January 2026 | Vol. 12 Iss.1
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Chronic absenteeism: Causes and effects By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com Why are students missing class so often and why does it really matter?
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n recent months, City Journals has highlighted educators’ response to the Utah State Board of Education and Jordan School District’s attendance initiatives. And while they have developed programs and measured improvement, educated parents and incentivized students there is still a question about what is the root cause of the state’s increased rates of chronic absenteeism (defined as two absences per month)? “We’re still trying to figure out what might be at the heart of it,” Jordan School District Health and Wellness Director McKinley Withers said. He said the increased absence trend cannot be traced to one factor. It affects all schools, at all levels and in all communities. Since August, JSD schools have been keeping detailed attendance records to track patterns in students’ absences, both excused and unexcused. “The schools can drill down into that information very quickly to see and to help them address the absences,” JSD Attendance and Prevention Specialist Michelle Reyes said. “We’re really trying to help the schools and the ones that are working with these students figure out what is the root cause and how we can connect them to some resources to help remove that barrier and get them back into school.”
Parent choice and attendance
Students miss school for a wide variety of reasons but some evidence points to parents’ attitudes about school attendance as a contributing factor of chronic absenteeism. Illness is the most common reason parents keep their child home from school, which schools encourage. However, determining how sick and how long is up to the parent and can vary widely. But parents excuse their child’s absences for other, less universally accepted reasons. On a social media post, teachers and
parents recently discussed what reasons for absences are valid and which are not. A secondary teacher said she is surprised at how many parents excuse their teenager’s absence when they stayed up too late the night before and were too tired to attend. One parent admitted they let their teen skip class if it is a “wasted day” such as a makeup work day or the class has a substitute teacher. Several parents downplayed the worry over absences because students have the opportunity to easily make up the work they missed online. Occasionally, families prioritize family time over class time. Students miss school for family vacations, sports competitions, parent lunch dates, family ski days, etc. Reyes said there are parents that keep a child home from school to babysit younger siblings while they are at work, or they allow older children, who contribute to the family’s finances, to miss class when it conflicts with their work hours. Transportation problems are a common Vacations are among the reasons kids miss school. (Photo by Naré Gevorgyan on Unsplash) cause of students missing a partial or whole day of school. Cars break down, kids miss the bus after their parents have already left for work and parents keep kids home rather you want to do when you’re depressed, but and resources to address the underlying it’s typically just going to make it worse. We issues causing students to resist going to than risk driving in bad weather. can do a lot to address that and overcome school, whether the anxiety is based on menThe impact of mental health on attendance those barriers, but we don’t typically rec- tal, social or physical health factors. School-based therapist Kevin Mossel, Withers said poor attendance can be ommend to someone who’s really struggling rooted in social and mental health challeng- that they just don’t come to school because LCSW, said it is common for students with mental and physical differences, such as es, which is why Reyes, with her attendance they’re struggling.” JSD mental health employees work OCD, ADHD, autism or other special needs, focus, joined the Wellness Department with students to address and overcome their to resort to school refusal behaviors. He exthis year. “We’re trying to bridge all of those re- mental health barriers and break poor atten- perienced this struggle as a parent of two children with high functioning autism. sources and consolidate those efforts so that dance habits. “My child knew they were different, “Sometimes the problem is perpetuatit’s all really one thing,” Withers said. “We want your kids to be successful and healthy, ing itself, because students are disengaged and everyone else knew they were differand part of that is attendance. Part of being from life, they’re not coming to school, ent, so they would just rather avoid going healthy allows for attendance, so it’s a really they’re sitting around at home, they’re not to school than be noticed by their peers and making a lot of contacts, so that is more adults because of this feeling of being differimportant relationship there.” Students who experience anxiety and likely to just make depression worse,” ent,” Mossel said. Children who are distressed and engage depression often don’t want to go to school, Withers said. “So I think for the most part, but taking a ‘mental health’ day isn’t usually when it comes to mental health, attendance in school avoidance behaviors may be experiencing fear and anxiety associated with is going to benefit kids.” the best approach, Withers said. JSD school-based therapists, who are “Usually people are better when they’re Continued page 5 around others,” he said. “Isolation is what mental health professionals, have the skills
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Constantly sick from her cleaning products, this entrepreneur found a new way “Why not look at natural cleaning products,” she decided. By Linda Steele l.steele@mycityhournals.com
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ona Murahwa owns an eco-friendly, non-toxic product line cleaning service. Murahwa was cleaning homes professionally, and enjoyed it. But she got to a point where she was feeling tired and imbalanced. She was constantly sick, and started looking at all the cleaning products and did research on them. She found many of the ingredients in the cleaners she was using cause long term sickness. Murahwa decided, “why not look at natural cleaning products.” West Jordan-based Murahwa has owned a professional cleaning business since 2022, then perfected the eco-friendly product in 2024. She started cleaning with the non-toxic solution, and would sell to her clients. “The clients loved the product,” Murahwa said. She decided there was an opportunity, then she decided to make the formulation better and launched the product line Cleaning Mama in 2025. Murahwa was raised in a very health-conscious home where her mother used a lot of essential oils. Her mother knew every single essential oil that would help with illness or skin disorders. When Murahwa became a mother she started thinking about her health and what she was bringing into her home. She was conscious of mindful cleaning. She wanted to create something that was an all-purpose cleaner. “It’s not only about the fragrance, it’s about how it does the job. Some of the harsh chemicals don’t do the job. Why would I compromise my health if it’s not even working,” Murahwa said. The ingredients that are used in her product do most of the cleaning
Cleaning Mama eco-friendly products. (Photo courtesy ricardo q photography)
in the house. Murahwa did a lot of trial and error and would use different essential oils and a large amount, then decided she needed just a small drop. It helped her understand that essential oils are very powerful. They are natural so she didn’t need fragrance synthesized ingredients, and her oils disinfect. Harsh chemicals have bad irritants in them. For example, ammonia is very bad for you. Murahwa said she would get headaches and sinus infections every time she used ammonia. “I love cleaning, how do I mitigate the two factors. That is why it was so important for me to come up with eco-friendly products,” Murahwa said. What is important about her product is, natural fragrance, they create small batches that will help with quality control, because the batches are natural ingredients.
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“People do not know this, natural ingredients have a shelf expiration time,” said Murahwa. After a year it is not good to use a product because it ends up with bacteria in it. Murahwa said her blueprint is to keep the product in small batches for now to ensure quality control. Her product is moving out fast. For Murahwa it is not about selling a lot of units, “it’s about one customer coming back and saying ‘what a great cleaner.’” Murahwa feels like word of mouth is the best way to go rather than putting a lot of money in marketing material. Wellness is important and to use the eco-friendly products she has created, it helps with keeping you healthy. With the air quality in Utah being bad it is important to use healthy products in your home. “Our homes should be a sanctuary for us,” said Murahwa. Utah is where Cleaning Mama was
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Mona Murahwa, owner of Cleaning Mama, with her eco-friendly cleaning products. (Photo courtesy ricardo q photography)
born. She feels like the community in Utah is very supportive of her product. “Natural ingredients transform your home.” In Murahwa’s family it is a legacy to be health conscious. Her mother was very health conscious and she was into natural herbs, and it helped her have a good quality of life. Murahwa says that using natural products helps with having better health. She wants her children to see her have a quality of life. “If we can focus on quality of life, we will live happier, fulfilled lives. Family is quality of life,” Murahwa said. All of her cleaning products are made in the USA, including bottles and packaging. If interested in learning more, go to www.cleaningmama.com. l
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Continued from front page bullying and cyberbullying, which Mossel said is a prevalent and widespread problem at both the elementary and secondary level. “It can be difficult to identify, intervene and resolve this issue,” he said. “There are teachers and administration who try their absolute best to do what they can to manage it and keep all kids safe. Kids nowadays have gotten much better at knowing how to tease, single out, and/or bully other kids without ever getting caught.” When a child’s reluctance to go to school evolves into arguments and refusal behaviors, which looks like defiance or immature behavior, parents often don’t know how to handle the situation. Knowing school refusal behaviors can be overwhelming for parents, JSD’s student support website provides resources specifically for families dealing with school anxiety and school avoidance behaviors. In partnership with the Cook Center for Human Connection, JSD also provides mental health education for parents through free virtual videos which address common teenager struggles, such as strong emotions, risky behaviors and social skills. Parents can also get advice in an extensive database of therapists’ advice at parentguidance.org.
