Elizabeth Spencer | American Fork Citizen

For nine years, Lindsay Griffiths has been running the American Fork Youth Cavemen Cheer Program, changing the lives of numerous youth in our community. Lindsay volunteers hundreds of hours annually to young women in grades Kindergarten through ninth grade. The program gives girls a place to connect and find belonging.

Lindsay is a stay-at-home mother of four who says she will do anything for her children, calling herself an “overly-involved helicopter mother.” When her daughter, Ellie, was in the seventh grade, Lindsay was asked to take over the program. The original Cavemen Cheer involved just a small group of teams, mainly serving junior high students. Since taking over the program, Lindsay has grown the teams to include Kindergarten through sixth grade. Each grade has a team led by one to two coaches.

“American Fork is so lucky to have someone like her willing to run a program like this. She continues to grow the program each year, and it just keeps getting better and better,” shared Jen Rutter, whose eighth grade daughter has been cheering with Cavemen Cheer since she was very young.

“I think it brings them together, a place to fit in,” Lindsay remarked about the program. The girls who participate from K-6 enter American Fork Junior High School with friends already made from various elementary schools in the area. Lindsay said the program creates lifelong friendships.

The kickoff to cheer season begins with tryouts in March and concludes in November with a final cheer competition at Utah Valley University. During the season, the girls cheer at football games and participate in local competitions. The cheerleaders are welcomed into the program with an opening social for team bonding.

One of the highlights of the program and Lindsay’s favorite event during the season is Cheer Camp. During this time, the girls work hard on choreography and get to spend the evening in a local hotel with their teammates.

“It’s less about how great you are as a cheerleader and more about team bonding, learning how to be a leader and a better person altogether. That’s what she strives for in the program,” said Ellie, one of Lindsay’s three daughters, who also helps coach a team.

Lindsay ensures the cheerleaders are outfitted in the best attire. If a girl makes the cheer squad and Lindsay learns there is financial strain in the family, she personally sponsors that cheerleader. She sponsors two to three girls a year for cheer.

Lindsay says she has watched the girls as they grow up in the program. “There’s nothing better than walking into the high school football games when the little girls are in their uniforms,” she shared.

“I couldn’t do it without the coaches,” said Lindsay of the program, which includes over 120 youth.

Toni Ozuna has been coaching with Lindsay for the past six years. “It’s amazing to see how much she has built the program over the years to make it inclusive and give every girl who has wanted to be a part of a team that opportunity. She is an incredible director and, more than that, person. I have seen her show up in this community in so many ways, giving back anonymously, never wanting credit for anything she does. I’m so blessed to be a part of her program,” shared Ozuna.

Shayla Welch has been working for nine years as head coach under Lindsay’s program. She trains and choreographs the cheerleaders’ routines. “I think it really does build kids up,” said Welch of Caveman Cheer. She noted the program gives cheerleaders the option to compete, but not at the same intense level as some programs, and since it’s not year-round, it’s more affordable.

“Making friends is so tough nowadays, so I love that this really brings the team together and helps them make friends. Especially that really awkward age, like sixth or seventh grade, when you go into junior high and there are so many people. It’s nice that you already have friends from your team,” said Welch.

Aside from the friendships formed through Lindsay’s program, Welch added if there is ever a problem, Lindsay will figure it out and will always know what to do. “She always has your back,” Welch added.

“It’s been awesome to work under her, both as an employee and as a daughter. She’s a great mom and a great caregiver,” said Ellie of her mother. Ellie grew up cheering and has been coaching with her mom for years. When asked about her mom, she replied, “She goes above and beyond with everything she does. She is always thinking about others, and she doesn’t know how to put herself first, which has helped me become the person I am today.”

Sky Houghton has been coaching under Lindsay for over two years. She said Lindsay hires coaches with strong backgrounds who know what they are doing. “I learned my technique, tumbling and all my dancing from her program,” said Houghton of her training with Cavemen Cheer.

She admires Lindsay’s loyalty. “She’s a ride-or-die for anyone,” shared Houghton, “I admire her commitment. She’s very responsible. I just love and admire her; she’s my favorite person.”

“You can tell she loves what she does, and she is so good at it. She’s organized and more on the ball than anyone I have ever met. Through this experience, we have grown to love Lindsay and have gained a good friend out of it,” added Rutter of Lindsay’s service to the program.

