It’s been a fantastic year! We finished the year strong with so many good things going on! Check out all the happenings, with results and pictures, and join us for upcoming Healthy Summer events!
In this newsletter:
- Registration & Healthy Summer
- In the Classroom
- Student Achievements
- Competitions
- Events
- Year-End Celebrations
Registration & Healthy Summer
2026-2027 Enrollment & Registration
- Register: portal.ieprogram.org
- Class Schedule: www.ieprogram.org/class-schedule
Healthy Summer Events
- June 27: Princess Bride Movie Night
- July 18: Games in the Park & Pool Party
- August 7: Summer Stomp
See full list of events at: ieprogram.org/healthy-summer
In the Classroom
“Winning While Losing”
Brittny Hansen
Robotics Program Director
For the first time ever, our FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics team reached the Utah State Championships! After weeks of intense building—including late-night Zooms and a full week of extra build sessions—the students debuted a sophisticated new robot with all the bells and whistles they’d hoped for.
Unfortunately, the actual competitions were brutal. A communication flaw left our robot motionless during matches. Eliminated from the finals, the team was understandably heartbroken.
But the story didn’t end there. While the finals matches were still being played, I found our students gathered around the practice fields. Despite being out of the running, they were tinkering, laughing, and inviting other eliminated teams to play unofficial matches. They weren’t playing for points; they were playing for the joy of the work. The winning coach of the entire tournament even stopped by—in the middle of her own high-stakes matches—to remark that this—resilience, learning, and community—is what FIRST Robotics is actually about.
By turning a frustrating situation into a masterclass in self-efficacy and gracious professionalism, these students proved that success isn’t defined by a trophy. I am incredibly proud of their growth; even without a State Championship win, this was undeniably a winning season.This story was shortened for the newsletter, a longer version can be found on Brittny’s blog – Hai Tech Mama
Mythology Fair
The Beginning English classrooms were transformed into places of betrayal, love, conquest, tragedy, and victory for the Greek Mythology Fair. Students spent several weeks at home and in class creating clever displays of Greek gods and heroes. The project involved research, plan and design, and construction. On the day of the fair, they had a great time showing off their hard work to friends and family. The impressive displays knocked the winged shoes off all the English teachers! Thank you, Beginning students, for all your effort!
Seminar Series
This year, the IEProgram hosted a series of adult seminars for parents on a variety of topics.
In the seminar Homeschool to College, ToriAnn Perkey shares the top do’s and don’ts to make sure your kid is college-ready. The seminar was recorded and the recording is now available on our website here: Homeschool to College Presentation
ToriAnn also presented a seminar on You, Your Kids and AI. That seminar is also available on the website: You, Your Kids, and AI Presentation
Student Achievements
America 250 Winner
Congratulations to Katie Bell for winning first place in Congressman Burgess Owens’ America 250 Congressional Speech Contest with her speech, What America Means to Me.
Katie’s speech was selected from dozens of entries across the congressional district and highlighted her appreciation for faith, family, freedom, and the Constitution. As part of this honor, her speech will be read by Congressman Owens on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Katie was also invited to present her speech at the Springville-Mapleton Chamber of Commerce Awards and Installation Banquet
English Contest Winners
Over 200 students participated with 340 entries in the Third Annual Ink & Imagination writing contest. Ranging from 100 word stories to open letters, students dazzled with their deep ideas and distinct writing style.
You can see a list of winners here: https://ieprogram.org/english-results-archive/
Freedom Festival Winners
Many IEProgram students participated in the contests and competitions associated with the Freedom Festival in Provo, and we are thrilled to celebrate their success! Congratulations to everyone who submitted entries and those who received awards! We are especially excited to announce that IEProgram students earned awards in multiple categories.
Art Contest
- Grades 10–12 Liberty Award: Lydia McClellan
Essay Contest
- Grades 7–9 Patriot Award: Maryanne Mitchell
- Grades 10–12 Patriot Award: Addie Isenbarger
Speech Contest
- 1st Place: Caleb Liddle
- 2nd Place: Joy Moore
- 4th Place: Adam Tanner
- Honorable Mention: Hannah Kent
Video Contest
- Grades 7-9 Additional Winner – Maverick Moore
- Grades 10-12 – Katie Bell
Competitions
Mock Trial
We want to recognize many of our IEProgram students who competed in the Utah State Mock Trial Competition over the course of February and March. We’re so proud of all the hard work that our students did.
