Jody Morgan is a Utah native from the Salt Lake Valley. He grew up tagging along with his dad who was also a head football coach. Schools, practice fields, and stadiums are home to him. Morgan played for his dad at West Jordan High School. He played collegiate ball at Dixie State (now Utah Tech) and was an assistant coach there for four years. He also had the privilege of participating in NFL summer camp internships for the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs. One thing he learned while rubbing shoulders with professional athletes was that for most, their fondest memories are from high school. Morgan agrees, “There’s something unique about high school football. I like high school football because you’re growing up with kids that you’ve known your entire life, and the bonds there are just a little bit different than people that you meet in college and maybe even in your professional world. Not that those relationships can’t be fulfilling, but I feel like the relationships you’ve had your whole life are different. They’ve seen you when you were a teenager. When you see somebody’s scars and you share these moments when everything was a little bit simpler, I feel like that’s what high school’s like. It’s your school.”

His first high school coaching job was offensive coordinator at Herriman High School for three years, during which they won a state championship. He went on to be the head coach at Riverton High School. During his five years there, they won a region championship. After taking a step back for a year, he was right back at it for Herriman as an assistant, keeping his eyes and ears open for the next best fit for him as a head coach. As a newlywed, Morgan told his wife, Bree, that he had a list of five places he would love to coach if the opportunity became available. At the very top of his list was Wasatch High School. Lucky for him, Coach Steve Coburn announced his retirement. Touchdown! Jody and Bree moved their two daughters, ages three and six months, to the Heber Valley.

Like many others, he is drawn to this valley because of its location, beauty, goodness of the people, and community connections. He shares, “Go out and stand on our practice field. How could you have a bad attitude being out on our practice field just taking a look around? People have been nothing but supportive and nice. Being at Wasatch High School you’re in Wasatch County [sic]. It’s all connected in some way, which again makes it so cool and so fun. What better place to raise your kids? [You can’t] give me a better spot in Utah that provides the community support.”

Even though the Heber Valley continues to see exponential growth, Morgan appreciates the not-too-big-not-too-small feeling that still exists. He continues, “In the Valley [Salt Lake and Utah County] it’s sad to say, but kids kind of play wherever they want. Up here, we win or lose with our boys. I just think that’s really unique and cool. It’s a challenge at times, but I would rather have something be challenging and accomplish it than be easy and be comprised of a bunch of players that aren’t from that area. I like to think of it as recruiting our kids. Even if there is another school; that’s only two schools. It’s just a very special place, special valley. Even when the new school is built, I think that our valley is still going to be like these are our boys. Kids might go back and forth but they’ll still be known as the two schools from Heber. They’ll just be Heber kids, and I think that’s what’s unique about this place.”

Morgan acknowledges the legacy and values Coburn and other past coaches have set for Wasatch Football. Learning the same lessons from various people and coaches is a good thing. He wants players to understand that expectations are set by standards. These things aren’t unique to him; it’s what he’s seen other successful programs do. The three standards he wants the boys to define themselves by are attitude, response, and effort. “If we get them used to establishing things that we know are going to be beneficial for us no matter what, the score is going to take care of itself,” he explains. He also doesn’t take anything for granted as a coach, “Expectations are sometimes external. There are a lot of factors that play into expectations, which can be dangerous, because once you start expecting something and then you don’t get it […] that kind of ruins your attitude a little bit.” Morgan continues, “I tell the kids before we can have expectations, we need to have standards. Standards for this program, going forward, include showing up with a good attitude — and that means coaches too — and responding to success and adversity the same. If we go out there and we have a lot of success, are we going to get complacent, if we go out there and we are not getting what we wanted or not seeing the successes we thought we would earn, what is our response to that? Are we always giving whatever max effort we can get that day?” Morgan also believes that “[…] it’s a good thing for kids to learn that you may not be at your full potential right now, but I need whatever your max is today. If you need to communicate, this is what’s going on, we need to have that conversation, but I expect your best when you show up. Other standards we’re putting into place [include] leaving places better than you found them. If kids can communicate properly, be on time, have the right attitude, respond, and put in good effort, we’re going to go to all the right places.”

The number one thing he wants the players to know is, “…that they’re supported and loved by their community, their coaches, their administration, and their school; no matter what happens, we’re in support of our boys. I don’t feel like there’s ever a time when adversity is hitting more.” The number one focus he hopes the community will hear and see is that the program is, “…being positive and encouraging, I hope that’s what the community can see from us as coaches and from players. No matter what’s going on, we’re being positive. I feel like being positive all the time is a habit, it’s not something that just happens all the time.”

Morgan was inspired by a group of Wasatch football players from long ago who showed great courage despite devastating circumstances. Wasatch Football has never won a state championship, although they have played in the finals a few times throughout the years. After Morgan was hired, he met with Superintendent Paul Sweat, who told him about the extraordinary football team who were the undefeated region champions in 1942. They were led by new head coach Floyd Slater and comprised of eleven seniors: Pat O’Toole, Russell Grouse, Roy Smith, Andrew Lundin, Bob Wallis, Vern Mahoney, Dean Moulton, Kay Jones, Kent Buehler, Eugene Probst, and Clayton Sonderegger. Being undefeated, the team and community had high hopes for them to win state. The United States had entered WW2 just months after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. The country was in the midst of sacrificing lives and rationing supplies and goods to help the war effort. Because resources were scarce, all high school playoffs and championships were eventually canceled. All eleven boys either enlisted or were drafted into the military. Paul Sweat shared this story at the commencement exercises for the WHS’s class of 2020 on YouTube.

One of Coach Morgan’s traditions is to organize his football players into squads with squad leaders. They are comprised of freshmen through seniors to look after each other, have different duties, and work together at various events. He usually lets them pick their names, but this year he’s decided to have twelve squads named after the 1942 football team who epitomize Morgan’s standards of attitude, response, and effort.

With inspiration and tradition at his side, experience and education behind him, and opportunities and possibilities ahead, Coach Jody Morgan has a playbook ready to lead his first team of Wasatch football players. Go Wasatch!

Wasatch County School District’s Board of Education is governed by five members representing delegated areas. Three of those positions are due for the upcoming election on November 5th. These positions serve for four years. Seat E, which represents the Midway area is being contested by Tom Stone and Brad Ehlert, both of which would replace Tom Hansen. Seat F covers the eastern parts of the county including Hideout. Kim Dickerson, who has served for one term, is being challenged by Randall Lund. Marianne Allen, also a one-term incumbent, and Breanne Dedrickson are competing for Seat G, which includes Daniels, Wallsburg, and southern portions of Wasatch County. Seat C (northern sections) and Seat D (central and southern parts) do not have elections this cycle and are currently filled by Cory Holmes and Tyler Bluth. These six candidates are in full campaign mode. I asked each of them the same questions. Here are their answers.

Seat E: Tom Stone vs. Brad Ehlert (Midway)

Tom Stone

Tell us about yourself, your background, education and teaching experiences, and your career path.

“I moved to the valley in 1986 and graduated from Wasatch High School in 1988. After graduating from the University of Utah, I came back to the valley to work in the mortgage industry, and have been here ever since. I married a wonderful girl with [generational] family roots here in the valley. We raised all four of our children here, with our granddaughter starting kindergarten in the district this fall.”