Lindsay’s youngest daughter, Lexi, is a Junior at American Fork High School and cheers on the school’s varsity squad. When asked about her mother’s service, Lexi replied, “She does everything above and beyond to help everyone get to where their best is.” Lexi noted her mother’s attention to detail in serving the girls and how she makes everything perfect. She said her mom gives the girls love and support for everything in their lives and helps them become better people.

Although the regular cheer season has ended for the year, Lindsay recently put together an accelerated competition team involving 34 cheerleaders from grades six through 10. This team started training in November and will compete through April in state and national championships.

“I think with the coaching staff she has behind this and with her connection, I could see this team going pretty far,” concluded Houghton.

If your daughter would like to get involved in the 2026 cheer season, follow @afcavemencheer on Instagram. Registration for K-6 grades and tryouts for seventh through ninth grades will take place the week of March 23.

In honor of Lindsay’s example of service and loyalty, Chick-fil-A in American Fork has graciously provided a celebratory meal for the Griffiths family.

April Slaughter | American Fork Citizen

Dan Peterson School in American Fork, Utah, hosted its seventh annual Wax Museum event on Fri. Nov.14, giving students with disabilities a chance to research, dress up, and present their chosen historical figures to families, peers, and district leaders. The event underscored the school’s mission to provide equal opportunities for its students while showcasing creativity and resilience.

The Wax Museum is a familiar project across the Alpine School District, where students typically select a historical figure or notable personality, prepare a short biography, and present it in costume. At Dan Peterson School, which serves children with disabilities from preschool through 12th grade, assignments are adapted to meet a wide range of abilities. Teachers and staff provide support through assistive technology, communication devices, and individualized instruction, ensuring that every student can participate meaningfully.

Robbie Cromwell, an elementary teacher at the school, explained that students begin selecting their subjects in mid-October. Their choices vary widely, from historical leaders to fictional characters, depending on personal interests. Over several weeks, students gather information through reading, interviews, or multimedia resources. The Wax Museum event then becomes the culmination of that research, offering students a platform to share their work with families, district officials and classmates.

Because many students at Dan Peterson School are nonverbal, communication devices play a central role in their education. Tablets equipped with specialized apps or dedicated speech-generating devices allow students to deliver rehearsed lines and interact with visitors. This technology bridges the gap between research and presentation, enabling students to “come to life” when prompted by an audience member. Cromwell noted that the adaptations make the project feasible and empowering, allowing students to showcase their knowledge in ways that feel authentic.

The Wax Museum has become a tradition at the school since its opening in 2013. Each year, the event draws families and community members, who see firsthand how inclusive educational practices create opportunities for students with disabilities. For the children, standing in costume and presenting their chosen figure is a moment of pride and accomplishment. For parents and educators, it is a reminder of the importance of accessibility and equal opportunity in education.

The project also highlights the collaborative effort behind the scenes. Teachers, aides, and families work together to prepare costumes, rehearse presentations, and troubleshoot technology. The result is a showcase that feels polished yet deeply personal, reflecting each student’s individuality.

Now in its seventh year, the Wax Museum continues to grow. Staff members hope to expand opportunities by integrating more multimedia elements, such as video recordings and interactive displays, to enhance accessibility further. The event demonstrates how creativity and adaptability can transform a traditional school project into a celebration of resilience and inclusion.

For Dan Peterson School, the Wax Museum is more than an academic exercise. It is a symbol of what education can achieve when accessibility is embraced. By adapting a common tradition to meet the needs of students with disabilities, the school ensures that every child has the chance to research, present, and shine.

Brynn Carnesecca | American Fork Citizen

Natalie Southwick and her family turn their heartache into a hopeful tradition each December. To honor and remember her son, Tanner Southwick, Natalie hosts a Christmas tree lighting in American Fork. This year, the festivities will be hosted at the Southwick’s home and are open to the public.

Two years ago in the summertime, Tanner, 42, tragically took his own life. The loss sent ripples through his family and community, both in Lehi and American Fork.

“From the time he was young, he always loved Christmas. He was a fun dad, husband and son because he loved Christmas music, the lights, giving gifts and all those things,” Natalie shared.

