In 2019, some 16 local citizens received recognition and reward for their
participation in the American Spirit Project. The project seeks to bring greater awareness of the positive qualities of our system of government. We reached out to youth city councils, graduating high school seniors, law enforcement,
and military. The first 2019 Honoree Award went to Major/ Mayor Brent Taylor, received by his widow Jennie Taylor, for his contributions to the well-being of our community. Four graduating seniors were given Honoree Awards and cash awards
at Fremont and Weber H.S. and Capstone Academy.

There were three law enforcement awards: North Ogden and Pleasant View Police Departments selected officers for the Honoree Award, and Weber County Sheriff’s Department also selected an officer to be honored. An honoree award was also given to Jennie Taylor for her role in bringing the community together after the loss of Major Brent Taylor.

Youth city councils in North Ogden, Pleasant View, and Circleville each selected an Honoree from their memberships who each received a custom-made plaque and a check for $300.

ASP also conducted an essay contest with a theme of “Your 20-20 Vision for Utah and America in 2020.” The top essay award of $1000 was given to Pamela Smith from Mountain Green, and Runner-up awards were given to Ryan Spelts, Vince Bennett and Juliann Doman. Altogether, cash awards this year amounted to $4900 which is the highest total for the ten years these awards have been given.

ASP awards originated in 2010 with an essay contest for students in grades 4th through 12th. The inspiration for this was a newspaper article in 2009 about a solider from Cache Valley who was killed in Iraq. A plan was developed and taken to the
North Ogden Kiwanis Club, who met with Weber School District officials, and the Freedom Essay Contest began in 2010 and was repeated in 2011. From 2012 to 2017, it became a public essay contest with various themes of American Spirit. In 2018 we worked with youth city councils and high schools to give individual Honoree Awards. In 2019 we added military and law enforcement participant awards.

Currently, plans are being developed for the 2020 version of ASP Honoree Awards and will continue to include participation of youth groups and others. This project is funded locally, and we welcome your support.

For more information, contact John W. Reynolds. Call or
text 801-940-3698