time being an hour to an hour and a half long. Helpful websites for donation information are: Redcross.org and Utahblood.org l

Salt Lake Bees partner with Swig for alternate team identity

By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

Every time the Salt Lake Bees play a home game on a Wednesday this season, they’ll have an alternate identity. Their uniforms, hats, batting helmets and all stadium scoreboards will boast that alt name: the Utah Dirty Sodas.

At a press event at The Ballpark at America First Square on Feb. 24, Bees General Manager Ty Wardle and Todd Smith, president of Swig, announced a partnership, bonding the two brands together for the 2026 season that starts in late March. The first Utah Dirty Sodas Wednesday will be April 1 versus Sacramento.

“We’re very excited to launch this alternative identity with Swig this season,” Wardle said. “Utah is known for its obsession with dirty sodas, and Swig, home of the original dirty soda, was founded here in Utah.”

Swig is the Sandy-based company that operates locations in 17 states (with more than 140 shops) selling dirty sodas — non-alcoholic beverages created by mixing fountain soda with flavored syrups, creamer, and often fresh fruit. Swig Chief Marketing Officer Dylan Roeder credits the Bees’ ownership for bringing the deal together.

“It’s their creative juices that made this

happen,” he said. “They approached us on creating this unique idea. A marketer’s dream is to have an alternate ID in minor league baseball. It’s something truly unique and one of a kind. Being able to see how fun and playful and community-oriented that alt IDs become was something that’s truly aspiring.”

“Every Wednesday is Dirty Soda Wednesday, and it’s also Swig takeover of the stadium,” Smith said. “Three-dollar drinks at Swig, and if a batter hits the large inflatable cup over the fence in left center, then it’s free Swig for the whole stadium. And if the Dirty Sodas score four runs or more on a Wednesday, then the next day we give free Swig to the whole community. We’re trying to make it a very on-field, off-field partnership.”

He added that the team will be offering a special ticket package that comes with exclusive Swig and Dirty Soda merchandise items.

The Dirty Sodas’ color scheme was inspired by Swig’s branding, Wardle said. Some of the merchandise features Swiggy, the Dirty Sodas’ mascot.

Jill Marchant, chief legal and administrative officer with Swig, said the Bees took the lead on approaching league officials about the alt identity. “I think the league has actually been very good to work with and excited about a beloved sports team and a Utah homegrown brand coming together.”

“It’s also the most unique partnership I’ve seen in sports,” Roeder said. “I’ve never seen a team partner with a brand to this level. It’s completely new ground that the Bees are

breaking, and we got lucky that they chose us to do it with.”

Tickets for the 2026 season are now on sale.l

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Eastlake students shine in vibrant Lunar New Year assembly

Eastlake Elementary held a Lunar New Year assembly with a guest performance of traditional Chinese yo-yo tricks by Su Mama Chinese Club from Taiwan. The annual assembly featured dual immersion Chinese students with each grade level giving a performance: 1st, “Gong Xi gong Xi” and

“Happy Chinese New Year;” 2nd, “Health Song;” 3rd, “Chinese Zodiac Song;” 4th, “TFBOYS” and “Manual of Youth;” 5th, “Lemon Tree;” and 6th performed the lion and dragon dance as well as the Chinese New Year pop song, “New Year is Suddenly Here.” (Julie Slama/City Journals) l

Fourth-graders perform at Eastlake Elementary’s Lunar New Year assembly. (Piper Wise/Eastlake Elementary)

Elk Ridge Middle students continue building ‘Tradition’ on stage

It takes the Elk Ridge Middle community to help bring the nearly sold-out production of the story of Anatevka to life in “Fiddler on the Roof.”

By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Elk Ridge Middle ninth-grader Jerrick Denison loves the feeling he gets when the curtain rises.

“I like singing and a lot of my friends do it too,” he said about auditioning for the musical. “It’s fun to perform and I get excitement from it.”

After performing in the school’s previous productions of “Oklahoma!” and “Newsies,” Jerrick wanted a bigger role this year. He landed the role of the hard-working tailor, Motel, in the recent school production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” which opened to nearly sold-out audiences for every performance.