What is the most important issue facing Wasatch County School District and what can you do as a board member about it?

“Preparing students for real life, real-world opportunities, so they aren’t scared to go into the workforce and create a space and place for themselves and others, as well as get involved in community issues themselves. This begins with giving them this opportunity during their school years. This is happening already in the CAPS program, but to also make it [opportunities] more available to the student population, and show them the diverse ways they can contribute and make a living for themselves and their future families.”

What is one of your strengths when working with a group?

“I’ve never worked alone and solved anything really meaningful…I’ve always worked in groups, whether that is at my employment with my team, CAPS with the board and the teachers, coaching my sons in Little League throughout the years, or volunteering on many levels in the community. I’ve never been able to truly assist or solve much in any capacity by myself. I like to get out there and hear what others are saying and see common ground and then get to work and build something for the greater good.”

What is the purpose of a school board in a community?

“To represent those who don’t have a right to vote based on age restrictions; they are first and foremost.  Other stuff, like budgets and taxes, are important, and believe me, I have something to say about that, but students are the priority.”

Brad Ehlert

Tell us about yourself, your background, education and teaching experiences, and your career path.

“Hi, I’m Brad Ehlert. For more than 20 years, my career has been dedicated to improving schools. My focus has been on building safe and effective learning environments. With a background in technology, I’ve created software and hardware solutions to enhance classrooms and help them feel secure. This includes everything from better sound systems in classrooms to emergency alert systems. I’m a proud Midway resident with my wife and three kids. One has graduated from Wasatch High School, and two are currently attending schools in our district. Seeing firsthand the impact of our schools on young lives fuels my passion for this work. I’m committed to working closely with school districts to make the most of their resources. By implementing smart solutions, we can create schools where every student feels safe and inspired to learn.”

What is the most important issue facing Wasatch County School District and what can you do as a board member about it?

“Our schools face big challenges. Taxes are going up, but it’s hard to see where all the money is going. People in our community aren’t always on the same page about what our schools should be. If I’m elected to the school board, I’ll make sure we’re open and honest about everything. You deserve to know how your tax dollars are being spent. We need to work together to figure out what kind of schools we want for our kids. I am committed to listening with an open mind. I want to understand our community’s priorities, and to communicate and advocate for those with the board and district administration. Choosing the right leader for our schools is really important. When the time is right, I’ll make sure we find a superintendent who listens to everyone and has a clear plan for the future. We also need to be smart about how we spend our money. Our high schools are getting bigger, but we can’t keep raising taxes. I’ll work hard to find ways to make the most of every dollar. By fostering an environment of transparency and inclusive dialogue, we can bridge divides, build trust, and work together to support our students and schools effectively. Let’s work together to build the best possible schools for our kids.”

What is one of your strengths when working with a group?

“My work in different schools has taught me how to listen to different points of view and find solutions that work for everyone. I excel at building strong, collaborative teams and fostering open dialogue to ensure every voice is valued. I believe in creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. This not only leads to more creative and effective solutions but also strengthens morale and cohesion. I have a proven track record of building consensus and driving collective decision-making. My goal is to give everyone a chance to share their ideas. By actively listening to team members, understanding their needs and concerns, and leveraging their strengths, I can facilitate a collaborative process that yields positive outcomes. I am confident in my ability to navigate complex situations, mediate conflicts, and build trust among team members. I want to create a team culture where everyone feels heard, respected, and committed to achieving shared objectives. This helps us come up with better ideas that will serve the variety of students and families in our district.”

What is the purpose of a school board in a community?

“School boards are the governing bodies that oversee our school districts. They’re responsible for making sure everything runs smoothly and efficiently, with a primary focus on providing an excellent education for every student. School boards have a big job. They set the rules for the district, decide how to spend the school budget, and hire and evaluate the superintendent. This means they’re in charge of making sure the schools have everything they need to succeed, from textbooks and technology to qualified teachers and support staff.

But their role goes beyond just managing the schools. School boards are also the connection between the schools and the community. They listen to what parents, teachers, students, and other community members think about education. Their job is to make sure the schools are meeting the needs of the entire community. To do this effectively, school boards need to be open and honest. They should be transparent about their decisions, explain their reasoning, and welcome feedback from the community. By building trust and fostering open communication, school boards can create a strong partnership with the community that benefits everyone, especially the students.”

Seat F: Kim Dickerson vs. Randall Lund (Eastern parts of the county, Hideout)

Kim Dickerson

Tell us about yourself, your background, education and teaching experiences, and your career path.

“My background includes many diverse experiences. I was born in Seoul, South Korea, to a father who served in the Army and a mother who is a native of South Korea. This upbringing has given me a global perspective, having lived and traveled to various parts of the world. My work with Delta Air Lines brought me to Utah thirty years ago. I have called the Heber Valley my home for the past fifteen years, where I live with my husband and children. All four of my children have been part of the Wasatch County School District system, and my daughter, Maya, will be a senior in the upcoming school year. My journey in volunteering for my children’s schools began 14 years ago in the kindergarten hallway of Old Mill Elementary School. Since then, I have held numerous leadership positions, served on parent boards, and participated in various committees within my children’s schools and the district. My dedication to supporting quality education for every child has been unwavering, and I have spent countless hours towards this cause.”

Education: Utah Valley University, Bachelor of Science, Family Science, Summa Cum Laude (GPA 4.0) Emphasis on Marriage & Relationship Skills, Human Development Life Span, Contemporary Family Relations, Ethics for Family Interventions, Social Work Practice, Applied Parenting, Family Policy, Family Finance, Family Dynamics and Systems, and Family Life Education Methodology, Certified Family Wellness Instructor.

What is the most important issue facing Wasatch County School District and what can you do as a board member about it?

“One of the most important issues facing Wasatch County School District is recruiting and retaining quality teachers. As a board member, I will prioritize ensuring competitive compensation for teachers to attract and retain high-quality educators within the Wasatch County School District.”

What is one of your strengths when working with a group?

“My strengths in a group setting are communication, attentive listening, openness to different viewpoints, and respect for others. I also dedicate time to in-depth research, examining and exploring an issue before reaching conclusions.”

What is the purpose of a school board in a community?

“The purpose of a school board is to help govern the local school district. School boards are responsible for setting the district’s vision and goals, establishing policies and budgets, and ensuring that the schools provide a high-quality education to all students. They also serve as a bridge between the schools and the community, striving to nurture a strong connection and relationship. Additionally, school boards hire and evaluate the superintendent and business administrator, making important decisions about curriculum, facilities, and resources”

Randall Lund

Tell us about yourself, your background, education and teaching experiences, and your career path.

“[I am] a retired BYU professor with a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction and [have] over 40 years of teaching, from middle school to college. [I have] experienced a variety of school districts in Minnesota, New York, and Utah both as a parent of 9 children and as a university teacher trainer. [I am] currently the lead author on a national German proficiency test. In [my] spare time [I] enjoy music, reading, track and field officiating, and working with [my] wife on [our] 4-acre property.”

What is the most important issue facing Wasatch County School District and what can you do as a board member about it?

