The Jordan Alumni Association proudly announces the re-election of S. Glen Watts for a 13th term as President. After much deliberation, the Board decided 13 is Glen's lucky number and is bound to bring us luck in raising scholarship funds. It is an honor and a privilege to serve with him. Glen is a dedicated Beetdigger. He has a heart of gold as Sherma Yeates, Kathy Damjanovich, Caralee Skinner and Sharon Allen know because they went to school with him. He always goes the extra mile. He's an amazing man who truly cares about everyone. He has a supportive family and an especially wonderful wife who shares him with Jordan High School, even on his birthday. As a Board, the alumni could not have elected anyone who fit the position as President better as he has proved for 12 years. Kathy Damjanovich said the two day Centennial celebration was Glen's dream, long before the 500 strong Centennial committee's dream. It was led by Marilyn Larsen and Bryan Steadman, Afton Greenwood and Jerry Hatch.

Besides being a might maroon and gray Beetdigger (yes, he and almost every board member wear their colors to meetings) he is a fair and loyal president and is a friend to all, especially Digger Dan. One of the board members said he is enthusiastic, insightful and a bit of a dreamer of how to do great things for scholarships for the students of Jordan High.

His wife agrees. He's a dreamer.

Kathy Damjanovich says, "After the death of President Glen Sacos, he courageously took over the fledgling organization, determined to see it succeed. Because of his leadership and enthusiasm it has become and effective connection between historical Jordan and the current Jordan High."

Kathy said, "Programs organized under his direction have given thousands of dollars in scholarships to Jordan seniors. Besides the scholarships, the Harvest Award, Alumni Directories, Alumni Basketball Night, the Association Website, Newsletters, and the outstanding vision of his leadership WAS the 2007 Centennial Celebration. He saw that it was an event to be enjoyed and remembered by alumni for years to come. I am proud to serve with him on our alumni organization."

DVD's of the celebration are forthcoming...

"Please pass the word," says Joy Bates, "that all money we make as a non-profit organization goes to scholarships. All expenses are voted on by the Board. We have no freebies because we are trying to provide more scholarships every year. All board members are volunteers working for the future of Jordan High and its students."

Joy Bates said, "Jordan held the state's largest 100-year celebration for more than 80,000 Beetdiggers. By the way, 8,000 attended from across the world."

Incidentally, no scholarship money was used for the Centennial. The money was always protected. It was jokingly said at the last board meeting that we were living in the past, but Glen Watts is always thinking ahead with new ideas to support and honor Jordan students and principal Robert Dowdle and his fine staff.

Thus the future is everything for the mighty Beetdiggers. Lessons learned at Jordan are the future.

Dr. Robert Moss Dowdle is looking forward to a successful parent-teacher conference, February 27th and 28th, and is hoping to involve more parents.

It was a privilege to interview the principal. He grew up in the Skyline High School area, spending much of his time with his friends, romping in Parley's Gully. He graduated from Skyline, and went to the University of Utah where he received both Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education degress. He then went on to Utah State University for his Administrative/Supervisory Endorsement, returning to the University of Utah for his Doctor of Education degree.

He taught History and Geography at Mt. Jordan Middle School, where he received the Mt. Jordan PTSA Teacher of the Year Award. He was a History and Economics teacher at Bingham High School, Assistant Principal at Alta High School, and is now the current Principal at Jordan High School.

He received the 1999 Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge Leavey Award for private enterprise education.

He travelled to Hawaii, Chile, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Italy and many other sites in this country.

His interests include cycling, mountain bikes, hiking and camping, and he loves skiing and fishing, and other activities with his family. He made the statement that scouting helped prepare him for all his adventures. Dr. Dowdle became an Eagle Scout and honors that code.

He thinks of himself as a steak and potatoes man - that being his favorite food.

When he was named Principal of Jordan High, he said it was like coming home to an old community.

His favorite holiday is Christmas because that means more time with the family.

He enjoys being Principal and has put some great goals into action. Dr. Dowdle would like for each student, staff and faculty to leave Jordan successful and honorable.

