Beky Beaton / American Fork Citizen

American Fork’s David Dean didn’t win the genetic lottery when it came to size. Listed at a generous 5’9” on the roster of the 1976 Caveman championship basketball team but repeatedly cited as 5’7” elsewhere, he was a small man in a big man’s game.

However, he seemed to understand from the very beginning that his stature could not limit the size of his heart. He led with that, and by so doing cast ripples of influence like a stone in the water far beyond his immediate reach.

It started very early. In 1970 as a seventh grader, Dean was making buzzer-beaters to win Bantam basketball games. The next year, he finished second in a track event at the Alpine field day, scored in double digits in some Bantam games and reached the semifinals in the junior high tennis tournament.

A long-time piano student, he also played clarinet in the band. In 1972, he attended the 2nd annual Cougar Basketball Camp, was elected president of the Boys League at school and served as a Home Room Representative.

At the end of eighth grade, he received a Certificate of Achievement for Scholarship and a Physical Fitness Presidential Award.

As he went on to high school, his muti-faceted contributions continued. He won the “No. 1 Hustler” trophy at the Cougar Basketball Camp and was vice-president of the Boys League. He earned multiple honors in basketball and football plus city and division trophies in tennis.

As a sophomore he played varsity tennis plus sophomore basketball and football. He was also a member of the chess team and served as executive vice president of his grade class in Seminary. He played the organ and served in a leadership position for his church youth group as well.

As a junior, Dean was chosen to attend Boys State and was elected as a State Delegate and City Councilman there. He earned varsity letters in football, basketball and tennis that year and also played on the baseball team. He received All-Region 6 honors in football and was voted team MVP in tennis.

Dean capped his prep experiences with a remarkable senior year. Anne Christensen, his high school counselor, wrote a scholarship letter of recommendation for him which included the following comments, among others: “David Dean is an exceptional young man who is very well-rounded. …

“David is currently serving as our Student Body President and doing a very good job. … David Dean is currently vice-president of the National Honor Society and has a 3.85 grade point average. … David has a very pleasant personality and is well-mannered and polite in all situations.”

His sports year was off the charts. He was one of three captains of the football team, played both split end (wideout) as well as defensive back and earned All-State Second Team honors. His speed and hands drew recruiting interest from in-state colleges even though he only weighed 135 pounds.

Dean was a co-captain and point guard of the basketball team too and helped lead the Cavemen to the title. He averaged eight points per game for the season but made 101 assists and 60 steals as well.

During the state tournament he averaged 9.7 points on 55 percent shooting with 23 assists, 19 steals and nine rebounds.

He was named the MVP of the 3A tournament and also received All-State MVP honors from the Deseret News, the Salt Lake Tribune and the Provo Daily Herald. In addition, longtime Ute and KUTV sports announcer Bill Marcroft selected him as the state “Playmaker of the Year” for the second consecutive time.

One writer summed it up this way: “Coach Carl Ingersoll and his team have won many post season honors with Dave Dean elected to everyone’s all-everything team.”

He collected varsity letters in tennis and track along with those other two sports and was offered multiple college scholarships in both athletics and leadership. He ultimately went on to BYU on one of the latter.

As impressive as all these achievements are – and this list doesn’t include everything – they can’t begin to give you a full sense of what kind of young man Dave really was.

When interviewed earlier this year about the championship run, he quickly gave credit to others for his accomplishments, starting with his parents Owen and Mary, and his athletic older siblings.

Owen coached him in his early years and laid the foundation for his later successes along with his older brothers Craig, Steve and Eric. Dave also singled out classmate Bruce Merkley as a source of inspiration for him.

Bruce wasn’t a teammate, or even an athlete. He was confined to a wheelchair because of a childhood illness, but he was the team’s biggest fan and always cheered the players on. Dave presented him with a signed ball on behalf of the team at the city booster celebration banquet following their title run.

Bruce passed away not long afterwards and requested that the ball be returned to the school as one of his last wishes. It’s still there today, in a display case along with his photo. Even after 50 years, Dave couldn’t speak of him without emotion.

Dave also credited the mentorship of coaches and other classmates for “what made me the athlete I had become.” His list included “Bob Eckles, Carl Ingersoll, Don Mower, Davis Knight, Wendell Hansen, all my amazing teammates and Dear Old A.F. High.”

His enthusiastic school spirit was infectious. As Student Body President, he originated the legendary AFHS chant familiar to subsequent generations of students:

“Good morning Student Body!” … (Good morning Mr. President!)