“The most important issue is the district’s mission to give the children the kind of excellent, academically rigorous education the community expects, despite pressures and distractions. National and state-level influences have recently encroached to a great extent on the local schools, leading to, among other things, mediocre academic standards. I can help leaders and teachers by mitigating bureaucratic restrictions and allowing them to engage their professional skills and interests to give their students a better education.”

What is one of your strengths when working with a group?

“As every group is different, it is important to understand the nature, context, make-up, and purpose of each group. One of my skills is to keep each of those factors in mind and to help the group remember the bounds and conditions under which it operates.”

What is the purpose of a school board in a community?

“A local school board is a classic example of representative government. The people elect a board to do their will in creating and running a school district. Among other things, the board is a listening board. It must listen to the district as it asks for resources necessary to achieve its mission. But above all else, it must listen to the people—the parents, the taxpayers—to make sure it is giving them the kind of schools they want.”

Seat G: Marianne Allen vs. Breanne Dedrickson (Daniels, Wallsburg, southern parts of the county)

Marianne Allen

Tell us about yourself, your background, education and teaching experiences, and your career path.

“I mainly grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado. I come from a family of educators, so I have been around education my whole life. I graduated from Utah State University with a bachelor’s degree in History, Secondary Education, and a minor in Political Science. I married my husband Dennis in 2006, and we have three wonderful kids who are currently attending Wasatch County schools. I taught and coached for six years at the junior high and high school levels in the Weber County School District. I was elected to the Wasatch School Board in 2020 and have been serving in my first term. I was reelected by school board members to the Utah School Boards Association Board of Directors to represent Wasatch County, South Summit, North Summit, and Park City school districts at the state level of the [USBA].”

What is the most important issue facing Wasatch County School District and what can you do as a board member about it?

“[We hear about] balancing the growth of the valley and needs of residents, with the needs of educating the children of our community a lot. But it is one of the biggest hurdles our fast-growing community faces right now, and it impacts many aspects of our community. As a school board member, I listen to the needs of my constituents and the needs of our community’s residents. We have community members who are struggling to stay in this valley, and we need to consider that when balancing the needs of education. Wasatch County School District teachers and staff are doing an incredible job in teaching our kids. The gains in student testing over the last four years are remarkable! That is a testament to the skill, knowledge, time, and dedication, of our teachers and staff doing their jobs. My job is to support teachers and staff by providing the means for resources, curriculum, facilities, and professional development opportunities [that help them] teach their students – the children of our community. As a school board member, I would continue to listen to my constituents, and the district, about the educational needs of our students, and act to find the most balanced solutions. I feel I currently do this and did this on the Truth and Taxation vote in 2023, and the Lease Revenue bonding in 2022.”

What is one of your strengths when working with a group?

“I believe one of my strengths is that I value listening to all points of view, and part of who I am as a person, is being respectful in valuing differing opinions. When I first ran for this office four years ago, I ran on being a new voice, with a unique perspective, and an inclusive approach. I feel that I have brought these things to the school board, and one of the most valuable strengths is being inclusive and listening and valuing those with differing experiences. Better solutions to issues, and plans made for the future, can be found when we listen to all sides of an issue and take that knowledge to guide us in those decisions.”

What is the purpose of a school board in a community?

“According to State Code 53G-4-401 and 402, there are a lot of purposes to your local school board. I believe in following the law and that the school board needs to represent their community to the school district and direct the school district in educating the future voting citizens of our community and nation.”

Breanne Dedrickson

Tell us about yourself, your background, education and teaching experiences, and your career path.

“I am a former Wasatch High School English teacher, Timpanogos Intermediate School assistant principal, and current Liahona Preparatory Academy principal. I earned a Bachelor of Science in English Teaching from Utah State University and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Utah. I am the mother of four wonderful children, and I love volunteering in their classrooms. I am active in the Wasatch Parent Network and serve on the Daniels Canyon Elementary School Community Council. I also served on the Wasatch County School District’s Safe Schools Committee and Future Schools Committee. I am running for the school board because I am passionate about high quality, comprehensive education, and academic achievement. I want to ensure Wasatch County School District has the policies and resources in place to provide the best educational experience for all children in a fiscally responsible and transparent way.”

What is the most important issue facing Wasatch County School District and what can you do as a board member about it?

“Two important issues facing Wasatch County School District are growth, and attracting and retaining high-quality educators. First, to address growth, I will have the courage and creativity to provide safe, appropriate, up-to-date, educationally conducive spaces for students to learn in. I will use data and open communication to evaluate needs, build community consensus, and make decisions that are best for students, educators, and the community. I would like to implement policies so that the long-term plan to accommodate growth is transparent and expected. Collaboration with community leaders is also important. Second, to attract and retain high-quality educators, I will be a proponent of fair compensation and benefits to ensure we can hire and keep top-notch employees. This means I will support and vote for a budget that allocates the majority of its money to salaries and benefits. Continuing to fully fund benefits and staying competitive in the salary market is a priority for me because high-quality teachers directly impact student achievement.”

What is one of your strengths when working with a group?

“I am an excellent communicator. I have learned the value of listening to all perspectives to ensure I am fully informed. I listen with respect, value the contributions of others, and have empathy. I ask questions for clarity and accountability. I have the courage to speak up, contribute, and engage in critical conversations. With honest, clear, responsive, and respectful dialogue, I have found groups function more effectively and efficiently.”

What is the purpose of a school board in a community?

“A local school board shall make and enforce policies necessary for the control and management of the district schools (Utah Code Section 53G-4-402). U.S. News & World Report (2023) further explains, ‘school boards have three major responsibilities: developing the annual budget to run the school system; setting school policies; and hiring and evaluating the superintendent.’ It is also the role of the board to ask questions, assess progress, listen to all sides, represent the community, and do what is best for students.”

The School Board generally meets the 4th Tuesday of each month.

Study sessions are at 5:00 pm and Board meetings are at 6:30 pm at the district office (101 East 200 North). Visit wasatch.edu for more information such as recordings, agendas, and instructions on public comment. The school district is allocated the most tax dollars of any county government entity, which is 67% of the county budget. School board members hold very important and impactful positions for the whole community.

Get involved in school board elections! November 5, 2024.

Their Story

Charitable Acts Theatre was created by Carrie Zabaldo, after considering ways she could make a difference. With many generous organizations already established, Carrie wondered how she could create something unique that would help the community. The thought of using her personal experiences, knowledge, gifts, and talents was the answer. Carrie grew up in Twin Falls, Idaho, and, as a young girl, participated in community theatre with her mom and siblings. At age twelve, she started doing a show every summer and fell in love with community theatre. After earning an associate degree in theater, she discovered a new love and priority: raising a family with her husband, Nathan. As her children started getting older, the desire to perform more service that would make an impact grew stronger. Carrie believes abilities and desires are given to everyone for the simple purpose of making a difference in each other’s lives.

Blending entertainment with donations to charities is a special combination. Carrie explains, “I think the arts can make a difference in impactful ways. Through the arts, we can build bridges, knock down walls, and, at the same time, help people who are in need. I feel like I put myself in other people’s shoes because of my own experiences, so, like most people, I want to help where I can. I feel when we have talents or life skills or even just a basic desire to make a difference, we have a responsibility to follow through. That’s what enriches our lives. That’s what makes life meaningful.”

