Although the most wonderful time of the year is still six months away, CASA of Walker County brought plenty of holiday spirit to the Lowman Student Center Orange Ballroom during its annual Christmas in July fundraiser.
Organized by Laura Green, the fundraiser united hundreds of community members to support CASA’s mission of providing every child with a safe, permanent, and nurturing home.
CASA volunteers took great strides toward this mission this year, travelling more than 44,000 miles and contributing over 3,200 hours–all in the service of children!
This year’s “Christmas in July” event offered similar support. Terrence Bell–SHSU Alum, local Pastor, and Huntsville High teacher–called 15 rounds of Bingo; Victoria White (Assistant Dean of Students) announced raffle winners; and auctioneer Kevin McMillan led an exciting auction intermission. In all, the event raised some $160,000 for CASA (CASA will release its official and final results later this week), providing needed support for its volunteers and staff.
After placing our tickets for the raffle and grabbing delicious Hawaiian inspired food sponsored by Dealer Solutions Automotive, Jolie Godfrey Mortgage Team, Dr. Victoria Hsiao, and Dr. Glenda Read, it was time for the game to begin! Greg Smith, Director of Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home and this year’s presenting sponsor, opened the evening with a prayer.
Although LEAP students had much of the ups and downs of the other participants, we were ultimately shut out of this year’s winnings, much to the dismay of some competitive members.
The Woodwards won twice and Stephanie won one of the raffles!
It was also fun to see the many winners throughout the evening, which offers a good reflection of the fun that was had by all.
While bingo provided plenty of excitement, the children’s art auctions were the highlight of the evening. Before each piece was auctioned, volunteers walked around the room, holding the artwork high while a video highlighted aspects of the art (which was often very touching) and the child who created it, and then the bidding began.
It was truly remarkable to see the members of our community getting into bidding wars to support CASA and the children they represent.
Mayor Russell Humphrey was particularly impactful, spending $24,000 to buy a total of three pieces, giving two back to the children that made them. Tim Rushing was also a strong supporter of CASA, purchasing multiple art pieces and donating tens of thousands of dollars. The auction did not just touch hearts though; it broke records, raising more than $50,000 in total.
Particularly moving was the presence of some of the adoptive parents on hand, couples who were in the process of adopting CASA children.
Seeing them interact with their children’s CASA advocates and the bidders on their children’s works of art was a highlight of the evening.
Just before the last rounds of bingo, Elliott Herzlich on behalf of Elliott’s Jewelers gave out Hawaiian flower Christmas Ornaments so that everyone could go home with a prize, whether they were lucky enough to win something or or not.
Any time you have good people coming together for a good cause, we see familiar faces. Marshall Altom and his wife, the Woodards, President White and Elliot Herzlich, Jason Brandolini and his wife, Victoria White and Jalon Berry, Lois Stehlik, our old friend Macey Schank (who still volunteers for CASA, despite graduating), and the Slaters.
This added to the already festive aspect of the evening, sending us all home with Christmas spirit–and the children of the region in better hands.
The LEAP Center follows a rigorous process in planning trips, ensuring maximum learning, fun, and reward. The trips are scheduled such that the conferences take priority, while supplementary activities enhance learning, knowledge of others’ cultures, and the expansion of professional networks–with fun sprinkled in.
When things go well, the students take ownership of this process, and this was one of the many happy outcomes of this trip. After a year-long moratorium on LEAP travel, the students prepared well for the trip (taking a photography course and watching a documentary on one of the conference’s keynote speakers), maintained a good attitude despite long days and little sleep, and stayed up-to-date with the blogs and photo editing.
In light of the above and with a little reflection, they offered their favorites of the trip:
Conference Sessions:
This had the least consensus, probably because there was much to like and the students attended different sessions.
Probably the favorite was the “policy tour,” in which the students had a chance to deep-dive into a policy area–including a tour–led by experts. For Isis, Allie, and Jacob, this was the crisis center, in which the students learned of techniques to allow social workers to take over many of the processes involving low-level criminal conduct by people struggling with mental illness. For Robin and Olivia, the tour explored water issues in the West and one of the things Utah is doing to combat shortages, while also involving a wetlands tour on an airboat.
The students also enjoyed “Getting the Right Response,” which also involved crisis response by mental health and law-enforcement personnel. They also enjoyed meeting the keynote speakers, particularly Elizabeth Smart and Evy Poumpouras.
Restaurants:
Central by Saffron Valley was on all five students’ “best-of” lists, and it was the top choice for four of the students.
The food was, in every way, excellent, and amid all the appetizers and entrees, there was not a bad (or even so-so) choice.
Caputo’s was a strong second. appearing on four of the students’ choices. Their sandwiches were impressive–all tasty–and their shop selection was excellent. We wish we could have stayed longer and tried their food classes. Rounding out the top three was Plates and Palates, which had great service and sandwiches in Bountiful, UT.
