Megan Wallgren | American Fork Citizen

On June 20, their wedding anniversary, Robert and Bliss Sawyer will dip the back tires of their touring bicycles into the Pacific Ocean in Bellingham, Washington, where they first met, and start their journey. Roughly three months later, they will roll onto a beach in New Jersey and place their front tires in the Atlantic Ocean.

As they ride, the Sawyers will be raising money for charity. “We are calling our ride Hope Across the USA, because of our hope to help people through our efforts, and to give hope to others,” Bliss said. “We are dedicating our ride to raising funds for Habitat for Humanity and Tabitha’s Way Food Pantry. Early in our planning, we came up with the slogan ‘Everyone Deserves a Warm Bed and a Full Belly,’ which inspires us to take on this formidable task.

“I needed a higher reason than just accomplishing something personally, and so we decided to make it a charity event,” Bliss said. The fundraising effort has already gained significant momentum, with more than $17,000 raised toward their $100,000 goal.
Bliss has been in the mortgage business for 35 years, and Robert has volunteered at Tabitha’s Way food pantry for the last 3 years, so it was an easy choice to support those organizations.

The Saratoga Springs couple will take the northern route across the US, a 4,000-mile trip with 142,000 feet of elevation gain. They’ll pass through Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey.

The Sawyars have had a cross-country ride on their bucket list for a while. Celebrating their years together with something they love to do together seemed like a natural fit.
The couple started riding bikes together in 2000 and enjoyed participating in 60 – 100-mile supported rides. Bliss set a goal to bike 50 miles in all 50 states, and that led the couple into bike camping.

“It’s completely unsupported,” said Bliss. We take all of our camp gear and cooking stuff on the bikes.” With no one following in a car to carry food and gear or pick them up if there’s trouble, it’s a challenging but rewarding experience. “It’s a super fun way to travel, you see things so differently than from a car. You meet people differently,” she said.

For this trip, the Sawyers will be doing a combination of camping, sleeping in hotels, staying with people they know along the route, and using warmshowers.org, a website that connects cycle tourists with other cyclists who are willing to open their homes to travelers for a short stay. They are hoping to finish in three months, barring injury, illness, or equipment problems.

While the journey is ambitious, the Sawyers have experience behind them. They have spent nearly two decades taking cycling trips throughout the United States, the United Kingdom and Norway. They have traveled by bicycle together for the last 12 years, with their longest trip covering about 1,100 miles.

Robert and Bliss know that many people find the idea crazy, but they credit their cycling hobby with keeping their marriage strong.

“It’s not a secret; you just keep going. We’ve gone through hard times, and we’re very different people from the ones we were when we married. Cycling is one of the reasons we’re still together,” said Robert. “Hard things make lifelong friends. The struggle we share brings us together. When it’s hard to do, and you’re doing it together, the victories you have form a tighter bond.”

As their departure date approaches, the couple is eager to stop training and begin the real adventure. They are especially looking forward to seeing parts of the country they have never explored before, including portions of the Allegheny Trail.

Family members, including their children, grandchildren, and parents, plan to be in Bellingham to send them off from the same place where their story began four decades earlier.

The Sawyers will share updates, photographs, and stories throughout the journey on their website, hopeacrosstheusa.com, and social media pages. To keep supporters involved, the Sawyers created a “Bike Bingo” game. Anyone who donates at least $25 and submits their donation receipt through the couple’s website or social media can participate. Each week, the couple will share stories and events from the road, allowing followers to mark off squares based on the surprising, funny and challenging experiences they encounter.

Beky Beaton / American Fork Citizen

If you were to meet nine-year area residents James and Karen Comish in a casual encounter, you would likely come away from it with the impression that they are a lot like many other retired couples in our neighborhoods – very nice modest people who quietly raised a family and served in their community.

That would be an accurate assessment, but what you wouldn’t know – unless it somehow came up in the conversation – was that their “community” was a little bit wider than that of the average person.

Colonel James Comish retired from the U.S. Army after 30 years of service and was recalled twice for two additional years when the Army needed his special skills during challenging periods. Karen has been at his side through all but his earliest years in BYU’s R.O.T.C. program, where he started in 1974.