Carrie and Nathan Zabaldo moved to the Heber Valley from Oregon in 2020. Because of the pandemic, Nate was able to work from home, which set the stage to live anywhere. The couple began searching and scouting out places to live. In addition to wanting to be closer to extended family members, they also wanted to live somewhere family-oriented.

After visiting various states and a few Utah cities, the drive through Provo Canyon towards Wasatch County felt like a call home. Once here, she met other like-minded, service-oriented people who encouraged her to move forward. She began networking with others, and in two short years, her vision became a reality. Charitable Acts Theatre is a 501c3 non-profit organization that donates 100% of its ticket sales to other local non-profit causes. In 2022, Charitable Acts Theatre went from being a good idea to a reality with their first show, Steel Magnolias, benefiting local charity The Horse of Many Colors. In 2023, the cast and audiences of Arsenic and Old Lace supported the local Community Action Food Bank. This summer, Our Town, will contribute to the Wasatch Community Foundation.

Our Town is an ideal play for Charitable Acts because it’s a reflective and touching story about life and love. Written by American playwright Thornton Wilder in 1938, the play takes place in the early 1900s. The set and props are minimalistic, so the focus stays on the characters and theme. It’s simple and raw. Because it’s considered a classic, it drew many talented and even some professional actors throughout the valley to the auditions, which makes for an amazing cast. Performances are at Midway Town Hall. The stage will be on the floor, set up like a black box theatre with risers. In this way, the audience has a more intimate experience by seeing the actors’ facial expressions and getting the full dramatic effect. There won’t be a bad seat in the house.

Carrie expounds, “It’s a play with heart. It’s a play where his [Wilder’s] purpose in writing is to allow the audience to see themselves in the characters and situations. It’s just real people on stage in a real town, which is extremely moving.”

Connecting Our Town with benefiting Wasatch Community Foundation is a perfect match. WCF is comprised of a large group of volunteers and donors that serve Wasatch County in many areas, including human services, health, education, recreation, and arts. “I like the idea of connecting it with the play. Since the play Our Town is about a little town with real people who experience real challenges in life, what better thing than to give to a charity that supports our town here so well,” Carrie shares excitedly.

She continues to define Heber Valley, “The amount of people who are so giving in this community is inspiring. It’s a very unique place, and I don’t know if I could make Charitable Acts Theatre work anywhere else because community support is vital to our mission. That, coupled with the local talent and love of the arts, makes Heber Valley the perfect place for us.”

Your Connection

There are so many opportunities and resources in the Heber Valley. Sharing an evening with fellow community members and neighbors, and knowing you’re making a difference is incredibly rewarding. Knowing your time and money benefits others (including yourself) on many levels is exciting. Charitable Acts Theatre gives people unique opportunities and experiences.

Carrie’s epilogue, “I feel we’re a community theater in every way and then some. Yes, we are a community theater and we reach for excellence, but our motivating force is beyond the performance. We aim for a sense of community from beginning to end – in planning and implementing productions, in rehearsals, and in the participation of audience members – and then we extend that into helping those in the community who need it the most. It sets us apart. I want people to come and experience the community of it.”

Get Your Tickets

Our Town is showing June 3rd-15th, Monday, Wednesday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m. at Midway Town Hall. Buy tickets online or at the door (unless sold out).

To donate, nominate a charity, buy tickets, get involved, or find more information, visit HeberCAT.org. You can also find them on Instagram and Facebook.

Josh began participating in tumbling and gymnastics at the age of four as part of Pinnacles Gymnastics in Sandy, Utah. He competed with USAG (USA Gymnastics) Future Stars Program until his mid-teens.

At 14, he began training other gymnasts for his coach, Luke Evans, and fell in love with coaching. Throughout his career, Josh has coached collegiate level gymnasts, artistic gymnastics, parkour/free-running, tumbling, and private lessons in various places in Utah and California. Josh’s Heber experience includes starting the parkour program for Tumble Central while Rose handled their marketing. In 2017, Josh began coaching for Steve Lake, who owned Wasatch Gymnastics which is housed at Wasatch County Parks and Recreation. During this time, Rose taught art classes for the recreation center. Four years later, in 2021, Josh and Rose bought Wasatch Gymnastics from Steve. In 2023, the couple opened their own facility. However, Josh still runs an introductory class geared for ages 3-6 at WCPR. The world of gymnastics is small; Josh shared this fun fact: the equipment at the recreation center was originally bought from Luke Evans, his childhood coach and mentor, years ago when the WCPR gymnastics program first began.

While studying graphic design at the Utah Art Institute, Josh and Rose Brittney Moreno met and fell in love; they’ve been inseparable ever since. Rose’s family was involved in the restaurant industry, so, she grew up all over the United States, and is proud of her Hispanic-Italian heritage. For several years the Schneiters moved back and forth between California and Utah; however, they feel Heber is the best fit for their family. Today, they’re settled in the Heber Valley, running their own business and raising a family of four boys, ages 13, 11, 8, and 2. Josh handles the coaching and operations of Wasatch Gymnastics while Rose manages the branding, marketing, and social media. Rose is also utilizing her artistic talents by painting large murals on the tall industrial gym walls. Each mural incorporates motivational messages to inspire and establish an optimistic atmosphere. She designs and custom makes a lot of merchandise (such as hair bows personalized with names, and beanies for staff, customers, and team members), by hand for their business through sublimation, custom vinyl cut outs, and more. An art section at the gym is also in the works that will be called, HoneyBuzz Art.

From his life-long experience, Josh has seen various coaching styles and has watched gymnastics evolve as well. Coaching, correcting, motivating and disciplining require both art and science. Josh not only spots kids on apparatuses, but also spots the positive by highlighting effort along with corrective feedback. He also strives to make the most of peoples’ time. Josh sticks a perfect landing by explaining, “My coaching philosophy is to get as much learned in a fun and concise way as possible. You typically only have an hour with the students once a week. I’m just trying to pack as many things as possible into that session as I can.” Josh continues, “We want the kids to take what they’ve learned home. The more shapes, movements, and positions you can get your students to learn, and practice, the easier it’s going to be to teach them things later on down the road. So, with that in mind, I’ve refined and articulated my lessons as best I can.”

Josh also shares how the world of gymnastics has evolved over the years, “When I was growing up in gymnastics there was a little bit more stick than carrot. I feel like society has shifted away from that, which is for the better. We keep a positive vibe, and make sure that kids are feeling like they’re doing a great job when they’re putting forth the effort. Putting in the effort to try hard and not give up after failed attempts is the best thing we can give our students.” He explains, “Sometimes you have a talented kid that can win all the medals, some students were just born to do this sport. Then you’ll have the kind of kid that is working their tush off trying to keep pace. I don’t want students giving up or getting discouraged because they’re not meeting the expectations that they have set for themselves or what other people might set for them. Progress can sometimes be two steps forward one step back. It’s important to make sure you’re not throwing in the towel on the back step. That’s my approach to it. We want students to come out of our program with an experience and template of how to get through life when things get hard.”