After his passing, the Southwick family decided they wanted to host a Christmas-themed event to honor him and do some good in the community. The first year in 2023, the family decided to partner with The Road Home, one of Tanner’s favorite local organizations, to help the needy in the community. From the first year, the community loved the event and brought their families and friends. What began with a few close friends and family has now become a favorite community tradition.

Last year, the family partnered with Forbes Elementary, where Tanner attended elementary school, to give clothing donations to kids in need. If items can’t be used by the kids, Tabitha’s Way takes the items and gives them to the public. The event also includes hot chocolate, firepits, Santa visits and a special Christmas tree lighting.

“Selfishly, it’s been a fun way to keep his memory alive,” Natalie expressed. “It didn’t matter if you were a friend or a family member…he would love to give you a gift. He was fun that way.”

The event has been a unique way to bring people together from both Lehi and American Fork.

“We invite anybody who would like to come,” Natalie said. “The people that we have invited have been so responsive. We try to make it festive. … It felt right and it still does.”

Tanner’s family, including his wife and three children, has loved having the opportunity to make something beautiful of this tragedy.

“We really do it in [Tanner’s] honor because he was such a giving person. He was willing to give the shirt off his back,” Natalie said.

Through the lighting, Natalie has found additional peace amidst the difficult situation.

“It’s just a connection with family and friends. It puts it all in perspective because of Christmas and the birth of the Savior,” Natalie shared. “It brings the true meaning of Christmas. … It has nothing to do with us. It’s so neat to see people come together, help and be a part of something that is so important in the world today.”

The Christmas tree lighting event will be held on Dec. 2 from 6-7:30 p.m. at 565 E. King Street in American Fork. Santa will arrive at 6:15 p.m., and treats will be free to all in attendance. Clothing donations are encouraged, and the event is free to the public.

Megan Wallgren | American Fork Citizen

Local high school senior Jade Tolman has earned one of the nation’s rarest and most prestigious distinctions for students seeking a military career: a Presidential Nomination to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Only about five students nationwide receive this nomination each year.

For most applicants, entry to West Point requires a congressional nomination from a U.S. senator or representative. Tolman’s path, however, was different.

“I got a weird nomination,” she said with a laugh. “Mine came from the President, the Vice President, and the Secretary of the Army. It has all three signatures.”

Securing even a standard nomination demands an exceptional academic, physical and leadership record. A Presidential Nomination puts Tolman, a senior at the Utah Military Academy in Lehi, among the elite.

To qualify, she first had to meet strict athletic requirements. Tolman is a multi-sport varsity athlete in volleyball, cross country, and Raiders, a military fitness team specializing in obstacle courses and endurance challenges.

Academically, Tolman exceeded expectations. She earned a 28 on the ACT, a 1290 on the SAT, and a 93 on West Point’s Army Vocational Aptitude test. Although her high school doesn’t offer AP Capstone, she found her own way to pursue rigorous coursework. She completed two associate degrees and two university certificates through Utah Valley University, accumulating 75 college credits before graduation. She went on to earn a neurology certification from the University of Utah and even completed several Harvard online courses, as she put it, “for kicks and giggles.”

She credits her school counselors and teachers for supporting her demanding schedule. She took 19 classes in 12 class periods, working through both her high school and Utah Online School. “Anything I needed, they said, ‘Yep, we’ve got you,’” she shared.

Tolman has also shown herself as a strong leader with proven character. She participates in 21 extracurricular activities and has taken leadership roles in 17 of them. Her involvement spans National Honor Society, Kitty Hawk Air Society, peer tutoring, the school’s speech and debate team, the M Club and community service. She also served on Kroger’s national Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Youth Advisory Council, a group of only 15 students selected from across the country.

“It was one heck of a process,” she said. “Everything is based on point values, and I landed in the top five percent of candidates.”

Tolman qualified for the Presidential Nomination because of both her achievements and her family’s service background. Presidential Nominations are only open to family of military members or those serving in Junior ROTC. She has completed JROTC, and her brother, Marcus Tolman, serves in the Army and previously attended West Point. She also has an uncle who is a Marine.

Jade says her desire to join the military began around age 11, inspired largely by her brother. “He was a huge inspiration. He’d wake up for 5 a.m. runs every day, help anyone who needed it, and stay up with me all night if that’s what I needed.”

Meeting veterans and service members deepened her motivation. “They all had this ideal that you always take care of each other and always show up. I loved that community,” she said.

