More than 4,500 students from across the state participated in the Fall 2023 Utah Treasurer’s Investment Challenge, competing in elementary, middle, and high school divisions. In the elementary division, two amazing Elk Meadows Elementary School students took top honors. Gavin Cabrales and Nathaniel Harwood won first place!

The Utah Treasurer’s Investment Challenge is a 10-week simulation of Wall Street investing that provides a framework for Utah students to learn about the U.S. economy and financial markets.

During the game, students invest a hypothetical $100,000 in common stocks and diversified investment funds traded on major exchanges. Teams are ranked based on the ending value of their investment portfolios.

Treasurer Marlo M. Oaks said, “I appreciate the efforts of our teachers to help improve the financial knowledge of our next generation, and I’m proud of the students for their hard work.”

Congratulations to Gavin and Nathaniel along with their advisor, Brittany Smith! Keep up the great work.

It was a fun and festive night to remember as Southland Elementary School students, teachers, staff, and families joined together to celebrate the beginning of the Chinese New Year. The Chinese New Year is a festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar.

Southland’s recent Chinese New Year celebration was organized by the amazing Chinese Dual Language Immersion team, along with students and staff at the school. It was a celebration that was both fun and educational.

Miss Utah Sarah Sun joined Southland with a piano performance and she spoke to those who gathered. Hundreds of people attended to learn about Chinese culture and welcome “The Year of the Dragon.” There was face painting, food trucks, tea ceremonies, calligraphy, Chinese arts and crafts, games, and even a chance for those who attended to learn how to make dumplings and use a Chinese yo-yo!

Jordan School District Superintendent Dr. Anthony Godfrey joined the fun as well as visitors from around Salt Lake County.

Congratulations to everyone involved for such a successful night of celebrating Chinese culture and creating so much fun for families.

If you would like to give your child the opportunity to learn another language, enrollment is open in all Jordan School District DLI programs including Chinese at Southland Elementary School. Enroll your child today at immersion.jordandistrict.org/apply

Congratulations are in order for a very talented theatre student at Riverton High School.

Sarah Fullmer, a junior, took 1^st place in the 10-minute Playwriting Competition at the Utah Theatre Association’s annual Theatre Conference recently held at Weber State University.

High school students from all over the State of Utah attended and Sarah competed against 55 others in her category, winning a cash prize of $300.00. In addition, Sarah’s play, a mystery titled “9.52” was read at the conference.

We are very proud of Sarah for this amazing accomplishment. Keep up the great work in theatre!

Please join us for the Jordan School District January Job Fair. We have openings in a wide variety of areas, all supporting students and education. You can explore positions like working in transportation, as bus drivers, classroom assistants, custodians, cafeteria workers, substitute teachers, and more.

Join our amazing team. We hope to see you soon!

• WHAT: The JSD January Job Fair
• WHEN: Wednesday, January 24, 6 – 8 p.m.
• WHERE: Copper Mountain Middle School, 12106 South Anthem Park Blvd. (5600 West)

It was a proud and patriotic day for students, teachers, and staff at Foothills Elementary School and one the school’s head custodian, Favio Gonzalez, will never forget. You see Principal Abe Yospe decided to gather everyone for a big surprise to honor Mr. Gonzalez after he learned the beloved custodian had successfully passed his American citizenship exam.

When Mr. Gonzalez walked into the gymnasium, students erupted with enthusiasm, chanting his name in an emotional moment that meant the world to the new American citizen. Students sang patriotic songs and presented Mr. Gonzalez with an American flag, along with a Uruguay flag from his home country. To make the moment even more special, the Gonzalez family showed up as part of the surprise, hugging Favio with tears of pride and happiness.

Mr. Gonzalez thanked everyone and told students anything in life is possible if you work hard to achieve your goals and dreams.

Congratulations, Mr. Gonzalez!