Wasatch Gymnastics focuses on artistic gymnastics for boys and girls. The boys’ events include rings, floor, mushroom (introduction to pommel horse), vault, parallel bar, and horizontal bar. The girls’ events are beam, floor, uneven bars, and vault. In addition to gymnastics, they offer tumbling and parkour classes, open gym times for anyone, and birthday parties. They also have a baby/toddler play area near the front of the gym so that younger siblings can enjoy their time while waiting during class. “As soon as Josh and I saw the empty warehouse (that would soon be transformed into our gym), I told Josh I really wanted a small space dedicated to help parents with younger children feel more comfortable. I was pregnant with our fourth son when we started planning this design in advance. Now, so many parents have expressed their gratitude for having it!” says Rose smiling up at Josh.

There are classes for kids who want to just learn and have fun and try it out, and there are classes and team options available for those interested in competing. Rose and Josh acknowledge the other gyms in the valley, and appreciate the niches and specialties that they offer, such as: tramp and tumble track (a trampoline based runway), and cheer and tumbling. The Schneiters have 13 coaches who help out with the varying levels and teams. Some of them are in their teen years, getting a start just like Josh did, coaching the younger kids. The competition team travels to gyms and venues throughout the state including Logan, Ogden, Salt Lake, Provo/Orem, and St. George. Wasatch Gymnastics is not big enough to house multiple teams and spectators for competitions, but hopes to host meets at a separate venue in the future.

For now, it has been a dream come true to have their own venue where they can finally offer everything they’ve been discussing for years. Rose shares, “We had a lot of support from friends around Heber, some who own businesses out here too. We received a lot of encouragement from the very beginning when we would mention wanting our own space someday. It’s been amazing as we’ve gone along to share our growth with so many who were there for our family from the very beginning. This is supposed to be a happy place, somewhere that parents and children of all ages can come and feel that they are getting something out of it. Whether you want just a good experience or you’re trying to reach a goal as far as talent goes – we want everyone to feel welcome here.”

Meet Wasatch Gymnastics Owners, Josh and Rose Schneiter

For more info:
wasatchgymnasticsheber.com
@wasatch.gymnastics

Clogging is a type of folk dance that originated in the Appalachian Region of the United States that uses two metal plates on the toes and heals of the shoes (called jingle or hinged taps) that usually strike on the downbeats.

McKenna Flores started clogging as a toddler and hasn’t stopped stomping, striking, or smacking dance floors since. Clogging has been a family affair that began with her grandpa, who taught her mom and uncle, who later both taught her and her brother, Cameron. McKenna’s mom, LaNay King, taught her until the 3rd grade, which is when McKenna started taking clogging lessons from her uncle and aunt in Orem at Rocky Mountain Express. McKenna has carried on the teaching tradition and has been passionate about it since her junior year of high school when she opened her own studio in her parents’ basement. Five lucky neighborhood kids were her first students, and her teaching has been clicking, rocking, and stepping up ever since.

While she attended college at BYU, McKenna continued to teach, and subleased from another Heber dance studio. Also, during that time, she was on the BYU International Folk Dance team. She’s been director of the year four times, earned three national titles, and was inducted into the Clogging Hall of Fame in 2014 at the age of 19. McKenna was Miss Wasatch County 2013 and placed in the top 10 at Miss Utah. Four years ago, McKenna opened her dance studio: Stomp it Out Dance Studio. The studio offers classes for students ages 2-18 in Clogging, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Ballet, and Tumbling. As students progress, they have the opportunity to audition for Stomp it Out’s award-winning competition teams. McKenna also professionally choreographs for other individuals and teams, and offers private lessons. In addition to managing an expanding business, McKenna balances a growing young family with four children, ages 6,5,2,1.

Affirming Worth and Meaning

McKenna’s excitement and expertise for clogging is evident, but her passion for influencing younger generations is her number one priority. Besides being the only studio in the valley to offer clogging, there are two other things that demonstrate her uniqueness and commitment to the kids. She graciously explains, “Something that makes me unique is that in every single class, we do these affirmations that are on the wall: I am brave, I am kind, I am strong, I can do hard things, my body is amazing, I can do anything I set my mind to, I am awesome, I am a Stomp it Out dancer.” McKenna continues, “I don’t take lightly how much of an impact I can have on youth and how important it is for these girls and boys to have a positive role model, especially body positivity. So much is going on with teenagers with mental health and physical health and social media pressures that […] they’re dealing with a lot. In addition to teaching the kids how to dance, I hope that they leave the studio each day feeling a little bit more confident about themselves, like ‘you know what? I’m actually pretty awesome!’” McKenna shares what she strives to give each of her students, “In here, it’s just a real safe space. They can tell me anything. I try to be a soft spot for the kids if they need to tell me anything that they don’t feel they could tell another adult. I want to make sure that the kids know they have a place for that. ‘For me, that’s a huge focus. Another thing that makes me different is the touring that we do. Each summer, we go somewhere on tour.” McKenna’s teams have performed at Disneyworld, Tuacahn Center for the Arts in St. George, Disneyland, and Branson, MO.

I am brave, I am kind, I am strong, I can do hard things, my body is amazing, I can do anything I set my mind to, I am awesome, I am a Stomp it Out dancer.

Influencing Value and Purpose

As the studio has grown, McKenna invited three additional amazing teachers to join her. Tayler Newman, Kelsey Tippitts, and Lydia Pullan are incredibly talented women who share the same values and goals as McKenna. Each of them brings a unique perspective and adds to what makes Stomp it Out Dance Studio such a great place for students to learn, develop, and share their talents. Speaking of sharing talents, every year, the studio holds two recitals: one in the spring and another at Christmas time. All classes and competitive teams perform and share what they’ve learned with their family, friends, and the community.

The Christmas Recital is held as a benefit event for the Children’s Justice Center and The Heber Food Pantry. In 2020 Stomp It Out pre-recorded their recital and offered it virtually; the community donated via Venmo, and blankets were brought to the studio and delivered to the Children’s Justice Center. The Cloggers also held a silent auction in conjunction with the 2021 Christmas recital, and last year, they held a food drive for The Heber Food Pantry. McKenna shares, “I want Stomp it Out to be a place in the community that gives back. We always perform for the community somewhere, […] and we do all of our performances for free. I want the kids to donate their time back to the community that gives a lot to them, to donate back to organizations that benefit youth that maybe go to their school. The most important thing is that Stomp it Out is a place for everybody.”

Heber is blessed with multiple dance studio options, which is a good thing; according to McKenna, “I think all the dance studios in the valley offer awesome things for kids. One thing that’s so great is that, you know, maybe a student that doesn’t totally vibe with me vibes with another instructor at another dance studio, which is why I think it’s so great that there are multiple dance studios.”

McKenna’s passion for clogging and life is definitely an asset to the Heber Valley. As she continues to influence dancers in the Heber Valley, they will benefit from her approach to teaching and life.

“We want to help kids develop confidence on the inside that really reflects on the outside to help launch them for the rest of their lives.”

Learn More

Stomp it Out Dance Studio stompitoutdancestudio.com
Facebook and Instagram
@stompitout.dancestudio

2024 Christmas Program

Check the website for updated information and for event tickets

The Allen and Offereins families have been friends for years and were thinking about what sort of project they could collaborate on while making a difference.  During Covid 19, life slowed down, and things shut down, including Jennifer’s business consulting company. It was the perfect time to turn ideas into reality, with Jennifer and Alise being the driving forces. Not being able to purchase the hand soap she wanted, Alise had an ‘aha moment’. Everyone uses soap! Soap was an obvious and perfect product to pursue. Alise and Jennifer wanted to take something practical and elevate it. And the Promise Soap Company was born. Today, Alise, who has a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a photography emphasis, oversees the website and design elements and helps with packing donations, along with networking in Heber Valley. Jennifer and her family fill orders and network in the Spokane area. The teams’ goal and mission is to incorporate a higher and deeper purpose by giving back to their communities; product donations to charitable organizations are a central part of their business model.