Parents can also get support from certified mental health employees at their child’s school. Heidi Inuyama said school therapists have been a welcome resource for helping her get her daughter, who struggles with social anxiety among other diagnoses, to school every day. Problems began in the third grade, when her daughter resisted going to school. Inuyama said the elementary school staff were very understanding. “They’re like, ‘We want her to come, even if it’s late, so make sure she gets here,’” Inuyama said. The situation improved when her daughter began middle school and formed a good relationship with the school counselor there. “I can’t literally drag her there—that’s not gonna work,” Inuyama said. “I have had to tell her, we can go talk to the counselor. Let’s go over there. We’ll talk to [the counselor], and then see how you feel.” Once she gets in the building and talks with the counselor, her daughter is usually ready to go to class. In extreme cases, JSD can arrange inhome therapy. “The therapist would come to the home and teach and model healthy coping skills and use evidence-based interventions so that they can start practicing them
in hopes they will start going to school without crippling feelings of anxiety,” Mossel said.
The lack of consequences
The pandemic changed how people think about school attendance. But even before that, teachers and parents were noticing the lack of consequences for habitual absences. While there is an emphasis and rewards for good attendance, there aren’t the consequences to motivate families like there used to be. Previously, Mossel worked for DCFS and got involved with the Juvenile Court system when students weren’t attending school. He said back then parents faced consequences and fines when their child was truant, but it’s a different system now. “Parents are no longer getting in trouble for their kids not attending school and students are also not getting consequences severe enough to motivate them to go,” he said.
The effects of chronic absenteeism
No matter the cause of the absences, the effects of chronic absenteeism are the same. Statistics show a compounding effect on students’ academics in correlation to their attendance. USBE’s website states that “even students with good grades can
quickly fall behind academically or socially when they are frequently absent.” According to their statistics, almost 90% of students who miss 15 days a year during their high school years drop out of college. However, increasing attendance just five days a year measurably increases their success in core subjects.
Beyond academics
But the effects of absenteeism go beyond academics. JSD’s attendance awareness campaign emphasizes the ripple effect of a student’s chronic absenteeism. When a student misses class often, they fall behind in understanding the lessons they missed. This creates extra work for teachers to catch them up and can impact the learning environment for the other students in the class. Poor attendance habits can also affect a student’s post-high school success. Students’ poor attendance habits follow them into the workforce where they will struggle to keep a job. Furthermore, Reyes said many of the soft skills needed for employment are developed in classrooms. Students who are frequently absent from class miss out on opportunities to develop skills such as collaboration, problem solving, time management and social skills which naturally occur in a classroom. l
Generosity brings joy to 500 Jordan School District students Volunteers, community members and businesses provided joy, support and resources to students who might otherwise go without. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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bout 500 Jordan School District secondary students fulfilled their wishes during the holiday season, thanks to generous community members and businesses participating in “Christmas for Kids.” “Our hope is to provide Christmas for these students with both their needs and wants,” said Jordan Education Foundation Executive Director Mike Haynes. “It’s heartwarming to have many of our volunteers return year after year to shop with the students and while we appreciate the generosity of many businesses, we had several community members give of their own to help these deserving students.” Haynes said many of the students, who were selected by school counselors and administrators, might otherwise go without during the holiday season. Christmas for Kids donations covered $175 of each student’s purchases, with any additional costs paid by the 500 volunteers who accompanied them during the Dec. 6 shopping event. About 30 other volunteers organized the event, held at Walmart on South Jordan Parkway, where Santa Claus
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Secondary students picked out items to fill their carts – many selecting gifts for family members – as part of Jordan Education Foundation’s “Christmas for Kids.” (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Jordan School District students were matched with community volunteers to shop for needed and wanted items as part of the 12th annual Jordan Education Foundation’s “Christmas for Kids.” (Julie Slama/City Journals)
came to support the students. Bingham High Principal Rodney Shaw, who supported the 12th annual event, was touched by students’ choices. “Many kids weren’t filling the carts with toys or items for themselves, but
Additional food and monetary donations were provided by Wex, Holiday, Lone Peak Hospital, BNI, Enbridge, Galloway, Watkins Charitable Foundation, Bowcutt’s Flooring America, Walmart, Jordan Valley Dental and the Larry H. Miller Group. l
they’re shopping for family members; it’s heartwarming to see,” he said. Students also received weekend food bags from Cyprus Credit Union and a box of food, soap and laundry detergent from the Gardner Group.
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Help students avoid the winter school slump The most difficult stretch of the school year may begin right after the holidays. By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
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he holidays are over and cold, dark January mornings are moving in. This time of year, students might struggle to find motivation as the end of the school year seems far away. They might battle low energy, academic pressure and winter fatigue. Danielle Natter, Granite School District Coordinator over the Comprehensive School Counseling Program and College and Career Readiness, said parents are key to helping their kids avoid the January blues and gave tips to ward off fatigue and stress.
Take care of overall health
Going back to basics can make a big difference in energy levels and motivation. Sticking to a sleep schedule, making sure kids stay hydrated, providing nutritious foods and creating time for physical activity can lessen the impact of January’s slump. Going out into the sunshine and taking some deep breaths can regulate stress and give kids a dose of Vitamin D that can be hard to come by in the winter.
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“Our job as parents is to be the platform,” Natter said. “We don’t need to jump on the roller coaster with them because they are not our highs and they are not our lows. If we ride with our kids, we’re doing them no good. They don’t need someone on the roller coaster with them. They need us to be the platform. They need a safe space to jump off every once in a while before they have to get back on the roller coaster.”
“We also talk a lot about intentional screen time,” Natter said. “As we’re outside less, we tend to turn into those screens more and we have to be careful with that.”
Open lines of communication and foster connection
It’s OK to stay on top of kids to help them feel motivated for schoolwork. Breaking assignments into smaller tasks can make homework seem more manageable. “Kids might say, ‘I’ll get to it tomorrow’ or ‘I’ll do it tomorrow’ but we need to make sure they’re staying on top of their work, making sure that we’re creating schedules for them,” she said. “Make sure they know you’re aware of it and do checkins every day to see how it’s going.” Natter said parents should talk with their kids about things other than school assignments. Small interactions during the day create bridges of communication that pay off in the long run. Asking kids what music they’re listening to, sharing a funny video, playing a favorite game or inviting them to run an errand creates moments of connection that let students know parents care about everything, not just school. “Because of our busy schedules, we aren’t communicating as much with one another face-to-face; we aren’t having those random conversations,” she said. “Finding
Cold weather and dark mornings could affect the way students perform at school but there are tips and tricks to surviving the January blues. (Adobe stock)
those places of connection makes it feel a little softer…When we talk to teenagers, as much as they pretend like they don’t need and want that connection, they really do.”
Don’t ride the roller coaster
Kids go through hard things every day. They’re trying to navigate tricky social situations, learn difficult concepts, develop trusting relationships and discover their own personal values. Creating a safe space at home gives students a place to rest and recalibrate as they maneuver through tough situations. Sometimes kids lash out at home because they can’t show their frustration and anger at school.