Coffee:
For coffee, “Ten” ranked first. We had two visits there, and both times, the staff were pleasant, responsive, and helpful, and their coffee was excellent. Also top-notch was the Honeysuckle Coffee Co, which has great service, coffee, and pastries. King’s Peak was perhaps a distant third, while still recommendable. Their coffee is good, while their pastries and service are not up to “Ten’s” standards. On a trip of this nature, coffee shops are much sampled, and we went to the above shops on two occasions. In addition, we went to “The People’s Coffee,” which was adequate, and we also visited “Roots” and “Publik”, although we declined to try their coffee when the baristas indicated that it wasn’t fresh–and didn’t offer to make a fresh cup.
Non-Conference Activities
Beyond the conference, there was even less consensus on the most rewarding activities. Some thought Park City was the most interesting…
…the Capitol Tour had a lot of support, with a majority of the students believing that Utah’s Capitol was, overall, more polished, cohesive, and interesting than the Texas Capitol.
The students also enjoyed the trip through the Big Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway, where the temperatures were twenty-five degrees cooler than Salt Lake City, the scenery was beautiful, and there was an adventure around every corner.
Advisor’s Wrapup
This was the first trip where the students managed to organize their time and energy in such a way as to finish their blogs on time, edit all their photos, and post on social media daily. Olivia McCaughan did a great job facilitating the many tasks that go into making the trip work; Allie did a great job editing the blogs; Jacob and Allie took the lead on editing photos, but everyone edited some photos; and Robin and Isis proved versatile, editing photos, writing blogs, compiling lists, asking questions.
The result was a broad-based learning trip, with leadership lessons built in. The students explored other cities’ downtowns, city halls, and libraries; met numerous legislators and policy experts, promoting their leadership and potentially helping to prepare them for the Austin Internship Program; toured two Museums and one educational center; heard the Tabernacle Choir, one of the ten best choirs in the world; sat in on numerous policy sessions; took thousands of photos; saw numerous animal species for the first time; and managed to complete a 2.5 mile round-trip hike–with a 1,000 foot elevation gain–all in six days!
The students’ teamwork was impressive and effective, with student leadership helping to maintain morale, ensure logistical efficiency, and meet all deadlines, which, in turn, helped make this an excellent trip!
Written By: Isis Hollis, Robin Houghton, and Allie Plunk
On our last day in Salt Lake City, LEAP Ambassadors were able to see the scenery and wildlife of the Great Salt Lake before heading home! Something we had been looking forward to all week, we were thrilled to have the chance to more thoroughly explore the beautiful area.
Salt Lake City Farmer’s Market
Our busy day began with exploration in a few more “local” spots.
A few of us split off to check out the Salt Lake City Farmer’s Market. Located downtown and stretching nearly 10 acres, the Farmer’s Market hosts a large array of vendors, selling everything from textiles to fresh honey. Though the food looked enticing, we couldn’t bring any food products back with us to Texas, so we spent most of our time exploring the vast number of local artisans, browsing work from ceramics, linocut prints, and even some photography!
One favorite purchase was a linocut bandana, featuring almost 60 of Utah’s native birds, including a few that we’ve managed to spot on our trip, like the American Avocet and White-faced Ibis.
Our favorite artwork, however, was a print from a Utah native artist, Meish Roundy. Roundy creates art on top of state maps featuring their respective animals, including Utah’s honeybee, a thank-you gift we ended up buying for Professor Yawn and Stephanie.
Overall, we ranked the Salt Lake City Farmer’s Market one of the best– and largest– we’d seen!
Utah Museum of Fine Arts
While Robin and Olivia were checking out the local stands in the farmers market, the rest of us were exploring local and historic arts at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts!
The museum features two floors of art from all different time periods and regions!
In the first room of the museum is a piece by Japanese artist Onishi Yasuaki, titled Stone on Boundary. Something we found particularly striking about the piece was the fact that the foil molds that make up the suspended artwork were molded from rocks found in Japan and Utah. Though from very different places, the different shapes fit seamlessly together, reminding us of the fact that we are all connected, no matter how different we may seem. This effect was especially striking as small balconies allowed us to see the exhibition even from the more cultural sections of the second floor.
We did have a few more favorites throughout the museum, including Ralph Albert Blakelock’s Silvery Night. The Tonalist piece drew us in through its dark colors and the hazy, dream-like quality of the nighttime landscape. In the center of the darkness, though, shines a glowing moon, breathing a beacon of hopefulness into the otherwise moody painting. The painting also has a unique texture from Blakelock’s use of asphalt mixed into the paints, which enhanced the depth of the paints.
We also particularly liked the glass mosaic by Shahzia Sikander, titled Touchstone. The bright colors and organic feel given by the tile was eyecatching. It depicts a woman reaching for a chalawa, or ghostly spirit, symbolizing the human struggle to control the uncapturable and the beauty of unbound, shifting identities. By using glass shards and shifting light, the piece suggests that true agency is found not in confinement, but in transformation and infinity.
