Emery County Commission approves $1,000 donation to Emory High student council

The Emery County Commission voted unanimously to donate $1,000 to the Emory High School student council to help 23 student leaders attend the Trailblazer Leadership Conference in St. George.

The student council members told commissioners the three‑day conference offers leadership workshops, a service project and a team spirit competition; they said the trip has helped students boost school morale and return with ideas for events such as a spirit bowl used during homecoming. Student presenters said the per‑student cost is about $300 per day and that the school and fundraisers will also cover part of the expense.

The student presenters identified themselves at the meeting as Abielle O'Neil, Zoe (last name not specified), Haley Brown and Jamie Brager. They said 23 students are slated to attend, that some school officials will contribute and that the council plans a fundraiser at the local stock show to reduce individual costs. They asked the commission for financial help to lower the out‑of‑pocket cost for students.

Commission discussion was brief and supportive. A motion to donate $1,000 was made and seconded; commissioners voted aye and the motion passed. Commissioners on the record in the vote were Commissioner Orwig (aye), Commissioner Leonard (aye) and Commissioner Jensen (aye).

The commission asked that some students return after the conference with a short report on what they learned and how the experience influenced student council activities.