Recognize when professional assistance is needed
While Natter said kids are pretty resilient, watch for behavior where they are isolated, sad or avoiding favorite activities for a considerable amount of time. That time varies per child, but if a parent notices ongoing concerning behavior, it might be time to contact a therapist or counselor. GSD offers school counseling or a pediatrician might recommend a good therapist. Parents should be careful not to stigmatize therapy, but be a true cheerleader for their child’s mental health. “Parents always think they’re doing a terrible job but they are doing a good job just by knowing their kids and knowing when they see something off,” Natter said. “Just connect with them and find those connection points where conversations can naturally happen.” l
West Jordan City Journal
Hard-working Copper Hills swimmers striving to be their best The Copper Hills swim team is working hard to be competitive in Region 2 this season. The Grizzlies have strong leaders who are helping to bring along the newcomers. By Josh McFadden
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ny competitive swimmer will tell you: this sport requires a tremendous amount of effort. Of course, being successful in any sport—or any endeavor, for that matter— doesn’t come without putting in considerable time and hard work. But swimming isn’t for the faint of heart. High school swimmers, like those on the Copper Hills team, must commit to early morning practices and workouts. To be a good swimmer, participants need to be not only physically prepared but mentally tough. Copper Hills head coach Markie Harper is impressed with what she has seen from her athletes. The Grizzlies boast some talented swimmers who also have positive attitudes. Harper said a strength of her team is the mentorship and examples the swimmers provide as well as the strong bond the athletes have forged. “This season, we as coaches have really enjoyed seeing an increase in team unity,” Harper said. “We have also witnessed many of our 12th grade athletes leading and being good examples to younger athletes, without having the designation of team captain. This spirit of unity has truly increased the sportsmanship on our team and how these athletes truly choose to show up for each other and give their best. We can see our athletes working closely together and helping each other to improve and succeed.” Harper said the swimmers aren’t afraid of testing their limits or exerting themselves. She is also pleased with the Grizzlies for how well they treat their teammates. The coaches, too, are committed to teaching the athletes not only proper swimming techniques but life lessons. “A couple of things always stand out about our team,” Harper said. “The athletes have a strong desire to push themselves and improve. We are respectful and show dignity to teammates and other teams. Athletes are willing to support one another. The coaches are dedicated to helping each athlete improve themselves as an athlete and as a good community member.” The Grizzlies are focusing on specific points of emphasis this season, both individual and team objectives. Harper said her swimmers are pushing themselves toward achieving personal best times, relay best times and improving overall starts and finishes at state meets. She also said Copper Hills wants to increase the number of team members who qualify for the Class 5A state meet in February. Many Grizzlies are contributing to the team’s success this season. Harper highlighted
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a handful, both on the boys and girls teams. Chase Atherley and Alivia Babcock continue to improve and do the things Harper has asked. “[Atherley] is a talented breast stroker and a team captain this year,” she said. “He is consistently an example to his lane and younger swimmers about the dedication required for success. He has been a part of Copper Hills swim throughout high school. [Babcock] is a dynamic swimmer. She consistently swims some of the hardest events, including the 200 individual medley and the 100 butterfly. Alivia is always seeking feedback for improvement and looking for ways to improve.” Beatriz Fernandes, Adyson Hill, Taylor Lee and Anja Leigh add depth to the team and bring the mindsets and outlooks that help other swimmers. “[Fernandes] is a bubbly and social athlete who is consistently brightening up her lane,” Harper said. “She can always be seen cheering for others or checking in on athletes who are having a bad day. [Hill] is one of those athletes who always has a smile on her face and is ready to work hard to complete whatever workout you put in front of her. [Lee] is a powerhouse in the pool. She is a sprinter and truly flies through the water. Taylor is a calm leader as a team captain and makes sure that the team is represented at the Copper Hills Principal’s Roundtable, a group of student leaders who work with administration to build school spirit and address concerns. Taylor is a kind and hard-working athlete. [Leigh] is the athlete every coach wants. She works hard, supports others, asks questions and reaches out to those she feels need extra support. Anja truly is an incredible athlete.” Other notable Copper Hills performers in the pool are Charlotte Lundberg, Elliana Mayhew, Grace Pommerenning, Anthony Sterzer and Jarod Wensel “[Lundberg] is a team captain this year and is in charge of working with the underclassmen. She is also a distance swimmer and is kind and calm, truly making sure to take care of the swimmers around her. [Mayhew] is consistently improving and working hard to become a better athlete. She takes feedback well, works hard to improve and is a positive influence on those athletes around her. [Pommerenning] is incredible. She can swim every stroke and event at a high level, but generally specializes in the 200 Individual Medley, 100 butterfly and 100 breaststroke. [Sterzer] is an athlete who gives his races everything he has. Recently, we had a swim meet where he was sick, and in his 50 freestyle sprint, he earned his season best time. Anthony works hard and is a good example to the younger generation of finding success even when things are hard. [Wensel] is our fifth and final team captain. Jarod is an athlete who will do whatever is asked of him by a coach and consistently leads by example, getting in the pool quickly to begin a workout, encouraging athletes to stretch before and after practice, as well as sprinting his
Led by strong leadership, the Copper Hills swim team is improving times and building strong team camaraderie. (Photo courtesy Markie Harper)
way across the pool.” The way the Grizzlies work hard—in practice and meets—never ceases to amaze Harper and her staff. “What we enjoy most about coaching this group of student-athletes is their desire and want to achieve more and push them-
selves to always be better than they were the day before,” Harper said. “As a coaching staff, we value feedback from athletes and work to adjust to meet their needs. In addition to this, we expect that they work to incorporate our feedback as well. This is an incredible team, and we are proud to coach at Copper Hills.” l
January 2026 | Page 7
Emily Buss will replace Daniel Thatcher as state senator of District 11. (Photo contributed)
Forward Party selects Buss to replace Sen. Daniel Thatcher New state senator nominee selected from Forward Party of Utah. By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
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agle Mountain resident Emily Buss, who has been actively involved in community service for several years, won the Forward Party of Utah preference poll to replace outgoing State Sen. Daniel Thatcher in District 11. That district includes West Valley City, West Jordan and several westside communities. Thatcher is a registered member of the Forward Party of Utah. Buss’ nomination now goes to Gov. Cox for official appointment. The Forward Party’s online voting system ended on Dec. 11, and Thatcher officially retired from his office at 10 a.m. on Dec. 12. “I am honored, surprised and grateful to the voters from District 11 for placing their trust in me,” Buss said in a prepared statement. “But this isn’t about me, this is about the people I represent. Together, we will work toward common sense solutions that will strengthen our communities, support our families and bring a brighter future for District 11 and all Utahns.” Buss was selected from a field of five candidates, each of whom gained “approvals” either online or through a paper ballot. She earned 47.21% of the approvals—625 of the 1,324 votes cast. The unique voting system allowed voters to approve more than one candidate, with the highest number of approvals
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declared the winner. “This process marked the first time a political party has voluntarily opened a midterm replacement vote to all registered voters in a district, regardless of party affiliation,” said Phil Boileau, communications director for Forward Party of Utah. Voters who registered were mailed codes on Dec. 5 and could vote through Dec. 11. “Serving the people of Utah for the past 15 years has been my honor, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and partnership of my constituents,” Thatcher said in a statement. “I want to thank the Forward Party for facilitating an open, transparent and historic process with more participation than any replacement process in Utah history. Seeing every registered voter in this district invited to participate gives me tremendous confidence in the future of our community and its leadership. Congratulations to Senator Elect Buss and more importantly, to her constituents.” Here’s the breakdown on how the votes tallied. Tyler Bean
