Powerful Performance

When you think of the word power you may think of a superhero, a president, or a hurricane. However, power can be found in the smallest actions, the kindest smiles, the most honest words. Of late, at Canyon View, I have found power in the hum of a song, the steps of a dancer, persistence of mind, the cheer of a crowd, and the swish of a net.

Just before Thanksgiving our theater department put on a phenomenal performance of the musical Tuck Everlasting. From Ivy Colbert's stunning vocals and the “golden” stage presence of Gavin McLelland to the lively performance from our favorite partners in crime, Shelby Fawson and Blake Dunn, the stage was teeming with talent. The time and effort that the cast and crew put into the performance most certainly paid off. I would like to especially acknowledge the hard work of Jennie Grimes, Choreographer; Randy Seely, Set Designer; Alex Byers, Music Director; and Holly Barrick, Director for making the show come to life.

Recently, 15 students were recognized as Sterling Scholars at Canyon View. Reese Ganci won Agricultural Science, Tristin Martinez won Business and Marketing, Jacob Crawford won Computer Technology, Hannah Brandt won Dance, Kayleah Madsen (myself) won English, Regan Miller won Family and Consumer Sciences, Kyle Nichols won Foreign Language, Emma Armour won General Scholarship, Cadence Johnson won Mathematics, Kaelice Eastman won Music, Taytum Stratton won Science, Elsie Call won Social Science, Clara Call won Speech and Drama, Lane Cox won Trade and Technical Education, and Christy Peterson won Visual Arts. This is an amazing accomplishment as Sterling Scholar Awards recognize the pursuit of excellence in scholarship, leadership and citizenship of high school seniors in the state of Utah. Although it won’t be easy, considering the long portfolios and nerve wracking interviews, I am excited to have the honor of representing Canyon View on a regional level alongside all these amazing students!

The boys varsity basketball team had a spectacular start to their season, winning their first game 55 to 52 against Hurricane. It was the kind of game that kept you on the edge of your seat. Neck n’ neck the entire time, I was wracked with anxiety, and excitement and with 7 seconds left of the clock #22, Chad Hartmann, shot the winning basket. It was everything a spectator could have asked for. However, for some, the game meant far more. If you had the pleasure of attending the game you would have noticed the sea of gray in the student section. We decided to wear gray to show support for Sarah Hartmann, the mother of Chad Heartmann, who is currently fighting for her life against cancer. When everyday could be the last, it’s important to make them count, and that is exactly what Chad did. I would encourage you all to keep their family in your prayers and support them in any way you can.

Your actions, your words, your successes, and even your failures, have power. The power of influence, the power of change. This holiday season, I encourage everyone to remember your power because something just as simple as a musical, an award, or a game can remind you to take advantage of every moment and live life to the fullest.