At West Point, Tolman hopes to pursue a dual commission in medical services and special warfare. The position would place her as a medical officer attached to special operations units, providing hands-on care in high-need environments and working with international coalitions. She aims to take part in humanitarian efforts and military missions in places where medical support might not otherwise reach.

“I’ve always wanted to be that person. To introduce medicine, to help where help wouldn’t come otherwise,” she said. Tolman hopes to make the Army a full career, typically lasting about 20 years.

For Tolman, military service is fully committing to serve the community. “If you put everything into it and genuinely try to be better, that’s all it takes,” she said. “Students don’t realize how much impact they can have just by saying yes when someone needs help.”

Tolman expects to report to West Point in June 2026.

“I’m so excited,” she said. “It’s a community of people who are constantly striving for the betterment of themselves and everything around them. I can’t wait to be part of that.”

Megan Wallgren | American Fork Citizen

When the recent government shutdown temporarily halted SNAP benefits, families in Alpine School District, where more than one in five students relies on free or reduced-price meals, felt the squeeze.
In a district where so many students rely on subsidized meals during the school day, losing supplemental food assistance at home intensified food insecurity almost overnight. With 17,455 students qualifying for assistance — 13,184 on free lunch and 4,271 on reduced lunch — the sudden interruption in federal support created an urgent need for help at home.
To fill that gap, student food pantries throughout the district became a critical lifeline. Food pantries can be found at Lehi and Skyridge High Schools and in Lehi Junior, Viewpoint and Willowcreek middle schools. Many local elementary schools have also set up resources for students and their families.
Many of these pantries, operated by schools and supported by the Alpine School District Foundation, local nonprofits and community donations, saw a noticeable increase in demand within days of the SNAP suspension.
At River Rock Elementary, staff recognized that more students were going without reliable meals over the weekend, prompting the school to revive its Weekend Backpack Warriors program. Originally launched a few years ago, the initiative provides students with easy-to-prepare meals and snacks tucked discreetly into backpacks on Fridays.
Thanks to generous donations from families, community members and staff, River Rock distributed approximately 800 meals in October alone to students and families experiencing food insecurity. School leaders said they were overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity shown by parents, employees and community partners. They expect the numbers to grow in the coming months.
In addition to weekly food bags, River Rock Elementary will provide complete Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner meals to families in need. Its Sub for Santa initiative has already surpassed previous years’ levels of support. With help from Tabitha’s Way, the ASD Foundation, school employees and local community members, River Rock is working to ensure families have a brighter and more stable holiday season.
At North Point Elementary, the school community has rallied to support families facing food insecurity during the holidays. This Thanksgiving, the PTA partnered with Pioneer Market to provide 25 complete Thanksgiving meals for families in need. An additional 20 meals were donated by Tabitha’s Way. Families within the school community contributed funds, allowing even more support to families in need.
Each participating family receives a certificate to pick up a meal at the grocery store, along with tried-and-true recipes and a heartfelt message of love, offering both a practical and personal touch during a challenging time.
The PTA is also extending its efforts into the Christmas season. This year, they created a website featuring Christmas wish lists for North Point families in need. Community members can view the lists, purchase gifts, wrap them and bring them to the school.
The response to the SNAP crisis has demonstrated the strength and generosity of the Lehi community. Even as some federal benefits resume, school leaders emphasize that food pantries and school-based assistance programs will remain essential. These programs not only provide stability during emergencies like the shutdown but also support families during weekends, holidays and personal hardships throughout the year.

Jennifer Thomas | American Fork Citizen

For two decades, Shelley Olson has been a community cornerstone, raising a family and running two businesses, yet it is her unwavering strength that sets her apart as an example to many in Lehi City.

Olson is an avid sports fan who has passed her enthusiasm for sports on to her children, all of whom actively participate in the various youth sports programs that Lehi City offers. Olson also prioritizes her family’s involvement in community events.

“I am a big sports fan, including soccer, baseball and basketball. I love to take the kids to all the things offered in Lehi. It is important for me to be involved so I know what my kids are interested in and who they spend their time with,” said Olson.

Olson has operated a hair salon out of her home for 20 years. She has not only forged lifelong friendships but has been a source of encouragement for all of her clients. 