Military memories of Colonel Leo Stanford Comish Jr.

James finished growing up in Ogden, the son of Colonel Leo Stanford Comish Jr., himself a 31-year Army veteran who served during World War II and was deployed twice to Vietnam.

James took a leave of absence during his tenure at BYU to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to south-central Texas, including the San Antonio and Houston areas. He and Karen were married in 1978, and he graduated from BYU and was commissioned in 1980.

That, Karen said, was when the real adventures began. James served in the Adjutant General’s Corps, AG for short, which is essentially the human resources department of the Army. Right out of the gate, the couple received their first overseas assignment: V Corps in Frankfurt, Germany.

“I was terrified,” Karen admitted. She had grown up in Illinois and hadn’t been very many places in the United States, let along other countries. But, they packed their bags and off they went. Their first two children were born during the three years they were there.

The next stop was the now-closed Ft. Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, where two more children joined the family in the following four years.

Then it was on to Personnel Command in Washington D.C. where the next child arrived, and the last made his appearance while James was in school at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas.

After he graduated in 1992, the family returned to Germany and spent most of nine years there, first in Frankfurt again, then Heidelburg and Tazar, Hungary, followed by Wurzburg and then finally Schweinfurt, which they said was their favorite station.

James plays the piano by ear and has composed the music and lyrics for more than 90 songs. One of them, about their beloved Schweinfurt, was adapted by that city and is played for newcomers and refugees who come to the area.

During the 1990s, the U.S. military was involved in a series of mostly limited engagements for specific purposes in far-flung areas of the world. James was deployed to Bosnia, Macedonia and elsewhere; two Comish sons have later served variously in Iraq, Afghanistan and Haiti.

James wrote his thesis on personnel operations during Desert Storm, and in the middle of this period he became involved in efforts to update the Army’s antiquated, laborious handwritten method of keeping track of soldiers.

He wanted to add encrypted bar codes to the back of Army ID cards to make it easier for soldiers to check in and out of assignments and use their commissary and other military privileges. His team worked with the vendor that supplied the cards to implement that idea.

James and his team also developed the gun and swipe scanners which were used to read the cards, and these were initially tested by special forces units in Rwanda. This capability is now widely adapted in many non-military applications, such as checking passengers on and off of cruise ships.

Eventually the system was refined in ways that vastly sped up meeting and balancing military manpower requirements as well as protecting confidential information about soldiers, and commanders took notice.

While on vacation in 1995, James was floating in a boat on a lake in Minnesota when he received a phone call from Dr. Edwin Dorn, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. He was summoned to Washington D.C., where he received a Federal Leadership Technology Award for his work.

James is now noted as the “Father of the PAS” – the Personnel Accounting System – which is still in use today, albeit with further technological refinements.

Karen never wore the uniform, but she found ways to make her own contributions. The one that she’ll be best remembered for is what she did in their final overseas assignment in Schweinfurt.

James was the Military Community Commander there, and her position as his wife gave her some operating room to implement her ideas.

She said, “It bothered me when I would hear military family members say things like ‘I hate it here.’ I decided we needed to do something about that.”

Upon arrival in Germany, incoming troops entered a two-week orientation course to acquaint them with their surroundings plus local culture and customs. Karen designed a parallel course for military spouses to help them get their feet under them in their new location.

She also persuaded the battalion commanders to give their soldiers one day off at the end of the course, when they would take a day trip of their choice with their spouse. This program was so successful in improving family adaptation and morale that it was adopted by many other Welcome Centers in Europe.

 Before the Comishes returned to the U.S. in 2000, they made sure that this course was integrated into the Army Community Service organization so it would continue after they were gone.

That same year, Karen received one of five annual worldwide Very Important Patriot Awards presented by the National Military Family Association. By then she had logged more than 1,800 hours of service in the cause of military families.

On this occasion, the Comishes once again found themselves in Washington D.C., where they were housed at the Ritz-Carlton and met members of Utah’s Congressional delegation, including Senators Orrin Hatch and Bob Bennett. They also ran into former Senator Bob Dole at the hotel.

