What does America mean to Utah teens?
Meet the winners
For the 250th anniversary of the United States, we asked Utah teens to share their thoughts about where the country has been and where it's headed. We picked winners from each of Utah's 29 counties. Here are their answers in words, photos and videos. This contest was produced by The Salt Lake Tribune, Spy Hop and Amplify Utah. It was supported through a grant from the American Journalism Project.
Provo · Utah
America’s 250-year-old experiment is alive and well in my high school newsroom
When student journalists are granted the autonomy to tackle heavy issues, they learn that true civic responsibility starts with mutual respect.
Sloan Chase is a senior at Timpview High School in Provo, Utah, where she serves as Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper, The Thunderbolt. When she isn’t writing or editing, she plays drums in the school band, volunteers with the Provo City Youth Court, and spends her free time thrifting and listening to video essays.
Nephi · Juab
When I look at America, I see ordinary people doing extraordinary good
From filling sandbags to honoring first responders, I’ve learned that America’s strength lies in neighbors helping neighbors.
Logan Crippen is a senior at Juab High School. He is the math Sterling scholar and loves spending his time woodworking and researching all topics.
Bountiful · Davis
My ancestors fought for freedom. I walked out of class to exercise mine.
I led 200 classmates in an anti-ICE walkout. My America is one where you can stand up to defend the promise of tomorrow.
John Alley Jr. is a proud Bountiful High School senior in the class of ’27. He loves getting involved in the community, especially through civics and politics. He enjoys debate, serving on the Bountiful City Youth Council, and playing classical piano in his free time.
Jensen · Uintah
I’m a fourth-generation Utah rancher. This is my American dream.
Ranching has taught me to work hard, care for the land and appreciate the people who put food on America’s tables.
Josee Wilkins is 16 and attends Uintah High School. She loves showing cattle anywhere she can, running barrels on her two horses Peach and Honey, judging livestock, shed hunting, and herding cattle. She would like to thank everyone who helped her with this essay, including her English teacher, Miss Muffer, who encouraged her class to give it a try.
La Verkin · Washington
I’m not old enough to vote yet. Utah women taught me not to take that right for granted.
Their perseverance reminds me that having a voice means little if I am too scared to use it.
Jenna Perdue is a junior at Hurricane High School and loves performing of all kinds including playing the viola, singing and acting. She also loves to create pottery and poetry. She loves to serve her community and is the second attendant on La Verkin City’s Royalty, a member of La Verkin’s Youth City Council, vice president of her high school’s Ambush service club, and a member of Washington County’s 4-H teen council.
Helper · Carbon
The American dream isn’t fitting in. It’s having the freedom to be yourself.
Growing up in Carbon County taught me that success isn’t a mold—it’s a meaningful life built through hard work, integrity and service.
Emma Dart is a senior at Carbon High School. She enjoys volleyball, singing, and being outdoors.
Provo · Utah
Chinese workers built the railroad that united America. Utah must remember them.
Through learning about my ancestors’ struggles, I have discovered that our identity is not defined by the hardships we faced, but by our resilience.
Sean Yamada is a senior at Timpview High School. He likes to play tennis, coordinate youth activities at his town library, and write news articles for his school newspaper, The Thunderbolt.
Ogden · Weber
4-H helped me find where I belong. America made that opportunity possible.
Raising lambs and serving as a Utah 4-H State Ambassador taught me responsibility, leadership and that agriculture has a place for everyone.
Kendall Burch attends Bonneville High School, where she plays on the girls lacrosse team. She is also the vice president of the school’s Future Farmers of America chapter. This year she has the amazing opportunity to serve as an Utah 4-H state ambassador.
Fairview · Sanpete
My hometown celebrates Utah’s pioneers. I see their courage in today’s immigrants.
Pioneer Day taught me to honor not only those who came in the past, but also those building new lives here now.
Andrew Madsen is a senior at North Sanpete High School. He participates in journalism, speech and debate, among other activities both in and out of school.