“I have come to know that styling hair is more than a service; it is also about being around women of like minds and making connections. I feel it is important to create a safe space where clients can feel heard and uplifted, so when they leave my chair, they feel beautiful inside and out—and their hair looks good too,” Olson shared.

She also runs a second business, “Three Seasons,” with two of her friends in which they grow their own flowers and sell arrangements of them.

“A passion is my little flower business I share with my two friends. This happens every Friday. We love getting together and sharing our love for others in the community with our home-grown flowers,” she said.

Olson also spends time baking bread for friends and neighbors and serving the community with thoughtful acts of love and kindness. She has been known to do an up-do for prom to help young women feel pretty.

“I first became inspired to help when others so generously helped me,” said Olson. “I was raised on a dairy farm in Idaho. I had a large family and, in times of need, there were always neighbors, friends and ward members who helped us without hesitation. It made me appreciate their service and kindness, and now I try to pay it forward with small acts of love.”

Olson is happily married to Zach, and they have five children who range in age from 6-20. They attend schools in Lehi and enjoy simple things. Their passion for life translates into positive and inspiring attitudes, and for that, Olson is grateful.

“All of my kids have a passion for life, and I could not be more proud of them,” said Olson.

Family and community are important to Olson. She recognizes that these relationships provide essential emotional support, security, a sense of belonging that shapes values, identity and resilience, and she hopes she is instilling that same love and confidence in her children.

“Family and community are important because, in the end, that is all we have: our relationships. It is important for me to serve others because not only do they benefit from the love I am sharing, but I am also teaching my family to be generous and kind so they can gain confidence from the good feelings associated with kindness,” said Olson.

She has overcome many challenging experiences and has had a difficult learning curve in both learning how to give and how to receive from others. As a mother and a widow at age 25, Olson’s difficulties have not only helped her to develop inner strength but also a greater faith in her beliefs.

“My faith and resilience were greatly strengthened when my first husband, Jordan Mingo, was killed in an airplane crash,” said Olson. “We had three small children under the age of five when he died, and I was overwhelmed with anguish. I felt helpless, scared and alone in raising them.

“I thought I always had enough faith to endure hard things, because I grew up with it, but maybe I took it for granted because when this tragedy suddenly happened, I realized that I had a lot of room to grow.

“While trying to survive this tragedy, I became more reliant on God for strength and for understanding. I learned that I wasn’t alone and that God sends angels to help. I had many angels that helped me with my three kids. One took out my garbage for five years after my first husband died. Another mowed my lawn for five years. My LDS ward family and church leaders stepped in and helped in ways that I didn’t think I needed, but I was so grateful that they saw the needs. My friends and neighbors truly raised me up when I was down and helped me gain the strength to manage the tragedy,” said Olson.

“I was told by someone who loved me that this experience could go two ways: I could be ‘bitter or better.’ I decided to get better by exercising my faith, allowing others to help me, and by serving others, even when it was humbling to admit that I needed help.

“On dark days, I realized that if I served someone else, my burdens were lifted and my prayers were answered,” continued Olson.

“The death of a husband has made me realize that this earth life is only a small part of a big picture. My kids were a great blessing during that time because I had to get up and keep going for them. I wanted to be a good example so they could learn what to do when hard times come to them. I have learned that you have to feel sorrow; it is all part of God’s plan,” said Olson.

Olson has accomplished many great things, but she feels that her greatest accomplishment is her five children.

“Being a mom and watching them learn and have their own relationships with God is my greatest joy,” said Olson.

Olson gives credit to the many generous and kind people of Lehi who have helped her become stronger and better. She hopes her example to “keep going” will inspire those that have encouraged her.

“I want those in Lehi to know that nothing is impossible with God’s help and with a community that shows up in times of need,” said Olson.

In honor of Olson’s example of strength and for the incredible ways she gives back, Chick-fil-A in American Fork has graciously provided a celebratory meal for the Mingo/Olson family.

Donna Barnes | American Fork Citizen
There was not a dry eye in the congregation last week at the end of Calvin Smith’s farewell address before he leaves on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Calvin has been an inspirational young man for many years and continues to be a role model for those who know him.

Calvin’s story is not new. His long and difficult struggles have been shared in news stories for the last few years. He was diagnosed with cancer when he was nine. At that time, surgeons removed a large tumor from the left side of his brain, and he has had seven surgeries since. While speaking, Calvin unemotionally said that his condition was terminal.