He honored former coach Hal Hale by saying, "It is easy to say something positive about Hal. He has a certain relationship with his players. They respected him and learned a lot about life's lessons. It was always easy to relate to Coach Hale. He is a fine man, and today I would like to say I have a fine staff at this school."

When the Centennial was mentioned, he says, "look around at the success of the students from Jordan. We have judges and an astronaut, senators, and the list goes on. That's why we have the 'Wall of Honor' to add names. The alumni also have their Harvest Award to place names on a legacy list."

Dr. Dowdle went on to say that we also have and show recognition to our athletes and those with high academics. "However, though a student may not have found their name on a wall, they and all others add to Jordan High School. For example, we teach the students, 'win with class and lose with dignity,' and when it comes to sports, ALL will be expected to show great sportsmanship. Our coaches are encouraged to teach life's lessons and they seem to be doing a good job. We teach excellence in everything and we have five academic majors."

The Alumni Association is happy to say we are fortunate to have Dr. Dowdle as Principal.

Some of the upcoming events he hopes we will look forward to include parent-teacher conference, "The Diary of Anne Frank" (February 22, 23, 25.) He also reminds Beetdiggers of the basketball games on January 29th, when Hillcrest meets Jordan on their home floor, and February 1st when Jordan meets Taylorsville, again on our home floor.

Dr. Dowdle will have trouble on the February 5th game when Jordan meets Skyline, his old alma matter on their floor. But he looks forward to beating Alta on February 8th on Jordan's floor, and Brighton on February 15th at Jordan. On February 19th, Jordan plays at Hillcrest. Games are at 7:00pm.

Dr. Dowdle reminds all Beetdiggers to watch for the Alumni Association sales of sweatshirts, t-shirts and hats at parent-teacher conference. The public is invited to buy as well.

Principal Dowdle says he has no favorite color. The Alumni Association suggests maroon and gray.

Welcome to Jordan, Principal Robert Dowdle.

I wish again to thank Marilyn Larsen, Bryan Steadman, Afton Greenwood and Jerry Hatch, and all who helped with and attended the Centennial.

Nancy Bishop, former historian, has moved to the active position of secretary.

Many thanks to my right-hand lady, Kathy Damjanovich, scholarship and recognition vice president. Kudos to Joy Bates, fund-raising vice president, and Linda Hardcastle, Centennial and archives vice president, and Jeff Litster, computer internet and membership vice president.

Also, I am supported by treasurer Sharon Allen, secretary Nancy Bishop, historian Caralee Skinner, editor Sherma Yeates, co-editor Linda Julio, graphic designer Deborah Elison, and Lael Ehlers, assistant to vice president Litster.

I am also grateful to Dave Ehlers, Laurie Scott, Holly Thorpe, Argene Jorgenson, Shirley Mortensen, Maris Olsen, Peggy Black, Susan Jennings, Patti Dahl, and many of the others I've already mentioned here who've agreed to serve double-duty as members of the fund-raising committee under Joy Bates.

Welcome to Joe Gomez and Chris Yeates who also have agreed to help the Alumni Association.

Again, even though they've already been mentioned here, I have a special thanks to Holly Thompson, Maris Olson and Peggy Black who work tirelessly under vice president Hardcastle on the Association's Centennial and Archives rooms.

Last but not least, thanks to Principal Robert Moss Dowdle and Vice Principal Garry True who guide the Alumni Association.

On January 19th former coach Hal Hale was honored in the Jordan Beetgarden for 29 years of commitment and hard work. Half-time at the Jordan-Bingham game was dedicated to celebrating coach Hale and his achievements at the school. Family, friends, colleagues and former and current players were there to pay tribute to him. Coach Hale's outstanding career produced 389 wins, a record at Jordan.

Hal played at Jordan from 1960 to 1962, where he was a member of the State Championship Team. He went to Utah State University where he was an outstanding player for Ladell Anderson. He played professionally for the Houston Mavericks and then served as a medic in Vietnam. He was awareded the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for bravery in the war.