James completed his Army career stateside, with assignments in Pennsylvania, Maryland and South Carolina. The couple spent three years in Idaho before moving to this area in 2017.

The Comish home is a showplace of multi-generational military memorabilia, including an extensive collection of military challenge coins. Karen focused on Hummel figurines, and also Polish pottery and corn husk dolls. They both enjoyed scouring European flea markets for interesting antique items.

Hand-painted pottery eggs from Poland.

Since retiring for good in 2012, the couple have turned their energy and creativity in new directions. Karen started collecting shells and has decorated her walls and shelves with not just individual pieces, but amazing and inventive works of art made from them.

Both have done extensive family history work, and they have filled several bookshelves with histories and family albums in matching custom-stamped binders. The Comish line originated on the Isle of Man, situated in the Irish Sea between Northern Ireland and northern England.

They have made several visits, and James has a collection of rocks which started with picking up pebbles on the beach there. He later tumbled these to a marble-like polish and has since added specimens from many other places.

Their latest project is to stage a one-day Trek experience for families in their local ward in July. Watch for a report on that in a future issue.

Brynn Carnesecca | American Fork Citizen

Every year, thousands of students from across the globe participate in foreign exchange student programs. This fall, six families will be hosting a student for the school year. The opportunity can be life-changing, creating a bond that lasts long after the exchange is over.

The Craguns are a family who have opened their home to an exchange student for the past year. Freda Lehmann, from Germany, has been part of their family for the past year as a student, friend, and new daughter.

“My dad told me about Ayusa,” Lehmann shared. “I went to a meeting with my mom and they were super nice.”

Lehmann uploaded her profile to the Ayusa website around June, including her interests, goals, and what she hoped to gain from the exchange opportunity. Soon, the Craguns found her profile and knew she would be a great fit in their family.

“When I looked at Freda, I was like, ‘That is the one,’” Jennifer Cragun said. “I looked at a lot… but nothing really clicked.”

When Lehmann heard the news, she was ecstatic.

“I started bawling in the middle of the train and everybody looked at me,” Lehmann laughed.
In the past, the Craguns hosted a student from Italy. They felt the experience bolstered them as a family and made them see the world differently. During the summer before Lehmann came, she had the chance to join a video call and meet the Craguns face-to-face. They immediately hit it off and looked forward to meeting at the airport in August.

When Lehmann got off the plane, she was greeted with colorful signs and a family she had already met online.

“I feel like from the first second it clicked. It wasn’t weird or anything at all. We all hugged each other,” Lehmann shared.

After their first meeting, Lehmann became a part of their family. From family reunions to chores, she quickly jumped into the family dynamic.

“She kind of just fit right in, and it worked out really great,” said daughter Sophia Cragun.
In addition to her home life, Lehmann had the opportunity to complete her junior year of high school in Mapleton. She loved taking unique classes, such as ceramics and baking, and competing on the school’s lacrosse and cross-country teams.

“I love the school spirits in the American high schools,” Lehmann said. “It’s so much more welcoming.”

Although Lehmann will be leaving at the end of June, her experiences in Utah have shaped her in many ways.

“It helped me to always make the best out of things,” Lehmann said. “I also learned to appreciate more things.”

The Craguns also feel like she has become a part of their family.

“I think it’s a really awesome experience,” Jennifer said. “I think it’s helpful if the whole family is on board.”

The Craguns are just one of the families who have hosted a student. Other families have reportedly found the experience to be a great fit for them.

“It’s this bond that goes on beyond the exchange here, which is really wonderful,” local Ayusa representative Jennifer Hawkins said. “That’s the best part of it. It’s like having another family member across the ocean.”

The Ayusa program is available to all interested families. Host families are expected to provide room and board and help students get to and from school. Jennifer Hawkins is available during the entire process to check in with the students and family. For more information, visit http://www.ayusa.org.

Brynn Carnesecca | American Fork Citizen

In the next few weeks, Dallin Lesher will graduate from Salem Hills High School. Lucky for him, Dallin doesn’t need to worry about rent, tuition or books. He has earned over $1.2 million in scholarships throughout his time in high school.

