InTech Spring Formal

This spring Jeff attended his school’s formal dance. It wasn’t officially a “Prom” because students could attend with or without dates. Jeff asked Marquessa to be his date. Luckily his friend Walt has a driver’s license and was willing to drive.

After spending more than a few hours on the “Application to Date My Daughter” provided by Marquessa’s parents, Jeff was ready to go. He rented a Tux from the Kater Shop. He wasn’t into any of the trendy styles but instead was going for the authentic 30s look. White dinner jackets were not available in his size so he went with a black jacket with “peaked” lapels, a traditional tuxedo shirt with black tie and vest. He looked great. Marquessa also wore black and white.

The “day date” was a picnic lunch at Lundstrom Park. Shauna made the chicken salad croissants and the boys provided the rest. That evening they all had dinner at Iron Gate Grill before heading to the dance. Dave and Shauna happened to be out on the motorcycle that evening and decided to drive by to check it out. The dance was very small but looked like a lot of fun.

Jeff got a little extra mileage out of his tux by wearing it to church the next day. He looked great!

Konner's Pogo Stick Featured in Yearbook

Konner and his pogo stick make quite an impression! He took it to school once or twice during the year and his skills landed him a feature in the school yearbook.

Jeff Wins Toshiba Award

Since 1992, more than 220,000 students from across the United States and Canada have competed in ExploraVision - a national competition sponsored by Toshiba and the National Science Teacher Association. ExploraVision encourages kids to create and explore a vision of future technology by combining their imaginations with the tools of science. All inventions and innovations result from creative thinking and problem solving.

Last year Jeff worked with 3 other students to submit a project as part of his science class. The project earned honorable mention at the regional competition. That's what ExploraVision is all about. He and 3 other students submitted a project which received honorable mention at the regional level. Their innovation was a way to re-generate nerves in individuals with spinal cord injuries.

This year his group won the regional competition and was one of 6 finalists considered for national recognition. Their project this year utilizes electroactive polymers to replace damaged muscles.

A Toshiba representative traveled to Logan to present the award in front of the school. His team was invited to describe the project on a local radio broadcast as well as receiving coverage in the Herald Journal and the Salt Lake Tribune.

Jeff's already planning a project for next year. Hopefully his team will be one of the two recognized at a ceremony in Washington DC!

Spring Soccer

Once again we had 2 kids playing soccer this spring. Salem and Daisy both had successful seasons. After playing a year of competitive soccer, Daisy played on a "Rec" team this spring. As a result, she was one of the most experienced players on the team. I think she scored in every game she played -- often multiple times. One highlight was when she won the game with a last second goal. And she actually scored it with a kick-off! Her team was very successful and won all but 1 game.

Salem played for one of the only soccer coaches he's ever had - his dad! He also was a standout on his team. Not only could he score goals nearly at will, but he was especially good at finding teammates to pass to. Sometimes these passes resulted in goals but other times they didn't. In one case, the player he was passing to even tripped over the ball when it came to him because he wasn't expecting a pass! In one game Salem scored the teams only 2 goals - both with penalty kicks.

Our last soccer experience this spring was a fun one. Dave organized a team party for his team. We all met at the soccer field and played a game – parents VS kids. The parents won – in part because of Shauns's outstanding goal keeping skills!

Salem receives Hope of America Award

Salem recently received another award at Greenville. The Hope of America award is sponsored by the local Kiwanis organization and recognizes and encourages students who have demonstrated academic accomplishments, leadership and good character. A boy and a girl from each 5th grade class at Greenville Elementary were presented the award. It was awarded at a 5th grade assembly a couple weeks ago. Dave was a little late arriving from work but managed to walk in just as they announced Salem's name.

The Hope of America award recognizes and encourages students who have demonstrated academic accomplishments, leadership and good character. These students should be potential leaders who have sustained our democratic way of life and exhibited outstanding citizenship traits. Criteria for selection of a recipient includes:

• Capacity for leadership (self‐discipline)
• Ethical and moral character
• Academic competency (general studies)

Selection will not only be made on the basis of high I.Q. or academic achievement, but also on demonstrated leadership and character combined with consistent devotion to the acquisition of learning skills. It is our goal to challenge youths to excel in school and to dedicate themselves to strengthening their character and leadership skills.

Way to go Salem!