Our visit to the Utah Museum of Fine Arts reminded us that art has a unique way of connecting people across cultures, histories, and perspectives through shared human experiences.
Plates & Palates
For lunch, we ate a delicious selection of sandwiches from Plates & Palates, a small, family owned shop dedicated to making their customers feel at home.
Though we didn’t have time to eat inside, we all found our meals delicious as we ate them in an in-car picnic on our way to our next stop! We enjoyed familiar favorites, like Ham & Swiss, and Chicken Caesar Salad…
… and tried new favorites, like Curry Chicken and Southwest Turkey Sandwiches!
Though a simple meal, it was the perfect fuel we needed before continuing on our journey on the hottest day of the week.
Eccles Wildlife and Antelope Island
After our meal, we stopped by the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Wildlife Education Center, which was full of interesting bird egg replicas and groan-worthy bird puns, where we were pointed to a 1.2 mile trail that promised excellent shots of wildlife.
Thankfully, the trail did not disappoint! Walking along a stream extending off of the Great Salt Lake, we were in prime position to photograph plants, dragonflies, and birds!
The busy ecosystem showcased a thriving environment for the animals of Utah. The scenery was beautiful and relaxing, but with temperatures of 103 degrees, we had to be careful to keep cool!
Though we had planned for a hike on Antelope Island, the weather had started getting to all of us. We instead elected for a drive through the scenery of the island, with a few stops for pictures.
The first time we got out of the car, we were immediately struck by the smell! Though several yards away from the lake, the air was full of an almost oceanic salty scent that none of us had expected.
We walked along the edge of a tendril stretching from the lake, surprised by the extent at which the Great Salt Lake had retreated, even since Professor Yawn and Stephanie visited two years ago. We took several good shots of a flock of Avocets, even capturing a few stragglers that had seemingly joined the group, including a duck!
The wildlife, though, was not the only striking thing about the location: the sandy ground was crusted in salt! The residues, left from the evaporation of the lake, provided large white pads across the former lake bed that crunched underfoot. Most of us, having never visited the Great Salt Lake, were surprised by this feature of the banks of the lake.
As we drove further onto the island, we were able to spot several more animals, including several antelope and bison!
There were, of course, plenty of birds…
… and beautiful views!
One of our last stops was at an old ranch, open to the public for visitors. The beauty of the man-made being taken over by nature was astounding to all of us.
However, the beauty wasn’t the only thing we enjoyed! We each took turns trying to rope a metal bull. While some of us were successful very quickly, others– like the illustrious Jacob Wessels– had to give up on our back-up plans of becoming Rodeo ropers.
The beauty of Utah’s natural landscapes is something that the LEAP Ambassadors found inspiring, still one of their favorite things about the state.
Taverna
Before heading back to the hotel to get a good night’s sleep before leaving early for our flights back to Texas, we picked up dinner from Taverna!
The family owned restaurant, founded in February of 2026 on the idea of community and connection, provided excellent meals for all of us. Famous for its pizza, the Ambassadors shared Pepperoni and Supreme pizzas, while Professor Yawn and Stephanie enjoyed a Fig and Bacon pizza.
The flavors blended well together and provided an air of familiarity for our final meal in Utah.
Conclusion
Our final day in Utah was the perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable week. From exploring art and businesses to photographing wildlife at the Great Salt Lake, we were reminded one last time of the incredible beauty, culture, and community that make Utah so special. We all left with lasting memories and a newfound appreciation for the places and experiences that made this year’s Council of State Governments Legislative Conference one we will never forget!
Written By: Isis Hollis, Robin Houghton, and Allie Plunk
Throughout the conference, LEAP Ambassadors have had the opportunity to learn about policy from esteemed legislators and guest speakers, but on our last day, we got to experience a much more personal session, hearing from activist Elizabeth Smart, the CSG Justice Center on mental health, and attending the closing dinner.
Elizabeth Smart
Before we heard from today’s remarkable keynote speaker, there were a few mentions and introductions from Chair Senator Todd Weiler (UT) and Chair-Prospect Senator Löki Tobin (AK). Together, they previewed next year’s CSG West meeting, which will be taking place in Alaska! Following a short “sizzle reel” for the state, Chair Senator Todd Weiler (UT) introduced Elizabeth Smart.
Smart was abducted from her bedroom at the age of 14 and survived nine months in captivity before being rescued. Though it was law enforcement that put her captors behind bars, there would be no story to tell had it not been for her resilience. It was incredibly inspiring to hear her story, and how she pushed through the darkness around her by focusing on positivity. Even though terrible things were happening to her, she reminded herself constantly throughout her abduction that things could always be worse. It was this strategy, as well as remembering the unconditional love of her family, that kept her going.
