The Deathly Halloween Harry Potter Party

.  J.K. Rowling November 1, 2008 Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore (Jeff) and Gryffindor House Headmaster, Minerva McGonnagall (Janet) welcomed various luminaries from Harry Potter Lore to Hogwarts for the "Deathly Halloween Dinner".  J.K. Rowling (Freddie) herself showed up to lend a hand in the kitchen where Professor Sprout (Kathy) concocted a mixture of fabulous greens for the occasion.  Lord Voldamort (Gary) was again matching wits with the "brightest witch of her age", Hermione Granger (Darcy).  Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor Quirrel shared serious secrets with Potions Professor  Severus Snape.  Muggles (Rich & John) of course, aren't always aware of what goes on in the wizarding world but we're delighted to have them with us anyway.  Ever the gentleman, Arthur Weasley )(Jon), escorted Moaning Myrtle (Colleen) to the festivities giving her a much-needed break from the endless tedium of haunting the girl's bathroom.  

Luckily, the brilliance of Study Group was evident as they passed their 5 courses with flying colors - the first course, being dinner, was not too challenging.  But Divination, Care of Magical Creatures, Transfiguration, and Arithmancy saw some put their academic skills to the test.  The line of the night award went to Jon Dibble, who, went faced with eating either a "juicy pear" or a "booger" Bertie Botts jelly bean exclaimed, "I win either way!"  

Study Grouper Earns Lifetime Achievement Award

October 23, 2008 at the annual Dialogue for Democracy meeting Study Grouper, John Kesler, was given a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in the area of civic education.  It took Senator Margaret Dayton a long time to read John's extensive resume.  In his acceptance speech he talked about a small pocketbook copy of the United States constitution that originally belonged to his great-grandfather, Joseph F. Smith.  John has carried this small volume in his suit pocket with him every day for over 30 years.  This daily action exemplifies how John has made that document part of his life and his desire to share the lofty tenets and inspired ideals contained therein with others.  I know that John has been instrumental in bringing the 3R's (Respect, Rights and Responsibility) into many public school classrooms in Utah.  Among many other civic ideals, the 3R's also promotes the teaching of various religious philosophies in schools and teaching respect for adherents of different philosophies because religious beliefs reflect the deeply held convictions of men. Those convictions have and continue to effect the history of our country and our earth.  While religion cannot be proselyted in school, the understanding of different religious philosophy is an intellectual key to developing a knowledge of the peoples of our world.  

John, we salute you. We are so proud

of your years of hard work and want 

you to know of our support and 

admiration of your endeavors.