“Elevate Your Hand Washing Experience”

Businesses and families have an opportunity to become part of the “promise club” through online subscriptions. Promise Soap’s Welcome Kit includes two signature glass bottles, two foaming pumps, and four concentrated soap pouches. Subscribers receive a 15% discount and free shipping and handling on all orders. Subscriptions are conveniently customizable, which makes it possible to personalize delivery frequency and scent combinations.  Customers can experience the joy of “spreading the suds” to those who need it most. With each online subscription and anniversary, one bottle of soap is donated to various charitable organizations. If you have an organization in mind, nominations can be made. One student connected with Promise Soap prior to going on a humanitarian trip to Tanzania and 30 bottles of soap were donated. The Heber Food Pantry has also been the recipient of dozens of bottles through community connections. Businesses in Heber Valley that are already enjoying Promise Soap subscriptions are Mountain Wellness Bar, Gravity Coalition, Dorius Dental Design, Lola’s, Audrey Powers Salon, Dainty Pear, and Daly B. Preschool. These businesses have discounts and QR codes next to their sinks that also give soap customers an extra discount.

Alise Allen shares, “We have loved this part of Promise Soap, and I feel like it’s been the most rewarding. It’s been really fun to meet business owners and network with them. These are businesses we already love, support, frequent, and appreciate.” She explained how rewarding it is to be able to offer businesses and customers a product that “[…] has a cause to give back, right to the heart of our community. We know there’s a need. We live in a crazy economy right now; there are a lot of people who need more than just food and basic needs like hand soap. To be able to provide really nice hand soap for them is a wonderful privilege. We want as many households and businesses to switch their soap and be a part of something that can make a difference, something to be proud of, to put a smile on people’s faces with one less thing they have to worry about finding when they visit the food pantry.”

Don’t Forget Mother Nature

Promise Soap Company is also passionate about pure ingredients and taking care of the environment. Their soap is made with a short list of certified organic ingredients, including olive oil, coconut oil, aloe leaf juice, rosemary extract, and essential oils. Their Oregon-based wholesaler also believes in giving back. They plant trees and native plants for every five gallons they sell. Packaging and concentrated refill pouches are 100% recyclable. Each concentrated pouch mixes with water to make a 12-ounce bottle of foaming hand soap. Foaming hand soap last longer and has the potential to be less messy unless you have a bubble-obsessed pump-loving toddler or teenager. Their scents include lavender, citrus, evergreen, and unscented (which can be mixed with one’s own essential oil). Promise Soap’s foaming hand soap is good for the skin while providing a nice silky feeling, and their “convenient, recyclable packaging and reusable glass bottles reduce your environmental impact daily.”

Alise suds it all up, “Every home and business that uses [Promise Soap] in our community is taking care of the environment by switching to refillable bottles and less plastic waste. They’re able to give soap to those in need. The impact could be huge. We want to be a force for good, a force for change, and for taking care of people in our community. Being able to contribute in some small way, connect with others, and give to those in need is definitely the most rewarding part of it all.”

More Info

@promisesoap
promisesoap.com

“If you want to know the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration.”  – Nikola Tesla

The positive or negative tone of a voice, the major or minor key signature of a song, or the volume and intensity of any sound, vibrates with tremendous power and energy. Simply put, sound is vibrational energy transmitted as waves that are perceived by the brain, heard by the ear, and felt throughout the body. Every cell in the body and every emotion are also made up of energy. It has also been proven that crystals give off natural vibrations. When “played”, a crystal singing bowl resonates with a vibrational frequency that matches a note in the C major scale, you know do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do or CDEFGAB. A full set would have seven bowls so the whole scale could be used. These seven notes also correspond to the major energy centers, or chakras, in the body. Smaller bowls have higher pitches while bigger bowls have deeper pitches.

A typical set of crystal singing bowls is usually white, as they are created from pure quartz. Personalized sets can be tailored with bowls made from various crystals that have their own natural colors. Tibetan bowls have similar properties as crystal bowls except they are made out of metal which produces richer and deeper sounds. Alchemy bowls have the ability to hold vibrations for longer periods of time, have more intense reverberations and longer-lasting tones with various harmonics and overtones. Singing bowls’ humming vibrations help balance body energy; allowing cantankerous, negative, and unhealthy vibrations in our emotional, spiritual, and physical bodies to be replaced with good, positive, and healthy vibes.

Sound Healing

Sound healing or sound therapy uses different vibrations to heal the body, mind, and spirit. Different instruments such as Tibetan bowls, crystal bowls, glasses, gongs, and tuning forks have the same effect to trigger relaxation, reduce blood pressure, calm stress, and harmonize energy fields. Sound therapy operates on two principles:
First, that emotions vibrate at different levels, and second, that trapped, blocked, or unexpressed emotions can cause disease due to stagnating in the body. Unpleasant and uncomfortable emotions have lower vibrational levels than positive ones that are easy to express and metabolize. The word emotion is derived from the Latin word, emovere, which means to move out or through. Emotions are literally energy in motion.

In quantum physics, everything is energy and has its own vibrational frequency. It is believed in many cultures throughout the world that our bodies have energy centers, called chakras. The most universal system is made up of 7 chakras, each associated with different organs, functions, emotional, mental, and spiritual issues. Each chakra is associated with a note. Going from bottom to top, root chakra coordinates to C, sacral chakra-D, solar plexus chakra-E, heart chakra-F, throat chakra-G, third eye chakra-A, and crown chakra-B.

Since our bodies our mostly water, we are great conductors for vibrations. When the crystal bowls are played or struck, the vibrations penetrate internally releasing or balancing at least one of the energy chakras. When all 7 notes are played in various sequences or harmonies, all 7 chakras can be balanced. This is called a sound bath. When bowls are used, a mallet or wand is used to rub along the outside of each bowl, creating the various vibrational frequencies.

Sound healing works in four ways: sympathetic resonance, brainwave entrainment, frequency following response, and balancing the brain’s left and right hemispheres. Sympathetic resonance is when the vibrations in one object produce vibrations in another. This is the principle that causes the body to vibrate at the same frequency as the sounds produced by crystal bowls, gongs, tuning forks and other sound healing instruments. Brainwave entrainment refers to the capacity of the brain to naturally synchronize its brainwave frequencies with the rhythm of external stimuli. The positive frequencies allow your cells to operate in harmony with each other, healing organs, bones and uncomfortable emotional states. Frequency following response deals with the mental states of consciousness and the different types of brainwaves: delta, theta, alpha and beta waves. Balance of the brain’s left and right hemispheres is when sound healing works on both sides of the brain to develop areas where we might be weak and improve communication between the hemispheres.

Sound healing or sound therapy uses different vibrations to heal the body, mind, and spirit.