Smart also touched on the incredible difficulty she had finding value within herself during and following her captivity. Because she hadn’t been taught the difference between consensual sex and rape, she felt like she had done something horrible. It took her a long time to be able to rationalize that she hadn’t been the one to do anything wrong. I appreciated her candor and that she made it clear that recovery after something so terrifying was a long process.
Now an advocate for safety and sexual assault victims, Smart has used what happened to her for as much good as she can. This resilience and compassion is something we all admired. She was an incredible speaker, and we felt honored to have been able to listen to her.
CSG Justice Center
Following Elizabeth Smart’s moving speech, we attended a session on the CSG Justice Center, and their approach to mental health advocacy. Ernest Stevens, former San Antonio police officer and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) member, current Managing Director of Behavioral Health at the CSG Justice Center, Madeleine Dardeau, CSG Justice Center State Initiatives Program Director, and Leanne Huff, Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) Act specialist, had a panel discussion about the implementation and development of MCOTs, as well as CIT Trainings and help line 988.
The key point was the pressing need for more CIT trained teams to go out and address people with mental health problems. Stevens stated that if you send an untrained officer to deal with mental health crises “there will always be a gun.” Many people struggling with mental health have been shot or killed by officers unable to deal with their problems, and this is exactly what the CSG Criminal Justice center is trying to stop. At the core of this session was a statistic: officers spend only 8 hours learning about mediation techniques, which is something they are supposed to use every day, as opposed to a whopping 20 hours learning to use a gun, which many officers only discharge a few times.
Another factor in this issue is the stigmatization of mental health problems. If we can make people unafraid to get the help they need, then we won’t have as many suicides or overdoses. This issue is becoming something that is particularly close to a few of our hearts, and we hope that in the future we can be a part of the solution.
Dinner
We ended the conference with fun in a closing dinner hosted at the Natural History Museum of Utah, which was just as beautiful of a venue as it was informative. After ascending the stairs, we were greeted with a wall of fossils, crystals, flora, and taxidermy that stretched from floor to ceiling, immediately captivating several Ambassadors.
The dinner also featured a local band, by the name of The Bombshell Flowers. A high-energy indie rock group, their layered harmonies added a relaxed, yet tasteful atmosphere.
For dinner, we had tri-tip steak, cauliflower, asparagus, mashed potatoes, and salad, followed by desserts of fruit tarts and banana pudding.
While the dinner was good, it was the museum that was truly memorable. We spent a lot of time exploring the exhibits, each highlighting an important aspect of Utah’s natural history. We even discovered that Allie is likely descended from the Allosaurus, which is where she gets her t-rex nature!
As we left, we managed to grab a shot of the breathtaking views from the museum terrace.
From dinosaurs to rock formations to earthquakes, Utah’s Natural History Museum was a wonderful place to close out the conference.
Conclusion
Our final conference day left us with a lot to think about, looking at the world through new eyes. We all admired the incredible work people like Elizabeth Smart and the CSG Criminal Justice Center are doing for those struggling with mental health and sexual assault.
Written By: Isis Hollis, Robin Houghton, Allie Plunk, and Jacob Wessels
LEAP Ambassadors had a wonderful second day at the Council of State Governments Western Legislative Conference! We enjoyed learning about Quantum Computing, the West’s take on the upcoming Olympics, Policy tours, and a visit to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ Salt Lake City Temple Visitors Center.
Quantum Computing
Though a daunting subject, we attended a conference session on the implications and impacts of Quantum Computing, hosted by Senator Catherine Blakespear (CA) and Representative Justin Wilmeth (AZ).
With a series of presentations by Rohan Basu Roy, Professor at the University of Utah; Pratik Soni, Professor at the University of Utah; Chris Spitzer, of Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory; and Ben Eikey, of the Levin Center, we were amazed to learn about the quickly approaching 2030 deadline for the official implementation of Quantum.
This astounding software will significantly cut down the production time for molecule simulators used in drug manufacturing, risk analysis for things like finance, and even enhanced AI. However, as Professor Soni stated, Quantum also comes with significant risk to national security and could potentially widen the employment gap. In order to resolve this conflict, speakers suggested training programs for teachers and students as young as elementary school to introduce Quantum so that we can raise a generation of young people properly equipped to handle the technology.
The tone of the session was one of preparation: Quantum is coming to the West, and it’s up to the legislators to build a safety net to keep things from going downhill. Quantum Computing is a somewhat new concept to the Ambassadors, though one that got us thinking about our own futures and how Quantum might affect our careers in law.
The Power of Sports
Following our crash course in Quantum, we were off to lunch! Before the keynote speech began, Chair Senator Todd Weiler (UT) presented the Bettye Fahrenkamp Award to Senator Ron Winters (UT) for his outstanding leadership.
After the awards, we learned about the value of sports from Kelsey Berg, who is currently leading government relations for the Utah 2034 Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games…
…and Chris Mazdzer, Olympian and Paralympic activist, and moderator Senator Todd Wieler (UT).
