Aristotle said that the, "fate of empires depends on the education of youth." We know that in our modern world, education can be the difference between poverty and prosperity. Tonight we honor a couple who understands the importance of educating ALL children so that they will have the opportunity to be prosperous. They have tirelessly worked to provide the means and programs necessary to make education a reality for literally thousands of students in our communities.
It is with great honor that tonight we recognize the contributions of Jack and Kathy Newton.
Jack Newton was born John Hamilton Newton in Salt Lake City. His mother instilled in him a great passion for learning. After graduating from the University of Utah, Jack went on to dental school at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. He continued on after dental school to complete a degree in Orthodontics from the University of Illinois in Chicago. He has been making smiles beautiful in two offices for the past 30 years. Jack absolutely LOVES the game of golf. He usually spends every Friday out on the greens with a couple of his buddies. He also likes to spend time in his yard. If you've seen their yard, you will know that he has quite the green thumb! A daughter, Whitney, claims that her dad knows everything! Jack has a sharp mind that never forgets. If you have a question about the earth, sports, math or science, give Jack a call. He's faster at facts than the internet. Jack has been involved in numerous community programs. He has been a huge support and sponsor of the Golfing for Children event that the Foundation runs. He is affiliated with the Orthodontics Association, both state and nationally. One of his favorite community services was to serve as a bishop for the LDS Church at the Utah State Prison. He thoroughly enjoyed this time and it holds a special place in his heart. Even though his church assignment has changed, Jack still visits, volunteers and serves these men. Kathy Higgins Newton was born in Worchester, Massachusetts. Her family moved to St. Louis during her high school years. She is the oldest of four children and, just like Jack, has always excelled in her education. She is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis. It was at that great institution that Jack and Kathy met, fell in love and got married. Jack and Kathy are the proud parents of FOUR homecoming queens at Olympus High School! In addition to these four daughters, Jack and Kathy have 3 grandchildren and one more on the way. Kathy has a long list of passions and hobbies. She loves to read and was even a buyer for a local bookstore. She cooks, cleans, runs, knits, travels, runs some more, and visits her father and siblings in Maine, St. Louis and Delaware. It’s amazing that Kathy has had any time for these activities at all given her long list of community service. Kathy received the Huntsman Award for Excellence in Education a couple of years ago, was the chair of the Community Council at Olympus Jr. High, served as PTA President at Howard R. Driggs Elementary, has served on the executive PTSA Boards at Driggs, Olympus Jr High and Olympus High School. She also served on the Granite School District Reading Task Force. Kathy spent 9 years volunteering her time, talents and energy at the Granite Education Foundation. She spent four of those years as our president. Under Kathy’s capable and compassionate leadership, our programs became more focused. Tonight’s event is a direct result of her insight and skills as a leader. We owe her a huge debt of gratitude. She touches the lives of countless people with her kind and gracious personality. She brings a touch of class to everything she does. She is loved by all who know her. Jack and Kathy Newton have made this world a better place. We know our children and our community are better because of their love and service.
