March 2022 - Aspen Francis- Instructor - APA-Salem
Aspen Francis is an Instructor at American Prep Salem. She has been with APA for two years and supports Mr. Turco in fourth grade. Aspen is currently studying education and aspires to be a teacher. She is an incredible part of our Salem campus community. Aspen is known for her commitment to her students and education; however, there is another side to Aspen that is very interesting!
Aspen has always loved swords, knights, and fantasy-related things. She made her shields and swords out of wood as a child. Aspen used these to fight "monsters" alongside her brother. As she grew older, Aspen began to make peace with the fact that she would never actually fight with a real sword and would have to settle for fencing. While she enjoyed fencing as a sport, she decided it wasn't her true passion.
Fast forward to 2020, when Aspen started working at Dragon's Keep, a role-playing game shop in Provo, Utah, in 2020. One day, she overheard one of the regular customers talking about his armored combat team, showing the staff a real sword he used in his competitions. Aspen learned that the sport is called Armored Combat or Buhurt. The customer invited her to come to some of his practices and Aspen did. This started her path toward competing in Armored Combat.
Aspen worked hard to improve her strength and skill and has had great success in competitions, earning a Gold medal in 2021! She would be happy to share this sport with anyone who is interested!
October 2021 - Lara Marquez Barrios - School and Community Support Director WV2
BACK ON TRACK
Runners are weird people with no reason, endorphin-based happiness, and obsessed habits. We develop a level of consistency that becomes a way to conduct ourselves in every role in our life.
After almost two years of a pandemic, not running in-person races or attending group training sessions showed us how important these events are to stick to our discipline. Missing all that, along with losing loved ones, jobs, family reunions, peace of mind, and our lung capacity due to COVID 19, have made these the hardest of times.
Nonetheless, we were able to find new inner sources of motivation, new ways to cope, new paths to recover physically and emotionally, new strategies to support each other as families and as a community. To get back on track, both figuratively and literally.
Because, after all, we are survivors. We don't get to stay quarantined any longer. Our only option is to live fully, which for runners means reconciling with the pavement, taking ownership of parks, feeling the breeze on our faces (without masks; even just for a moment), and returning to the road where we can pursue miles off the treadmill (which we are totally fed up with) once again.
Adrenaline started to increase as my body reminded me how exhausting an entire marathon training plan could be. Instead of having second thoughts, I reached out to a running coach, a fitness coach, and a nutritionist, all of them from my country, because besides being talented, their accent brings me home.
I endured eighteen weeks of waking up early, eating healthy, constant hydration, long Saturday morning runs, sore muscles, tiredness, iced water immersions, tons of planking, and squatting. While visualizing my feet stepping on the Golden Gate Bridge, I took advantage of my Sports Psychology expertise. I read inspiring books, watched YouTube videos, received support from family and friends, and found strength ultimately in God: The One that never fails me when I run out of everything else.
My head was spinning as we landed at the San Francisco Airport. All kinds of memories were coming back from my 2016 and 2017 marathons in Caracas. Both the nice and scary kind. My phone was buzzing non-stop with messages of love and 'happy birthday' stickers from my friends and family worldwide.
I was already awake when my alarm went off at 3:30 am on September 19th. It was time to drink that protein
The sun rose from the horizon just while we were toeing the Golden Gate Bridge. I witnessed several runners sacrifice a few minutes by stopping for pictures; I decided to do the same - no regrets! The most challenging uphill miles had to be partly walked by most of us, right before taking the bridge back around the half marathon point with a brighter sun shining on our sweaty foreheads. Approaching the Golden Gate Park, the shadow of the big green trees refreshed us, taking us to the 30k milestone.
Back downtown, we knew we were almost finished; however, those last three miles felt endless. People were cheering us on again in the streets. Water and electrolytes kept us going. At that point, the hills felt like they were killing us. Walking one or two blocks seemed like the only way to recover.
Suddenly, the bay appeared before our eyes again. My heart revived with that gorgeous view.
In my overwhelming exhaustion, I saw my husband coming out of nowhere to run alongside me while listening to my parents' and siblings' voices through his phone live on a video call, screaming my name. There are no words for that feeling, just gratitude and commitment to finish. Running the very last mile, non-stop, I couldn't see the finish line, but I knew it was right there!