Following the incredible success of the 2002 Winter Olympics hosted in Utah– one of the only Olympic games in which the host country made a profit– the state is thrilled to host the 2034 Winter Games.
However, the benefits of Olympic sports are not only financial. The speakers testified to the incredible cultural unification that happens when people from across the globe unite in the name of sports, citing the overwhelmingly positive reaction from visitors to the World Cup.
Even as someone who has never been particularly athletic, I found this connection inspiring, and I look forward to being a part of the host country for another worldwide sporting event.
Huntsman Crisis Center
The LEAP Ambassadors had the opportunity to attend post-lunch policy tours to witness the effects of legislation in action.
Isis, Allie, and Jacob attended a tour of the Huntsman Mental Health Institute and Crisis Center of Utah. The institute is leading the way for many significant improvements in behavioral health by focusing on creating a welcoming environment for its patients through a variety of methods, including referring to those whom they treat not as patients, but as guests. The architecture of the building helps achieve this as well by being intentional with every aspect, all the way down to the lighting, which is timed to the body’s circadian rhythm!
Representative Steve Eliason and Operations Manager Kevin Curtis shared how they have made an impact through collaborating with local police departments and hospitals to keep those facing mental challenges out of prisons and instead getting the care they need. Their work has helped many people with rehabilitation after facing a crisis while creating a more accepting community for those who may have mental problems. The session informed us on the resources available for nearly every demographic to seek care, along with ways legislators can help push for destigmatizing mental health treatment.
The tour created a lot to think about for the Ambassadors, but it brought along with it a newfound interest in psychology and the treatment of the mentally ill.
The Great Salt Lake
Robin, Olivia, and Professor Yawn chose to attend the policy tour on Water and the Future of the West. On the bus ride there, we learned about water usage in Utah. Utah Water Ways, led by Executive Director Tage Flint, is behind a campaign called “Slow the Flow.”
Their organization is unique: it is set up as a non-profit, but it is funded in part by the Utah Legislature and in part by community/corporate partners, with a goal of reducing per capita water consumption by almost a third in the next twenty-five years.
Part of this goal is to save the Great Salt Lake.
The Lake has been subsiding in the past several decades, a particularly trouble phenomenon because it offers a unique ecosystem, providing a home for hundreds of thousands of migratory birds.
…we spent a wonderful couple of hours exploring the Utah wetlands, seeing birds, insects, and other wildlife critical to the wetland ecosystem.
Seeing the wetlands in person reminded all of us of the importance of water conservation, especially in Utah, the second-driest state in the country.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Salt Lake City Temple
Following the Policy tours, LEAP ambassadors headed out to explore the historic Temple Square for a tour of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ Salt Lake City Temple Visitors Center. Though not allowed in the Temple itself without a Temple Recommend from the LDS Church, we were soon immersed in the history, culture, and beliefs of the Church.
Our first stop was to take a picture with Thorvaldsen’s Christus, an 11-foot-tall statue of Jesus Christ that has a unique connection to Huntsville. Home to a full-scale bronze replica of the same statue (which can be found in historic Oakwood Cemetery), Huntsville possesses the only full-sized replica of Christus in the state of Texas.
We then were led through five rooms of a replica temple: the foyer, the baptistry, the celestial room, the instruction room, and the sealing room, each of which are copies of real temple rooms.
The most interesting room to me was the baptistry, which features a large bath resting on the backs of twelve life-sized oxen that symbolize the Twelve Tribes of Israel. The baptistry is also located on the temple’s lowest level to represent the symbolic burial and resurrection associated with baptism. Members of the Church perform baptisms there on behalf of their deceased ancestors who did not have an opportunity to convert, though their ancestors still must choose to accept the baptism.
After the tour, we were taken to the Tabernacle to listen to the Grammy, Emmy, Peabody, and Mother Teresa award-winning Tabernacle Choir perform.
Many of the ambassadors were deeply moved by the experience, and we all understood why it is considered one of the ten greatest choirs in the world.
Overall, we enjoyed our visit to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The experience gave us a greater appreciation for the culture, history, and beliefs of many of the people who call Salt Lake City home.
Central by Saffron Valley
Hungry after our longest conference day, we stopped in to Central by Saffron Valley for a meal that would have made the James Beard Foundation proud. Actually, it must have made the Foundation proud, because the chef, Lavanya Mahate, was nominated for a James Beard award in 2024.
The restaurant is an homage to the “golden age of India’s train travel,” and it is themed accordingly. The tables are labeled by platform, there is a “railroad crossing” sign in a corner, there is a faux train compartment wallpaper in parts of the restaurant, and some of the dishes are served in the tins used on Indian train travel.
The theme is appropriate, in that the meals come from different regions of India: curries from across the country; chicken tikka dosa from “southbound parts”; and a dessert menu featuring “sweet departures.”
