They are using their language skills to reach new heights and their success in a recent state competition is just one example. Recently, Brigham Young University hosted the 2024 High School Business Language Competition, where students from across Utah were able to showcase their language and business skills. The event featured five languages, Chinese, Spanish, French, Arabic, and German.  A total of 22 Chinese teams competed in a tight race.

With the guidance of their coach Mrs. Wei Wei, Mountain Ridge High School’s Miles Garber, Kylie White, and Brynlee Dalton took first place, while Riverton High School’s Gracie Nelson, Clancy Wan, and Olivia Stott earned third. Both teams stood out for their creative and culturally informed strategies.

This year’s challenge focused on supporting the Busankam Wola Foundation, which empowers marginalized women and children in Ghana. The Foundation teaches women to weave unique baskets for global sale, helping them generate income and build skills. Proceeds support the creation of sewing schools to train future generations.

Students were tasked with creating marketing strategies to expand the Foundation’s reach, tackling challenges such as brand recognition and adapting products for diverse markets. Both teams impressed judges with their thoughtful solutions, showcasing the power of language and cultural understanding in addressing real-world challenges.

Congratulations to Mountain Ridge and Riverton High School’s Chinese program for their remarkable achievements! These students exemplify the importance of combining language skills with global business insight.

It was a day to say a sincere thanks for their service as local veterans, including a 99-year-old who served in World War II, showed up to be honored at Westland Elementary School. The PTA organized the event inviting Herriman High School JROTC members who served as the Color Guard. During a patriotic program, Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Willard Evans got emotional as he talked to students about what it means to be a veteran. Sergeant Willard has three grandchildren at the school.

99-year-old WWII Private First Class Army veteran Frank Brown also spoke to students and staff. Mr. Brown’s grandson, who has two children at the school, talked about his grandfather’s time serving in Europe and the hardships he endured hiking through the Alps of Italy while in service to his country. Each veteran in attendance had their name and rank read out loud and then stood as the audience cheered. The students sang a song representing each military branch. Two walls were decorated with photos honoring veterans who have passed and those still with us.

The veterans and JROTC marched through the halls of Westland Elementary, where students waved flags, cheered, and showed their deep respect.

Thank you to Westland Elementary PTA, students, and staff for honoring veterans in such a meaningful way. Thanks, as well, to members of the military for their service and sacrifice.