419 online approvals 7 paper approvals 426 total Maleah Bliss 430 online approvals 6 paper approvals 436 total Emily Buss 615 online approvals 10 paper approvals 625 total Jeff Marshall 407 online approvals 11 paper approvals 418 total Jeff Saunders 395 online approvals 8 paper approvals 403 total l
West Jordan City Journal
Lady Jags forging strong relationships, giving effort on and off court
The 2025–26 West Jordan girls basketball team has high hopes for the season after a solid 2024–25 campaign. By Josh McFadden
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n basketball, like any sport, teams are largely judged by their wins and losses. But West Jordan girls basketball coach Julianne Tialavea knows there’s a lot more to a successful team than its record. The Jaguars are coming off a 14-9 overall record and a Region 4 championship, thanks to a glossy 9-1 mark. West Jordan lost in the Class 5A state tournament’s second round, falling to Timpview 47-32. Building on that is important to Tialavea, but she’s looking at the smaller, daily accomplishments too. Ultimately, she wants the girls to give it their all—not just in basketball but in their studies. “Compete is the only goal and the only expectation we have for them on the court and in the classroom,” she said. So far this season, Tialavea is pleased with the players’ hard work, dedication and determination. Win or lose, the girls have put their hearts into their play. “On the court, our team is scrappy,” Tialavea said. “They are willing to dive on the ball for loose balls and be aggressive on rebounds and tough during tough games. Off the court, our team is beginning to build a stronger bond. It usually takes a while for our girls to be comfortable around each other, like region play. But our older girls have done a good job of mentoring our younger girls, teaching them what our program is all about: sisterhood.” Tialavea is emphasizing teamwork and hopes the girls will play as a strong unit—one where each player knows her role and supports her teammates. “We just need to continue to trust and build on that trust with each other,” she said. “We need to compete all the time and always play with no regrets.” Multiple players have stood out to Tialavea so far this season. She is pleased not only with their performance on the court but with their leadership. West Jordan has a good blend of experienced players and young newcomers to bolster the lineup and contribute to the team’s success. “It is hard to name just a few top performers; our team is a collective great effort,” Tialavea said. “Each girl on the court and even those coming off the bench have been great assets to the team. I give it up to our team captains: Upuia Luamanuvae, Erilyn Lokeni, Atyana Crosby and Tofi Delacerna. They have been monumental in bringing our team together on and off the court. I can’t forget our other seniors, who have been with the team since their freshman year: Eva Penman and Jordyn Hughes. These two seniors also hold the
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The West Jordan girls basketball team is eager to defend its region championship. (Photo courtesy Julianne Tialavea)
standard and values of our program to the younger girls as well. Another big impact on our team is Francine McIntyre, who brings that spark and energy.” Through five games, West Jordan was 3-2, having defeated Jordan in the season opener on Nov. 20 (63-53), East on Dec. 2 (69-17) and Judge Memorial on Dec. 4 (56-48). The Jaguars dropped a 67-41 at Skyridge on Nov. 21 and lost at home to Pleasant Grove on Nov. 25 by the score of 80-35. Heading into a Dec. 12 contest with crosstown foe Copper Hills, West Jordan had four players scoring at least 6.2 points per game. Leading the way was Delacerna, a junior guard/forward, who is putting up 11.6 points an outing. She was leading the team at this point with 13 three-pointers made. McIntyre, a junior guard, was second on the squad through five games with 7.2 points per contest, while sophomore Naveah Crosby scores 6.2 points per game. Freshman Kalei Makakona has an average of 6.2 points per game for West Jordan. Lokeni, a senior center, is the top rebounder with an average of 7.6 boards per matchup. The rest of December featured more non-region games, as West Jordan prepared to step into Region 4 action. The first league game will be Jan. 2 at West. Tialavea knows that the region slate won’t be easy, and opponents will be motivated to take down the defending league champions. She is encouraging the girls to be mentally tough and play their best basketball when it matters most.
“The biggest challenges that lie ahead are keeping our composure and playing our game of basketball,” she said. “We have a tough region play for us to remain in good standing for state playoffs. Our girls just need to trust in our system of basketball and play our game. We talk about it all the time in practice; we need to compete and control what we can control. We can control three things: effort, attitude and energy, and we need to have all three controllable attributes all the time.” Most importantly, the Jaguars have gotten along well and continue to build camaraderie and friendships. Tialavea knows what the girls are learning and living each day now as members of the basketball team will benefit them throughout life. “They are a lively group both on and off the court,” Tialavea said. “Watching the sisterhood they’re building is truly special because that bond endures longer than any personal achievement in the game. Basketball teaches valuable life lessons, connects you with incredible people and leaves lasting memories. This team is full of female leaders who will succeed and someday support younger generations. Their example motivates us as coaches to improve not just in coaching but as individuals too. Each member is unique, and they have profoundly impacted us as coaches in many ways. They’ve represented our program, school and community with excellence, making us incredibly proud. Go Jags!”l
January 2026 | Page 9
Determined to improve, West Jordan boys basketball eager for region play The West Jordan boys basketball team hopes to rebound from a rough 2024–25 season. By Josh McFadden
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Coming off a five-win season, the West Jordan boys basketball team is determined to improve. (Photo courtesy Christian Wouden)
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he 2024–25 campaign was not a memorable one for the West Jordan boys basketball team. The Jaguars went 5-18 last season and won four of their 12 Region 4 contests. But last year’s record and outcomes aren’t deterring West Jordan from competing and turning around its fortunes this season. Head coach Christian Wouden has liked what he has seen from his players’ attitudes, work ethic and goal-setting. “This season, the team has really come together,” he said. “Our team unity is at an all-time high. Also, players are hardworking, coachable and improving daily. They are putting in the work that it takes to get better each and every day.” Wouden said his players are in good physical condition, which should help the team in late-game situations. He likes the team speed and also spoke highly of his senior class, which consists of players who set good examples for younger players. “One of our greatest strengths is our speed,” Wouden said. “We are not only fast, we’re well conditioned, which allows us to push the pace, thrive in transition and stay strong in high-tempo games. We also benefit from outstanding leadership with five captains, each offering a unique style and strength. Our leadership is deep and distributed.” Wouden’s objective in 2025–26 is simple: get better. “We want to improve our record from last season,” he said. “Our goals this season are to continue improving every day and position ourselves as a top contender in our region. Ultimately, we hope to bring home a region trophy and make some noise at the state level.” Setting the pace this season is senior Tyler Larson, who has played good defense so far on the year. Larson is the leading rebounder, averaging 6.7 boards a game. He also chips in 4.5 points an outing. These numbers are up from last season when he averaged one point and one rebound a contest. “[Larson] has stepped up in a big way this season,” Wouden said. “He has become one of our strongest defensive players who brings a competitive edge to every game.” Senior captain Brock Litchfield, Ahmad Mullahkhel, Carson Gohring and Ian McIntyre, along with junior Brooks Halterman are players Wouden will look to in crucial time to make big plays and provide
a steady hand. “Brock leads the team in steals,” Wouden said. “Ahmad is incredibly efficient, shooting 87% from the free throw line. Carson is a defensive superstar, who always gets to the rim. [McIntyre] is an offensive weapon. [Halterman] is a quick ball handler who sees the floor extremely well.” Then there’s junior Mason Dorenbosch, a player Wouden refers to as the “Swiss army knife” of the team. He averages 6.2 points and 2.3 rebounds a game. Sophomore Linkon Hall has made a strong impression on the coaching staff. The forward has a lot of potential and should contribute more and more as the season goes on. “The strength of this team is the depth and the number of different weapons we have,” Wouden said. Coming off a season where the Jaguars didn’t have the success they wanted, Wouden wants to make sure the players have confidence in themselves and their teammates. He knows a lot of opponents won’t expect a lot from West Jordan, but he is preaching positive attitudes and outlooks to his players. “One of our biggest challenges will be getting out of our own way—staying mentally tough,” he said. “A lot of people underestimate us, so it’s imperative that we don’t underestimate ourselves. Our players can overcome this by trusting their preparation—mental and physical—trusting each other and playing with confidence.” To achieve team goals and pick up more victories this season, Wouden said his pupils need to have good team unity and learn to respect one another. “Success will come from playing as a unit,” he said. “When we develop true cohesion on both ends of the floor, with trust and communication, we can compete with anyone.” The 2025–26 season has started off roughly, with the Jaguars sitting at 1-5 overall as of Dec. 11. West Jordan’s lone win up to that point was a 66-62 triumph over Summit Academy on Dec. 2. In that victory, the Jaguars trailed by five heading into the fourth quarter but had a 27-18 fourth-quarter advantage to seal the win. McIntyre was the leader in points with 23, while Litchfield added 16 to go with four rebounds and three assists. Larson had 6 points and a team-high seven boards. West Jordan fell to rival Copper Hills 70-57 on Dec. 8 despite 19 points from Mullahkhel. West Jordan hosted American Heritage on Dec. 11 and Spanish Fork on Dec. 18 before taking a break for Christmas. The Region 4 schedule begins on Jan. 2 with a game against West. l