We opted to eat family style, with some naan, chicken tikka kebabs, samosas, fish and chips (a nod to India’s one-time status as a British colony, and a sop to Olivia), Nawabi lamb biryani; the ever-reliable Old Delhi Butter Chicken (from the ever predictable Jacob Wessels); and for dessert, chai creme brulee, gulab juman cheesecake, and Indian ice cream.
Everything we had was at least good, and several of the dishes being excellent: the chicken tikka and butter chicken standing out as exceptionally tender; the samosas as a spice-filled specialty; the ice cream as tasty and inventive.
Owner Mahate told the Deseret News that she wanted to make “Indian food more accessible,” and she seems to be doing just that, providing excellent food to the Salt Lake City community. The entire meal was delicious, and it was an enjoyable evening with friends while extending the LEAP Center’s ethnic-themed meals during this trip– a nod to Salt Lake City’s history of attracting immigrants who contribute in many ways, not the least of which is adding to the culinary culture of the community.
Conclusion
Each session and policy tour demonstrated that effective leadership requires curiosity, collaboration, and a willingness to understand perspectives different from our own. As we look ahead to our final day at the conference, we are grateful for the opportunity to learn from legislators, policy experts, and community leaders from across the West.
LEAP has had a wonderful time exploring the many sights of Utah and learning numerous facts about Salt Lake City, but the fun hasn’t stopped there. Today was our first official day attending the Council of State Governments Western Legislative Conference. Throughout the day, we attended many interesting speaker sessions, including diverse topics such as Rural Healthcare Transformation Planning, AI in Education, Identifying Human Behavior, the Housing Crisis, Building the Grid of Tomorrow, and Geothermal Energy.
Conference Sessions
Though we had the opportunity to attend several sessions, we did have a few favorites!
One such session was the Rural Healthcare Transformation Planning presentation featuring Ben Eikey, Manager of State Training and Development for the Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy, with Representative My-Linh Thai (WA) and Representative Matt Soper (CO) moderating. Over the past 20 years, rural hospitals have faced financial crises, and Eikey offered a template to concerned citizens and legislators for how to encourage serious discussion of the issue.
He encouraged a four-step process: (1) becoming as knowledgeable as possible about the issue, in this case, rural healthcare, (2) creating a list of open questions, (3) using the answers to those questions to find evidence, and finally (4) identifying resources, advocates, and committees that are necessary to stimulate a solution for the lack of funding.
This outline provided a guide to what goes into the creation of legislation. As future lawyers- and potential legislators- we all found this very intriguing.
While Jacob, Isis, and I were learning about rural healthcare, Robin and Allie were attending a session on AI in the classroom. With moderation by Carrie Butler of SchoolAI…
…Representative John Arthur (UT), Senator Kirk Cullimore (UT), and Caleb Hicks, CEO of SchoolAI, discussed the impact of a recently passed Utah Bill that will require school boards to create and implement a “best use guide” for software– including AI.
We were surprised to learn that 20 percent of high-school students have had a romantic relationship with AI, and that 80 percent of high-school students use “Shadow AI” (as far as we can tell, this means unapproved AI platforms). With these facts in mind, the panelists were in agreement that: AI had to be incorporated into curriculum, schools and teachers had to teach students how to use this software effectively, honestly, and transparently, and the school systems had to ensure that the software they approved is safe and good for children.
Lunch
For lunch, we all came together to converse, learn more about the CSG, and to hear the keynote speaker of the day, former NYPD Officer, former Secret Service Agent, and author Evy Poumpouras.
The lunch highlighted the work done by many of the leaders of the Council of State Governments (West), including Chair Senator Todd Weiler (UT), Vice-Chair Rep. Lauren Matsumoto (HA), Chair-Elect Senator Loki Tobin (HA), and Past-Chair Rep. Mike Yin (WY), as well as Utah State Treasurer Marlo Oaks. These discussions culminated in some groan-worthy “dad jokes” by Senator Weiler, as well as an award presented to him by Executive Director of State Government Affairs Council, Beth Loudy.
The highlight of the lunch was keynote speaker Evy Poumpouras. Drawing from her experience in law enforcement, her knowledge of six languages, and a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University, Poumpouras spoke on the importance of understanding how to converse with others by responding to their headspace. Using techniques taught to her in training, she discussed the different kinds of behavior that a person can exhibit: the warm, social Monkey, the leading Lion, the patient Mouse, or the frank T-Rex.
Each of these “behavioral types” can be exhibited by someone, depending on the situation, and each should be responded to in a different way. While the Lion and the Mouse complement each other, a Monkey responds best to a Monkey, and a T-Rex to a T-Rex. Central to Poumpouras’s argument is that (1) these behavioral characteristics are not permanent, (2) the members of the audience have agency, and they can adopt behaviors that advance their goals, and that (3) good faith behavior fosters trust. Accordingly, the key takeaway was that we should learn to regulate our own reactions to make conversations and meetings more productive. While we may not be using these tools to interrogate terrorists, we are very curious to see how implementing this style affects our communication!