Dallin’s scholarship journey was partially influenced by his sister, Hannah Lesher, but mostly came from his sense of drive and commitment to higher education. Born in American Fork, Dallin’s achievement means big things for his future.

“I just started looking outside of the state and seeing what these places have that I would want. I didn’t stay strictly in Utah or around Utah, but looked around the whole country and applied everywhere,” Dallin said.

Most of his scholarships are merit scholarships given to him in recognition of his high GPA, course load and extracurricular activities. Out of all the scholarships offered, Dallin’s two largest scholarships came from the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Preparatory Program (NPP) scholarship at Norwich University in Vermont and a scholarship given to high-achieving scholars.

The NPP scholarship is given to students with a special interest in the military. Through the funds, students are enrolled in a five-year program that prepares them for the military and a career afterwards.

“I will finish my college, then owe four years in the military. After that, I can choose to stay in the military or go elsewhere,” Dallin explained.

The scholarships Dallin has accepted cover tuition, room and board, food and a bit extra on the side. Thanks to these funds, Dallin won’t have to worry about how to afford college.

“This means that I can start living my life sooner. I don’t have to worry about finding a job immediately,” Dallin said. “When I get out of the military, I can get a job and start working. Everything I earn can go towards what I want for the future. It gives me so many more opportunities.”

For Dallin’s mom, Emily, the scholarships are a great comfort.

“It’s a huge weight off our shoulders and a sigh of relief to have their college paid for and to have a path forward for the next decade,” Emily shared.

For anyone interested in getting scholarships either in or outside of Utah, Dallin encourages them to go for it.

“Apply for everything. It might be really tedious, but who else is going to give you a million dollars for free?” Dallin laughed. “If they give [the scholarship] to you, then you have an opportunity. It doesn’t mean you have to take it, but at least it’s on the table.”

After his time in college and in the military, Dallin hopes to give back to the youth in the community.

“I want to be a high school teacher. I love the relationships I’ve been able to have with my teachers. I know that a good teacher can make an incredible difference,” Dallin expressed. “ I’ve had personal experiences with that, and I want to be able to help people like me potentially get a million dollars in scholarships.”

Dallin plans to attend Norwich after graduating this May. On top of academics, he also has the chance to continue being a competitive swimmer in college.

Brynn Carnesecca | American Fork Citizen

Mary Woffinden has started a beginners country dance class in the heart of Lehi. The class is designed with learning in mind and has already become a favorite of many throughout the city.

Woffinden has been country dancing since 1985. When she was 15, she went to The Palace in Provo and fell in love.

“I had no idea I liked doing dance,” Woffinden said. “I actually learned I loved dance when I auditioned for Lehi High School’s drill team.”

Woffinden’s deep love of dance carried into adulthood. By day, she teaches traditional dance classes at Move Dance Studio. By night, she becomes a country swingin’ teacher with a passion to share.

Three months ago, she decided to start her own country dance lessons, Kick’N Country Swing, for anyone in the community. Her classes focus on the most basic level of country swing dance, rather than some of the more fusion-based lessons out there. Woffinden believes her style of teaching can help students learn more than they would otherwise.

“It allows for great success for the students because if you don’t have any background in dance, it’s really hard to learn all of these different moves,” Woffinden said. “It’s extremely basic, easy and fun.”

During class time, Woffinden encourages learners to frequently change partners. While optional, she believes swapping more often can help dancers know how to correctly lead and follow. It also provides an opportunity to meet more people and nail down new moves.

A typical class includes learning basic handhold position, framework, footwork and some dos and don’ts. Each class ends with a basic country line dance.

Once students feel confident enough, they can join a more intermediate class. The class builds on the basics and helps dancers to shine. No matter a student’s level, Woffinden encourages everyone interested to come and try.

“I promise success,” Woffinden said. “Dance has proven to be the #1 exercise to help mentally, physically and emotionally. You connect with other people and it helps with brain support.”

The class has been very successful, especially with those in the 30-70 age range. While many dance studios cater to a college or high school age crowd, Woffinden hopes to give everyone the chance to dance and connect.