Finally, there it was. I crossed the finish line after four hours and 46 minutes, 34 minutes less than my last full marathon. The love from the bay, the love of my life, plus the medal on my chest, 26.2 miles tattooed on my body - my confidence, my fullness, my self-esteem, and my whole self, BACK ON TRACK.
Lara Marquez Barrios
July 2021 - Dan Bazan - APA Communications and Marketing Director
Inside the hive with Brad's bees.
Mr. Sheneman is an amazing individual. He's not only a father of three boys, but a former United States Marine, an avid rock climber, an experienced snowboard instructor, and a phenomenal Bee Keeper!
Please enjoy as Mr. Sheneman invites you into the hive to learn more about his extraordinary bees.
May 19th, 2020 - Sarah Coleman, Art Teacher Draper 3
I graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Art History Business & Curatorial Studies with a minor in Studio Art! I come from a pretty artistic family, so I grew up drawing and painting and going to galleries and museums around the world as the men in my family are all professional/gallery artists. My grandfather, Michael Coleman, is a well-known Western artist, and my dad and uncles are all in the art field and show their artwork at prominent shows and galleries in the US, Europe, and even Asia.
Growing up, my dad started the first Giclee printing business in the West and was also a painter. About five years ago, he and my stepmom decided to sell off the printing company and start an artisan chocolate company, so now he works basically as "Willy Wonka," making chocolate all day! Their business is called Taste Artisan Chocolate in Provo.
I worked at the chocolate factory as a store manager while pursuing my degree. I also worked at different art galleries like Anthony's Fine Art & Antiques in Salt Lake City, in addition to museums like the Springville Museum of Art. I experienced the best of both worlds; art and chocolate - not a bad setup.
I have loved teaching at APA for the past two years, seeing students develop their talents and become more visually literate. It has been so inspiring to me in my own artwork! My family's art style is very classical. Think of artists like the Hudson River School: Albert Bierstadt, Moran, Cole, and others like John Singer Sargent. I love that style; however, I am also interested in more modern methods, so I do a lot of experimental work in addition to painting landscapes and still-lives. There is a time and a place for every style of artwork in my mind. My degree is primarily art history based, so I am very passionate about teaching kids the importance of looking to the artwork of the past to help us understand people better. Art is merely a reflection of the moment in which it was created. It can, therefore, tell a unique story, whether political, economic, social, religious, etc.
Sadly, my husband, Eric, and my dog, Appa, and I will be leaving Utah this summer to pursue work in Boston, MA - which is bittersweet. I am taking this opportunity to work more in the art business sector and study for the GRE, Graduate Records Examinations, to apply to Boston University's Ph.D. program for Art & Architecture. I will hopefully start next fall.
One day, I hope to be a museum curator, gallery owner, or university professor. I am also creating new artwork to send to galleries in Charleston, South Carolina, and Jackson, Wyoming.
In the past, I have been represented by several galleries in Utah and Wyoming. That work has taken a back seat while I've been teaching. I am sad to be leaving APA, although it has helped me to grow in so many ways. I am excited to dig deep and focus on my artwork more intensely.
Our family art website is www.colemanart.com, and you can see my art on Instagram @sarahjcolemanart
May 12th, 2020 - Makhzoodha Feroz - Secondary Math Teacher WV2
Makhzoodha Feroz is a phenomenal Secondary Math teacher at West Valley 2. She teaches students in grades 8-11 and loves our school. Makhzoodha has taught at APA for the last four years, three years in Draper, and one year in West Valley.
Originally from India, Makhzoodha's family came to the United States several years ago for her husband's work project. They have two kids at APA who attend our Draper 2 campus.
The Feroz family loves to go outside, hike, and meet with friends, but due to the impact of COVID-19, they stayed indoors since the dismissal began. "My kids were super bored after two weeks. They have had a hard time being cooped up while shifting to online learning and full-time isolation.", said Makhzoodha.