The Red Iguana
Continuing our theme of exploring ethnic food in Salt Lake City, we tried out what our hotel described as the “Best Mexican Food in Salt Lake City,” The Red Iguana. Established in 1985 by Ramon and Maria Cardenas, the restaurant now has three locations in the city, and is a fixture among locals. As noted by Eater, “The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so arrive early to ensure you snag a table or be prepared to wait.”
With us having a “working dinner,” we avoided the wait by getting the food “to go” and eating at the hotel. Olivia and Allie got the “Killer Nachos,” and we learned that the “killer’ may have referred to the size of the nachos—the portions for which were as large as they were scrumptious. Similarly the quesadilla—which resembled a burrito more than the Tex-Mex quesadilla—had more fillings than were expected and beef that was particularly flavorful. Robin and Jacob had the steak a la ranchero, which, received a strong thumbs up from Jacob and a “so-so” from Robin. The sides were a major plus, with the queso and the chile poblano con queso being standouts.
There are many who are suspicious of Mexican food outside of Mexico or Texas, but this is nonsense. Chefs can be developed anywhere, and chefs can emigrate to any city as our experiences in Salt Lake City have attested—with excellent results.
Conclusion
We had a very educational and insightful first conference day, learning about a vast array of topics that have already begun to spark debates and conversations among the Ambassadors. We are all looking forward to the sessions that tomorrow holds and are sure that they will be just as engaging and exciting as today’s!
Written By: Robin Houghton, Olivia McCaughan, Allie Plunk, and Jacob Wessels
On our second day in Salt Lake City, LEAP Ambassadors enjoyed a fun-filled day of learning and exploration, from seeing sights from the Salt Lake City Library, to visiting Park City, to taking a scenic tour of Utah’s more natural features.
SLC Library
LEAP Ambassadors started the day by exploring the Salt Lake City Library. Designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie (who also designed Crystal Bridges Art Museum), the library is as much a work of art as a center for community.
The building is uniquely shaped into a triangle with a curved base. This specific shape was chosen to let in the most light through the predominantly glass structure, helping naturally keep the library cool in the summer and warm in the winter according to the differing curves of the sun’s path. Mirroring this curve is an outer wall, inlaid with spaces that businesses can rent out, and a curved amphitheater within the courtyard.
My favorite floor was probably the first floor. Walking into the library, we were greeted by a piece called Psyche, created by Ralph Helmick and Stu Schecter. It is made up entirely of small hanging books and butterflies, strung in the shape of a head, a play on the Greek word for both mind and butterfly.
Elsewhere in the Library, I was fascinated by the massive volume of CDs, especially those of local artists featured in the audio section, a good example of the library exposing people to new cultural horizons while also supporting the local community. Speaking of which, there was also a place to buy stickers designed by local artists and a seed check-out kiosk where locals could take seeds to plant in their home garden. The concept is that, after the harvest, “borrowers” would return some seeds from the plants they grew. I also admired (and was jealous of!) the incredible resources the creative lounge had to offer, including leathercraft, sewing machines, audio recording, and even a soldering station!
The roof, featuring 360-degree views of Salt Lake City, was a close second place in my ranking. We were able to see both the mountains and the top of city hall from the same spot.
As we left, we were all able to come to the same conclusion: the Salt Lake City Library has all the functions of a proper community center, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Caputo’s Market & Deli
Following our library adventure, we stopped for lunch at Caputo’s Market & Deli for authentic Italian cuisine and specialty foods. Founded in 1997 by Tony Caputo, the deli has become a local institution by bringing high-quality imported European products and traditional Italian flavors to Utah.
We were able to enjoy a variety of dishes. The Caputo, Roasted Reds, Mortadella Mami, and Hot Pastrami each highlighted the quality ingredients and classic combinations that have been staples of Italian delis for generations.
Many of us couldn’t resist browsing Caputo’s famous chocolate selection. We shared and sampled an assortment of chocolates, including one decorated with edible flowers that was as beautiful as it was delicious. We also enjoyed several unique flavors, including Vietnamese Coffee, Orange with Sea Salt, Cardamom, and Chili Chocolate. Personally, my favorite was the Vietnamese Coffee. It captured the bold flavor of coffee without overpowering the chocolate.
By preserving the culinary traditions of Europe while also introducing them to new audiences, Caputo’s has become an important part of Salt Lake City’s diverse food culture. The experience reminded us that food has the power to connect people with history, culture, and one another.
Park City
Our next stop was Park City, Utah‘s Main Street, an idyllic strip of shops, restaurants and cafes. It was discovered in 1868 when soldiers stationed in Salt Lake City traveled from Big Cottonwood Canyon to find silver. After silver mining slowed and miners began to move on to other lands in search of more minerals, the town became a leading state in winter sports, which led to the creation of Park City’s Historic Main Street. The street is now home to over 200 unique businesses, including 50 one-of-a-kind restaurants.
