Our family is participating Alpine Community Theater's summer production of Beauty and Beast. Sue is serving as the music director, which includes directing the orchestra for each show. Scott is the principal accompanist and will be playing keyboard in the orchestra. Brian is appearing in the show part of the Gaston dancers, an enchanted object (Flatware) in the castle, and in the battle scene at the end. He ends up dancing for about 3-4 hours each night in practice. Mark is playing cello in the orchestra. Our show runs from July 27 until August 6. If you live in the area, we would love for you to come and see it. Tickets can be obtained at Alpine Community Theater Tickets.
State PTA Family Life Commissioner
Sue was recently appointed to fill the remaining time the Family Life Commissioner for Utah PTA. She has been working in various positions at the local, council, region, and state level of PTA since we moved to Utah (after many years in PTA positions in Florida). Her passion is the legislative process and enjoys very much discussing legislation with our state legislators during the annual legislative session.
Mark’s Graduation
As unbelievable as it seems, Mark graduates today from high school (not unbelievable because I thought he wouldn't, but because it seems like the time has gone so fast!). Mark graduated 6th in his class, received an Academy diploma, and was honored at Lone Peak's recognition night as the Outstanding Orchestra Student.
We are very proud of Mark and all he has accomplished. He received a full tuition scholarship to Brigham Young University, where he will be attending school in the fall. Mark plans on attending school for a year, before leaving to go on his mission.
Welcome home, Brent
Brent is returning home tomorrow after a year deployment in Iraq. We are very excited and relieved that he returned safely and I'm sure that he looks forward to being with his family again. On this Memorial Day our thoughts turn to all those who work to keep us free. We owe much to all who have fought and served on our behalf.
Captain Paul Carey Scholarship
It was 12 years ago today that my brother Paul passed away when the C-21 he was flying developed a mechanical problem and ultimately crashed in a wooded area in Alexandar City, Alabama. Paul was serving as a captain in the United States Air Force and become certified flying the T-38, C-130, and C-21.
One of the things that is still so vivid to me from those days after his death was the kindness that so many showed to us. From the company that I worked for that allowed me extended time off to The Flower Cart in Alexander City who provided a flower arrangement free that we arranged to have left at the crash site, there was kindness shown to us throughout.
We also had many who came to us and shared acts of kindness that Paul had shown to them. I remember a member of the church that Paul and Michelle attended told us that when Paul found out that the Scouts needed some equipment, Paul went down to the store about bought several lanterns and donated them to the Scouts. We heard several such stories.
In memory of Paul and his life and example, our family has chosen to do two special things that occur each year. The first is to decorate a tree for the Festival of Trees in Utah which provides money to Primary Children's Hospital for those children who need medical help but are unable to pay. We have decorated trees for a number of years (it is usually in the C-21 space if you visit the Festival).
The second way was the establishment of the Captain Paul Carey Memorial Scholarship at BYU. Each year many of our family visits the Winter Air Force ROTC award assembly at BYU and announces the recipient of the scholarship for the coming year. This year that award went to Cadet Andrew Washer. Congratulations!