In high school, mountain biking became his passion, and the Lehi area mountain biking community became his friends and support group. As a result of his surgeries, he has lost all movement in his right side and can’t see out of his right eye or move his right arm. He walks haltingly. He is very matter-of-fact when describing his journey. He continues to ride a specially adapted bike provided by Skyridge High School students and families.

Last summer, Calvin and his family took a trip to Lake Powell. Calvin was determined to jump off one of the steep cliffs into the reservoir. “All my buddies jumped off the cliff and I thought, ‘I can do that.’” The cliff was 80 feet high. After some hesitation, he took the mighty leap.
“I felt an adrenaline rush when I hit the water. As I tried to push my way to the top, I felt like I had to pass out. I honestly didn’t care if I didn’t make it, but something made me push up,” he said.

After reaching the top of the water, his feet touched the ground, and then he passed out. In a subsequent trip to the doctor, they discovered he had broken his back in the leap.

Calvin’s faith and courage have been on display in many different situations. He accompanied a friend with some local missionaries to visit a family with a son who was struggling with some church-related issues. After the visit with Calvin, the boy’s father called Calvin’s father, Ryan. The boy’s dad said that Calvin’s example of faith and courage had so inspired his son that he was considering a mission.

One of Calvin’s Young Men advisors, Matt Redd, describes him, “I was impressed at his determination to stay involved and maintain his independence. He continues to try to live life to the fullest, even rafting with the young men on the Snake River over the ‘Lunch Counter’ rapid during peak runoff. I have never seen Calvin complain or get angry. He always maintains his composure even at times when he must be frustrated.”

Calvin was asked for advice for anyone going through a difficult time. “Make it to the end of the day. You can do it. Then push through another day. Push through your adversity. No handicap can stop me, and it cannot stop you,” he said.

“I have had tremendous support from many. Of course, my family —my mother, Melanie, my father, and my siblings. I appreciate J.T. and Michelle Taylor. They are like my mountain biking family. I have many friends and ward members who have helped me.”

Calvin specifically mentioned the outstanding care from Dr. Whipple at Primary Children’s Hospital.

Calvin has been and continues to be a source of inspiration to many. He will soon begin his service mission in Saratoga Springs, where he will teach math to African students through the BYU Pathways program. “I am still good at math,” he joked.

In a time when some describe our youth as entitled or lazy, Calvin is a beacon of resilience, faith, courage and determination. In his nineteen years, he has influenced more people for good than many do in a lifetime.

Elizabeth Spencer | American Fork Citizen

Caroline Knadler, principal at Barratt Elementary, and teacher Sherilyn Rawlings from American Fork Junior High were honored for their exceptional service at a special Utah State gala with Governor Spencer Cox and his wife, Abby. The event was hosted by the Deseret News along with Show Up for Teachers, Success in Education, and the Robert H. and Katharine B. Garff Foundation. Educators were honored at the gala dinner and presented with a glass trophy, a laptop and a gift card.

Caroline Knadler

“It was a very pleasant surprise,” shared Knadler of the nomination. She learned via email on the last day of school in May that she had been nominated. She was recognized for her community-building, her passion for school spirit and her efforts to make everyone proud of Barratt Elementary.

Knadler was nominated by Leslie Lyon, one of Barratt’s first-grade teachers. “It means a lot to me that one of the teachers I work closely with thought of me and took the time to nominate me. I am passionate about doing what I can to take care of our teachers; their success means our students are successful,” she added.

In the nomination Lyon wrote of Knadler’s “force for positivity in her life.” The expression touched Knadler. “I strive each and every day to approach life, specifically my responsibilities as a principal, to be positive and focused on the future. So it means a lot that it is noticed by others. It felt beyond amazing to read what was written about me.”
Knadler always wanted to be a teacher and then a principal. While in AP U.S. History in high school, she began thinking about attending law school. Her teacher encouraged her to still follow her dreams of education. He told her she could do it all, but in this order: “teach, be a principal, and then go to law school.” Knadler followed her teacher’s advice and accomplished all three.

Knadler received her Bachelor of Science in elementary education and later her Master of Education in educational leadership from Brigham Young University. She then earned her juris doctorate from the California School of Law.

