By Myrna Trauntvein
TN Correspondent
The Juab High School Teen Center officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 2. “What an incredible day at our Teen Center Ribbon Cutting and Open House,” said Heather Westring, Teen Center Coordinator. Linda Hanks, school board president, said that they had such a great turnout, and the energy in the room showed just how much this space means to the community. “We were honored to welcome State Representative Troy Shelley, along with Lindsay Bartrum representing The Policy Project,” said Westring. The Policy Project has been an incredible advocate for teen centers statewide, and the district is grateful for their ongoing support, she said. “We thank members of the Nephi City Council and Greater Nephi Chamber of Commerce for joining us and showing their support,” said Dr. Kodey Hughes, superintendent of the Juab School District. A special thanks was also extended to School Board President Linda Hanks and board members Janet Ware, Hollie Holman, and Brady Blackett for being part of the ribbon cutting and open house and for their continued support of the project. “We’re so grateful for everyone who came out to celebrate with us,” said Hanks. “So grateful for this resource for our students and the work Heather Westring has done.” She said she would like to thank all individuals and businesses who have donated resources and products. “Thank you to all who came to this ribbon cutting event,” said Hanks. “If you want to donate, here is a link to an Amazon Wish List: www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/DF55NJC4AW9...“ “It was a great event and the Teen Center is such a huge benefit to JHS and our community,” said Clinton Painter, Juab County Commissioner. “Schools have long been on the frontlines of ensuring the basic needs of every student are met. We must ensure schools are equipped to meet the growing number of students in need without adding to the workloads of individual teachers,” Bartrum said. “By supporting and amplifying school efforts to meet basic needs, via Teen Centers, schools can help students graduate and prepare them to succeed as adults.” Utah high schools, such as Juab High, can build services such as food pantries, laundry facilities, and showers to meet the basic needs of students through a public-private partnership between the Utah Legislature and private donors. Teen Centers, as in the case of the Juab High Teen Center, can be created by repurposing existing, underutilized space within high schools.
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