The musical features 105 students both on stage and behind the scenes. It is directed by JJ Vuki, with music director Keith Goodrich, who worked together on choreography. The house manager is Halli Bleak.

The road to opening night took months of preparation. Students auditioned in late fall, learning a short dance and singing part of a song. Rehearsals began in December and continued through the final dress rehearsals in early March.

“At the beginning, we rehearsed on weekdays if you were called for that scene,” Jerrick said. “Now, everybody’s called every day, except for Sunday.”

Rehearsals are more than just singing or memorizing lines. Jerrick learned to develop his character on stage and think independently as an actor.

and have an experience where they feel uplifted and feel happy,” she said. “I want them to find community. By participating, they’re learning how to stand in front of a crowd, project and talk loudly. They learn how to talk with another person and how to work together.”

The production of “Fiddler on the Roof” also gave students a chance to explore themes in the story.

“They’ve all read the musical and we’ve talked a lot about the culture, the religion, the time period, the history and what was taking place then,” she said. “Every cast member developed an identity for their character. I asked them all to come up with a Jewish or Russian name if they were not given one in the script and to understand what that person was and how they worked within this village and to bring that to the stage with this understanding.”

“I had to figure out my actions instead of being told what to do and that’s made me a better actor,” he said. “When you’re on stage and not having lines or singing, I interact with people and show them my sewing machine, so it makes it look engaging and real. I’ve learned to get along with people in the process.”

Jerrick said the experience helps him improvise if something unexpected happens and the skills also translate to the classroom.

“When I have to do presentations or something up in front of class, I’m not really nervous to do those types of things,” he said.

That confidence is one of the main goals of the theater program, Vuki said.

“I want students to learn how to interact with each other

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Elk Ridge’s theater program also emphasizes student leadership. Bingham High students who previously participated in the program have returned as student directors, helping the middle-schoolers with technical elements such as sets, costumes and stage management.

Parents have volunteered in countless ways, from providing snacks and meals to set building and costuming.

“I’m really blessed to have great parents and appreciate the contributions of everyone involved,” Vuki said. “I want to thank them for showing up for your kids and for our program.”

The ties and friendships amongst middle-schoolers and the community make the experience worthwhile.

“I’ve met a lot of other students in seventh and eighth grades I wouldn’t have made friends with if I wasn’t part of the musical,” Jerrick said. “I really like performing on stage; it makes me happy.” l

By Julie Slama

American Academy of Innovation students are turning literature into leadership through a creative, hands-on project inspired by the graphic novel “White Bird” by R.J. Palacio.

As the culminating assessment for their English Language Arts unit, students designed and built original board games aimed at teaching younger children about courage, empathy, perseverance and kindness. The

The project began with students reading “White Bird,” a story of a young girl, Sara, whose survival during the Holocaust depended on the courage and compassion of those hiding her. Using the story as a foundation, students were tasked to become “light-bringers” themselves, standing up to unfairness and spreading hope in their community.

Working in teams, AAI students first brainstormed game mechanics and designed boards and game pieces focused on a journey to spread kindness. In class, they test played their games and revised them based on peer feedback. They also developed clear, age-appropriate instructions. Many games also incorporated math challenges, reinforcing interdisciplinary learning.

“It was fun to see their creations, the

Herriman High’s Jackson Spencer named Gatorade National player of the year

Herriman High runner presented with the Gatorade National Boys Cross Country Player of the Year Award.

By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

It started as an early morning workout, a cold wintry run in a brisk southerly wind for Herriman High senior Jackson Spencer. It wasn’t anything he couldn’t handle, having blazed his way across the record books for the Mustangs for several seasons. But this run ended a bit differently on that Wednesday, Feb. 18.

As Spencer walked into the locker room, he was cheered by family, friends, the media and by Olympic distance runner Grant Fisher who was there to present Jackson with the 2025-26 Gatorade National Boys Cross Country Player of the Year Award. Considered the top national honor for high school sports, it’s part of Gatorade’s long standing tradition of awarding excellence in sport, academics and community.