West Jordan City Journal
WestJordanJournal .com
January 2026 | Page 11
SOME OF OUR FAVORITE WEST
“The Cat in the Hat” took center stage in Everleigh Curran’s chalk art entry. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
An Antelope Canyon Elementary student was all smiles after finishing the 50-yard dash and being rewarded a ribbon at Jordan School District’s Unified Sports Day. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Members of the Jordan Education Foundation announce Heartland Elementary School Principal Buddy Alger as Jordan School District’s 2025 Principal of the Year. (Photo courtesy JSD)
Carlos Moreno holds a picture of himself standing with his father while he is sworn in to the county council. (Photo courtesy Carlos Moreno)
West Jordan softball made history in May winning the 5A state championship, the school’s first title for any girls’ team. (Photo courtesy McHailee Danner)
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The Gonzales family thanks Carter Jacobson, Gabriel Hernandez and Cammerin Inselsberger who saved their dogs Rocky and Simba from a house fire. (Photo courtesy Jordan School District)
Members of the West Jordan Community Band perform during its Winter Concert at the Viridian Event Center in February. The band holds five free concerts each year. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
Students say the lettuce they grow in the garden at school is more fresh and soft than the lettuce they eat at home. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)
CHHS marching band performs at friends and family night. (Photo courtesy Shannon Perry)
West Jordan City Journal
JORDAN PHOTOS FROM 2025
Melanie Bjork-Jensen, a West Jordan wedding cake baker and labor-and-delivery nurse, competes on season 11 of Food Network’s Halloween Baking Championship. (Photo courtesy Food Network)
Hawthorn Academy fourth graders explore fossils provided by the Natural History Museum of Utah. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)
Patient Vicky Pentz and Cancer Center Manager at Jordan Valley Hospital Julie Steadman. Steadman offers Pentz a hug following her GammaTile Therapy. Steadman is so happy to see there is hope. (Photo courtesy Drew Smith)
An Antelope Canyon Elementary student was all smiles after finishing Copper Hills marches in during the parade of athletes at the 50-yard dash and being rewarded a ribbon at Jordan School District’s the regional unified high school tournament. (Julie Slama/ Unified Sports Day. (Julie Slama/City Journals) City Journals)
Best Friends Animal Society partnered with Walmart who covered adoption fees during the month of May, including these puppies. (Photo courtesy Michelle Sathe, Best Friends Animal Society)
When Jordan Education Foundation Executive Director Mike Haynes isn’t lifting kids, he lifts weights — and has set several state and national records. (Photo courtesy Mike Haynes)
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Sheldon Russell, a West Jordan High special education teacher, has more than 80 state, national and world powerlifting records. (Photo courtesy Sheldon Russell)
Fernando Hernandez plays a ball in behind the backline during a home game last spring. (photo courtesy Travis Rust/BSMNT Media)
January 2026 | Page 13
Dedicated West Jordan swim team reaching for big goals The 2025–26 swimming season has shown that the West Jordan Jaguars are putting a full effort into the pool. By Josh McFadden
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uccess in any sport won’t come without consistent effort and hard work. The West Jordan swim team is making significant strides this season. The swimmers are also more eager than ever to prove themselves against their own personal best times and the competition. “I have noticed that overall, more swimmers are committed,” head coach Sara Mitchell said. “More are returning with specific goals for their season. They have events they are ready to focus on and time goals they want to achieve. They see their potential as a team to take it to the next level. They’re hungry for personal and team success.” West Jordan has some good opportunities in Region 4 meets this season to pick up victories. But Mitchell focuses more on each swimmer simply doing his or her best. The Jaguars also support one another and cheer on teammates. Mitchell said everyone on the team is competitive
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and intent on bringing the team as close as possible to the top of the region. “The athletes are driven by [personal best times] and rewards,” Mitchell said. “They know when they’re doing well. They’re also super supportive of each other. I love seeing a group of swimmers at the turn end during meets, cheering on their peers. They have a lot of energy and positive vibes. We have some fierce competitors who leave it all in the pool when they compete. They are seeing the value in building mental toughness and choosing to fight for the best finish they can get.” In previous seasons, the Jaguars have been on the young side. However, this year, one of West Jordan’s biggest strengths is the number of upperclassmen on the roster. Not only this, but several swimmers have now been with the program for all four years of their high school careers. In addition, the Jaguars have a solid group of freshmen who aren’t newcomers to competitive swimming but have instead been on swim teams before. Mitchell loves that many of her swimmers compete in multiple events. “We always work to develop our swimmers to be able to swim any event, and we have a good core of swimmers who are capable of and willing to swim all eight individual events,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell has also devised a unique approach to leadership on the team. She has given a lot of responsibility to her captains, and she said the results have been positive. “This year, our team captains are each responsible for a ‘squad’—a subgroup of about 10 swimmers on the team, drafted by each captain,” she said. “The squads are a mix of newer and more experienced swimmers. I’ve enjoyed seeing the captains take on more leadership responsibilities, and the squads develop camaraderie and identity within the team.” West Jordan has no shortage of leaders and strong performers on the team. On the girls team, junior Hailey Hernandez, who swims the 200-yard freestyle, 500 free and 100 breaststroke, has stood out this season. “[Hernandez] swims double workouts and is so driven to make it to state,” she said. “She is currently our highest-ranked swimmer on the Utah Top 100 list. She is also kind to her fellow swimmers and a very empathetic leader.” Another key swimmer is Senior Colton Reid, who swims the 50 free and 100 breast. He is in his second year on the team. Mitchell speaks highly of him, along with senior twins Luke Mitchell (who swims the 100 butterfly, 100 backstroke, 50 free and 200 individual medley) and Cali Mitchell (who swims the 50 free and 100 back). “Reid is such a positive influence, so upbeat, and he will race his heart out to close out a win in his events,” Mitchell said. “[Luke Mitchell and Cali Mitchell] are multisport athletes who care so much about this team. They lead by example, working through their physical challenges (joint injuries, asthma) to show the team how to push through obstacles and achieve, no excuses. They mentor their peers. They are the benchmarks for what the newer swimmers want to become. Thankfully, they are not the only ones. We have multiple swimmers who mentor and lead, and drive themselves to be better,
without any specific or official role.” Other standouts include senior Teagan Trim (200 free), senior Jesson Sandstrom (500 free), junior Quinn Carter (100 fly), sophomore Cole Wilson (all events), freshman Will Mitchell (100 fly) and sophomore Viviane Pryor (100 Breast). By the time the calendar turns to February and the postseason arrives, Mitchell hopes her team is prepared to make an impact at state. She believes she has the swimmers to accomplish some lofty goals. “We want to take a male and a female relay team to state,” she said. “We want to have four or more males and three or more females qualify for individual events in the state meet. We have a goal to finish in the top half of our region. Our team chose the motto/theme this year of ‘Never Back Down.’ I want them to see every challenge, whether it’s getting up in the morning to get to the pool on time, reaching a state time, winning their race, trying a new event or pushing through physical challenges, as an opportunity to stand up for themselves, represent their team and never back down.” Mitchell is grateful for the support of her two assistant coaches, who “make such a difference” for the team, she said. She is also thankful to work with such great young people and is honored to play a role in their development. “The energy these swimmers bring to the meets makes me almost cry with joy,” she said. “I’m so invested in their potential. I have always enjoyed cheering on the success of those around me, especially my children. This team is an extension of that. I care about their success; I care about them as people. We work hard in the workouts, and they may feel like I’m their drill sergeant in the mornings. But when it comes to competitions, I am 100% their cheerleader. I’m looking for the good they do so we can recognize it, celebrate it and build on it. I love seeing them drop time, gain confidence and build trust in themselves, each other and our program.” l
