For former gang member Samson Phommabout, the dark part of his life started as early as elementary school. Growing up in the “bad part of town” near Salt Lake City, he was surrounded by gangs. As the only Asian in his school, he was also a prime target for bullies. “I just ignored it. Then they started trying to fight me. I’m like, ‘All right, cool. Let’s go. I’m never going … [Read more...] about How Two Former Gang Members Are Giving Back
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102-Year-Old Nell Bright Part of “Best Kept Secret of WWII”
Looking back on her life, 102-year-old Utah resident Nell “Mickey” Stevenson Bright has a lot to be grateful for: her family, her career . . . and her time as a pilot during World War II. Yes, that world war. Yes, a woman pilot. According to Bright, she and the other members of the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) were the first women military pilots and the best kept … [Read more...] about 102-Year-Old Nell Bright Part of “Best Kept Secret of WWII”
From Homeless Teen to Johns Hopkins Doctor: One Utahn’s Incredible Story
He was a homeless teenager, and nobody knew. Well, pretty much nobody. Christopher L. Smith, who attended Pleasant Grove High School, hid his family’s secret behind good grades, participating in sports, and doing all the other “normal” things kids do in high school. Only, his childhood was anything but normal. That’s why the fact that he eventually became a doctor at the … [Read more...] about From Homeless Teen to Johns Hopkins Doctor: One Utahn’s Incredible Story
Meet the Utah Cinematographer for Oscar-Nominated ‘Marcel’
The idea for a movie was so bizarre, it shouldn’t have worked. But it did. A story that centers on a snail shell that talks. Marcel: The Shell with Shoes On, is a touching, adorable tale about looking at life and death differently. But really, that’s how the movie’s director of photography, Bianca Cline, approaches life. With curiosity. With a unique eye. An Eye for … [Read more...] about Meet the Utah Cinematographer for Oscar-Nominated ‘Marcel’
Live Like Sam: Honoring One Teen’s Legacy by Helping Youth to Become Their Best
Most people in Park City, Utah, know the name Sam Jackenthal, who lived a short 16 years but left a big impact on anyone who knew him. Many initially got to know him as an athlete, which was a passion that started early. Even as a little kid, Sam was obsessed with flying. “He really took to being in the air,” says his dad, Ron Jackenthal. “He’d launch off the swing set. … [Read more...] about Live Like Sam: Honoring One Teen’s Legacy by Helping Youth to Become Their Best