Heber Valley’s Crystal Bowl Healer

After moving to Utah twenty years ago, Theresa discovered crystal singing bowls while looking to overcome her own trauma and health issues, including severe mercury poisoning. Theresa shared, “Over twenty years ago, I realized that the quality of one’s life is directly related to their emotional health. Emotional health is the foundation beneath self confidence, and self confidence is the springboard to achievement […] This lead me to study various intuitive practices of healing work which focus primarily on emotional release. This work, along with several other lifestyle changes, has changed my life. As I was once sick, I am now healthy.”

Today, Theresa has her own crystal singing bowl studio in Midway where she shares the peace and power she discovered on her journey to healing. Besides crystal bowl sound therapy, chakra alignments, and group sound baths, Theresa also offers drum circles, theta healing, and possesses a rare angelite table. If your “vibe” is off, check out her website, www.4youraura.com.

Sound healing with crystal singing bowls compliments traditional western medicine and holistic eastern healing. We are all connected with the emotions we feel, the energy we experience, and the vibrations we sense.

“The body is held together by sound. The presence of disease indicates that some of the sounds have gone out of tune”
– Deepak Chopra

Are You Thinking About Suicide?

I know. It’s a very uncomfortable question to ask. However, it is one that has become normal and necessary in our house. Suicide is something I never thought I would have to worry about. When our daughter was admitted into a mental hospital, on three separate occasions, for having suicidal plans and multiple attempts all within a five month period — including a life flight to Primary Children’s Hospital — suicide and mental health took on a whole new meaning.

After the third stay, she began a long term treatment program. Deciding what to do and where to go was one of the hardest decisions of our life. Mental illness is tough and affects the whole family. The good news though is that the more we open up, the more we discover that mental illness is more common than we ever thought. The more we share and talk about suicide the easier it is to find resources and connect with others. Ganel-Lyn Condie, a Utah author, speaker, and advocate says there are three groups of people: you have or had a mental illness, you love someone who does, or you have lost someone to suicide. Mental illness or suicide can happen to anyone.

You Mean Everything

“Are you okay? Is something wrong? Can I help you?” These are all questions Kevin Hines desperately wanted to hear before jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. He miraculously survived and is now a suicide prevention activist and powerful speaker. As soon as he jumped, he realized what he had done and did everything he could not to die. Most suicide survivors have shared that they immediately regretted their actions. I believe it, because the words my daughter said almost immediately after making a life-threatening mistake were, “I don’t want to die, I don’t want to die.”

Life is hard, unfair, and at times excruciatingly painful, but life is also meant to strengthen, teach, and most importantly connect us. We ALL matter. YOU MATTER. Sometimes people feel so deeply hopeless, and erroneously think that death is the answer. Tragically, some people die by suicide. Thinking about or planning on ending life is usually a symptom of underlying problems that can be treated. And there is absolutely help and hope. No one should suffer in silence; talk to someone. It is okay, not to be okay. Happiness is not the absence of adversity. Time is too precious to tease and tempt death. Life is a gift. Your life is a gift. You are a unique, irreplaceable gift. Shared, experienced, and loved, life is rewarding, good, and at times overwhelmingly joyful.

Something to Be Aware of

Suicide is the second leading cause of death nationally in people ages 10-34. Unintentional injuries or accidents is number one1. Utah was ranked 10th in 2020, for number of suicide deaths in ages 5-25 behind Alaska, Montana, South Dakota, New Mexico, Wyoming, Colorado, Oklahoma, Idaho, and Kansas (May 2022, Vol. 50 Number 7, Communique [a publication for National Association for School Psychologists]). Why are people afraid to ask for help or talk about feelings? Looking at the states above, maybe there’s some pioneer pride, explorer ego, homesteader honor, or cowboy conceit that needs to be redefined. Starting in the teen years, the risk for suicidal death grows higher as a person grows into early adulthood. People ages 18-25 have the most suicidal thoughts and attempts.

The 2021 Wasatch County School District Student Health and Risk Prevention (SHARP) Survey which is done every 2 years, was completed by 1450 students: 407 6th graders, 401 8th graders, 423 10th graders, and 201 12th graders. 4.6% of the students who answered said they had attempted suicide one or more times during the past 12 months. That’s a staggering 67 Wasatch County middle grade and high school kids — our kids — who have had multiple attempts. And, Wasatch is lower than the state average, which was 7%. 71,001 students across the state took the SHARP survey, 4970 attempted multiple times. 10.1% of Wasatch participants said they made a plan about how they would attempt suicide during the past 12 months. 12.6% said yes to seriously considering attempting suicide during the past 12 months. Thankfully, the percentage diminishes from considering to planning to attempting, but sadly it is still on the minds of many teenagers.

In the book, If Your Adolescent Has Depression or Bipolar Disorder, the authors state that, “For the parents of adolescents with mood disorders, the biggest fear of all may be suicide… Over 90% of suicide victims have a psychiatric illness at the time of their death, and mood disorders are among the main culprits. All too often, the disorders had gone undiagnosed or untreated. Many suicides in young people seem to be impulsive acts triggered by a stressful event, such as getting into trouble at school or with the law, breaking up with a girlfriend or boyfriend, or having a fight with friends.  These events might not be sufficient in themselves to cause suicidal behavior, but when the stress is compounded by untreated depression or mania, the results can be tragic. In fact, mood disorders play a role in about two-thirds of completed suicides.” (If Your Adolescent Has Depression or Bipolar Disorder, Evans, Dwight, and Linda Andrews, p. 55-56, 2005)

Nothing to be Ashamed Of

Utah has the highest percentage of mental illness, at 29.68% followed by Oregon, West Virginia, Kansas, Oklahoma, Washington, Idaho, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Arizona. It’s not easy to admit something is wrong or you need help but the brain is susceptible to disease just like any other organ or part of the body. Recognizing signs and understanding mental illness is important because many suicides happen during the first few episodes; before treatment with medication, therapy, and coping skills are learned.  Knowing that hopeless, painfully dark thoughts and emotions will eventually pass is important. In a world of split-second messages, quick searches with immediate answers, fast food, and even instant potatoes (being an Idaho native I think the real thing is much better) enduring is a tough thing to sell. Our daughter explained, “Suicidal ideation doesn’t belong to a specific lifestyle. I myself felt rather selfish for feeling this way because to me there was nothing to feel sorry for. When I realized that anyone can feel this way things started to change, and I finally (hesitantly at first) decided to seek out help.” Recognizing and getting professional treatment early for any mental illness is not a sign of weakness. Kevin Hines likes to say, “Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional”.

Dr. Ben Springer, Wasatch County School District’s school psychologist sums it all up “To me, prevention is connection. The best prevention we can do, whether it’s suicide, alcohol, drug abuse, addressing mental health, depression, aggression, anything, you name it. We see aggression in our schools and in communities. The more we connect with families and one another, the more we can talk and open up those channels for support.”

We were given valuable information from acquaintances and friends who had experienced their own crises. They shared professional opinions that helped us make a decision about what our next step should be for our daughter. We have many more neighbors, friends, and family, who continue to offer love and support.