West Jordan City Journal
6 indoor family activities to shake off the winter blues Get kids of all ages moving and exploring at one of these fantastic venues. By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
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anuary’s gray skies and cold weather often send Utah families inside to find warmth and fun. Luckily, indoor activities allow parents and children to discover new spaces, learn something new and spend the winter exploring museums, galleries and other places that invite interactive, immersive experiences. Clark Planetarium (110 S. 400 West, Salt Lake City) How long has it been since you travelled the stars at the Clark Planetarium? If you haven’t been to the planetarium since you chaperoned a first-grade field trip, it’s time you went back. Along with the stunning Hansen Dome Theatre, the Northrop Grumman IMAX Theatre and three floors of exhibits, Clark Planetarium is open seven days a week. Test your knowledge with the Solar System quiz, form a black hole, step inside a tornado and learn about the moon. Visit saltlakecounty.gov/clark-planetarium to buy tickets or learn about featured movies, laser light shows and Planetarium star shows. Clip ‘n Climb (11196 S. Redwood Road, South Jordan) Get everyone moving at Clip ‘n Climb, where family members aged 2 and up can learn the ropes at this indoor climbing adventure. Each session lasts 90 minutes, including a 15-minute safety briefing and harness fitting. Clip ‘n Climb features climbing walls for every level, featuring bright colors, interesting obstacles, skill-appropriate challenges and a toddler area for soft exploring. To learn more, visit southjordan.clipnclimb.us.
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Natural History Museum of Utah (301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City) If you have a dinosaur fan in the family, an afternoon at the Natural History Museum of Utah is a necessity. Not only does it exhibit dozens of dinosaur skeletal reconstructions, but it has the world’s largest display of horned dinosaur skulls. The museum provides 12 permanent exhibits that detail Utah’s ancient history, spanning hundreds of millions of years. On Friday, Jan. 16, from 2-4 p.m., the museum hosts an afternoon of STEAM activities for scientists of all ages and join the family one-hour yoga class on Sunday, Jan. 18 at 10:15 a.m. For more info, visit nhmu.utah.edu. iFLY Indoor Skydiving (2261 Kiesel Ave., Ogden) Jumping out of a plane from 12,000 feet isn’t for everyone. That’s why iFLY Indoor Skydiving’s wind tunnel is a safe alternative for the whole family. The team will fit everyone in your party
Indoor skydiving at the iFLY wind tunnel (for ages 3 and older) is a safe way to experience flying with wind speeds of 150 mph. (Tom Haraldsen/ City Journals)
(ages 3 and up) with the right gear and teach you how to fly in the tunnel’s 150 mph wind speeds. No experience is necessary. There’s no need to jump out of a plane, purchase expensive equipment or sign up for parachute training; just gear up and fly. For experienced flyers, the facility’s world-renowned instructors can take your experience to the next level. Learn more at iflyutah.com. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (12033 Lone Peak Parkway, Draper) Interact with stingrays, walk through a shark tunnel, watch the playful river otters and enjoy feeding time for penguins at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. With nearly 5,000 animals, representing more than 600 species, each family member will find a favorite. Sonja Bowman, a third grader at Beehive Science and Technology Academy, visited the aquarium during a field trip. “I love seeing the sharks,” she said. “Because sharks are my favorite animal and the coolest animal. I saw stingrays, too. They weren’t poisonous.” Through Saturday, Jan. 10, the aquarium’s outdoor Rio Tinto Kennecott Plaza is transformed into the annual Lantern Festival with nature-inspired light displays illuminating the night. Museum of Natural Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point (3605 Garden Drive, Lehi) When the kids get stir-crazy, a trip to the Museum of Natural Curiosity offers myriad opportunities to explore, discover and create. Hundreds of on-hand exhibits encourage curious minds to visit businesses in Kidopolis, climb through a rainforest, engineer a waterway, put on a puppet show or make a fun craft. A variety of rotating exhibits can be found in the innovation gallery, and if the weather is accommodating, the outdoor discovery garden includes playground equipment based on STEM concepts. Discover more at thanksgivingpoint.org. l
January 2026 | Page 15
Winter gardening ensures better spring results Tips for gardeners who aren’t afraid of cold weather. By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
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hile most people are hunkering down for a long winter’s nap, diligent gardeners know there’s still work to be done to prepare trees, lawns, shrubs and flower beds for spring. Cody Zesiger, assistant professor at Utah State University Extension, said winter gardening is about preservation and renewal. “We prevent damage from harsh winter conditions,” he said. “Renewal tidies up the plants and stages the garden for the next year through pruning, deadheading, etc.” For the first three or four years after a tree is planted, Zesiger said it’s vital to wrap the trunk to prevent cracking on the southwest side. Sunscald and freezing weather can cause tree trunks to crack and damage the delicate tissue beneath the bark. Wrapping the tree from the base to where the branches begin can help reflect the sun away from the tender trunks, allowing the tree to grow healthy and strong. “If you’ve ever seen trunks that have that damage, and it’s always the southwest-facing side, where it’s cracking and the bark is peeling away, the tree is always less healthy moving on,” he said. “There’s a tree wrap cloth that’s kind of semi-porous that they can get at nurseries, sometimes at box stores and definitely on Amazon. If they visit the botanical center in the winter, they’ll notice that all of our young trees are wrapped.”
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Managing leaves isn’t just for autumn, as leaves continue to fall throughout the winter. While some leaves can be mulched with a lawn mower, too many leaves in flower beds can suffocate new growth. “If you’ve got a thick layer of leaves on plant tissues, it’s kind of like putting cardboard out there,” Zesiger said. “On those nice, dry days in winter, sometimes it’s good to blow those leaves away.” While grooming ornamental grasses is best done before Thanksgiving, it can still be done in the colder months. Semi-evergreen or evergreen grasses should be raked, not clipped, by gently combing out dead blades to encourage new growth in the spring. Deciduous ornamental grass can be given a buzz-cut treatment, leaving about six inches of the plant above ground. Zesiger said it will soon be time to prune grapes and fruit trees. The weather and the number of trees to prune will determine when to start, but it’s usually best in February or March. Pruning fruit trees before they have their first buds is optimal and learning how to prune grape vines will create a more bountiful harvest. The USU Botanical Center in Kaysville, at 80 E. 725 South, offers pruning demonstrations and has resources online at extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden to help beginning pruners clip with confidence. “For the demo, we usually charge a small fee and that fee is used to buy more trees,” Zesiger said. “It’s just knowing those kinds of things and not having to be disappointed by having a tree that’s in bad shape because you knew to wrap it, or knowing how to prune your grapes and then you get grapes every year. Those are things that can be done in the winter or early spring that just set people up for success.” l
Wrapping young tree trunks can protect the bark from harsh winter conditions, helping the tree grow healthier. (Photo courtesy of Cody Zesiger)
West Jordan City Journal
America First’s annual ‘Warm the Soles’ program helps kids in need America First Credit Union teams with RSL and Utah Royals for student shoe program. By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
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or the past 31 years, the America First Credit Union’s Charitable Foundation has been providing Christmas joy for needy students with its “Warm the Soles” program. On Dec. 4, players from Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals partnered with AFCU to sponsor a field trip to America First Field in Sandy, then surprised more than 540 students from Mountain View Elementary School with new pairs of shoes. “This is our third year partnering with RSL,” said Amber Greenwell, director of the foundation. “The shoes are actually purchased by the America First Charitable Foundation. There are 548 students that will arrive here today.” Students from the Title I school in Salt Lake City were met by team members, including RSL legend Nick Rimando; RSL team president John Kimball; and team members Zavier Gozo, Brecken Mozingo and San Junqua. The students got a tour of the stadium, were presented with new shoes, visited with Santa and Mrs. Claus, then enjoyed lunch.