As the Huntsville Main Street Coordinator, it was very interesting to see how Park City’s Main Street compared to our own. During my walk through town, many things caught my eye: the vibrant landscapes, the numerous souvenir shops, and the distinctive Main Street Trolley. Combining all of these elements created the perfect environment for a wonderful day of shopping and visiting with friends and family.
After visiting this thriving Main Street, I have been inspired to bring many of these aspects back to Huntsville. This Main Street is definitely one for others to look to for guidance on their next project for bringing the community together.
Scenic Byway
After exploring Park City’s Main Street, we spent the afternoon taking a scenic drive through the Wasatch Mountains. In contrast to the previous night’s rigorous hike, this drive was much less exerting, allowing us to take plenty of photos of the beautiful flora and fauna of Utah.
We began near the top of the Wasatch Mountains, where the cooler weather allowed us to see a vibrant array of wildflowers, which complemented the surrounding mountains. We stopped to take in the quaking aspens (which we were surprised to learn all share the same root system), and to enjoy even more beautiful views!
Further down the mountain, in Big Cottonwood Canyon, we saw Silver Lake, which features a short trail ideal for spotting a diverse array of animals. Almost immediately, we spotted a few squirrels and chipmunks around the visitor center, making them perfect practice for photos.
Things got more exciting as we walked down the boardwalk, almost immediately spotting an osprey diving for prey on the lake. We also observed some less predatory birds, such as sparrows and ducks. We even got to see a beaver swimming around the lake!
As we moved onto the surrounding trail, we spotted a few robins in the underbrush. About halfway around the lake, we saw a grazing deer and managed to snag a tricky photo of a dragonfly. The greatest sight, however, was near the end of the trail, where we managed to catch glimpses of a moose!
After taking a multitude of photos- and filling up a camera memory card- we made our way back to the hotel, happy with the day’s pursuits.
Pretty Bird Chicken
Once we were back, we ordered dinner from Pretty Bird, the self-professed best chicken place in Salt Lake City! Owner Viet Pham is a world-renowned chef, who retired from fine dining to set up Pretty Bird and explore his version of the Nashville spicy fried chicken. We enjoyed the flavors and spices of the chicken, but the fries and the street corn weren’t our favorite dishes. Still, it was an interesting addition to our Salt Lake City culinary experience.
Conclusion
Our second day in Salt Lake City was well-spent, filled with learning, exploring, and some lessons to take with us, back to Huntsville, our home towns, and in life. As the day concluded, most of us agreed that Salt Lake City, Utah was one of our new favorite places!
Before heading out to tackle the local trails, LEAP Ambassadors set out to experience Salt Lake City’s vibrant food scene, fuel up, and to continue our theme of ethnic food destinations in Salt Lake City. Nestled in the 15th and 15th neighborhood, we ate at Mazza, a James Beard Award-nominated Lebanese restaurant.
While the service was a bit spotty, the menu showcased the depth of Lebanese cuisine, striking a balance between familiar favorites and complex specialty dishes. We began with their classic, smooth hummus paired with a distinctively airy, fluffy pita bread and meatballs before exploring their rich entrees. The meatballs especially stood out as an experience in spice blending. Served in a deeply flavorful, rich tomato sauce packed with traditional spices, these meatballs were definitely one of the highlights of the night.
For entrees we went for a wide variety of dishes, including the savory lamb and spinach yakhneh, shawarma, beef and lamb kabobs, and a uniquely balanced chicken dish prepared with olives and dried fruit, the latter of which was the standout among the menu items we sampled.
Fueled by our meal and hoping to beat sunset, we were ready to set off on our hike! When we first set out on the Living Room Trail in Salt Lake City, our main goal was to catch the sunset from the famous rock couches at the top. However, as our very first LEAP hike, the trail turned out to be a lot steeper and harder than we anticipated ((editor’s note: despite repeated discussions about this very topic). The constant incline tested our stamina, and while we pushed through and made it all the way to the summit, we unfortunately missed the sunset. Despite the timing mishap, the journey up was incredibly beautiful and rewarding; we even got to see some local wildlife along the way, including a doe and buck grazing against the backdrop of the surrounding mountain ranges.
Swapping out the familiar, humid Texas forests for the massive, rugged peaks of the Wasatch Range gave us a newfound appreciation for how diverse American geography can be. Climbing up the rocky, high-altitude terrain of Salt Lake City felt worlds away from our usual campus walks, making the physical challenge even more memorable for us, and allowing us to push ourselves outside our comfort zones to experience a completely different side of the country.
By the time we reached the top, the dusk had faded, giving us a stunning view of the city lights. This was definitely the most rewarding part of the night; we felt like we had accomplished something together. The descent proved to be its own adventure, as navigating the very steep trail in the pitch dark felt a bit scary and required us to look out for one another every step of the way. Facing the tough terrain and conquering the dark together created a memory and a shared connection that none of us will ever forget.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 
