Spend part of your spring break on the slopes.  

Snowbird is offering $25 half-day lift passes to Canyons employees, students and their families on March 29, 2013. 
 
The pass is for 1-4:30 p.m. — but doesn't get the pass-holder access to the tram. The discount will be given to skiers who present a coupon at the ticket counter at the Creekside Snowbird Entry 1 ONLY.

Electric-blue lights will shine bright in the night sky when honors come raining down on the Corner Canyon Chargers. Thanks to a generous donation, a Victory Light will be installed in the new bell tower atop Canyons’ new high school, which opens this fall.
 
“You will be able to see it from all parts of Draper,” said Principal Mary Bailey. “It’s going to be quite special.”
 
The Chargers’ Victory Light was paid for with a donation from the community. John Martindale, a member of the Corner Canyon School  Community Council, whose children will attend the Draper school, provided the financial support through an account established by the  now-deceased Martin Elston. Martindale was asked to ensure that the money was used to help people and make the world a better place.

Martindale learned of the school's need for a donor at a Community Council meeting. He didn't hesitate to support the effort. 

"I was just in the right place at the right time," he said. He added that his family is excited to see the lights when they are turned on for the first time to note a Corner Canyon victory or achievement.  

"Every time that light shines, our family, and the people of Draper will know of Marvin. He spent time in this community and as a homeowner in Big Cottonwood Canyon, paid taxes to our schools. We feel honored to bestow this memory and living legacy of a man who continues to live through the greenbacks that represent a life of hard work and frugal living," Martindale says.

Bailey says that a plaque commemorating Elston’s support will be placed in the school’s rotunda.

The Victory Light will be set ablaze when the Chargers claim a victory, whether it be at the football stadium, in FBLA competitions or on the Sterling Scholar stage. The aim of the light is to unify the community behind the achievements of the school.

 “The idea behind it,” says Bailey, “is that it serves as an announcement to the world that great things are happening at Corner Canyon.”

Two Canyons District record-holding student athletes and this year's 5A gridiron champions are nomineees in the Governor's State of Sport Awards, which honor excellence in athletics. Winners are chosen by the public via online voting.  

Votes can be submitted Monday, March 4, 2013 through Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at midnight.

High School Female Athlete — Brianna Francis

• Two-time 5A Female Swimmer of the Year
• 4-time Utah High School 5A State Champion
• 5A and state record holder  
• Alta High records in the 100 Breaststroke, 100 Backstroke, 200 Individual Medley
• 3-time USA High School All-American
• Holds 19 state swimming records

High School Male Athlete — Austin Kafentzis

• Passing: 200 completed; 313 attempted for 3018 yards and 32 touchdowns
• Rushing: 237 attempts; 1884 yards for 7.95 yards per attempt, 26 touchdowns
• 58 touchdowns accounted for in 2012
• Threw Javelin 199’ 5’’ for 5A state record
• 5A State Champion in Javelin

High School Team — Jordan High School Football Team

• Team had 6,962 yards of total offense to set a new state record
• Team averaged 49.1 points per game in the 2012 season
• Seven 1st team All-State players and two 2nd team All-State players
• Outscored opponents in the playoffs 198-28

Awards will be presented in nine categories including Female High School Athlete, Male High School Athlete, Female Collegiate/Pro Athlete, Male Collegiate Athlete, Male Pro Athlete, Highlight of the Year, Game or Event of the Year, Coach of the Year and Team of the Year. 

A committee made up of Utah sports media and industry leaders chose the nominees.

Winners will be announced Tuesday, April 16, 2013 during a ceremony at the Energy Solutions Arena.

In addition, an Olympian of the Year will be awarded, a "Team Utah" Sports Partner of the Year will be awarded to the United States Ski and Snowboard Association, and a Lifetime Achievement in Sport award will be presented to Spencer Fox Eccles.

If you notice Alta senior Jacob White has a bounce in his step, here's why: The tenor saxophonist been named to the Music for All's Jazz Band of America, an ensemble of the nation's elite student jazz music artists. The Alta Jazz Band President and saxophone section leader is believed to be the first Utah student ever selected to the prestigious, audition-only jazz ensemble. He will travel to Indianapolis to perform with the Jazz Band of America at the Music for All National Festival – a gathering of the "who's who" among U.S. band directors and music teachers March 14-16, 2013. 

"Jake has made more progress in three years than any student I have ever taught," Alta Band teacher Bill Mattingly said. "He came in as a sophomore with some raw talent, but has developed into the most professional sounding saxophonist ever to come out of Alta. It has truly been an honor to teach, mentor and work with him."

White, who started his promising music career as a pianist, also has been named to the Utah All-State Jazz Band, is a two-time member of the Crescent Super Band, and has won outstanding soloist awards at the Peaks Jazz Festival and Utah State Jazz Festival.

The Canyons School District Education Foundation is moving full steam ahead on a major capital campaign to support the District’s STEAM initiatives.   In an effort to prepare our students for the workplace demands of the 21st century, Canyons is focusing on our offerings in STEAM — science, technology, engineering, environment, arts and mathematics. To kick off the campaign, Canyons has planned a kick-off gala on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at the Hidden Valley Country Club, 11820 S. Highland Dr., Sandy.  At the event, guests will enjoy live student performances and video highlights of the STEAM initiatives in our schools.  Items will be auctioned to raise money for middle school STEAM programs. Can’t come? You can still participate in the fund-raising effort by bidding on two Center Court tickets to the March 30 Utah Jazz game against the Brooklyn Nets. The package, sponsored by Altuis, includes dinner at the Sports Club, snacks at Energy Solutions Arena and free parking. Bids are now being accepted.   Cost to attend the gala is $125 per person. Sponsorship also tables may be purchased. For information, or to buy tickets or a table, please call the Canyons Education Foundation at 801-826-5178.

Monetary or in-kind donations are accepted. A donation of just $20 will help fund: A Lego Kit Magnetic Levitation Kit Solar Powered Car Kit Fuel Cell Kit