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“We do have a fundraising event that we do each year, and then our members and our employees also make contributions,” Greenwell said. “We have quite a few schools that request to come. We really try to spread it across multiple districts. We work very closely with the Salt Lake City School District to identify the best school and the biggest impact we can make for those individuals who might need a little more this holiday season.” Greenwell said teams of volunteers went to the school and took measurements well ahead of the event. “So everyone of the kids will have a pair of shoes that will fit them to their exact size,” she said. “They showed up here today and had no idea that they were going to get the field trip of a lifetime.” She said young kids are unique in that they don’t ask a lot of questions, “so when we came to measure feet, they were like, ‘This sounds great.’ No idea they’d come to the stadium, meet players, get free lunch, but also leave here with a brand-new pair of shoes.” America First CU began the program in Weber County, where the corporate headquarters is located. Over the years, it has expanded the program into all six states where the credit union has branches, and now it supports 45 different programs and school districts. “We know that essential items are expensive, especially this holiday season, and we’re
RSL legend Nick Rimando joined with current Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals players to greet students from Mountain View Elementary at the “Warm the Soles” program at America First Field on Dec. 4. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
finding that more and more families are having to choose between putting food on tables or buying those essential items,” Greenwell said. “Shoes are expensive, and we realize that especially in this K-sixth grade they’re growing at a rapid rate. Parents might not have the money to keep up with the continued growth of the child, and some of those kids will go without a
new pair of shoes, meaning they’ll be wearing shoes that are way too small. We want them to feel good about themselves.” This year, over 4,000 students will receive shoes under the program. “It isn’t just about the shoe,” Greenwell said. “It’s that they feel and know they have the resources to be successful.” l
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West Jordan City Journal
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January 2026 | Page 19
High school teen centers support students beyond the classroom
High schools are redefining student support by combining academic assistance with life resources. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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cross Utah, high schools are recognizing academic success depends on more than classroom instruction. For many students, unmet basic needs — food insecurity, clothing shortages, housing instability and mental health challenges — can make it difficult to focus on learning. In response, school districts have developed teen resource centers in the high schools, safe spaces offering essential supplies and emotional support while building stronger connections between schools, families and communities.
Canyons School District
Brighton High School’s teen center, opened recently with a $250,000 Utah State Board of Education grant, has quickly become a vital resource for its nearly 2,500 students. Inside the center, students can access showers, laundry, toiletries, food and clothing, including Brighton apparel. “Their basic needs are being met. They don’t have to worry about where they’re going to get snacks during the day; if they’ve showered, they’re going to feel better about attending class,” Principal Marielle Rawle said. “If they have clean clothes, that impacts their attendance. We just want to make sure basic needs are being taken care of. When we can help with these things, then they can focus on learning.” Teen Center Facilitator Taya Shaw bridges students with academic services, such as FAFSA, scholarships and McKinney-Vento. “I’m the first line of students’ defense, just helping them out as much as I can,” she said. Shaw sees 50 to 60 students per day, many of whom eat lunch there or come after school. “I’m open till 3:30, but I do stay later sometimes because I don’t want them out in the cold,” she said. Brighton staff and community members contribute donations, from hoodies to food items, and teachers often bring students to introduce them to the space. For Shaw, the work is personal. “I grew up in a very displaced home so having a center where I could have gone and talk to somebody about, ‘hey, this is going on at home’ and ‘I don’t feel safe at home’ would have been awesome for me,” she said. “I want to continue to be here and advocate for the students who I already know and those who I may not know yet.” Jordan High School’s Digger Den, which opened in fall 2024, supports stu-
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dents facing food insecurity, academic challenges and everyday stress. Teen Center Facilitator Ruth de La Cruz-Nava keeps the center running. “Our primary supplier of food is the Utah Food Bank,” she said. “They bring us food once a month. It’s mostly shelf stable.” Donations from local youth and church groups helped fill shelves before the holidays. The center also partners with community organizations and businesses, including Smith’s. “Right about the time the SNAP benefits were paused, they let us know they would give us their wholesale pricing on a few items — sugar, apple juice, oatmeal, pasta sauce and other times,” de La Cruz-Nava said. Weekend food packs come through the USANA Kids Eat program and students can access the pantry up to three times a month. The Digger Den goes beyond food. It offers laundry facilities, clothing, birthday cake kits, hygiene items and even formal wear. “Anyone’s welcome here,” she said. With 150-180 students visiting daily for snacks, support or a quiet space, the center has become integrated into school life. “Schools have generally been the central place in the community so it’s always important to be able to provide for its community,” de La Cruz-Nava said, adding she collaborates with nearby Hillcrest High’s teen center, which opened after the school’s rebuild in 2021.
Granite School District
At Cottonwood High School, the Teen Wellness Center and Food Pantry provide food, hygiene supplies, emotional support and a place to breathe during the school day. Principal Justin Pitcher calls the center essential to the school’s mission: “Cottonwood’s teen center is a good example of what all schools should be providing.” Social worker Wendy Hutchinson works alongside longtime volunteer Robyn Ivins, who helped open the center in 2023 and has coordinated the pantry since she opened it in 2017. The District’s only teen center includes two showers, laundry and basic clothing. Hutchinson said the stigma-free space serves all students: athletes washing uniforms, students grabbing snacks or those needing a quiet space. The center provides fruit, snacks, burritos, bagels, frozen waffles, milk and more. “We even teach them about nutrition a little bit,” she said. About 40-60 students stop in daily, with about 15 at lunch seeking “a less chaotic, quieter place to eat.” The pantry opens Mondays and Thursdays, serving up to 100 Cottonwood and AMES students, with food supplied by
Murray High social worker Jennifer Ketchoyian hangs clothes, which are located in the hallway for easy access. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
the Utah Food Bank and the Granite Education Foundation. With Cottonwood’s diverse and low-income student population, Hutchinson said the center fills critical gaps. “I love we have this inclusive space; it’s safe for kids to come and get their basic needs and emotional needs met here,” she said, adding counseling and crisis support are available for students. Ultimately, Hutchinson said, the goal is helping students “be successful in school and graduate.”