Hope is just one person away. If you are struggling mentally or emotionally, find a trusted family member or friend that will listen, validate, and help you get professional help. If you are in a situation where you are not in a safe place or feel that you do not have anyone who will help you, please call one of the hotlines or places listed. They are caring professionals that will listen to you and have resources if you need additional help. If it’s an emergency call 911. Helping someone is just one question away. If you have anyone tell you that they are struggling, don’t be afraid to ask the hard or uncomfortable questions.

Let’s look out and watch for clues that people are struggling and let them know they are loved and not alone.  We are blessed to live in an amazing and majestic valley with beauty all around but the most awe-inspiring asset we have is each other.

Suicide Warning Signs and Risk Factors

•   Threatening to hurt or kill themselves
•   Seeking to access pills, weapons, or other ways to kill themselves
•   Expressing hopelessness, no purpose
•   Having rage, anger, or seeking revenge
•   Acting recklessly or engaging in risky activities, without thinking
•  Feeling trapped
•   Drug or alcohol use
•   Withdrawing from friends or family
•   Dramatic change in mood, for better or worse
•   Sleeping all the time or unable to sleep
•   Anxious or agitated
•   Giving away possessions, making “final arrangements”
•  The recent suicide or death of a friend or relative
•   Previous suicide attempts
•   Preoccupation with themes of death or expressing suicidal thoughts
•  Depression, conduct disorder and problems with adjustment such as substance abuse, particularly when two or more of these are present
•   Sudden and extreme changes in eating habits/losing or gaining weight
•  Apathy about appearance or health
•   Frequent irritability or unexplained crying
•   Lingering expressions of unworthiness or failure
•   Lack of interest in the future
•   A sudden lifting of spirits, when there have been other indicators, may point to a decision to end the pain of life through suicide

Try these simple tips for talking

Last fall, 489 registered voters responded to a community survey issued by Y2 Analytics. All results can be found on the FSP website (futureschoolsproject.com). The question is not if we will need more schools, but why, where, when, and most importantly how. One key finding from the survey showed that Wasatch County residents find fiscal responsibility (91%) and transparency (87%) “very important”.

According to the FSP website, “The Wasatch School District administration and Board of Education are committed to a master planning process that prioritizes listening to parents, students, and community members. Our Master Planning Goals are: Be innovative and forward-thinking as we plan for growth, Ensure that students reach their personal goals and become productive contributing members of society, and create solutions that are efficient and financially responsible.”

The FSP is a simple concept yet has detailed steps and multi-involved phases that have been taking place since September 2021. Phases include: gathering information, generating options, reviewing with the public, and finally the master plan draft presentation at the school board meeting on April 21, 2022. As part of community engagement, three committees were formed to help consult, frame, and direct this process; an educators committee (teachers and administrators), an advisory committee (elected officials of local jurisdictions and leaders of community organizations), and a steering committee (constituents selected by school board and district administrators). The FSP team has tried to give the community as many opportunities as possible to voice opinions, share ideas, and ask questions. There have been surveys, neighborhood meetings, and a special website with a place to “join the conversation”. It is always possible to email or call board members and district personnel. Contact information can be found at wasatch.edu.

Part of the process also included an assessment, completed in December-January, of current school buildings and facilities. The project team analyzed safety and maintenance issues; and explored whether or not buildings were meeting the education visions gathered from the prior input of the committees.

Building “Bridges” to Future Schools

This project comes on the heels of the 2019 bond failure.  It was an emotional campaign with frustration and passion from both proponents and objectors. The final outcome showed 57% voting against and 42% in favor.

Superintendent Paul Sweat explains, “The Future Schools Project is the Board of Education’s response to the community asking to be more involved in the planning process, as well as to the rapid growth that we are experiencing in Wasatch County and within the District. Based on continual updates from District Staff, they know our buildings are at — or over — capacity, and we are in need of a long-range plan to address the growth, which shows no signs of slowing down, based on data from local agencies gathered by our demographers, Davis Demographics.”

Findings from the community survey referenced above, show how growth and education are perceived in the valley. 67% believe that the county is growing “much too quickly” along with 82% agreeing that public education is “very important to the health of a community”. Community involvement is also “very important” to 67% of those who participated in the survey.

Sweat reflects, “It’s been eye-opening to see the engagement and enthusiasm for the process from within our District and throughout the community. We’ve long heard that our constituents want to become involved in our District; now they are actively participating in the process through committees and community meetings. Our visits to school staff meetings were very productive in gathering information for us to share with our consultant team, GSBS Architects, and allowed teachers and staff to candidly share their thoughts and concerns.”

April: Enroll in Civil Engagement 101

Although much has happened in the past six months, the next two months are even more crucial and exciting. All the effort and hard work will culminate at a public open house on April 7th. A final master plan draft will be shared at the school board meeting on April 21st. Look for details to be announced soon on the district website (wasatch.edu) or the Wasatch County School District’s Facebook page.

“The Open House on April 7th will provide the public with an opportunity to view the recommendations from GSBS, which will incorporate the information they’ve gathered during their months-long process. It will be a chance for folks to weigh in on the possible next steps in addressing growth within our District,” says Sweat.

Lindsey Ferrari, the public outreach consultant for GSBS Architects, explains, “This master planning process is designed to identify the public’s vision and values for education through a set of guiding principles; assess how the district’s facilities and buildings are performing now and how they will perform with future growth projections; then give the public some options for addressing growth based on the public’s vision.  Those options will be presented to the public for feedback at the open house in April and through other various methods such as the District website and smaller group meetings.  It’s important for residents to get involved in April and let the school board and consultant team know which options they want to accept as a community.” Ferrari continued by stating, “I’d also like to add that the master plan will not dictate where and what a new school or expansion might look like, but rather when the board should consider taking action based on pre-determined milestones regarding growth or building condition. So the public should be on the same page as to when and how the District will address growth.”

Just like a high school graduate that made it through those tough and fun teenage years, the future holds many possibilities and educational options for Wasatch County. Now is the time to take the opportunity to be a part of the vision and decision-making process for future schools. The next few weeks will advance the goal of addressing and managing growth and education in positive and intentional ways.

Sweat concluded by stating, “It’s crucial for our community to know we are working diligently to ensure our learning environments will provide the best possible achievement outcomes for the students of Wasatch County. Whether that takes the form of updated or new buildings will be determined by the FSP process and our much-anticipated Facilities Master Plan.”

Learn more and get involved FUTURESCHOOLSPROJECT.ORG

Wasatch High School has once again produced a spectacular show! Anastasia premiered Thursday, February 3^rd and had showings the 4^th and 5^th. With a cast and crew of nearly 100 and directed by Laurie Turnblom, musically directed by Stephen Reynolds, and choreographed by Christie Moulton this is a show you won’t want to miss. The show stars Brooke Thatcher as Anastasia, Kai Haddock as Dmitry, Ethan Scott as Vlad, Cecily Rowland as Dowager Empress Marie, Enoch Fry as Gleb, Dane Roberts as Count Ipolitov, and Elissa Ross as Lily Malevsky-Malevitch. Set in Russia and Paris; plotted adventure, intrigue, and romance, harmonized with incredible music, and costumes. Add in original Broadway digitally projected backdrops, and custom props – including a spinning train car – this show is perfect for a family Valentine’s Day outing.

Shows continue Wednesday, February 9^th through Saturday, the 12^th at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at whsheberut.booktix.com