Many families are feeling the effects of the COVID crisis, struggling to find new ways to disrupt boredom. "As a parent, I realize how important it is for my kids to make this time memorable, and that's why I thought of trying some multicultural, unique, and traditional foods which made them curious, happy, and excited at the same time! While I have been at home, it's been easy for me to try a variety of dishes too.
We used the "Quarantine" spring break in April as a bonus time to try most of these foods! Each dish was a new experience; sometimes, it was the color, the shape, or the aroma, and yes, of course, the variations in taste. And as a mom, I was happy to see my kids appreciating and trying all these delicacies.", Makhzoodha shared.
This idea for trying different foods was important to the Feroz family for more than one reason. The activity was not only an exciting distraction but served a higher purpose in supporting their family's faith traditions.
"The month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the month in which the Quran was revealed. It is considered one of the five pillars in Islam and Muslims all over the world fast from dawn to dusk.
This year Ramadan started on April 24th, and this is also the time when we make a variety of foods and invite friends to our home to break the fasting at sunset. But again, this year, due to the pandemic, we couldn't meet our friends or invite them to our homes for Iftar. Iftar is the meal eaten by Muslims after sunset during Ramadan. So again, to make Ramadan interesting, we started planning a new snack or dish for breaking the fast every day.
My kids said they wanted to try fasting along with us, and all they wanted in return was their favorite snack or meal to break the fast! That was again a new experience for us during this quarantine.", Makhzoodha stated.
Makhzoodha is passionate about learning and exploring different cultures, customs, and art forms. She loves to share her culture with her APA community as well. Makhzoodha taught a class during Winterim this year called, India at APA, which her students enjoyed a lot. In one session, they learned about Indian spices and also made hot 'Chai.' They also tried wearing traditional Indian attire in another session and walked around the hallways meeting and greeting teachers and friends saying 'Namaste.'
Makhzoodha's commitment to helping her family learn and grow, even during a time of isolation, is a representation of her work and dedication to her students at American Prep and the profound influence she has on our school culture. Thank you, Makhzoodha.
May 2nd, 2020 - Justina Spencer - Ever since I was a young child, I never thought that I had a talent. I watched the gorgeous singers, dancers, and artists all show off. I tried a lot of different things, but nothing ever stuck. It wasn't until high school that I found something that I was passionate about.
I always had a hard time speaking to strangers or getting in front of a crowd. In junior high, I signed up for public speaking, but that class got canceled. In High School, I decided to try drama. I did half a semester and decided it may not be the thing for me. I decided to try it again as a junior and got hooked. My drama teacher was the first teacher that genuinely believed in my ability to succeed.
After high school, I started doing shows at the Empress Theatre in Magna. It felt like nothing that I ever could have imagined. It felt like a home away from home where I could be accepted with my "uniqueness." In 2016, I stage-managed a show. While doing so, I crafted the props for it. After the show, the Artistic Director asked if I wanted to stay on as the theatre's Prop Master. I had a lot of fun and enthusiastically took the position. I've been their Prop Master ever since.
Producing props has become a real passion of mine. I love crafting and problem-solving on how to create items to be believable on stage. It is fun to look at an object, see the shapes, and find other things that could be put together to create that masterpiece. I am now known among the theatre community in the valley. I have other theatre's contacting me, asking for help to create unique props for their shows.
I've learned that with talents and hobbies, it doesn't matter if you are good at something or not. It matters if you have fun doing it, and it gives you the desire to keep doing it.
This year marks my 7th year working at APA and my 4th year as a teacher.
April 25th, 2020 - Michael Martling - "Painting is just another way of keeping a diary," said Pablo Picasso. This sentiment is true for West Valley 2 United States History teacher, Michael Martling. Painting has been a passion for him from a young age, which is evident in his life as a teacher, husband, and father. Art is in Michael's blood.
Michael's mom was an artist who instilled a great love of art into her children. As a young adult, he was first introduced to acrylic paint and later in college, scratchboard. Michael is skilled in many mediums, including acrylic and oil paint, ink, pencil, and clay; however, he is quite talented with scratchboard, which he works with to this day. While attending Eastern Washington University, Michael was a cartoonist for the school newspaper.
Michael's subjects of choice are animals and nature scenes. He loves painting flowers and birds. In 2013, Michael's art attracted some attention, and he was invited to show over 50 pieces of his work for a month at the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitors Center in Horicon, Wisconsin.