“It was pretty much a surprise to me,” Spencer said after receiving the trophy.

Two-time Olympic medalist Grant Fisher presented the Gatorade National Boys Cross Country Player of the Year Award to Herriman High senior Jackson Spencer on Feb. 18. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)

“Coach told us that we had to go back in because the district was getting mad at us for skipping classes while we ran. So we had to show up at 7:30 that morning to get the run in. Once we got back from that blizzard, he said we had to go to the locker room to finish filling out forms to run in New Balance nationals. So I walked in here, and, surprise!”

The Gatorade Player of the Year awards have an elite history. Past winners have included Peyton Manning, Paige Bueckers, Cooper Flagg and Sydney McLaughlin-Lev-

rone. BYU freshman cross country star Jane Hedengren, who destroyed all competitors when she competed for Timpview High School, won the female award last year.

It’s the third time that Fisher, winner of two bronze medals at the 2024 Olympic Summer Games in Paris, has been to Utah to present Gatorade national awards.

“I moved here in 2023, and what I observed is that you have fantastic high school programs and great college programs,” he said. “You have really good infrastructure

for professionals, and you get into an environment where everybody is achieving great things and working hard, and that becomes the norm here in Utah.”

Fisher, who now lives in Park City, said the cross country program at Herriman High “is fantastic, and it has been for several years. There’s five schools in Utah that are national caliber, and it’s been fun to be a new person coming in from outside and observing this.”

Spencer praised his coaches and teammates at Herriman, including head coach Doug Soles. The Mustangs won the Nike Cross Nationals in 2023 and have been ranked first or near the top nationally in the years since.

“It’s been awesome to run with so many great guys the past three years,” he said. “They’ve been fantastic teammates and I’ve been propelled by all of these guys. They’ve kept me grounded and helped me.”

As for Gatorade, which both runners said they love to drink, Spencer’s favorite is Glacier Cherry, while Fisher prefers Glacier Freeze. Among those who gathered for the trophy presentation were coaches and runners from Brigham Young University, the program that Spencer will be joining this coming fall. l

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Grief is an individual journey with a path as unique as each one of us. To o er support and hope, we provide various Grief Support Services for those who are mourning a recent or past loss.

Monte Vista celebrates Lunar New Year with dragons, dumplings

The IEP Student Center offers guidance and resources.

By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com

s bright red and gold decorations adorned the foyer of Monte Vista Elementary, students in the school’s Chinese dual immersion program were preparing for the Lunar New Year, welcoming the culture with creativity and a sense of community.

In classrooms, students crafted traditional art, learned songs and dances and stories behind the holiday. They also were preparing for an evening performance.

Sixth-grader Novi Poole was making a bamboo hanging with a Chinese poem.

“The poem’s meaning is there is a girl and she looks at the shiny mirror and when the moon goes up, she can hear the words,” she said. “I like learning about the culture and the food. I like the pot stickers, which are basically dough with chicken and vegetables in it. I’ve made it a bunch of times.”

For Novi, learning Mandarin is a family tradition.

“All five siblings, including me, are doing Chinese,” she said.

Classmate Wembley Cottle was preparing a traditional red envelope.

“I’m painting a horse on it for the Year of the Horse,” she said. “Grandparents typically give the envelopes to grandchildren with money in it, but we’ll use it for decorations.”

Wembley has used her Mandarin interacting with na-

tive speakers and others who know the language.

“It’s cool to learn this language because I’ve met new people and when I go into Chinese restaurants, I can talk to them,” she said. “Also, when you are in ninth grade, you can take the AP test and get college credit with a good score.”

Sixth-grader Maddie Karren said the cultural connection is what she appreciates learning.

“I’ve learned a lot about the Chinese culture,” she said. “We do activities they do in China, we celebrate holidays like the new year and learn its importance. We understand more because we get to experience these things they have shared with us.”

Sixth-graders recently painted traditional opera-style masks, which they were considering wearing for their performance that night.

“We painted these masks, which are very cool, because they use them in plays in Chinese culture. They tell stories with music and masks, and the masks can represent the characters or feelings. Like red can represent the main character or feeling brave and loyal. White or gray can represent the antagonist or feeling evil and purple represents smart or wisdom,” Maddie said.