She taught at Legacy Elementary before assisting principals at Cedar Ridge and Deerfield Elementaries. She was later hired as the principal at Deerfield, where she spent six years, and is now in her fifth year as principal at Barratt Elementary.

A few years after achieving her goal of becoming a principal, Knadler began to think it might be time to go to law school. Her parents encouraged her to consider a doctorate or a law degree, and she ultimately did as her teacher had encouraged her way back in high school.
During her time at law school, Knadler would share this love of learning with her students: “I wanted them to know that I value education so much that I was still in school myself.”

Knadler knows the names of all her students, including hundreds, if not thousands, of children in our area. “My entire educational career has been in and around this wonderful community of American Fork. I think this is such an amazing town and love how supportive all the citizens are of their schools,” wrote Knadler.

Sherilyn Rawlings

“Mrs. Rawlings is an incredible junior high math teacher. And I think pretty much everything in that last sentence requires some sort of superhuman. Yet somehow, she loves it and sparks curiosity about math.” These were just a few words a parent at American Fork Junior High used to describe Sherilyn Rawlings in her nomination.

Rawlings, who is in her eighth year of teaching math at AFJH, said she was “honored and super touched by someone taking the time to tell someone that they did a good job.”

Rawlings attended Pleasant Grove High School and graduated from BYU. She taught at Grove Crest and Lindon Elementaries and even owned her own preschool before being hired as a part-time math teacher at AFJH.

“I have a passion for public education. I love the kids; they are the favorite part of my job. I don’t need fame and fortune, that’s not why I do my job. I do it because I love the kids. I love how I feel and the difference I can make,” she shared.

Rawlings was honored to be nominated, but also remembered her fellow colleagues who aren’t always acknowledged for their selfless service. “I feel like a lot of educators fly under the radar where they don’t get the recognition they deserve.”

The parent who nominated Rawlings shared how Rawlings attended one of her daughter’s violin concerts. “I’m in a place in my life where I can offer support outside of the classroom,” said Rawlings of her efforts to support her students’ extracurricular activities.

The nomination continued, “In talking with her one time, she mentioned that she tries to support the students individually because, she said, ‘If they feel loved personally, there’s nothing they won’t do for you academically!’ At lunch and after school, hers is the room you go to when you feel you have nowhere to go. She’s the teacher who signs every yearbook with something personal. She’s the teacher that all the students go back and visit every year. She is invited to her students’ orchestra concerts, band concerts, and community plays, and she GOES to them. In short, she’s the kind of teacher who embodies ‘SHOWING UP’ for her students.”

Rawlings said she really likes teaching junior high because that age group is still so moldable and pliable. She recognizes that the students actually rise when someone believes in them.
Her nomination added, “Rawlings sparks curiosity and intellect — and somehow gets junior high kids who aren’t excited about pretty much anything to be excited about math (of all things!).”

Her nomination concluded, “Mrs. Rawlings goes above and beyond what any teacher would have to do, what any good teacher would naturally do, and is that once-in-a-lifetime teacher who not only teaches math, but teaches every child that they are loved and worth loving. The results are nothing short of extraordinary; students feel the support in their growth and achievement in every aspect of their lives. As a result, they become the exceptional kids that she’s made them feel they are.”

Brynn Carnesecca | American Fork Citizen

Greg and Becca Screnock never planned to be parents. But, when they found out they were pregnant, the couple was over the moon. Around 25 weeks into the pregnancy, they discovered that their baby, Mari, had a rare condition called causing her legs to be drastically uneven. Without intervention, Mari’s legs will eventually have a 6” height difference.

The condition, posteromedial bowing, affects 1 out of every 1000 babies per year. To fix the problem and allow Mari the chance to walk, the couple needs to intervene in the next few years. However, the cost of the therapies required, and surgeries currently exceed their financial abilities. They are turning to the community for help.

Mari was born on January 23 of this year. She has already brought her family closer together, according to her parents.

“We fell in love with her from the minute she was born. We are first time parents and are transplants from Wisconsin and Nevada. We found a home in American Fork for the last five years,” Becca explained.

In the next few years Mari will need various medical attention to allow her to walk. With her tibia being too short, she would essentially need her bones broken to help her legs be an even length.