When he decided to become a coach he headed back to Jordan. He served two years as an assistant and then became head coach. His teams went to the state tournament 28 times, played in the state finals four times, and in 1984 were the State Basketball Champions. His teams had a reputation for good sportsmanship and always appeared at tournaments in shirts and ties. Lessons learned at his side prepared thousands of young men to be successful in life as well as in basketball.

Current Jordan coach Rob Geertsen and Hale's former players presented him with two framed number 20 jerseys, representing his years as a player. A banner honoring him was also presented and will hang in the Beetgarden as a tribute to his legacy. A special honor for Hal was the presence of his USU coach Ladell Anderson, who traveled from St. George to attend the ceremony.

Colleges praised his 389 wins, but stated they will "more importantly remember the man who won with class and dignity, who treated everyone with respect, who was a remarkable and compassionate person as a teammate, coach and friend." Hale's response to the honor was simple. "Everything I've given, I've gotten back from you all." He thanked everyone he had worked with: players, coaches and even the officials.

The ceremony was a wonderful tribute. The game was not as wonderful. The Bingham Miners defeated the Beetdiggers.

On April 25th, 2008 at 7:00pm, in the Jordan High School Beetgarden, everyone, including the general public, should plan to attend the Alumni Association basketball game and auction.

The alumni will have a great co-ed team that will play a co-ed team of current seniors. It's always a fun game to watch. There will be a huge number of items to bid on during a silent auction. You will find great deals from many restaurants and on collectible dolls, hand-made items, furniture, tattoos, gift certificates and other things too numerous to mention.

All items are donated by businesses and alumni. We will also honor an outstanding alumnus during halftime.

Please come and enjoy the evening with us. ALL money made from the auction goes to the scholarship fund.

If interested in playing on the alumni team, call Kathy Damjanovich at 801-571-8136 or email .

If you want to donate to the auction or have any questions, call Joy Bates at 801-808-1445 or email .

At the time this Beetdigger went to Jordan the hottest rival was with Bingham, and that rivalry is still intense, as I saw their most recent basketball game. Now is the time for Jordan to announce congratulations to Bingham which celebrates its 100-year anniversary this year.

The students, Principal Dowdle and staff, Glen Watts and the Alumni Association, and the PTSA welcome Bingham to the list of Centennial schools. We wish Bingham's students and staff much happiness and success in their celebration.

Did you forget to send in your membership?

If so, fill-in, print and mail the form to us along with your renewal fee.

We will forward your membership card to you.

All memebership funds go to scholarships.

JOIN NOW...
HELP CARRY ON THE TRADITION!

Aida, a musical collaboration between Elton John and Tim Rice, is surely one of the highlights of Jordan's 100 year celebration. It was presented by the Jordan High Department of Performing Arts in November. A new change in newsletter staff prevented the Alumni Association from notifying members so they could attend. We have arrangements with the school to run dates in our newsletter so members may attend events.

Co-editor and critic Linda Julio said, "she was suprised and proud to see Monday night's large and enthusiastic audience."

One of the Vice Principals said Friday and Saturday night's crowds were just as large.

Mrs. Julio said, "It was a very responsive audience and the overall production was emotional. The orchestra was excellent and was out-of-sight so it didn't detract from the actors. Speaking of actors, singers and dancers, they were unbelivably excellent. Time flew by. I was sorry to see it end, and can't wait to see the next play, "The Diary of Anne Frank," which is not yet cast." It will open February 22nd with performances countinuing on February 25th at 7:30pm on the main stage auditorium.

We proudly present the names of the cast of Aida: Alexandria Rowley, Clint Morris, Kim Holm, Dallon Smith, Eric Hatch, Kyle Peterson, Alicia Wrigley, Mason Blair and Joshua Nielson.

Each actor was professional in his or her part and we salute them.

Congratulations to Kent Burrell, director and set and lighting design, for such a memorable performance. The producer was Principal Robert Dowdle. Choral direction in the case of Aida is especially difficult. Congratulations to Peter Steenblik and orchestra director Randall Clark, and choreographer Ms. Wendy Petrovich-Musig for handling the difficult music.