“They love it,” Woffinden expressed. “For most of them, they had three or four moves they did all the time. They are so grateful not to be stuck in those moves.”

The beginning of Kick’N Country Swing has meant the world to Woffinden.

“When I see my students out in the wild at the dances and in the dance world, and I see them doing the moves I taught them, it makes me want to cry. I am seeing success and helping them make connections and broaden their world,” Woffinden said. “It’s very soul-fulfilling for me. I love dance, so if I can bring that joy to others, I have fulfilled my purpose.”

In the future, Woffinden hopes to expand to a teens camp and family country nights.

She also teaches private lessons for couples and individuals. Those interested in group lessons can sign up as an individual or a couple. No dance partner is required. For class times and more information, visit @kickncountryswing on Instagram. One class is $15 for individuals and $25 for couples.

Ryann Anderegg | American Fork Citizen

A beloved leader in local music was recognized in April as city officials honored his lasting impact on the arts community.

During the April 14 City Council meeting, John Miller, director of the Wasatch Winds Symphonic Band, received two prestigious awards, including a “Hero” award. Brad Frost also proclaimed May 4, 2026, to be “John Miller & Wasatch Winds Symphonic Band Day,” recognizing the group’s 20-year milestone.

Founded in 2006, Wasatch Winds was created to give adult musicians a place to continue performing after their school years had drawn to a close. Over the past two decades, the band has grown into a respected community ensemble, bringing live music to audiences across Utah County.

To celebrate the anniversary, the band will host a special concert on May 4 at 7 p.m. at the American Fork High School auditorium. In a tribute to its beginnings, the group will perform the same program from its inaugural 2006 concert.

The concert invitation also carries a playful theme, with organizers encouraging residents to attend under the slogan “May the 4th be with You and Us.” In addition to the music, refreshments will be served, creating a welcoming, community-centered atmosphere.

Admission is donation-based, greatly appreciated, and may be made at the door or online at www.wasatchwinds.org/tickets. Donating helps support the local live music community.

City leaders say the recognition reflects not only Miller’s influence as an educator and conductor, but also the importance of community arts. With members from all walks of life, Wasatch Winds continues to provide a place for musicians to connect, perform and keep music alive in American Fork.

Megan Wallgren | American Fork Citizen

American Fork High School senior Mazie Walters didn’t expect the level of success she’s had in her first year in the FCCLA program, but this summer, she’ll find herself among the country’s top competitors in Washington, D.C.

Walters qualified to compete in the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) National Leadership Conference, held July 5–11, by earning a gold rating and a top-two finish at the Utah state competition held in March.

“I was very excited. I wasn’t expecting it,” Walters said. “When I was setting up, I was looking at everyone else’s boards and thinking, ‘I don’t know if mine’s going to make it that far.’”

The FCCLA STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Events competition challenges students to apply real-world skills in career-focused categories. In Interior Design, competitors are all given the same scenario and must create a comprehensive design solution. This year’s project centered on a commercial retail space for a plant shop called “Bloom and Root.”

Participants were tasked with designing both the storefront and backroom to meet specific client needs, including layout requirements, square footage, functionality, and design elements.

Walters developed a full concept that incorporated workstations, a sales counter, display areas, and a workspace, along with samples of materials she would use in the design.

Walters’ final presentation at the state competition featured two poster boards displaying floor plans, elevations, material samples, color schemes, and design elements, including tables, counters and tile selections. In addition to the visual components, judges evaluated competitors heavily on their speaking and presentation skills.

As she prepares for the next stage, Walters will have the opportunity to refine her project based on the judges’ feedback. While she plans to keep her overall design largely the same, she is working on small adjustments to strengthen her presentation.

As the only American Fork competitor, Walters will travel to the national competition with a group from Lehi High School to represent her school.

During the FCCLA STAR Events Finalist Session, the top 10 finalists in each category will be recognized, and the top three winners will be announced live and presented with a plaque.

