EDUCATION + SCHOOLS

New Jazz players pay a surprise visit to Bountiful Junior High

Sep 27, 2019, 5:57 PM | Updated: 7:47 pm

(Stanton Kidd laughing with students.  Credit: Laura Seitz, Deseret News)...

(Stanton Kidd laughing with students. Credit: Laura Seitz, Deseret News)

(Stanton Kidd laughing with students. Credit: Laura Seitz, Deseret News)

BOUNTIFUL – There was definitely a “cool kids table” at Bountiful Junior High School.  Two of the newest members of the Utah Jazz roster sat and had lunch with hundreds of excited students.

For the past week, faculty at the school have been trying to get kids to make better social connections with other students.  They’ve created a “Hello Table” where children can meet and speak with other students they wouldn’t have approached, otherwise.

Today, though, sitting at the table were Guard Justin Wright-Foreman and Forward Stanton Kidd.

(Justin Wright-Foreman, right, speaking with seventh graders. Credit: Laura Seitz, Deseret News)

None of the kids knew they were coming.  For ninth-graders like Carter Volle, it was a “very cool” experience.

Volle say, “They’re playing in front of a lot of people out there, but, [we] actually get to meet them and talk to them.”

Kidd says things were different for students when he was going through school.  He believes technology is getting in the way of children reaching out and making friends.

“Now, with technology, you find ways where kids don’t interact with each other because they’re always on their phone or doing other things,” Kidd says.

He says it was just a lot of fun to have a regular conversation with students and just ask them how their day is going.

“To get this interaction going and to see the kids react to the situation is perfect,” he adds.

(Credit: Laura Seritz, Deseret News)

 

Wright-Foreman says he understands what it’s like to be one of the quiet kids at school.

“I know how it is.  I used to be an anti-social kid until somebody, one of my principals, told me it’s good to go out and meet people,” Wright-Foreman says.

He says the best advice he can give any of these kids is to just be themselves and to engage with people, because that’s how you make friends for the long haul.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Education + Schools

A n3-year degree may be an option...

Amie Schaeffer

Utah students could soon earn bachelor’s degrees in 3 years

College students may be able to graduate with a bachelors degree in three years in some industries.

8 hours ago

The Powder Baby Dry Shampoo team poses with its check after winning the 2024 Utah Entrepreneur Chal...

Logan Stefanich, KSL.COM

BYU student startup wins $30K at Utah Entrepreneur Challenge

BYU entrepreneur Kylee Black, who founded Powder Baby, said the cash prize will be instrumental in advancing her business.

11 hours ago

Outside of the Yale University Law School is pictured on September 27, 2018 in New Haven, Connectic...

Zenebou Sylla, CNN

Some New England universities, including Yale, break $90,000 barrier for total tuition cost in upcoming school year

(CNN) — Several New England universities and colleges, including Yale, have reached a pinnacle of at least $90,000 for undergraduate tuition and costs starting this fall. Yale University, Tufts University, Boston University (BU), and Wellesley College are among a few private institutions that will top this year’s costs for tuition, housing and other expenses, according to […]

21 hours ago

FILE: Cedar High School in Cedar City is pictured on Wednesday April 7, 2021....

Tammy Kikuchi and Emma Keddington

Cedar High School grapples with mascot name, five years after it was changed

The Iron School District Board of Education is grappling with changing the Cedar High School mascot back from "Reds" to "Redmen." 

22 hours ago

A green and brown sign hangs on a brick wall. It reads "The future of the world is in this classroo...

Mariah Maynes

Study looks into Utah voters’ opinions on curriculum transparency in schools

A Sutherland Institute study found that a majority of Utah voters support curriculum transparency. However, fewer of them support mandating it with legislation. 

1 day ago

Utah Utes players circle up before the women’s college basketball game against Weber State Univer...

Aimee Cobabe and Emma Keddington

FBI now involved in Utah Women’s Basketball racism investigation

Police in Idaho are working with the FBI to investigate an incident where racial slurs were yelled at the Utah Women's basketball team.

2 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

New Jazz players pay a surprise visit to Bountiful Junior High