Already, the family said they have seen how kind the community has been to them. Alongside the newborn baby, the Screnocks also recently finished hosting a foster daughter for the last year. They have seen different individuals from the city donate various items, such as strollers, to help. With Greg carrying the family financially as a veteran and truck driver, kindness has been much needed.

“People are just nice in Utah,” Greg laughed. “It’s a good place to have and raise a kid.”

 As surprise parents, the family hopes to give Mari every chance to succeed and live a life where she could walk. Greg feels that the birth of Mari has led to him “loving everything more.” The small family has had their world turned upside down for the better.

“It’s changed our hearts in a way that is really profound,” Becca added.

To help offset the costs of treatment and surgery, the Screnocks have nominated Mari for the Baby of the Year competition. If she gets the most votes, the family would be awarded 25,000, which they would put towards her medical costs. They have also started a GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/0c44184dd

“We are so grateful for any community help or involvement, even if it’s just one free vote a day,” Becca expressed. “We are really grateful for the time to share our story and help us in any way.”

April Slaughter | American Fork Citizen

As porch lights flicker on and pumpkins glow across Utah County, Halloween casts its familiar spell. Children pull on costumes, neighbors open their doors, and the air fills with laughter, sugar, and just a hint of fear.

For many, that tiny dose of fear is precisely what makes Halloween so thrilling. Psychologists explain that our love of spooky fun runs deeper than haunted houses and ghost stories — it’s rooted in how our brains process fear itself. When people experience fright in a safe, controlled way, the body releases adrenaline and dopamine, the same chemicals that create excitement. This “safe fear” helps both children and adults practice courage, empathy, and problem-solving. From corn mazes to costume contests, Halloween offers a shared sense of adventure — a way to flirt with the dark while still feeling secure.

But even the safest scares can come with a few hidden hazards. Each October, emergency rooms and animal clinics see the same pattern of Halloween-night mishaps — and most of them are entirely preventable. Loose extension cords, fog machine cables, and inflatable decorations can trip even the most careful trick-or-treaters. A few minutes spent taping down cords or lighting walkways can make a big difference. Likewise, open flames from jack-o’-lanterns can quickly ignite costumes or porch décor, so swapping in LED candles or glow sticks keeps the mood spooky without the sparks.

Halloween can also be tough on our four-legged friends. The constant doorbell rings and sudden appearances of masked visitors can send pets into panic. Many animal emergencies happen when dogs or cats bolt through open doors or sneak treats from dropped candy piles. Keeping them in a quiet room for the evening helps them feel safe — and protects trick-or-treaters, too.

And while kids focus on costumes and candy, parents should be thinking about the weather. Temperatures in the Lehi and American Fork area often drop quickly after sunset. A few thin layers under a costume can keep children warm without making them bulky or hard to see. Parents might also want to do a quick costume safety check: make sure shoes fit well, fabrics don’t drag, and masks don’t limit visibility.

Even the details meant to add to the fun can cause trouble if handled carelessly. Face paints and adhesives can irritate skin, especially for younger children. Experts suggest testing makeup a day early, avoiding shared applicators, and washing everything off before bed. And while the age-old tradition of checking candy may feel unnecessary to some, it’s still a good opportunity to look for unwrapped treats or allergens — and maybe sneak a piece or two in the process.

The beauty of Halloween lies in its balance between fun and fear. Our bodies respond to fright with racing hearts and quick breaths, but once the perceived danger passes, the result is a rush of relief and laughter. That mix of tension and release can even lift mood, helping us feel stronger and more resilient. It’s the same chemistry that draws people to roller coasters, scary movies, or haunted houses — a thrill that ends safely in laughter.

For many Utah County families, the joy of Halloween comes from sharing those moments. Parents walk children from porch to porch, friends link arms through corn mazes, and neighbors trade candy and compliments. Fear becomes a kind of bonding — a shared story that connects us long after the decorations come down. Being scared together builds community; it reminds us that even when the night feels dark, we face it side by side.

Safety doesn’t have to dim that magic. A little awareness — clear walkways, calm pets, steady lights, and warm layers — keeps the evening joyful from the first knock to the final handful of candy. Halloween’s greatest trick is that it lets us dance with danger without ever really being in it. So go ahead, embrace the thrill — keep an eye on the cords, the candles, and the candy.

Because the best scares come from the stories we tell, not the ones we end up living.