Walters sees a future for herself in interior design. “Interior design has always been something I’ve loved,” she said. “This has always been big for me and something I want to do in the future.
Having already gained experience through classes, internships and personal projects, she plans to begin an interior design and architecture program at Utah State University this fall. She’d love to apply her talents in the future to temple design for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Rob Shelton | American Fork Citizen

McKynzee was in the middle of cheerleader tryouts when the pain started. The tryout required a one mile run that would normally be no problem. But this time was different.

The pain didn’t go away. It got worse. When doctors finally got test results back, the news came fast. It appeared to be some form of cancer. She was taken by ambulance with her mom from Utah County to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake.

“We couldn’t say cancer — like almost don’t say the “c” word,” McKynzee said on Monday afternoon at a Chick-fil-A celebration lunch in American Fork in her honor. “Anytime anyone would say the “c” word aloud we all started crying. And it’s so sad. But now I can say it. I feel great, and I’m done with it.”

Done with it meant she rang the bell. Ewing sarcoma — that’s what the biopsies confirmed — put McKynzee through a year of treatment that swallowed her summer of 2025 whole. Now she’s getting it back.

Make-A-Wish Utah granted McKynzee a Caribbean cruise — Jamaica, the Bahamas and beyond — and she leaves in a matter of weeks. Her wish proclamation came in January, sponsored by Kenect, a Pleasant Grove-based technology company that provides auto dealerships with an all-in-one platform. Kenect employees didn’t just lend the company name and pay for the party to announce McKynzee’s wish— they raised enough money to help grant at least five wishes for kids just like McKynzee.

Kenect co-founder, Graham Anderson, said “We loved having the opportunity to get to know McKynzee and her family. We got to see firsthand how strong she is while going through such a challenging time. We are so grateful we got to play a small part in her journey, and are thrilled that she’ll be able to enjoy her own Wish!”

Dusty Pyne, who operates the Chick-fil-A restaurants in American Fork and Lehi, brought McKynzee and her family in for a small complimentary celebration lunch during McKynzee’s spring break. The gesture was personal — but what’s coming next month is even bigger.

On April 14 and 15, Chick-fil-A locations across Utah will run a Cookies for Kids campaign. One dollar from every cookie sale goes directly to Make-A-Wish Utah. Pyne has pledged to match all funds raised at his American Fork and Lehi locations on both days.

For McKynzee’s father, that kind of community response means more than most people realize. He described watching his daughter run out of energy during treatment — and watching Make-A-Wish step in again and again to give her something to look forward to.

“There were times she was completely down,” he said. “Getting her to these events actually helped the doctors — they’d say, let’s do blood transfusions, let’s make sure your numbers are up so she has a great time. Every single thing just lined up.”

He said Make-A-Wish gave McKynzee a reason to push through one more hard week. “I could get through this next week — and I have this to go to,” he said, recapping her mindset. “That’s the biggest thing.”

“Cancer sucks,” McKynzee said simply. “But this helped me go through the journey so much.”

Of all the things to wish for, McKynzee chose a Caribbean cruise because it represents everything cancer took from her in 2025. Sun. Freedom. Summer.

Make-A-Wish Utah’s efforts this month extend beyond McKynzee’s story. The organization has launched its fifth annual Drive for Wishes campaign — the largest fundraising and media effort in its 39-year history. Three Make-A-Wish cars are traveling across the state throughout April, creating wish-granting moments and amplifying stories like McKynzee’s. The campaign runs through April 29, closing with a World Wish Day event at the Kahlert Foundation Wishing Place.

Anyone looking to support wish kids directly don’t have to travel far. Just stop by either Chick-fil-A on April 14 or 15, order a cookie and know that $1 will go towards granting more wishes for kids like McKynzee to give them hope during their toughest days.

Want to learn more about Make-A-Wish Utah’s Drive for Wishes campaign? Follow along at makeawishutah.org and on social media throughout April.

Ryann Anderegg | American Fork Citizen

A local high school musician is gaining national recognition after being selected to perform with one of the country’s most elite student jazz ensembles.

Tanner Brinkerhoff, a student at American Fork High School, has been named a member of the 2026 Jazz Band of America. The honor places him among the top young jazz musicians in the United States and will take him to Indianapolis later this month.