These students competed on teams sponsored by other organizations. All of the teams did very well, and six teams made it to the Semi-Finals in the High School and Junior High Competition. Congratulations to:
High School Division
Integritas Team Yellow – State Champions, High School
Anna Stoddard, Ammon Stoddard, Daisi McKeon, Kai Olenslager, Maddi Brunner, Mattox Botkin, Nathan Childress, Tess Thomas, Suzanne Christensen (coach)
Integritas Team Green – Semi-finalists, High School
Amara Fallgatter, Bella Young, Betsy Shea, Ivana Gleason, Jordan Silviera, Josh Nielson, Melanie Smithson, Nathan Shields, Teancum Whitchurch, Suzanne Christensen (coach)
Integritas Team Blue – Semi-finalists, High School
Millie Burrows, Finley Archibald, Jase Mitchell, Justin Hatch, Lydia McClellan, Mitchell Shepherd, Natalie Hatch, Noelle Smithson, William Horlacher, Suzanne Christensen (coach)
Atticus – Second Place State Finalists, High School
Daphne Ferguson, Jeremy Johnson, Abbey Baldwin, Ryker Woolley, Michael Jones, Elle Woodruff, Reese Romney, Misty Fergusen (coach)
Junior High Division
Integritas Jr. High – Second Place, Junior High School
Andrew Christensen, Ben Stoddard, Christy Horlacher, Jana Taylor, Kamden Botkin, Michael Batty, Sophie Shields, Teddy Archibald, Vidalia Armstrong, Suzanne Christensen (coach)
Impact – Semi-Finalists, Junior High School
Jacob Orozco, Ellie Orozco, Gabriel Himmighoeffer, Quinton May, Naomi Preston, Kate Egan, Stone Stringham, Emma McKenzie, Charlotte McKenzie (coach)
If you are interested in trying Mock Trial, registration is open for Mock Trial Camp August 4-6 in Eagle Mountain! Register for Mock Trial Camp
Utah High School Model UN Conference
For the first time ever, The Independent Education Program organized and administered the Utah High School Model UN Conference at the University of Utah on April 14. Over 450 high school students from all over Utah attended to immerse themselves in global diplomacy and debate. Thank you to former students and staff who helped judge and make it a successful event!
Ninety-two IEProgram students competed. As a team they won a Superior Delegation award (top team award). Individual delegations received recognition including Superior or Excellent designations as follows.
Security Council Top Delegation Award
- Melanie Smithson and Madelyn Brunner
Superior Delegations
- Peter Martineau and Kamryn Fenn
- Zalia Lesser and Jocelyn Smith
- Kate England and Noelle Smithson
- Ryan Dickson and Aurora Davidson
- Abigail Behunin and Jacob Bigler
- Ryker Woolley and Daphne Ferguson
- Ivana Gleason and Shawn Walker
- Andrew Bruening and Cameron Barney
- Kathy Kydd and Abigail Mock
- Lincoln Earley and Katie Bell
- Isaac Wright and Austin Barker
- Rhosy Kelley and Ben Orchard
Excellent Delegations
- Eli Jacobson and Daniel Cook
- Rachel Scott and Aaron Tingey
- Gabriel Frandsen and Dutton Booth
- Olivia Madill and Lillie Shrewsbury
- Kate Cullimore and Abbey Baldwin
- Jannah Taylor and Sarah Reed
- Mitchell Shepherd and Vidalia Armstrong
- Wild Violet Badger and Jack Mangelson
- Nathan Shields and Alexander Earley
- Ivory Henage and Charlotte Desmond
- Indy Johnson and Claire Brown
National Moot Court Competition
The Constitution Studies program took four IEProgram teams to the Berkeley Regional NAMC (National Association of Moot Court) competition on March 13. They competed with 26 other high school teams from all over the country. They competed in a case dealing with the Seventh Amendment, Article II, and the separation of powers. They all did an incredible job!
Congratulations to the following teams:
- Joy Stock & Adrian Lopez
- Apollo Moser & Ben Orchard
- Alana Bassett & Madelyn Park
- Michael Jones & Wesley Przybylski
Speech and Debate Tournaments – February Online, March Westminster, & April BYU Championship
The February Speech and Debate tournament was all online and attended by about 200 students and 36 judges. Thank you to everyone who participated and judged. It was a big success!