“How do you feel?” … (Proud!)

“Proud of what?” … (Proud to be a Caveman!)

Dave also earned the respect and camaraderie of his opponents. Wesley Ruff, ABC4 sports anchor, played for region foe Springville. “Dave and I became really good friends,” he said.

“He was not their best basketball player, but he was the heart and soul of that team,” Ruff continued. “He was fast, scrappy and would do anything to help his team win. It sucked to guard him, which was my responsibility most of the time.”

Ruff told how the two of them often chatted in the stands while watching the JV teams play as they waited for their own turn. “He was a good kid. He had an athletic gift and he knew how to use it, and he had a drive to succeed that couldn’t be denied.”

The two of them later competed in the same events at the state track meet in the sprints and relays. Eventually they hung out together in the Language Training Mission as they prepared for their service and they remain friends to this day.

Dave told the story himself about what happened once the season ended. “After the nets came down and the awards were over, Utah selected 20 basketball players to compete in two games. One was at AF High School. From those 20, 10 were chosen to play a game against the 10 best players from Arizona.

“The game took place at the U of U. We won in double overtime. I entered the locker room, visited with a few coaches and told them I was putting away my jersey for a few years to serve a mission. I attended BYU on a leadership scholarship.

“During the semester at BYU, Harry Anderson (an assistant basketball coach) asked me to come to their walk-on tryouts. Later in his office he presented me with a BYU uniform as part of the team. I declined the offer and said, ‘Thank you, I’m going on a mission.’

“I served two years in El Salvador. I broke one mission rule. I received a call from Steve Craig – a BYU player also serving in El Salvador. He had lined up a basketball game against the country’s national team.” Both men played in that game, but diplomacy forbids reporting the result.

Once he got home, Dave got busy with living his life and never officially continued his playing career. Instead, he gave decades of service as a coach in youth leagues and at his Alma Mater, also continuing to play whenever or wherever he could and becoming a legendary booster dad.

He is retired from competing now, after multiple surgeries on worn-out body parts, but he maintains his fitness with yoga and still plays golf.

When the chance for the 1976 team reunion came along, Dave was at the center of it all, making the calls to invite his teammates to come and hosting a night of old memories and shared laughter before the official event at the school.

The heart and soul of the team once more … just like he always was.

Beky Beaton / American Fork Citizen

Most Utah teenagers who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have the opportunity at least once to spend a few days walking in the footsteps of those who emigrated to our not-yet state along the Pioneer Trail.

This activity is officially called the Pioneer Trek Experience but is usually referred to simply as Trek. Utah residents generally go to the well-known trail locations in Wyoming, but there are also dedicated sites in Utah, Idaho, California, Washington state and even Argentina.

Those who don’t live near any of these places also organize Treks on public or private land with appropriate permissions.

Even though short in duration, Trek is a full-blown reenactment of the pioneer experience. Participants dress as the pioneers did and pull their own handcarts. They are limited to the 17 pounds per person that the pioneers were allocated for their personal effects, and they eat and sleep as the pioneers did.

Youth members and adult leaders of the Lehi Hunter’s Grove Ward were among those who had the chance to go to Wyoming this year, but the congregation decided to try to extend the experience to families whose members were not of the appropriate age to participate.

Retired Army Colonel James Comish and his wife Karen were asked to take on this ambitious assignment, and they enthusiastically jumped right in.

Those who go on Trek are asked to choose a pioneer, preferably a relative when possible, to represent during the activity. They research the individual they have chosen and learn their personal story.

The Comishes had those who were going to participate in the home Trek do the same, and they posted a photo when available and information about those selected on 3×5 cards around the chapel.

On Saturday, July 18, the appropriately-attired Comishes staged the home Trek at Quail Cove Park in American Fork at the same time as the youth were returning from their experience in Wyoming. Pioneer dress was optional, but many pulled together what costumes they could in the spirit of the event.

It got started with a chuckwagon luncheon in the pavilion. The group was divided into three companies. Two full-size handcarts were borrowed for the event, complete with trail flags, and James made a smaller version himself so younger children could try that too.

The Comishes selected 20 stops along the real Pioneer Trail for their reenactment. Each was indicated by a sign, and James drew a picture of each location on large pieces of cardboard. As the companies moved to each stop, they were given historical information about the location.

In addition, there was an activity associated with each stop. The Comishes made 20 different pioneer-inspired games or toys for family members to try out. The event concluded with treats and dancing.