Each of the staff behind the scenes was as outstanding as the performers out front. They included the following:

Aaron Christiansen, Jared Cowley, Matthew Kaim, Kyle Pehrson, Blake Sharette, Karneron Smith, Bryce Young, Sarah Brenay, Brittany Erickson, Taylor Maughn, Allie Morgan, Carolline Porter, Anike Pullens, Erin Sorenson, Caitlin Bagley, Lexie Bennion, Brook Bowlby, Ashley Buie, Hillary Casperson, Annie Duffin, Sarah Mae Furniss, Destiny Glover, Sarah Hood, Jessica Houghton, Caitlin Jackson, Ashley Jones, Kelsy Jordan, Alisha Larson, Ali Lente, Emily Newbold, Karli Thompson, Dana Barraco, Emily Dziatlik, Kirsten Fabert, Elise Holmes, James Ray, Chelsea Soelberg, Alyssa Sedgwick, Ms. Erin McGuire, Allie Morgan, Zach Sedgwick, Bryant Hair, Charles Bowman, Chassidy Lianos, Nada Alasfar, Kiersten Anderson, Lindsey Barney, Mason Blair, Christopher Blazor, Courtney Blazor, Jared Boyd, David Brinton, Eric Buseth, Quinton Buttars, Jill Chapman, Nicholas Chatelain, Christopher Counsell, Jase Cracroft, Eric Critchley, Jordan Davies, Adam Ervin, Rachael Faust, Brian Ferre, Gerardo Frias, Jake Fulk, Moises Garcia, Jesika Griffiths, Kristen Gully, Bryant Hair, Preston Hall, Justin Hawker, Joshua Hylemon, Landon Jensen, Josh Killian, Adam Koehler, Justin Lambert, Andrea Mangum, David Neff, Joshua Nielson, Trevor Pearson, Morgan Peterson, Veronica Ramirez, Alfredo Reyes, Nicholas Taylor, David Torres, Spencer Vail, London Wells, Ammon Wilks, Casey Workman, Dillon Yardley, Ashley Holmes, Alicia Kim, Erik Madsen, Tristyn Bingham, Raye Ann Blauer, Ashley Hackett, Courtney Millet, Braden Packard, Samantha Robinson, Amelia Barber, Elizabeth Speckman, Kim Blauer, Steven Payne, Krysta Graf, Connie Howarth, Dana LeCheminant, Devon Smith, Micah Miller, Jared Sung and Jenni Lee.

Lindsay Barney, Mriam Huffaker, Minday Woodall and Heather Young are members of the International Thespian Society, which is a great honor for them as well as for their school.

You can plainly see we are producing mighty Beetdiggers.

Editor's note: Aida was based on a book by Linda Woolverton, Robert Falls and David Henry Hwang. The production was presented through special arrangements with Music Theatre International. The great tenor Luciano Pavaratti brought opera to a lay audience and made high "C" seem easy. The height of his vocal powers came in 1981 during the San Francisco Opera production of Aida, with Margaret Price in the title role. It is simply awesome what Jordan's art department has accomplished in the tradition of Jordan High.

Starting a new year is like a new beginning. You know, like starting with a clean slate. You start with new goals and fresh ideas and hope for the best. That's where I'm at. I've been asked to be the Alumni Association historian. I have what are great ideas but I need your help. If you at any time read or hear anything about Jordan or its students or alumni, or anything of interest, would you please send me the information?

I want to do the best job I can. I am very excited about this new position. If your contribution is too big for the history book, I will see that it is given to Linda Hardcastle for the Centennial Room or the Archives Room. The public is welcome at Jordan, according to Principal Robert Dowdle, but one MUST make an appointment at the office to see the Centennial Room. The Archives Room is being renovated and is closed at this time.

A Beetdigger Forever,
         Caralee

Editor's note: Glen Watts and the Alumni Board congratulate Principal Robert Dowdle and Garry True for the opening and maintenance of the Centennial Room. It is like Walt said about Disneyland; it will never be finished.

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