The Jazz Band of America is part of the prestigious Music for All National Festival, which was held on March 26-28. Brinkerhoff earned his spot through a highly competitive audition process, ultimately being selected as one of the nation’s top jazz saxophonists.

The ensemble is widely recognized as one of the premier honor bands for high school musicians, offering students the opportunity to perform at an advanced level alongside some of the most respected names in music education. Participants rehearse under renowned conductors, collaborate with guest artists, and perform for audiences comprising accomplished student musicians and educators from across the country.

This year’s Jazz Band of America will be directed by Mike Tomaro, former Jazz Studies Program Director at Duquesne University’s Mary Pappert School of Music. The ensemble will also feature guest artist Summer Camargo, a member of the Saturday Night Live house band and a Jazz Band of America alumna.

Brinkerhoff and the ensemble performed at the Schrott Center for the Arts on Saturday, March 28, at 8 p.m. central time, closing out the three-day festival.

The Music for All National Festival is one of the largest gatherings of student musicians in the United States, bringing together 54 ensembles from 14 states. The event showcases a wide range of performances from concert bands, orchestras and percussion ensembles, all selected through a rigorous audition process.

According to James Weaver, the festival focused on collaboration rather than competition, offering students a unique environment to learn from one another. “Students perform not only for audiences but for each other,” Weaver said. “They gain new perspectives, build friendships and experience the transformative impact of music at the highest level.”

In addition to performances, students participated in rehearsals led by top music educators, attend leadership workshops, and take part in social events that foster connections among young musicians nationwide. The festival culminates with performances by the national honor ensembles, including the Jazz Band of America.

For Brinkerhoff, the opportunity represented both personal achievement and a reflection of the strong music programs found in Utah schools. His selection highlights the level of talent being developed locally and the opportunities available to students who pursue music at a high level.

For those who were unable to attend in person, all festival concerts, including the Jazz Band of America performance, are streamed live and available to watch for free online.

As Brinkerhoff took the stage, his accomplishment stood as a milestone not only for himself but for his school and community. Representing American Fork on a national platform, he joins a select group of young musicians demonstrating what is possible through dedication, talent and a passion for music.

April Slaughter | Lehi Free Press

For Gina Halladay, community service is rooted in a simple idea: small acts of care can make a meaningful difference for someone facing a difficult moment.

The Lehi resident leads Wrap the World with Quilts, a volunteer-driven nonprofit that collects and distributes handmade quilts and blankets to individuals and families affected by crisis. Through partnerships with local schools, businesses and community groups, the effort connects volunteers in Lehi with people in need around the world.

For her leadership and ongoing commitment to humanitarian service, Halladay has been named the Chick-fil-A Citizen of the Month.

Since its founding, the organization has grown into a broad network of volunteers and donors. Local support has played a key role in that growth, including contributions from residents, students and businesses, as well as funding assistance through Lehi City’s PARC program.

Halladay said the recognition reflects the collective effort behind the work.

“Being named Chick-fil-A Citizen of the Month is an unexpected honor, and I share that recognition with all of the talented souls, makers, givers and volunteers that support Wrap the World With Quilts,” she said. “I am honored, but know it is the work of many that has enabled our charity to comfort others.”

Quilts and blankets collected through the program have been distributed to people affected by a wide range of disasters and emergencies, including Ukrainian refugees and victims of wildfires, floods, earthquakes and hurricanes.

For Halladay, the motivation comes from the work’s purpose.

“Our purpose to bring comfort, love, warmth, healing and human connection to those suffering brings me joy and motivation,” she said.

She said the project’s impact is best understood through individual stories. Recently, the organization received a message from a woman injured in a church shooting who wrote that the handmade blanket she received would bring her comfort for years to come.

Halladay said moments like that reinforce the importance of even small efforts.

“One quilt made by a volunteer, wrapped around one person, does make a difference to someone who is displaced, discouraged or distressed,” she said. “The gift of a handmade quilt shows that someone cares about them.”

Halladay was recognized by the local Chick-fil-A restaurant as Citizen of the Month, a program that honors individuals whose leadership and service strengthen the community.