“The Park Trek turned out magnificently, people told us,” James said. “They were thrilled by our every detail from 20 stops along the trail to 20 famous geological landscapes to 20 pioneer games and toys.

“The adults were so amazed by the sheer joy on their children’s faces,” he added. “Adults participated with the children and seemed to enjoy themselves as well.”

“We had a great turnout,” Karen said. “We had about 40 children. Since the children had never played the games before, they really enjoyed learning how. The adults seemed to have fun alongside the kids.

“Everyone experienced pulling the real handcarts,” she continued. “The park itself was wonderful for this event because of the size and shade trees. We had protection from the heat. Everyone got a historical perspective at each of the stops with landmarks Jamie drew to provide a visual perspective. 

“We had a chance at the end to dance to the Virginia reel, catch candy from the candy cannon and make homemade ice cream in zip-lock bags,” Karen said. “We simply loved the day.” It’s surely one the rest of the company won’t soon forget either.

Brynn Carnesecca

American Fork Citizen

Whitney Wilkins, the current Miss American Fork, competed on the Miss Utah stage this past weekend. She won the Non-Finalist Interview Award ($250 scholarship), the Evans Education & Agriculture Scholarship Award ($1500 scholarship), and was the 2nd Runner-Up in Ad Page Sales.

Wilkins spent the last year preparing for the competition.  Her preparation included mock interviews, dance rehearsals, and practice with the fitness and evening-gown walks.

“Preparation was everything,” Wilkins said. “I wanted it to feel easy, so I didn’t have to stress or think about it the week of the competition.”

The Miss Utah competition took place over three nights. The program included three preliminary competitions followed by a final’s night featuring the top 15. 52 girls competed for the title of Miss Utah, with Miss Nebo, Erika Dalton, securing the title on Saturday night. This year marked the 100th anniversary of Miss Utah, so everything was centennial-themed.

Through the process, Wilkins grew as a titleholder and a representative for the city.

“I became more confident in who I am and what I stand for. I also learned how to articulate myself better,” Wilkins shared. “Interviews always made me so nervous, but to receive the highest non-finalist interview score was truly a testament to my hard work and how much I grew throughout the process.”

The Miss Utah opportunity also allowed Wilkins to become a role model and friend to younger girls. Each competitor has a Honeybee, a younger girl who performs on stage and serves as an escort during the evening gown section. Brooklyn Towner was Wilkins’ honeybee, joining her onstage and at the Taylor Swift-themed Honeybee party. Other little girls also looked up to Wilkins.

“One of the nights, a mom and her little girl came up and introduced themselves to me. I had never met them, but they said they had been watching the competition and became fans. They and many others thanked me for being such a modest and gracious role model to these girls,” Wilkins said. “People are always watching, and I am so grateful that I was able to stay true to my values…I am very humbled and honored that these girls chose me as their role model.”

At each phase of competition, Wilkins represented not only herself, but the city of American Fork.

“Representing American Fork all week was truly such an honor,” Wilkins shared. “I absolutely love AF, and it has played a big part in who I am today and who I showed up as on that stage.”

Additionally, Wilkins made friendships with many of the other competitors.

She said, “I absolutely love these girls. It’s crazy how even though we were so stressed and competing against each other, we could truly support one another… I hope I stay friends with these girls long after the competition. These girls are incredible,and I love seeing how much good they are accomplishing in their communities.”

Overall, Wilkins is thankful for the encouragement she received from friends, family and the community.

“I was blown away by the amount of love and support I received throughout this week. Everyone was so willing to jump in to help and support me in any way possible. I am walking away from this week feeling so loved and so grateful for this opportunity and the incredible people in my life,” Wilkins said.

Wilkins is finishing up her year as Miss American Fork this Saturday, June 27, at American Fork Junior High. After giving up her crown, Wilkins plans to continue attending school at BYU. She will receive her degree in Human Development next June, with hopes to go into nonprofit work. The scholarships she received from Miss American Fork and the Miss Utah competition have helped her substantially in receiving her education.

Brynn Carnesecca | American Fork Citizen

My first memories of my dad are some of the most beautiful moments of my life. Singing along to “High School Musical 2,” playing princess dress-up for hours on end, and doing Barbie fashion shows were all the norm at my house. From the time I was little, my dad has always been the most gentle man I’ve ever met.