Horicon National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1941 to provide an undisturbed sanctuary for many migratory birds and waterfowl, including the redhead duck, as well as to provide opportunities for people to connect with nature through many activities such as wildlife observation, photography, fishing and hunting. This majestic refuge was the perfect place for Michael to display his love of nature.
2020 marks Michaels's sixth year at American Prep but his 27th year of teaching overall. He has an extensive background, having taught 7th - 11th grade English as well as art classes in the past. Michael taught for 18 years in Washington State before migrating to Utah.
As a teacher impacted by our current pandemic, Michael is working through our learning-from-home program, creating and posting assignments, connecting with students, and being available for questions. He stays close to the computer each day, making his students a priority; however, Michael is an experienced teacher, and his skills as an artist allow him flexibility and a therapeutic outlet during the week.
One could say that Michael's art is truly a diary. Over the years, he has created paintings that reflect his family's strengths. For his wife, he painted a majestic wolf and, for himself, a bighorn sheep. Michael's son Shannon was born near Chesapeake Bay, Maryland. For him, he painted Canada Geese, and for his son Ben, who was born in Eugene, Oregon, it could only be ducks.
Michael's art may also represent milestones in his family's life. Benjamin, his youngest son and a former APA student, lives in Washington State with his wife, Rachelle, whom he married on April 6th. Michael is currently working on their wedding present - an oil painting of a beautiful green dragonfly, which is the state insect. This week he is sketching out grass and foliage. Once the paint dries next week, he'll start sketching out the dragonfly in beautiful colors.
May 17th, 2020 - Here is an update to Michael's Dragonfly painting for his son Benjamin. and his wife Rachelle. It's coming along nicely.
April 18th, 2020 - Tamee Burkholder - Long before any hint of COVID19 had marked its territory on this time in our lives, my husband and I were searching voraciously through the 2019-20 Rare Seeds catalog https://www.rareseeds.com/. Circling the essentials like pumpkin pie pumpkins, yellow squash, peas, and watermelon, we also threw some jeweled corn in the mix and ordered our package of seeds. Using a back-of-the-door shoe organizer, I studied each package, labeled and sorted them by when and where they should be planted, and then set to work laying out the garden in my mind. I purchased degradable pots and soil for indoor planting and set up our garden plant light for a little extra push for our seeds in the basement.
It was a long January. February was agony. But then March came, and it was time to plant--at least indoors. Remarkably, I was a week late getting my indoor seeds into the little pots. I was frantically creating online content for my 6th-graders: Google forms, videos, training, scanning documents, more videos, and so much grading.
The sun came out to play during Spring break. There were no clubs to attend, no events at church, no newly released movies at the theater, no family gatherings--nothing. We dug and tilled, manured, and planted.
As if the weather knew my expectations, after spring break, it turned cold again. I hunkered down in my home office organizing, doing more curriculum, and grading. Not minding the cold, the frost-resistant peas, kale, spinach, and lettuce started popping up.
We bought a tiller last week and will get at planting that jeweled corn in mid-May. The inside plants will be transferred outside, and the corn and other direct-planting will go in the carefully prepared outside beds.
It broke my heart on April 14th when I heard the school dismissal would last the rest of the year. I went to the school to get the final few books I knew I would need and started cleaning out the students' desks. At one point, looking at all the little name tags on their desks, I just wept. It was just too abrupt. I didn't get a chance to say goodbye or reward them, sing to the birthday kids, take the last field trip, make the science bridges or any of the end-of-year rituals that are so important to 6th-graders. More important to me than my vegetables, my students are to me like little plants. They had grown in our APA 6th-grade so much, stretching their abilities like leaves and creating so much good fruit. Then all of a sudden, we all got uprooted and transplanted.
My little 6th-grade plants went into a bit of shock that first week, but like strong plants, they have taken root in their new soil and are thriving.
It takes courage and strength to face change and remain consistent. It's okay to take time to adjust in the shock of change. I've been impressed with the courage and strength of my young students. I know that by next summer, they will be ready for the harvest that 7th-grade will ask of them.