SUPER MONDAY

A motivational and informational morning message from Superintendent Willis

Week 35 ~ April 21st, 2025

Super Monday Message

Since our famous entry to the Salt Lake Valley on July 24th, 1847 Utah has had many friends that have helped us make Utah a great place to live. Many cities, towns, and natural features of the land are named after them. Kane County Utah is named after one such friend of the state. Kane County is named after General Thomas Kane. Though he never lived in Utah, his influence made a significant impact on the growth and development of the state.

Born into privilege in Pennsylvania in 1822, Kane could have chosen an easy path in life. Instead, he gave his life to a number of causes greater than himself. He was a staunch abolitionist before the Civil War, a defender of the marginalized, and most notably, a courageous friend to the early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at a time when they had few allies.

When the Saints were driven from their homes, vilified, and facing starvation and exposure, it was Kane who stepped forward. He met them in Winter Quarters and then used his political connections to advocate for their rights in Washington, D.C. Kane did not have membership in any faith, but defended any group he felt was being treated unfairly.

General Kane met with at least three United States Presidents on behalf of the people of Utah. He advocated for the creation of the Utah territory and then for statehood. He passed away before Utah became a state in 1896. He delivered numerous speeches about the people of the Utah territory in Washington D.C. and some of his speeches were widely distributed as pamphlets. 

During the Utah War of 1857–58, when tensions threatened to erupt into bloodshed between the United States and the Saints in the Utah Territory, it was Kane, ill and weakened, who traveled across the country and through the snowbound mountains to mediate peace. Because of his brave and diplomatic intervention, lives were spared, and a peaceful resolution was achieved.

General Kane has been honored for his service by having Kane County named after him and a statue of him stands on the Utah State Capitol grounds. General Kane donated land for a church that he didn’t attend in his hometown of Kane, Pennsylvania. That church now serves as a memorial chapel for him with a replica of the statue at the Utah State Capitol. 

While General Kane was a soldier and did brave things in that regard, he is remembered for his kindness. His simple desire for peace is a great lesson for everyone. We all have opportunities to advocate for peace in our individual conversations and the daily work of building friendships. Make more friends and have the best week 35.

Super High Fives

Just a couple of the awesome recent accomplishments that need a big thank you. 

• A super high five to our great secretaries, Jeri Sylvester, Monique Blood, Susan Morgan, Darian Price, and Julie Mayo. They are an important part of making the schools function effectively and we are grateful for their service. 
• Super high five to all of the elementary and middle school level coaches, advisors, carpool drivers, and organizers. Much of the success of the high school athletic and club programs is directly connected to the programs in the younger ages managed entirely by volunteers. They make great memories for our children and really add to what is happening in our classrooms. Thank you!

Other Super Information

• Latest Elementary School Design (CES) (OES)
• Spring Sports Calendar
• 2024-2025 School District Calendar
• 2025-2026 School District Calendar

Super Weekly Schedule