Every day, something new . . .

On Thursday, I represented Granite District's Student Services Department at the first graduation ceremony of the school year. It was held at Wasatch Youth Center, one of the campuses for the district's Youth in Custody Program. The center is for youth offenders (general offenders and sex offenders). The two young men of the hour were so excited to be graduating from high school and graduating from the center. Dressed in caps and gowns, they sat at the front of the gym that was nicely decorated for the occasion. Students currently in the center were in attendance as well as the graduates' families and a few other guests. There was a nice program and the students had each prepared a power point on their goals and plans for the future. They also had their favorite teacher/advocates take a few minutes on the program. My part in the whole thing was handing out the diplomas.

In the course of the power point presentations, each graduate took a minute to recognize the LDS service volunteers who had helped them through some pretty tough times while at the center. As they talked, I couldn't help but think about how widespread LDS church service is -- it's everywhere! It requires very little attention and organization. The members, everywhere, serve where and when they can in an ongoing effort to influence others for good, to show they care, and to make a difference. Wow! We are so blessed to be a part of it all!