The March Speech and Debate tournament at Westminster College was also successful with 300 competitors and 60 judges! Model UN was an event at the March tournament for the first time this year and 48 students participated in MUN. Thank you so much to Westminster for hosting the tournament and all the students, parents, teachers and staff who made it happen.
The Championship Tournament at BYU on April 25 was as intense and emotion filled as ever. At the conclusion, top competitors for the year were announced as follows:
Top Overall Competitors
- Claire Huntsman
- Melanie Smithson
- Malachi Nielson
- Newell Salt
- Grace Huntsman
- Zane Fenton
- Mattox Botkin
- Oliver Horne
- Heber Tanner
- Tied for Tenth
- Teancum Whitchurch
- Seth Bennion
- Noelle Smithson
- Abigail Mock
Top First Year Competitors
- Alivia Arbon
- Jacob Frandsen
- Michael Batty
- Jasper Booth
- Tyler Jewell
Congratulations to the 359 students who competed and much thanks to BYU for hosting and all the parents, teachers and staff who judged and made it all happen. Good luck to all our seniors as you head off in all the directions! We’ll miss you!
All 25-26 Tournament Photos and Speech and Debate Results
Robotics World Festival
One of the IEProgram Explore Robotics Teams was invited to participate in the FIRST Robotics Worlds Festival in Houston in April. Five X+ (X Plus) team members – Lochlan Cahoon, Jack Welch, Finley Harris, Greyson Duffin, Zach Darrington and coach Adrianne Thygerson, along with their families travelled to the 3 day event. The event included teams from all over the world in all levels of FIRST robotics including Challenge, FTC and FRC teams. Our X+ team enjoyed sharing their archeology dig project, passing out buttons and Utah stickers, winning a Challenge Solution Award, interacting and learning from kids from many different countries.Thank you to the sponsors who made contributions toward the trip – Open Ed, the Stem Action Center of Utah, and the Independent Education Program!
Events
Preference Dance
The IEProgram held its first ever Preference Girl’s Choice dance on March 21. It was held at the Provo Library Ballroom and attended by over 200 students – on dates, stag, and in groups! The theme was Paris After Dark and had the vibes of old jazz. It was a good time for everyone. Preference Pictures Thanks to the Preference Committee on the Student Council for all their work to put it together!
Prom
In a Tale as Old As Time, the IEProgram held Prom at Castle Park in Lindon on April 17. Over 300 students attended and danced the night away. Prom Pictures Thanks to the Prom Committee on the Student Council for putting it together.
Year End Celebrations
Soapbox
The 5th annual Soapbox was a success on May 19 at the Salt Lake City Library. Fourteen students shared the best speeches and poems of the year from entries chosen by teachers. Soapbox Photos
Congratulations to the following speakers:
- We Speak Human (Speech): Katie Bell
- The Faces We Wear (Poem): Evelyn Boswell
- A Man With a Conviction (Speech): Melanie Smithson
- The Cost of Knowing (Poem): Anna Jones
- The War on Truth (Speech): Willfred Chugg
- Birthday Balloon (Poem): Abby Mock
- The Courage to Be Selfless in a Self-Centered World (Speech): Daphne Ferguson
- The Connection Between Moral Exclusion and Dehumanization (Speech): Jack Mangleson
- Gravity (Poem): Jordan Clark
- Living With Fear (Speech): Jordan Silveira
- The Butterfly Can Wait (Poem): Ivory Henage
- Unescapable (Poem): Illy Volonzinsky
- A Tapestry of Stars (Poem): Josh Skaggs
- More than a Moment (Speech): Malachi Nielson
Closing Social
More than 300 students, teachers, and family members gathered at Draper Park on May 16 to celebrate the end of another wonderful school year. The evening was filled with field games, snow cones, the distribution of Law Review books, yearbook signing, and plenty of time to connect with friends old and new.
By the end of the night, legs were tired, bellies were full, and another school year was in the books. Closing Social Photos
Thank you to our students, families, teachers, volunteers, and staff for making this another remarkable year at the Independent Education Program. We hope you’ll join us for our Healthy Summer activities, and we look forward to seeing everyone again this fall!