The evening’s Lunar New Year program was to showcase hours of preparation.

“We’re going to do the fan dance. Fans represent smooth water. I love the sound they make,” she said. “I like that we do something different every year in the performance. I’ve always looked forward to doing the sixthgrade dance because the fans are so loud and cool. I’m also leading the dragon in the dragon dance so that’s super-duper cool.”

Fourth-grader Lauren Schaefermeyer said fourth-graders also were set to sing a song.

“It’s a song about their journey going ‘Up Spring Mountain’ and what happens there for Chinese New Year,” she said. “Every year we learn something new to perform and study for the new year so we’re understanding more of the culture and it’s fun.”

Lauren said studying Mandarin with the same classmates for several years, it’s become a community.

“I feel like we’re one big family now; we’ve been together for years,” she said. “My favorite part of Chinese New Year is the food, music and stories and celebrating it together.” l

If there’s one thing that makes you question your life choices, it’s sitting at a child’s outdoor soccer game in April.

Clutching Stanley mugs filled with coffee, whisky, or both, parents and grandparents sit on wobbly camp chairs, huddled under musty blankets while trying not to be too conspicuous about checking the time.

The idea is sound: help kids understand the concepts of a sport and learn teamwork. In reality, it’s about which kid brought the best treats or if we’re going to catch pneumonia and die before the game ends.

Utah’s spring is a weather roulette that can have you freezing at 9 a.m. and sweltering by noon. The cold wind, constant trickle of rain and glacial temperatures give way to heat stroke and sunburn before halftime.

My four daughters played softball every spring for what felt like 75 consecutive years. Each year, we’d bundle up in coats, gloves, scarves and earmuffs to watch them play. We shoved handwarmers into pockets and told them to “Think warm thoughts.”

It was often torture. Not only do you watch your child strikeout, but strikeout in 45-degree weather. They’d hold the bat with frozen hands, waiting for the impact to snap their fingers off at the knuckles.

Now, my grandkids enjoy soccer, which is played no matter the weather, and everything is mud. The only thing running faster than my granddaughter is my nose. Except

The view from the sidelines

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

when it’s treat time, then the whole team finds a burst of adrenaline to snatch up granola bars and Capri Suns. Don’t even think about bringing oranges or bananas. Who are you? Someone who hates kids?

Each spring, hope wears shin guards and batting helmets. It’s a fresh start, a chance to learn skills and an opportunity for new coaches to lower their expectations.

You can spot a new coach by their optimism. They come prepared with drills, practice schedules and intricate plays, but by the end of the season, they’re just happy to have players who can identify a soccer ball and run in the right direction.

They also have to deal with parents. There’s always that person who believes their child is the next Lionel Messi or Aaron Judge. They memorize the rule book and counter every official’s call. “Blue! Were you the lookout on the Titanic?” or “Hey, Ref! Are we keeping you awake?”

They scream at their child to “Run!” for 45 minutes straight and call their 6-year-old over

between innings to explain baseball defense.

Yet, even in drizzly, cold weather, spring sports thrive. There’s just something about watching a child finally hit the ball off a tee or score their first goal. We see coaches kindly redirect a player’s attention from doing cartwheels to protecting third base.

When your granddaughter makes a great pass, she looks to the sidelines to see if you saw it happen. You did.

Although we complain about the mud, the temperature, the uncomfortable seating and wonder if the other team altered the birth certificate of their star player, there’s something inherently human about watching young people navigate sportsmanship.

It’s not about winning. It’s about showing up for the kids you love. You watch them fall on their faces, sometimes literally, and get back up. You watch them strike out, kick the ball in the wrong goal or drop an easy fly ball, and wince along with them.

If there’s one thing that makes you question your life choices, it shouldn’t be watching a child you love run past you with a big grin on their face. Even wrapped in quilts, chugging espresso, you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.

Peri Kinder is an award-winning columnist and journalist who has written for The City Journals since 2004. She can be reached at peri.k@thecityjournals.com