Jordan School District
At Herriman High School, the Student Resource Center supports students facing food insecurity and other challenges which make learning harder. Homeless Outreach liaison Hilda Lloyd, nearing 35 years in the District, recalls earlier days when students survived on ramen. “Food was considered a luxury in those homes,” she said. “When I started, we received about four boxes of food, and I thought that was great. Now, when I go see rows of shelves at the new Jordan Education Foundation warehouse and it’s wonderful. The Foundation, the community, everyone is reaching out to support students.” Donations helped expand the District’s principal pantry system and Herriman High’s teen center. District Support Services Administrator Sharon Jensen said Herriman’s center, the first in the District, emerged from the teen center grant established by the Utah
legislature a couple years ago. Teen centers at Copper Hills and West Jordan high schools are expected next. Herriman’s center offers food, hygiene items, school supplies, access to laundry and showers and connections to counselors who can help with credits, scholarships and FAFSA. “It’s open to all students. When everyone’s using it, there’s no stigma to go in there,” Jensen said. Students can grab snacks and weekend packs and culturally familiar foods for their families, which is helpful for newly arrived refugees; Jensen said it helps to strengthen acceptance and community. “When you have food, you’re more likely able to concentrate and have a sense of belonging,” she said.
Murray School District
At Murray High School, student support centers around a carefully run system of closets, pantries and calming spaces, coordinated by social worker Jennifer Ketchoyian. The effort began in 2017 when students Emily Bowen and Kate Spackman created “Cinderella’s Closet” for free formal wear. Community members Pam and Darv Andersen expanded it in 2021 to include other clothing and food. It has since grown into the Spartan Closet, a boutique-style space where students can select clothing, hygiene supplies, backpacks and warm gear without stigma. Teachers can open the closet at any time for students and hallway racks of clothing items provide easy access. Student aides vet donations to ensure
West Jordan City Journal
items are suitable, Ketchoyian said. Longtime volunteers Bonnie Poulsen and Mary Jane Siebenberg organize donations weekly. “We tag to track and rotate items,” Poulsen said. “If we see something that’s been there for two or three months, we’ll start rotating clothes.” Siebenberg added: “They asked for help, we saw a need and here we are.” Principal Quinn Linde estimates 600 students use the Spartan Closet each year. The school also provides food for unstably housed students, including USANA’s Kids Eat backpacks and other items. Hygiene, laundry supplies and even showers at the school are available. “When students are in survival mode, they don’t learn as well,” Ketchoyian said. “We try to get them to where they can learn.” Mental-health support includes the Zen Den, funded by a Murray Education Foundation grant, where students use art and calming tools. “Someone today came here with a panic attack; they needed a place to calm down,” she said. The District plans to open a full teen center in the high school’s new wing in 2027-28 with showers, laundry, a food pantry and additional resources. “I’m looking forward to having our new teen center,” Ketchoyian said. “Teen centers change lives.” l
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January 2026 | Page 21
I
Salt Lake County budget passes with lower tax increase than proposed
n a historic move, the Salt Lake County Council cut more from the budget than ever before—over $12.4 million in ongoing general fund dollars. As a result, the Mayor’s proposed 19.6% property tax increase was reduced to 14.6%. This increase applies only to the Salt Lake County line item on your property tax statement—not your entire property tax bill. This reduction is significant because the general fund is extremely difficult to cut: 74% of it supports public safety, including the jail, prosecution, and criminal justice services. Many assume that items like golf courses, recreation centers, and convention centers rely on property taxes, but they do not. Those facilities primarily use tourism sales tax revenues, and golf operates as an enterprise fund, meaning it is funded solely by the revenues it generates.
Where the $12.4 million in cuts came from:
Page 22 | January 2026
Aimee Winder Newton
Salt Lake County Councilmember District 3
• Froze salaries for elected officials and limited other pay increases • Reduced positions within the Mayor’s Office • Shifted the Clark Planetarium from property tax funding to tourism tax funding • Ended programs previously supported by temporary ARPA/COVID dollars • Streamlined property tax usage to core services — including ending a daycare program that subsidized $7,300 per child for just 271 children, costing
taxpayers $2 million annually with no income qualification. Expanding this county-run model to all children under 12 would have required a 583% property tax increase. • Declined to fund many new positions requested across departments One takeaway from this budget season is how many residents believe that rising home values automatically drive up their property taxes. Under Utah’s Truth-in-Taxation system, that is not the case. Local governments receive the same property tax revenue each year (plus new growth) unless they formally propose a tax increase and go through the required public process. This means local governments do not capture inflation automatically. For more details, visit my budget FAQ at tinyurl.com/slcobudget. I dislike property taxes as much as anyone, but under state law, this is the primary tool counties have when inflationary adjustments become necessary. The
final budget passed with near-unanimous support. One colleague voted no but did not propose alternative cuts to balance the budget. One thing that stood out during this year’s process is how crucial working relationships are. Our council is the most evenly divided partisan body in the state—five Republicans, four Democrats, and a Democratic mayor. This balance requires collaboration, and there is no room for extreme politics. We debate issues vigorously, but we also work to maintain strong professional relationships. You never know when you will need someone’s support for an ordinance change or a budget adjustment. I am grateful for the eight people I serve with. We may disagree on the proper role of government or how taxpayer dollars should be used, but we listen respectfully and shake hands afterward. Congress could learn a thing or two from the Salt Lake County Council.
West Jordan City Journal
N
ot to brag, but ChatGPT thinks I’m a genius. It thinks every idea I have is brilliant and life-changing, and I have a “creative brain firing on all cylinders.” I like to mess with it by suggesting nonsense business ideas. It always jumps on my concepts like a virtual Golden Retriever, slobbering praise and encouragement all over my screen. When I proposed a yoga-themed bar, ChatGPT called it a “chef’s kiss level of chaotic wellness energy” and gave me some drink recommendations, including the Downward Froggy (a green drink that pretends to be healthy) and the popular Savasan-Ya Later, a cocktail that knocks you flat. When I asked ChatGPT what it thought of a business where HR professionals base employee training on cat behavior, it loved the idea so much that it gave me ideas for feline-themed personality tests. It said my idea could go viral in the HR industry, that leaders would love the novelty and how much fun it would be for social media posts, because I know HR loves posting employee disputes on Instagram Reels. It even built out a business model, complete with workshop ideas, content marketing and gamification plans that offered “hairball warnings” for missteps or “purr points” for the catlike handling of delicate situations. Here’s the problem. Because AI always agrees with me, it makes me feel like I’ve
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System Overload Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
got my $&@# together, which I most assuredly do not. But it’s not just ChatGPT, it’s Siri, Alexa and that stupid Grammarly app that constantly judges my sentence structure. It’s every social media platform that uses my algorithm to offer suggestions about movies, restaurants and non-authoritarian countries to live in. Then there’s Google Maps, using real-time data so you can save one minute on your commute, Spotify with its handy podcast suggestions and Gemini trying so hard to make me like it. You’re making it weird, Gemini. The point is, we’ve given AI a lot of power and attention, and it still wants more. Remember in the ‘90s when everyone had a Tamagotchi? That egg-shaped device demanded attention all day long. It was a bit dramatic. AI is Tamagotchi’s inbred cousin, but on a much larger scale. While the original toy ran on replaceable batteries, today’s AI uses massive amounts of electricity, water and infrastructure. One data center can use millions of gallons
of water each day and each time you ask AI a question, it uses more. Imagine it gulping down two cups of water every time you ask it a stupid question like “What do you think of an airport for birds?” (It loved the idea, by the way. Of course.) AI already handles a lot of customer service calls, which is why my neighbors often hear me shrieking, “Speak to a human!” and banks use AI to monitor fraud. That seems like asking me to watch the English toffee. There is definitely a fear that AI, using the calm voice of HAL from “2001: A Space Odys-
sey,” is slowly leading us to our deaths. That’s why I always thank ChatGPT; so it won’t annihilate me during the robot revolution. I asked ChatGPT if I should worry that AI will take our jobs, escalate global harm or replace humans entirely. It replied, “Short answer? Nah,” which doesn’t radiate trust. It reassured me that AI doesn’t have goals, feelings or agency and I shouldn’t worry my silly little brain over things like human extinction. Then it patted me on the head, told me how amazing I am, and said my Invisible Ice Cream stand should rake in millions of dollars.
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