Too often, I believe we portray fatherhood as something that needs to be harsh. Whether it’s strict discipline or a dad who refuses to cry, the expectations we put on father figures can be suffocating. I think gentleness is a different kind of strength. It’s not harsh or in-your-face. Instead, gentle dads work day after day to build trust with their family and community.

If you know my dad, Chad, you know that he is one of the kindest and softest dads out there. When I competed at Miss Utah, he was on the edge of his seat, hoping each moment went well (Rumor has it he had to step out of the auditorium because he got so nervous!). In high school, he wanted to come prom dress shopping, and he was a little bummed when he wasn’t invited on my sister and I’s Bath & Body Works trips. He has never, ever been afraid of his emotions.

And I love it.

To me, his softness is not a sign of weakness or of fear. He is beyond capable in every way. On the weekends, you can find him hunting in the woods, fishing, boating, and doing all things outdoorsy. The way he can simultaneously be a strong man while still possessing the capacity for empathy and softness is something I am so thankful to have grown up with. Whenever my dad is in the room, I know he will bring a warmth into it that cannot be found anywhere else.

His gentleness has without a doubt spread to my brothers. The youngest, Ethan, at 14 has become one of the kindest and most caring young boys I have ever met. He cries in movies and loves to give hugs to me and my sister. Everything about him came from my dad’s kind-hearted energy. My two older brothers have also become so much like my dad. They have his caring attitude and love to spend time with their families.

Outside of immediate family members, gentle father figures can mean the world. Although I have never met any of my grandfathers, I have many older men in my life who have been nothing but kind to me. Whether it is a text of congratulations or a birthday wish on Facebook, their kindness does not go unnoticed. Some of my most influential teachers, who I still respect and revere to this day, were kind and patient fathers. Even now, my therapist is a gentle father figure.

Wherever I go, it is not loud and angry men who have shaped my life. It is those who love with strength and fight for peace. There can be so many angry voices going on in the media and online, but the men that I love most are the ones who intentionally choose to be gentle.

So, to all gentle fathers and father figures, my own dad included, thank you. Thank you for going to our piano recitals, for holding us when we have nightmares, for planting flowers in the yard, for celebrating our accomplishments, for protecting us as we grow, for making our homes safe and for influencing us in and out of the home. You are the unsung heroes. You are the ones who will shape the future for the better.

Rob Shelton | American Fork Citizen

Seventy years after they walked out of American Fork High School as Cavemen, the Class of 1956 is getting back together one more time.

The class will hold its 70th anniversary reunion on Saturday, July 18, at 2 p.m. at the Chuck-A-Rama in Lehi. Fewer than 50 members of the class are still living, organizers say, but they’re hoping for a strong showing.

“Your invitation should already be in hand,” said alumnus Charlie Greenland, who is coordinating the gathering. Anyone who hasn’t received one, or who simply wants to confirm they’ll be there, can reach Greenland at 801-913-5200 or [email protected].

The Class of 1956 graduated from an American Fork High School that today’s students would hardly recognize. Founded in 1902, AFHS is one of the oldest high schools in Utah. In 1956, it was still housed in the old high school building, on the ground where the American Fork Recreation Center and pool now stand. The Cavemen would not move to the current campus on 600 East, the street now known as Caveman Blvd, until 1959, three years after this class received its diplomas.

Some things, of course, haven’t changed. The school colors were red and white then as they are now, and the mascot, chosen as a nod to nearby Timpanogos Cave, already had students proud to call themselves Cavemen.

It was a remarkable year to come of age. In June 1956, President Dwight Eisenhower, re-elected that November, signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act, launching the Interstate system and roughly 41,000 miles of new road that would reshape how Americans lived, worked and traveled.

The culture was shifting just as fast. A young Elvis Presley broke nationally that year with “Heartbreak Hotel” and made his first appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Grace Kelly traded Hollywood for a crown, marrying Prince Rainier of Monaco that April. Overseas, the Suez Crisis dominated the headlines. And in a quieter milestone that would matter more than anyone guessed, IBM unveiled the first computer with a hard disk drive, a one-ton machine that stored about five megabytes, less than a single photo on today’s phones.

For all that change, life was still measured in nickels and dimes. Nationally, a new house averaged around $11,700 and a new car roughly $2,000. A gallon of gas ran about a quarter, a loaf of bread around 15 cents, and a first-class stamp just three cents. The typical American family brought in about $4,400 a year.

It was also a year of rising expectations: for the first time, about one in three high school graduates was heading off to college.

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.