Twenty-six more Canyons District athletes have been presented Academic All-State Awards this year for excelling in sports and in the classroom. The awards are announced each sports season by the Utah High School Activities Association with this latest round going to students involved in track and field, boys soccer, baseball, softball, girls golf and boys tennis. This brings to 65 the total number of CSD honorees in 2017-2018. Congratulations to these sporting scholars: 5A Boys Soccer, Combined GPA, 3.999David Brog, Brighton  Thatcher Schwendiman, Brighton  Jace Vance, Brighton 5A Baseball, Combined GPA 3.994Zachary Larson, Brighton Matthew Ebeling, Corner Canyon Dalton Hagen, Corner Canyon 5A Softball, Combined…

Five Eastmont Middle students received a surprise message this week from Albus Dumbledore requesting “the pleasure” of their company in the library after school. Their mission, according to the headmaster, was to solve 40 puzzles to unlock hidden Horcruxes and Hallows and defeat “He Who Shall Not Be Named.” The fivesome donned wizard robes and sequestered themselves in an elaborately-designed broom closet where, by working together and drawing upon the knowledge of concepts they’ve learned throughout the school year, they followed a trail of clues to save Hogwarts — no spells or charms necessary. Eastmont Middle’s Harry Potter-themed escape room,…

Next year, qualifying Canyons District high school students will be able to take college-level Spanish, French and Chinese courses co-taught by University of Utah faculty. The unique “bridge courses” will be taught in high school but are being offered for college credit as part of Utah’s Dual Language Immersion Program, which is challenging traditional models of educational delivery and bridging the gap that has separated K12 schools from institutions of higher learning. Different from concurrent enrollment offerings, Bridge Courses are for upper division (3000 level) credit, and as such, give students a healthy head start on a minor or major…

The Alta Hawks charged into baseball season this year with a new leader who is a familiar face on the field. Daron Connelly, who had overseen Corner Canyon High baseball since the school’s opening in 2013, has taken his formidable talents and experience to the Chargers’ fierce intra-district opponents. Coach Connelly assumed the head coach duties at the outset of the season.  For his part, Connelly shrugs off questions about his allegiances in the thriving rivalry between Alta and Corner Canyon. While he dons black and silver jerseys these days, Connelly speaks highly of the boys of summer in blue…

From an educator who is thought of as a modern-day Mary Poppins to another who dresses up like a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle to entertain his charges, Canyons’ teachers are famous for finding ways to reach their students. They establish safe places, demonstrate the true meaning of “community,” lead memorization of the ABCs, and inspire all students to succeed. At Tuesday’s Canyons Board of Education meeting, top teachers from every school were recognized for their invaluable contributions to making Canyons a district of distinction. Of the 46 teachers honored Tuesday, one educator, Corner Canyon High’s Amber Rogers, was selected as…